Essential Oils – Contraindications

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) May irritate sensitive skin. Avoid during pregnancy.

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) May cause skin sensitivity. Do not use on children under 4 years old.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Phototoxic – avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 12 hours after use.

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Strong irritant in high doses.

Cajeput (Melaleuca leucadendron) Can cause skin irritation so use in low dilutions only.

Cardomon (Elettaria Cardamomum) Will irritate sensitive skin and can cause allergic reactions.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) Do not use during pregnancy

German Chamomile/Roman Chamomile Use in low dilutions. Can cause dermatitis.

Camphor Use with caution. See “camphor” page on website.

Cinnamon (cinnamomum zeylanicum) Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use during or in conjunction with chemotherapy. Skin irritant – use in low dilutions. Cinnamon Bark is for inhalation only

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid drinking alcohol. Strong sedative!

Clove Bud (Syzgium aromaticum) Very potent oil, use in low dilution and with caution. Clove leaf and clove stems are not safe to use.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) Avoid during pregnancy

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Avoid if epileptic or high blood pressure. Do not use on children under 2

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Avoid during pregnancy and in epilepsy. Can cause skin irritation.

Frankincense (Boswelia caterii) Avoid during 1st trimester of pregnancy

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) Avoid during 1st trimester of pregnancy. May irritate sensitive skin.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) May irritate sensitive skin.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) May irritate sensitive skin. Juniper (Juniperus communis) Avoid during pregnancy and if suffering from a kidney infection / disease

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) No known contraindications.

Lemon (Citrus limonum) Phototoxic – do not expose skin to direct sunlight for 12 hours after use. Do not use during the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) May irritate sensitive skin.

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) Phototoxic – avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 12 hours after use.

Mandarin (Citrus madurensis) Phototoxic – avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 12 hours after use.

Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) Do not use during pregnancy.

Melissa (Melissa officinalis) Avoid during pregnancy and during breastfeeding period. Avoid on children under 2 years old.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Do not use during pregnancy.

Neroli Avoid using on children under 2 years old.

Orange (Sweet) – Citrus sinensis Phototoxic – avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 12 hours after use.

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) No known contraindications.

Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) No known contraindications. Smell might be a bit much for some people.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Low dilutions in pregnancy. Not to be used on children under 2 years old. Avoid if epileptic or with any heart disease. Can irritate sensitive skin

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use if epileptic or with high blood pressure.

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) Phototoxic – avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 12 hours after use.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) No known contraindications but may irritate sensitive skin.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Strong, use in low dilutions. Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use if high blood pressure. May cause skin irritation.

Ylang Ylang (Canangon odorata) Use in low dilutions.