Essential Oil Safety
Safety Guidelines: In general, commonly available essential oils are safe to use for aromatherapy or household purposes. However, due to their high concentration and potency it is important to be aware of the following safety information that applies to all of our oils.
A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using any essential oil. This is to determine if you may be allergic or have a sensitization reaction to the oil.
1) Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.
2) Pregnant women and persons with health problems must consult doctor.
3) Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin.
4) We do not recommend using essential oils internally unless under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Aromatherapists can not prescribe medicine.
5) Products made with natural ingredients may still cause allergic reactions with some individuals.
6) Contact Sensitization (Redness or irritation of the skin due) can occur if an individual repeatedly uses the same essential oil. To avoid contact sensitization, it is recommended that individuals rotate or use different oils.
Victorie Inc. recommends following the safety guidelines that can be found in the book Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Written by Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney. You can purchase this book by clicking on the on the picture below. Available in hardback or kindle format.
Hazardous Oils: Bitter Almond, Arnica, Boldo, Broom, Buchu, Calamus, Camphor, Cassia, Chervil, Cinnamon (bark), Costus, Elecampane, Fennel (bitter), Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Pine (dwarf), Rue, Sage (common), Santolina, Sassafras, Savine, Savory, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme (red), Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormseed and Wormwood. These oils should only be used by a trained specialist.
Toxicity: Essential oils which should be used in moderation (only in dilution and for a maximum of two weeks at a time) because of toxicity levels are: Ajowan, Anise Star, Basil (exotic), Bay Laurel, Bay (West Indian), Camphor (white), Cassie, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Coriander, Eucalyptus, Fennel (sweet), Hops, Hyssop, Juniper, Nutmeg, Parsley, Pepper (black), Sage (Spanish), Tagetes, Tarragon, Thyme (white), Tuberose, Turmeric, Valerian.
Dermal/Skin Irritation: Oils which may irritate the skin, especially if used in a high concentration: Ajowan, Allspice, Aniseed, Basil (sweet), Black Pepper, Boreol, Cajeput, Caraway, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Cornmint, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Parsley, Peppermint, Tyyme (white) and Turmeric.
Sensitization: Some oils may cause skin irritation only in those people with very sensitive skins or can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Always do a patch test before using a new oil to check for individual sensitization. Oils which may cause sensitization include: Basil (French), Bay Laurel, Benzoin, Cade, Canagaa, Cedarwood (Virginian), Chamomile (Roman and German), Citronella, Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Hops, Jasmine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Balm (melissa), Litsea Cubeba, Lovage, Mastic, Mint, Orange, Peru Balsam, Pine (Scotch and long-leaf), Styrax, Tea Tree, Thyme (white), Tolu Balsam, Turmeric, Turpentine, Valerian, Vanilla, Verbena, Violet, Yarrow and Ylang Ylang.
Phototoxicity: Some oils are phototoxic, meaning they can cause skin pigmentation if exposed to direct sunlight. Do not use the following oils either neat or in dilution on the skin, if the area will be exposed to the sun: Angelica Root, Bergamot (except bergapten-free type), Cumin, Ginger, Lemon (expressed), Lime (expressed), Lovage, Mandarin, Orange and Verbena.
High Blood Pressure: Avoid the following oils in cases of high-hypertension: Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (Spanish and common) and Thyme.
Epilepsy: Fennel (sweet).
Diabetes: Hyssop, Rosemary, Angelica, and Sage (all types).