Essential Oil Safety
Main
safety considerations
1. Always store oils
out of the reach of children.
2. Keep flamable oils away from flames.
3. Always consult with your healthcare proffesional before starting any
therapies with essential oils
4. Dilute oils as recommended
5. Never take oils internally
6. Always test oils on a skin patch first.
Mixing
and using safely
1. Always wash your hands before and after using essential oils.
2. Make sure you are in a well ventilated area.
3. Mix away from the client.
4. Use recommended dilution at all times.
5. Use small quantities for babies, small children and the elderly.
6. Handle oils carefully to prevent contact with skin and cross-contamination.
7. Keep out of contact with the eyes.
8. Avoid prolonged or excessive exposure.
9. Take frequent breaks.
10. If prescribing oils for a client's home use, ensure that they understand
the instructions for use.
11. Keep accurate records of treatment and blends.
12. Lavender and Tea tree are the only oils that can be applied directly
on to the skin undiluted. Always skin test first.
Prohibited oils
The following oils have been reported to be potentially harmful. Many
are toxic, narcotic, capable or causing miscariage, and likely to produce
epileptic type effects, and others, such as cinnamon bark and clove bud
are powerful irritants if misused by untrained therapists. These oils
are considered very dangerous to be used in aromatherapy. Some present
more than one hazard. The following oils if you
decide to use them. They must be used with caution under the direction
of an aromatherapist, there are a lot of valuable oils but need to be
carefully used with an understanding of the undesirable effects they may
cause
| Almond
bitter |
Mustard |
| Aniseed |
Origanum |
| Arnica |
Pennyroyal.
European |
| Boldo
leaf |
Pennyroyal,
North American |
| Calmus |
Pine,
dwarf |
| Camphor,
brown |
Rue |
| Camphor,
yellow |
Sage |
| Cassia |
Sassafra |
| Cinnamon
bark |
Savin |
| Clove
bud |
Savory.
Summer |
| Clove
leaf |
Savory,
winter |
| Clove
stem |
Southernwood |
| Costus |
Tansy |
| Elecampane |
Thuja
(cedarleaf) |
| Fennel,
bitter |
Thuja
plicata |
| Horseradish |
Wintergreen |
| Hyssop |
Wormseed |
| Jaborandi
leaf |
Wormwood |
| Mugwort
(armoise) |
|
Oils
that should not be used by people with epilepsy
|
| Fennel
( Sweet) |
Foeniculum
vulgare |
| Hyssop |
Hyssopus
officinalis |
| Rosemary |
Fosmarinus
officinalis |
| Sage |
|
| Wormwood |
|
The
Following oils shoud not be used during pregnancy
|
| Basil
|
| Birch |
| Cedarwood |
| Clary
Sage |
| Cypress |
| Geranium |
| Hyssop |
| Jasmine |
| Juniper |
| Marjoram |
| Myrrh |
| Nutmeg |
| Peppermint |
| Rosemary |
| Tarragon |
| Thyme |
The
Following oils shoud not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy,
and used with caution during the remainder of the pregnancy. Use in
small amounts and well diluted (1-2 % for massage: 3-4 drops added
to a carrier oil for baths. If you have a history of miscariage DONT
USE AT ALL.
|
| Chamomile |
| Geranium |
| Lavneder |
| Rose |
Contraindications
Pure essential oils are very strong and should only be used in the recommended
dilution and application. Some oils are toxic, some are skin irritants.
Many oils have contraindications to their use and may exacerbate existing
health problems. There are local and general contraindications to practice.
These must be identified during a preliminary consultation before any
oils are used on a client.
Local
contraindications
1. Local contraindications are localized areas on the body that should
be avoided and include:
2. Recent operations, fractures or sprains
3. Severe bruising
4. Swelling
5. Varicose veins
6. Cuts, new scar tissue
7. Local skin infections/conditions (eczema etc.).
General
contraindications to practice
1. Fever
2. Influenza
3. Migraine
4. Infectious skin disorders
5. Permission from the clients' GP should be sought before treating people
with the following conditions:
6. A history of thrombosis or embolism
7. High or low blood pressure
8. Epilepsy
9. Diabetes
10. Major system dysfunction (renal, hepatic, digestive etc.)
11. Nervous system dysfunction
12. Fatal illnesses (cancer etc.)
13. Recent severe hemorrhagE
14. If client on medication or homeopathic preparations
Special
care is needed for:
1. Allergies and skin disorders
2. Pregnancy
3. Babies, children and the elderly
4. Sensitive skin
5. People with disabilities
When in doubt, get GP permission or ask the client
to sign a disclaimer.
|
