PLEASE READ: Warnings, Safety, and Contraindications
Essential oils are potent plant extracts that should be used with care. The most common sensitizing oils are Cinnamon, Clove, and Lemongrass. For people with sensitive skin, a skin patch is always recommended. To do a skin patch, wash the crook of the arm with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Place the essential oil product on the clean area and cover with gauze or fabric bandage and leave for 24 hours. If any of the following occur: skin rash, itching, stinging, redness, nausea, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, stomach pains, and/or mucous membrane irritation, remove and wash with milk or a cooking oil such as almond oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, etc, followed by soap and water. If no irritation occurs, then use product as directed on label. If you do find you have any kind of sensitization or irritation to a SaiOm Organic product, please contact us about a refund or exchange for a different product.
Some essential oils are photo-toxic and can cause sensitivity or skin discoloration when exposed to direct sunlight. These oils include Angelica (Angelica archangelica), Bergamot (Citrus aurantium var. bergamia [bergaptene-free bergamot is not phototoxic]), Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica [Atlas] or Juniperus virginiana [Virginia]), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Elecampane (Inula helenium), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Lavandin (Lavandula intermedia), Lemon (Citrus limonum), Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla), Lime (Citrus aurantifolia), Lovage (Levisticum officinale), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), Opoponax (Commiphora erythraea), Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium), Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis), Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) and Tangerine (Citrus palustris).
All essential oils should be kept away from children and pets, and cats are especially sensitive to them. Always follow directions on the product, and if diffusing oils, make sure the room is well ventilated and pets are able to be where the smell does not bother them (remember that pets’ sense of smell is much stronger than our own!).
Essential oils are not to take place of professional healthcare. Anyone under medical supervision should talk to their doctor before the use of essential oils. It is important to research the safety and contraindications of oils before use. People with epilepsy should avoid any stimulating oils such as Sage (Salvia officinalis), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus stratus, Eucalyptus radiata), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). People with high blood pressure should not use oils that may increase circulation, such as Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus stratus, Eucalyptus radiata), and Sage (Salvia officinalis). People with low pressure should avoid, Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata), and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) in high doses.
Pregnant and breast-feeling women should avoid Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Bay (Lauris nobilis), Bergamot (Citrus aurantium var. bergamia), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), Juniper (Juniperus communis), Marjoram (Origanum majorana), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Rose (Rosa damascena), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Babies and children should not be given products containing Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata), Juniper (Juniperus communis), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), and Sage (Salvia officinalis).
For more information, please do extra research and talk to your physician. The following are references used for this article, as well as a list of books and authors with excellent knowledge on the subject:
Peterson, Dorene. “3 Common and Dangerous Essential Oil Mistakes, Achs.edu.”Accredited Online Holistic Health College, info.achs.edu/blog/aromatherapy-essential-oil-dangers-and-safety”.
Lawless, J. (2013). The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. San Francisco, CA: Conari Press.
Totilo, R.P. (2013). Therapeutic Blending with Essential Oil. St. Petersburg, FL: Well Foundation.
