Essential oils are in general safe but special precautions should be taken if you fall into one of the following categories :
Certain oils are contra-indicated for these conditions. New people check them out now !
Essential oils can be used as follows :
It is not recommended that essential oils are taken orally, apart from a few conditions where a diluted mouth wash may be beneficial. With the exception of lavender, which can be applied neat to the skin, all essential oils should really be diluted in carrier oil before being applied to the body. The recommended dilution strength for massage is 1 drop of essential oil per 2ml of carrier oil.
The following general purpose carrier ( base ) oils are very common in aromatherapy :
The following neutral oils can be added to enhance certain characteristics :
1 drop of oil = 0.05ml ( approx. )
Massage strength = 1 drop per 2ml = 2.5% dilution
As a guide,
1 teaspoon of oil = 5ml approx.
1 dessertspoon of oil = 10ml approx.
1 tablespoon = 15ml approx.
1 fluid ounce = 30ml
Please pay particular attention to the following conditions and stay clear of the oils indicated. Research is still under way into the toxicity of certain oils.
High Blood Pressure
Avoid... cinnamon, clove, hyssop, rosemary, sage, thyme
Pregnancy
Avoid... aniseed, basil, camphor, cedarwood, chamomile, cinnamon, citronella, clary sage, clove, cypress, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme
Epilepsy
Avoid... clary sage, fennel, hyssop, rosemary, sage
Diabetes
Avoid... angelica
Homeopathy
If being treated this way then avoid... black pepper, camphor, eucalyptus, peppermint
Sunbed / Exposure to Sunlight
Avoid... bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, lime, orange & other citrus oils
