Essential Oils are very powerful and volatile substances and should never be misused. The oils are generally safe to use, as long as they are respected and used in the recommended and appropriate way.
When blending oils, it is generally safe to use 4 drops of Essential Oil in 10ml of Carrier Oil, although some Essential Oils do not fit this rule.
The following oils should be used in a 1% dilution (maximum of 2 drops in 10ml of Carrier Oil): Bay, Basil, Black Pepper, Camphor, Cinnamon Leaf, Clary Sage, Sweet Fennel, Ginger, Jasmine Absolute, Juniper, Lemon, Lime, Melissa.
The following oils should be used in <1% dilution (1 drop or less in 10ml of Carrier Oil): Clovebud, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Pine and Thyme.
Keep Essential Oils away from children, and store sensibly in a cool, dark place.
DO NOT TAKE ESSENTIAL OILS INTERNALLY.
If taking Homeopathic Remedies, some oils such as Eucalyptus and Peppermint may interfere with the homeopathic treatment. Check with your Homeopath before using these oils.
DO NOT USE the following oils if Pregnant or Breast Feeding: Basil, Bay, Camphor, Clary Sage, Cederwood, Clovebud, Cinnamon, Cypress, Fennel, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Melissa, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Parsley, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.
DO NOT USE the following oils in the first 3-4 months of Pregnancy: Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender.
Oils that can cause skin irritation: Basil, Bay, Benzoin, Black Pepper, Camphor, Clovebud, Cinnamon, Cajeput, Fennel, Ginger, Juniper, Lemon, Lime, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Tagettes, Thyme and Ylang Ylang.
Some oils are PHOTOTOXIC and should not be used before sunbathing or exposure to Sunbeds/UV rays: All citrus oils, including Bergamot, Lemon, Lime and Orange.
DO NOT USE the following oils if Epileptic: Camphor, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Rosemary and Sage.
DO NOT USE the following oils if suffering from High Blood Pressure: Cypress, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme.
DO NOT USE the following oils if suffering from Low Blood Pressure: Clary Sage, Marjoram and Ylang Ylang.
