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Safe use
Storing, mixing, contraindications, special precautions, photosensitivity, sensitisation, toxicity, pregnancy and emmenagogic oils.
Safety rules
 | Oils should be stored correctly, out of the reach of children. |
| Some oils are flammable, keep away from flames and burners. |
| Oils should not be used until a consultation has taken place to identify all the general and local contraindication to practice |
| Oils should not be used unless the practitioner is familiar with the therapeutic properties and all the contraindications. |
| Oils should always be used at the recommended dilution. |
| Oils should never be taken internally. |
| If a consultation suggests skin sensitivity, test oils on a skin patch first. |
| Mixing and using safely Wash hands before and after use. |
| Use oils in a well-ventilated area. |
| Mix blends away from the client. |
| Use within recommended dilution. |
| Use smaller quantities for babies, small children and the frail elderly. |
| Handle oils carefully to prevent contact with skin and cross-contamination. |
| Keep out of contact with the eyes. |
| Avoid prolonged or excessive exposure. |
| Take frequent breaks. |
| If prescribing oils for a client's home use, ensure that they understand the instructions for use. |
| Keep accurate records of treatment and blends. |
| Lavender and Tea tree are the only oils that can be applied directly on small areas of the skin undiluted (some publications also suggest Manuka) - Always skin test first. |
Contraindications
Pure essential oils can be very strong and should only be used in the recommended dilution and application. Some oils are toxic, some are skin irritants. Many oils have contraindications to their use and may exacerbate existing health problems. There are local and general contraindications to practice. These must be identified during a preliminary consultation before any oils are used on a client.
Local contraindications
Local contraindications are localised areas on the body that should be avoided and include:
| Recent operations, fractures or sprains |
| Severe bruising |
| Swelling |
| Varicose veins |
| Cuts, new scar tissue |
| Local skin infections/conditions (eczema etc.) |
General contraindications to practice
| Fever |
| Influenza |
| Migraine |
| Infectious skin disorders |
Permission from the clients' GP should be sought before treating people with the following conditions:
| A history of thrombosis or embolism |
| High or low blood pressure |
| Epilepsy |
| Diabetes |
| Major system dysfunction (renal, hepatic, digestive etc.) |
| Nervous system dysfunction |
| Fatal illnesses (cancer etc.) |
| Recent severe haemorrhage |
| If client on medication or homeopathic preparations |
Special care is needed for:
| Allergies and skin disorders |
| Pregnancy or at risk of miscarriage |
| Babies, children and the elderly |
| Sensitive skin |
| People with disabilities |
| Recent injury or trauma |
When in doubt, get GP permission or ask the client to sign a disclaimer.
Photosensitivity
Certain oils result in photosensitivity. Citrus oils can irritate skin, and some oils will cause uneven pigmentation of the skin on exposure to sun lamps or sunlight. This is true of Bergamot, which contains bergaptene, a photosensitiser that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. (Bergaptene-free oil is available from some suppliers). Of the citrus oils, Bergamot is the most photosensitising, and to a milder extent, Lemon and Grapefruit. California oil is the least photosensitising. After using oils which are photosensitising, advise the client to keep their body covered, or stay out of the sun for at least 4 hours, and not to use a sun lamp. An after-care leaflet should be given to the client after treatment outlining such details.
Other phototoxic oils include, Ginger, Lime, and Melissa.
Sensitisation
It is important to vary the essential oils used. The regular application of the same blend of oils for a full body massage is not recommended as the body may become overloaded with a particular chemical which may cause an allergic reaction. The body may also become used to the oil and the therapeutic effect will be reduced. If clients experience adverse reactions to certain foods, they are more likely to suffer from skin sensitivity to chemicals, including essential oils. Alternate with a blend of different oils containing different chemical constituents if prolonged treatment is required. Uninterrupted use of some oils exposes the liver and kidneys to chemicals that may be harmful over time. Rotating the oils gives the body time to eliminate potentially harmful compounds and prevents toxicity building up in the body. Sensitising oils include Bergamot, Cassia, and Ylang ylang.
Oils which can irritate the skin Some oils can cause local irritation to sensitive skin. These include Lemongrass. It ought to be said that any oil can cause a local reaction in some people suffering form allergic disorders. Citrus oils with a short shelf life (such as lemon which turns brown on ageing) also become irritants to the skin, although they can still be used in burners. After washing the affected area the irritation should go. Toxicity Toxicity can be acute (short term) due to poisoning from the oral ingestion of a toxic or poisonous oil, or dermal toxicity when the liver or kidneys can be damaged due to excessive absorption of the toxic substance. Chronic toxicity occurs after a build-up in the body of an unwanted substance. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, skin irritation and tiredness. Toxicity occurs if substances are misused by either taken orally (against IFA UK Guidelines), or if used in a concentrated excess.
CAUTION: Oils that can result in toxicity if used in excess include Aniseed, Arnica, Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Sassafras, Savory, Thuja, Wintergreen, and Wormwood.
Pregnancy
Much of the literature advises that some oils should not be used during the first 4 months of pregnancy when miscarriage is at the highest risk of occurring. Some oils are considered safe to use later on in pregnancy in a low dilution. Certain oils are emmenagogic (bring on menstruation) and should not be used at all during pregnancy. Some oils are reputed to be abortifacient and should always be avoided - these are listed in the prohibited oils section.
Contraindications for people with disabilities