Caution & Contraindications

Essential oils are a wonderful addition to enhance our everyday lives but we must remember they are powerful and potent natural substances and should be treated as such. Most essential oils are harmless but caution and care should always be used to ensure our safety. Some oils are photosensitive, sensitiser/irritant or should not be used should you have a known allergy or contraindication, for example high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes or open wound etc. It is advisable to do a skin patch test for any essential oil product to avoid allergic reactions or sensitivities. When attending a face to face consultation, a skin patch test will be conducted if selecting known essential oils known as irritants.

Please take your time to read the below safety information with regards to the essential oils and carrier oils blended in my products.

General

• For external use only

• Avoid contact with the eyes

• Avoid use if you have a known allergy to the listed ingredients

• Discontinue use if irritation occurs

• Store away from heat or direct sunlight

• Keep away from children and pets

• Do not use undiluted essential oils directly on your skin

Photosensitive Essential Oils

These oils may react and cause an irritation when used in direct sunlight. Therefore avoid going in direct sunlight or use a sunbed after application. Apply additional SPF protection when in the sun.

• Lemon

• Bergamot

• Grapefruit

• Orange

Irritants & Cautions

Sensitising oils may be an irritant to some individuals.

Sweet Almond Oil: Do not use if have a nut allergy.

Basil: Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use if suffer from epilepsy. May cause slight skin irritation. Avoid if suffer from high blood pressure. Caution using days leading to menstruation as this can make period heavier as a classed as an emmenagogic oil.

Benzoin: May cause slight irritation in some people.

Cedarwood: Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Clary Sage: Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use if consumed alcohol. Avoid in cases of hormone related cancers. Avoid driving after use as sedative. Caution using days leading to menstruation as this can make period heavier as classed as an emmenagogic oil.

Clove Bud: Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. May cause slight skin irritation.

Eucalyptus: Do not use if pregnant. Do not use if suffer from epilepsy. Do not use on babies or children under 3 years of age.

Geranium: Do not use if you suffer from hypoglycemia. Avoid use in first 3 months of pregnancy.

Juniper Berry: Caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid use in cases of inflamed kidneys. Caution using in days leading to menstruation as this can make period heavier as a emmenagogic oil.

Lavender: Avoid use in first 3 months of pregnancy. Caution using in days leading to menstruation as this can make period heavier as classed as an emmenagogic oil.

Lemon: Can be an irritant or sensitising in some people.

Lemongrass: Can be an irritant or sensitising in some people.

Sweet Marjoram: Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Caution using in days leading to menstruation as this can make period heavier as classed as an emmenagogic oil.

Peppermint: Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use on babies or children under 3. Can occasionally be sensitising.

Roman Chamomile: Do not use if known allergy. Avoid use in first 3 months of pregnancy.

Rosemary: Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use if you have high blood pressure or suffer from epilepsy. May cause slight skin irritation.

Tea Tree: Possible sensitising in some people.

For further reading on essential oils safety, please visit The Aromatherapy Trade Council website