All of the cautions and precautions below are from Dr. Susan Lawton.
General Essential Oil Precautions
EYE CONTACT
If some of the oil gets in your eye or irritates the skin, DO NOT USE WATER to flush it out because it will drive it in deeper. Use coconut oil, olive oil, cooking oil or milk to sooth and wipe outward from the eye to disperse.
ALLERGIES
If you know you have an allergic reaction to something like grapefruit or cinnamon or anything in your normal life, remember that these oils are different and generally will not cause an allergic response, but it’s a good idea to avoid the specific oil for common sense reasons or at least try a drop on your elbow to see if you have a response before using it elsewhere.
OVER USE
There are a few oils that may be more effective if used sparingly over time. They may become less effective if used to many days in a row without a rest. See Oregano, OnGuard and Zendocrine.
As you go through and learn about the oils in the ‘Oils’ menu in ‘Educate Yourself ‘ to gain a deeper knowledge about each oil.
CAUTION FOR ALL CITRUS OILS
Caution: Avoid direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after use on skin.
TAKE A MENTAL NOTE OF THE HOT OILS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
INDIVIDUAL OIL PRECAUTIONS
BASIL
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy, not for use for people with Epilepsy and may irritate sensitive skin (dilute with coconut oil).
CASSIA
Caution: HOT, HOT, HOT. Skin sensitivity due to high aldehyde content; needs to be diluted 1:4 coconut oil. May irritate (feel like on fire) nasal passages if inhale directly from bottle.
LIME
Precaution: Lime can inspire photosensitivity, so if used topically on the skin the area should not be exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light for 12 hours to avoid severe burning.
LEMONGRASS
Caution: This oil can feel very warm on the skin; always dilute for sensitive skin.
GRAPEFRUIT
There are normally some cautions with medications and the use of grapefruit, but not grapefruit oil. They are different constituents since the oil is taken from the rind rather than the meat, or flesh of the fruit. This is a photosynthetic essential oil…. stay out of the sun for 12-hrs for “sun-kissed” skin areas.
WILD ORANGE
Caution:Avoid direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after use on skin.
CLOVE
Caution: use with caution during pregnancy and in about 5% of the population when applied topically may provoke skin sensitivity…better to use internally.
CLARY SAGE and CLARYCALM (previously Solace)
Caution: During pregnancy use Clary Sage at the beginning of labor or after delivery only please!! Never mix with drinking alcohol!!!!
CORIANDER
Caution: A LITTLE goes a long way… Coriander can be overwhelming if used too much at one time.
FENNEL
Caution: Best used after pregnancy is completed and avoid if seizure disorders have happened!
GINGER
Caution: do not use undiluted if you have very sensitive skin.
LEMONGRASS
Caution: This oil can feel very warm on the skin; always dilute for sensitive skin.
MARJORAM
Precautions: Marjoram oil gives you greater control over sexual desire, but long term use can permanently numb erotic sensations, diminish sex drive, and decrease sexual function. (daily for weeks too much – rotate with other oils).
Marjoram oil can cause drowsiness, so you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when using it a lot.
MELISSA (lemon balm)
Precaution: If very sensitive skin dilute even more and always use it in small amounts—no more than 1 percent.
OREGANO
Caution: Oregano can cause skin irritation or a very hot sensation – dilute 1:3 and follow up with Lavender or additional fractionated coconut oil. If a pregnant woman has not used essential oils previously, remember that Oregano can simulate menstruation, so use with great caution.
Use for two weeks maximum. The oil is very powerful and yet can be weakened by overuse in its application. The body needs a rest from this oil.
PAST TENSE
Caution: Possible Skin Sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. Keep out of eyes. Do not put in to nose or ears or other sensitive openings of the body. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to calm any sensitive skin. The oils in this blend are 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. If Pregnant or under a doctors’ care for any reason consult a physician on usage.
PEPPERMINT
Caution: Dilute when a high blood pressure circumstance exists; use minimally. Separate use with homeopathy medicines by an hour and drink lots of water. Safe during pregnancy as long as the person drink lots of water, if new to oils dilute 1:1 Fractionated Coconut Oil and use with good sense.
ROMAN CAMMOMILE
Caution: Avoid during Pregnancy until Labor begins then it will help!!
ROSEMARY
Caution: During pregnancy, have high blood pressure or epilepsy – use very little on a regular basis; use only with lots of extra water to carry away unwanted toxins. (like in homoeopathy, a substance which, in large amounts, would provoke a symptom, can be used in tiny amounts to treat it).
TERRASHIELD
Caution: Do not use in Eyes, Ears or Mouth; Do Not use over Cuts, Wounds or Irritated skin!! Recommended for External Use Only!!!
THYME
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy, always dilute for sensitive skin (1:4), children under 35 pounds dilute (1:5); use with caution if high blood pressure diagnosed: very warm oil!!
WINTERGREEN
Caution: Use other oils for pain in bones during pregnancy, only takes a little – give it four minutes. Dilute 1:4 coconut oil if subject to epileptic seizures. Can be used as an alternative for Birch.
NOTE: The advice shared on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help. Kindly understand that essential oils work to help to bring the body into balance – thus helping the body’s natural defenses to restore homeostasis.
Essential oils are not used to “treat” medical problems, but complement treatments and assist the body in healing itself. We act as independent consultants leading you to a healthy life-style that helps your body be at your optimal health.