Since essential oils are 100 times more potent than their plant sources, care must be taken in how and when they are used.

*Do not ingest oils by mouth
*Keep out of eyes
*Many essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin
*Research any essential oil in reference books, for specific precautions, warnings, etc.

As with any natural substance, the possibility exists for allergy… start with very small amounts and watch for reactions, then increase dosage, within the given guidelines

Pregnancy

The following oils should be avoided during pregnancy: basil, birch, cedar, clove bud, clary sage, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme

Skin Irritants

These oils may irritate the skin, and should be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin or used in a bath : basil, cinnamon, clove bud, fennel, Siberian fir, lemon, lemongrass, melissa, peppermint, thyme, tea tree, verbena

Photosensetivity

These oils can cause skin sensitivity in the presence of ultraviolet light and should NOT be used beofre exposure to direct sunlight: angelica, bergamot, mandarin, lemon, lime, petitgrain, St. John’s Wort, verbena

High Blood Pressure

The following oils should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure:hyssop, rosemary, sage, thyme Skin Allergies

Skin Conditions

If one is suffering from dermatitis or other allergic skin conditions then these oils should be avoided: benzoin, rose geranium, jasmine, pine, ylang ylang

Toxic oils

These oils should be avoided: bitter almond, mugwort, mustard, pennyroyal, rue, sassafrass, southernwood, tansy, wintergreen