Contra-Indications and Precautions of Aromatherapy

Contra-Indications and Precautions:

• Keep essential oils away from open flames, children, pets and eyes.
• Do not take internally unless recommended by an aromatherapist.
• Aromatherapy can’t replace medical treatment.
• If you are pregnant, epileptic, suffering from high blood pressure, diabetic or on medication, you must consult your doctor or a certified aromatherapist before using essential oils.
• It is best to start with an allergy test before using an oil. You can do this by putting 1 drop on the inside of your arm at the level of your elbow. Wait 1 hour to see if there is any reaction.
• To avoid skin irritation the essential oils can be diluted in a carrier oil.
• If you have cancer or are following chemotherapy it s best to check with your doctor or aromatherapist.
• Whenever you have doubt, ask an aromatherapist.

High Blood Pressure:

Essential Oils to Avoid:

• Hyssop
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme

Remember to check with a certified aromatherapist or doctor before using essential oils.

Pregnancy:

Some specialists say you should avoid essential oils completely during pregnancy and other say it can be done as long as you take the proper precautions. The best thing to do is to go see a certified aromatherapist who can give you a personal evaluation and recommend something that is right for you.

If you decide to use aromatherapy you should follow these precautions and guidelines:

• Do not use aromatherapy during the first trimester.
• Do not use aromatherapy during difficult pregnancies.
• Make sure your solutions are diluted in a carrier oil. The essential oils should only represent 2% of the solution.
• The safest way to use the oils during pregnancy is by room fragrancing. In example, an essential oil diffuser.
• Do not take essential oils internally.
• Do not use essential oils if you have diabetes during your pregnancy.

Essential Oils to Avoid:

• Basil
• Cedarwood
• Cinnamon
• Clary sage (OK during labor)
• Clove
• Cypress (OK after 5 months)
• Fennel
• Hyssop
• Jasmine (OK during labor)
• Juniper
• Lemongrass
• Myrrh
• Parsley
• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Sweet marjoram
• Thyme

Essential oil that are recommended:

Bergamot
Chamomile
Cypress
(OK after 5 months)
Eucalyptus
Frankincense
Geranium
(OK after 3 months)
Grapefruit
Lavender
Lemon
Mandarin
Neroli
Patchouli
Petitgrain
Rosewood
Sandalwood
Tangerine
Tea Tree
Ylang Ylang

Again, the best thing to do is to consult a professional certified aromatherapist who can evaluate your case and give you a custom fit treatment.

Nursing (breast feeding)

The same precautions apply here as they do for pregnancy. In addition you must make sure you baby does not have any allergies to any of the product that you apply. In this case it is best to check with a certified aromatherapist.

Children:

Precautions:

• It’s a good idea to start with an allergy test before treating your child with essential oils. You can do this by placing 1 drop on the inside of the arm at the level of the elbow. Wait 1-2 hours to see if there is any reaction.
• Do not use essential oil on children younger than 30 months.
• Do not leave your kids alone with essential oils.
• Be careful not to get any in the eyes.
• Do not use citrus essential oils directly on the skin or in the bath water without a carrier oil.
• Peppermint and eucalyptus should only be used in a diffuser.
• If the tea tree is too strong it can be diluted in a carrier oil.
• Do not over do it on the amounts. Too many oils could irritate your child’s skin.
• If your child has severe health problems consult a physician or aromatherapist before using essential oils. When in doubt check it out.

Oil that can be used:

• - Lavender
• - Geranium
• - Rose oils
• - Chamomile
• - Peppermint
• - Lemon
• - Grapefruit