Essential Oil Sensitivities and Cautions

Dr Jane Buckle suggests that you double the strength of the dilution you will use for massage and put it on an adhesive bandage applied to the inside of your arm for up to 24 hours.  If the area becomes red and inflamed, or itches, you may want to dilute a little more than recommended or even restrict your topical use to the bottoms of your feet only.  Dr Penoel claims that he's never seen an allergic reaction from applying essential oils only to the bottoms of the feet.  However, it is possible because anyone can have an allergic reaction to any number of things that would be safe for the vast majority of us.

Fragrance allergy affects only about 1% of the population and most of it is attributed to synthetic

fragrances.  I've been around people who claim they can not be around "scents" of any kind, from deodorant or hair spray, perfume or essential oils.  They all cause a headache at the least, for them.  But when I'm wearing my clinical-grade essential oils, they don't even notice.  Because essential oils even when they claim organic or pure, most often are bought through a broker, who in an attempt to increase profits, have sold them adulterated or poor quality oils.  Synthetic's added, to enhance smells, is what causes the reaction to those sensitive to smells.  A purest quality clinical-grade essential oil found at http://ClinicalGradeEssentialOils.myameo.com  is without any adulteration, tested more, and standards are set by clinical studies of research institutions around the world.  Their GCMS tests are not in-house standard, but of the highest research standard. 

Keeping this in mind, a patch test is still suggested.  You may have heard from some stores or distributors that a "reaction" is only "detoxing".  This is not true, but a marketing myth to keep your business with that oil brand.  Also there are several oils that should be avoided by people with certain medical conditions such as pregnancy, age, medications, etc.  I'll be listing the most popular essential oils used with the Cautions (or no caution).  It's always wise to check each individual essential oil, especially in Blends.   As well as Essential Oils do NOT last forever, they do have a shelf life.

 CAUTIONS of Single Essential Oils

Balsam Fir None when used in indicated quantities in large doses it may be a purgative.

Bergamot None when used in quantities indicated.  Phototoxic.  Where it has been used topically, do not expose skin to direct sunlight for 12-24 hours.  This is a citrus oil, bergamot orange. Food Grade

Birch None when used in quanitites indicated.  AVOID during pregnancy.  AVOID if you have Epilepsy.  no NOT ingest.  Do NOT use on children under 2 yrs of age.  Do NOT use on the neck or chest of children under age 12.  When topically applied it may increase blood-thinning effects.  Do NOT overuse, especially on Sensitive skin.

Black Pepper None when used in quantities indicated.  Can redden sensitive skin when used in larger quantities, so use in moderation and in dilution.  Food Grade

Cajeput None when used in quantities indicated.  May be a skin irritant if you use too large a quanity undiluted on too large an area.  Do NOT use if Pregnant. 


Camphor None when used in quantities indicated.  Some camphor chemotypes should NOT be used

during Pregnancy or on young children.

Chinese Spearmint None when used in quantities indicated.   Do NOT use on the necks and throats of babies and children under 12 yrs old.

Remember: Some nice smelling oils, children will think of candy


                                                                                                        Cinnamon None when used in  

quantities indicated.  Do NOT apply to the skin of children under 5 yrs of age.  It will be a skin irritant if it is applied undiluted or in too strong a concentration.  Do NOT use as a single oil during Pregnancy.  do NOT apply as a single oil, even diluted, directly to the mucous membranes.  May have some minor blood thinning properties when taken with aspirin and blood pressure medications.  May enhance the efficiency of antibiotics.  Food grade.

Citronella None when used in quantities indicated.  AVOID during Pregnancy

Clary Sage None when used in quantities indicated.  AVOID during Pregnancy.  Do NOT use while

drinking Alcohol because it can promote a narcotic effect and amplify drunkenness.

Clove None when used in quantities indicated.  Undiluted it can cause skin and mucous membrane irritation.  Use in dilution for ALL topical applications.  AVOID during Pregnancy and Lactation.  Use caution when using with aspirin or blood-thinning medications because it thins the blood slightly.  It may enhance the efficiency of antibiotics.  Food Grade

Copaiba None when used in quantities indicated.  Excessive doses may cause vomiting and diarrhea.  If Pregnant or under the care of a physician for a serious condition, consult your medical practitioner BEFORE use.

Cypress None when used in quantities indicated.  Has some blood thinning properties.  Use caution when taking aspirin or blood thinning medications.

Eucalyptus Globulus (Note: Stronger than Eucalyptus Radiata) None when used in quantities indicated.  Do NOT diffuse; use Eucalyptus radiata instead.  Do NOT use if you have an Epileptic condition.

Eucalyptus Radiata None when used in quantities indicated.  Do NOT use if you have Epilepsy.  Use caution if you are taking aspirin or blood pressure medications.  It may have mild blood-thinning properties.  Do NOT ingest.

Frankincense None when used in quantities indicated.  When taking both topically and orally, it may interfere with enzyme action in metabolizing medications.

German  Chamomile None when used in quantities indicated.  May cause dermal sensitivity in some highly sensitive people.  When taking both topically and orally, it may interfere with enzyme action in metabolizing medications.  When taking Diabetic medications, it may cause slight hypoglycemic effects when taking orally.  When taken orally, it may have some blood-thinning effects.

Ginger None when used in quantities indicated.  May be skin sensitive in some people and have 

some minor photo-sensitizing properties.  After applying topically avoid direct sunlight exposure for 12 hours.  When taken orally with aspirin or blood thinners, it may have some blood-thinning effects.  Food Grade

Grapefruit None when used in quantities indicated.  When taken orally, it may interfere slightly with enzyme action in metabolizing medications.  Somewhat photo-sensitizing; after applying topically avoid direct sunlight exposure for 12 hours.  Food Grade

Helichrysum None when used in quantities indicated.

Juniper Berry or Juniper None when used in quantities indicated.  If taking Diuretics juniper may increase the activity.

Lavandin (not True Lavender) None when used in quantities indicated

Lemon None when used in quantities indicated.  May be photo-sensitizing.  Stay out of the direct sun

for 12 hours after applying Lemon oil to exposed skin.  Do not apply lemon oil undiluted on the skin because it could cause skin irritation.  Food Grade

Lemon Verbena  None when used in quantities indicated.

Lemongrass None when used in quantities indicated.  Will sting the skin if it is not sufficiently diluted.  Do NOT take in large doses

if Pregnant.  Do NOT apply to mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum).  When taking both topically and orally, it may interfere with enzyme action in metabolizing medications.  When taking Diabetic medications, it bay cause slight hypoglycemic effects when taken orally.  When taken orally with aspirin or blood thinners, it may increase blood-thinning effects.  May enhance the effects of antibiotics. 

Lime None when used in quantities indicated.   Possible dermal sensitivity in some individuals.  Can be phototoxic.  After applying lime essential oil to exposed skin, stay out of the direct sunlight for 12 hours.  Food grade

Marjoram  None when used in quantities indicated.  Food grade

Mugwort This essential oil should NOT be used as a single oil.  It can only be used as a minor ingredient in an aromatic blend.  Suggested to allow professionals to blend only.  It is NOT used as a single oil due to its high thyjone content.  Do NOT use during Pregnancy.  A tiny amount in a blend is appropriate for aromatic use.

Myrtle None when used in quantities indicated.  Use only small doses orally.  When taking Diabetic medications, it may cause slight hypoglycemic effects when taken orally.

Neroli  None when used in quantities indicated.  It is so expensive that it should topically only be used in a blend.  A huge amount of flowers must be picked by hand to create a very small amount of this costly oil.  Use it only drop by drop and properly diluted.  It is mainly used for its psychological effect. 

Orange None when used in quantities indicated.  It has a photo-sensitivity, so avoid direct sun exposure for 12 hours after topical application.  Food Grade

Oregano None when used in quantities indicated.  Can cause skin irritation.  Always have carrier oil handy to dilute when it starts to feel too hot.  Do NOT diffuse except as a minor ingredient in a blend.  Do NOT use oregano on children under age 12.  Do NOT use when Pregnant or Lactating.  Do NOT apply to mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, vagina or rectum).  When taking Diabetic medications, it may cause slight hypoglycemic effects when taken orally.  When taken orally with aspirin or blood thinners, it may increase blood-thinning effects.  May enhance action of antibiotics.  Food Grade

Patchouli None when used in quantities indicated.

Peppermint None when used in quantities indicated.  Do NOT give to babies under 30 months by ingestion.  Do NOT apply topically to the neck and throat of children under age 3.  AVOID diffusing peppermint for children under age 8.  May increase jaundice in children.  May enhance absorption of flurouacil.  Do NOT apply to mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, vagina or rectum).  May enhance bio-availability of cyclosporine.  May reduce the effectiveness of codeine.  Do NOT apply peppermint over a large area of the body to reduce a fever or lower body temperature.  Too much peppermint over a large area can create chills that can be dangerous and cannot be reversed.  Food Grade

Pine None when used in quantities indicated.  When taken orally with aspirin or blood thinners, it may increase blood-thinning effects.

Ravintsara None when used in quantities indicated.  Should NOT be used during Pregnancy or on young children.

Roman Chamomile None when used in quantities indicated

Rosemary None when used in quantities indicated.  AVOID during Pregnancy.  Do NOT use on children under age 4.  May increase risk of jaundice in children.  NOT to be used on Epileptics.  When taken orally it may increase blood-thinning effects.  may enhance the effects of antibiotics.  People with high blood pressure should AVOID rosemary long-term.  Food Grade

Rosewood None when used in quantities indicated.  Exceptionally mile on the skin and the mucosal areas of the body.  Rosewood is an endangered species in some areas of the world.  Be sure to check to make sure it comes from a place where it is a renewable resource.  This is a costly oil and should usually be used only in small quantities in blends.

Sage None when used in quantities indicated.  Do NOT take topically or ingest in high doses.  Do NOT use during Pregnancy.  If Epileptic do NOT use.  Double the dilution instructions when using on children.  Food Grade

Sandalwood None when used in quantities indicated

Spruce None when used in quantities indicated.  Do NOT use for children under 6 years old.  Dilute more with children under 12 yrs old.  When taking both topically and orally.  It may interfere with enzyme action in metabolizing medications.

Sweet Basil None when used in quantities indicated.  When ingesting in high quantities it may have some blood thinning properties, promote slow hypoglycemic effects, and may inhibit MAO enzymes with some minor effects on raising blood pressure, causing minor confusion, and diarrhea.  Food Grade

Tangerine None when used in quantities indicated.  May be photo-sensitizing.  After applying to exposed skin, do NOT spend time in direct sunlight for 12 hours.  Food Grade

Tea Tree (or Melaleuca) None when used in quantities indicated.  Ingesting excessive amounts of 10ml or more have shown toxic effects (keep out of reach of children).

Thyme  None when used in quantities indicated.  Irritant to mucous membranes.  Do NOT apply undiluted.  Do NOT apply to mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, vagina or rectum).  Do NOT take orally in large quantities over an extended period of time.  When taking both topically and orally, it may interfere with enzyme action in metabolizing medications.  When taking Diabetic medications, it may cause slight hypoglycemic effects when taken orally.  When taken orally with aspirin or blood thinners it may increase blood-thinning effects.  May enhance the effects of antibiotics.  Food Grade

True Lavender  None when used in quantities indicated

Vanilla  None when used in quantities indicated (NOT the same as Vanilla flavoring)

Vetiver None when used in quantities indicated.  Do NOT use during Pregnancy.  Do NOT give to children under 12 yrs of age for ingestion.

Virginia Cedarwood None when used in quantities indicated.  AVOID during Pregnancy.  Use ONLY inn dilution.  May cause skin sensitivity in some individuals. 

Wintergreen None when used in DILUTED quantities indicated.  Do NOT ingest.  Do  NOT use on children under 2 yrs of age.  Do NOT use on the neck or chest of children under age 12.  Do NOT use if you are Epileptic.  Do NOT use if Pregnant.  When applied topically it may increase blood-thinning effects.  Do NOT overuse, especially on sensitive skin.  NOT food grade

Ylang Ylang None when used in quantities indicated.

Remember, companies may claim "pure" or "organic" and pass their own in-house GCMS tests.  However, the GCMS is only as good as the data it's compared to.  There is only one true, tested more, proven clinical grade essential oil on the market at this time.  Consider what you "might" be using in an essential oil not of a true clinical grade, such as synthetics or adulterated oils.  When ingesting, or applying with children, choose wisely for your safety. 
http://ClinicalGradeEssentialOils.myameo.com