Essential Oils to Avoid and Why
Essential Oils to avoid during certain seasons
The following essential oils should not be used with anyone suspected of being vulnerable to epileptic seizures: Western Red Cedar, Wormwood, Genipi, Hyssop, Sage, Thuja, Pennyroyal, Buchu, Calamint, Tansy, Mugwort, Layana, Ho Leaf, Boldo, Wintergreen, Birch, Rosemary, Yarrow, Lavandin, Feverfew, and Spike Lavender. (Tisserand and Young p.134, table 10.2)
Diffusing gentle essential oils around babies and younger children is a good option, too. Ambient inhalation (inhaling oils that are diffused into the air) is generally safe.
Birch or Wintergreen should not be used on or given to children in any amount due to risk of developing Reye’s syndrome. (Tisserand and Young p.656).
Phototoxic: Bergamot (0.4%), Lemon (2%), cold pressed Lime (0.7%), Grapefruit (4%), Bitter Orange (1.25%), Mandarin Leaf (0.17%), Cumin (0.4%), Angelica Root (0.8%), Laurel Leaf absolute (2%), Rue (0.15%) and Taget (0.01%). Sunlight or tanning bed rays must be avoided for at least 12–18 hours after application if any of these oils are used at levels higher than indicated. These oils applied to the skin at over the photo-toxic safety level will increase the chance of severe burns from ultraviolet light. (Tisserand and Young p.659)
Essential oils to Avoid throughout Pregnancy, Labor, and while Breastfeeding
This is not an exhaustive list nor an absolute but it is a recommendation to take caution and possibly alter your use during this season of life.
Essential Oil Latin Name
Anise Pimpinella anisum
Basil ct. estragole Ocimum basilicum (not Basil linalool like we use)
Birch Betula lenta
Camphor Cinnamomum camphora
Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Parsley seed Petroselinum sativum or leaf
Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium
Sage Salvia officinalis
Tansy Tanacetum vulgare
Tarragon Artemisia dracunculus
Thuja Thuja occidentalis
Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
During pregnancy and breastfeeding using oils diluted at a 1% dilution ratio is always recommended. If you are not sure about dilution ratios or a safety of an oil please contact us or research the oil before using. We are happy to answer any questions you may have with the information we have available to us.
Per the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy
Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand and Young
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