Essential Oil Safety, SKin Patch Test and Dilution Chart

[Jo Pedranti]

Essential oils are safe to use as long as you follow the recommended dosage, and research the contraindications before you use them. Essential oils are more potent than the herbs, so less amount is needed
in order to achieve the desired effect. Never use the oils undiluted on
the skin. The exceptions are tea tree and lavender, which can be
used in tiny amounts on stings, wounds or a small burn.

I highly recommend that you do your research when you use essential oils, so you
make sure you know the contraindications of the oils you use. Some
essential oils have low therapeutic margin, which means that the
dividing line between therapeutic dose and a harmful dose is very
small. These oils needs to be avoided orally and used with caution.

I actually don't recommend anyone to use essential oils orally unless you
have consulted with professionals educated in essential oil safety, or
use therapeutic grade oils. Extra care is required when taking an
essential oil orally since a higher amount of the oil would reach the
circulation, and the liver would receive a large dose via the portal
circulation, which takes its blood from the gastrointestinal tract to
the liver. Almost all of the reported cases of poisoning by essential
oils has occurred by self-dosing of small quantities of undiluted
essential oils.

Some oils need to be avoided in pregnancy, some oils can be toxic if not correct dosage or duration is used, and other
essential oils are contraindicated in specific illnesses. Essential
oils should not be used at all in the first trimester.

The quality of the essential oils also differ and there is a chance that you come across oils diluted with harmful substances. It is very
important to choose good quality essential oils for aromatherapy. Many
are diluted with harmful substances and they are of inferior quality.
Therefore you should use therapeutic grade essential oils only.

Some oils are known skin irritants and therefor it is important to conduct a
skin patch test before you use essential oils. This is especially
important if you have a history of allergies, asthma, or rashes. Some
oils that may irritate the skins are: Anise, Basil, Bay, Black Pepper,
Cinnamon, Cedarwood, Clove Bud, Clove Leaf, Cajuput, Eucalyptus,
Ginger, Oregano, Peppermint, and Thyme

A skin patch test can be conducted with a carrier oil or with undiluted essential oil. A skin
patch test should be conducted when using oils listed as potential
sensitizers or irritants. As mentioned above, individuals with
allergies or asthma should always conduct a skin patch test before
applying any essential oils. Always use the recommended dose when
conducting the skin patch test.

When conducting a skin patch test using essential oils diluted in carrier oils: You first wash and
dry the forearm, then apply essential oil blend enough to moisten the
arm. Cover the applied area with sterile gauze and leave for 24 hours
If signs of irritation are shown, remove the gauze and avoid using that
particular oil in the future.

When testing an undiluted essential oil, you wash the arm with unscented vegetable soap, and dry
before applying the oil. Add one drop of oil in the crook of the arm
and close the arm, and open and close the arm again after five minutes.
If any irritation is noticeable, the applied area can be washed with
cotton dipped in milk or vegetable oil. Or simply wash with soap and
water.

Oils not recommended in pregnancy are: Anise seed, basil, birch, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper, sweet
marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage and thyme.

Essential oils not to be used by people prone to epilepsy are: clary sage,
cajuput, eucalyptus, Fennel, hyssop, lavender (lavandula stoechas),
rosemary, sage and thyme

Essential oils not to be used by people with high blood pressure are: Cypress, cajuput, eucalyptus, Hyssop,
rosemary, sage and thyme

Essential oils not to be used by people with asthma: camphor, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, yarrow

Essential oils not to be used by people with hypotension: Clary sage and marjoram

Essential oils not to be used by people with liver disease are: clove bud and clove leaf, garlic, oregano, sassafras, thyme, vetiver.

Essential oils not to be used by people with stomach and intestinal ulcers: Cinnamon bark

Essential oils not to be used by people with estrogen dependent cancer: Anise, basil and fennel

Essential oils which should not be used on the skin at all: Ajowan, cinnamon
bark, cassia, clove leaf, clove bud, elecampane, oregano, pine (dwarf)

Essential oils which should be used with caution on the skin: basil (all
varieties), cinnamon leaf, fir needle(Siberian), lemongrass, lemon,
verbena, melissa, orange, peppermint, red and wild thyme.

Once again, please look into the contraindications of the essential oils you
are using. Consult with your physician if you have existing medical
conditions.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to prescribe.

Aromatherapy for Moms