Essential oils aren’t consistently regulated.

You shouldn’t use essential oils internally unless you’ve undergone advanced training and certification or are acting under the guidance of a trained professional.

Avoid oral ingestion and internal application, such as in the mouth, vagina, or other mucus membranes.

Safety guidelines for aromatherapy

The benefits of aromatherapy are well-researched. Inhaling certain essential oils, like sweet orange, can help easeTrusted Source symptoms of stress and anxiety. Inhaling lavender may improve sleep quality Trusted Source.

You can reap the benefits of aromatherapy through inhalation or diffusion. Inhalation is most effective when treating respiratory issues, whereas diffusion is best suited for mood management.

When diffusing oils, use these safety precautions:

• Follow proper dilution guidelines.
• Make sure you diffuse in a well-ventilated area.
• Diffuse intermittently, typically 30 to 60 minutes on, then 30 to 60 minutes off.

Oils

Popular essential oils that can be diffused without potential risks to children or pets:

• cedarwood
• fir
• grapefruit
• lavender
• lemon
• spearmint
• tangerine

Popular essential oils that should be diffused with caution, because they’re mucous membrane irritants:

• bay
• cinnamon bark or leaf
• clove bud or leaf
• lemongrass
• peppermint
• thyme

Can you use essential oils during pregnancy?

This is a highly controversial practice — especially during the first 3 months.

Some people worry that topical essential oils can cross the placental barrier and harm the fetus.

While some essential oils should never be used during pregnancy, a few are considered safe for use during prenatal massages or through the diffuser method.

According to one studyTrusted Source, some essential oils may be effective in reducing anxiety and fear regarding childbirth.

If you’re interested in using essential oils during pregnancy, talk with a healthcare professional or midwife before use.

Oils

Popular essential oils that should never be used during pregnancy, labor, or while nursing include:

• camphor
• parsley seed
• hyssop
• pennyroyal
• tarragon
• wintergreen
• wormwood

Can you use essential oils for infants and children?

This is another highly controversial topic. Infants and children have thinner skin and less developed livers and immune systems. This makes them more vulnerable to potential toxicity associated with oil use.

Following safety guidelines and exercising extreme caution is crucial. You should always consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils on or around infants and children.

After 2 years, certain essential oils can be administered topically and through aromatherapy methods, but at a much weaker concentration than adult dosing. A safe dilution ratio is typically 0.5 to 2.5%.

Other examples of safety guidelines for children regarding essential oils:

• Peppermint shouldn’t be topically applied to or diffused around children under the age of 6 years.
• Eucalyptus shouldn’t be topically applied to or diffused around children under the age of 10 years.

Remember, diluting at 1% is equivalent to adding 6 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil.

Infants and children (or adults) should not ingest essential oils. As a safety precaution, essential oils should always be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Oils

A 2007 study reported that using lavender and tea tree oil topically on males who have not reached puberty has been linked to hormonal abnormalities that encourage breast growth. These oils should only be administered through aromatherapy methods or avoided.

Talk with a medical professional before using these essential oils on or around children.

Popular essential oils that should never be used on or around infants and children include:

• eucalyptus
• fennel
• peppermint
• rosemary
• verbena
• wintergreen

There’s still much we don’t know about the long-term effects of aromatherapy. Possible long-term effects need to be considered and studied further. There are dangers.

Here are a few examples:

• Anise: When used internally, anise lowers the antidepressant effects of some medications and increases the effects of drugs that affect the central nervous system.
• Bergamot: This citrus oil can cause skin sensitivity and result in burning if applied in a high topical concentration before sunlight exposure.
• Cinnamon: If applied without diluting or ingested, this oil can cause mucus membrane irritation, contact dermatitis, facial flushing, double vision, nausea, and vomiting.
• Eucalyptus: If swallowed, this oil can cause seizures.
• Lavender: Topical application has been shown to affect hormones in males who have not reached puberty.
• Lemon verbena: If topically applied before sun exposure, this oil can cause photosensitivity and may result in burning.
• Nutmeg: This oil may cause a rash or a burn if applied topically. It can also cause hallucinations and even coma when ingested in high concentrations.
• Peppermint: This oil can causeTrusted Source rash and other irritations when applied to the skin. It can also cause heartburn if taken internally.
• Sage: If a large amount is ingested, this oil can causeTrusted Source restlessness, vomiting, vertigo, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and kidney damage.
• Tea tree: When applied topically, this oil can causeTrusted Source rash or irritation. If swallowed, it can cause loss of muscle coordination and confusion. Ingestion may also affect hormones in males who have not reached puberty.

Essential oils are natural, but that doesn’t mean they can be used without taking precautions. Before using any essential oil, you should ask yourself — and be able to answer — the following questions:

What method do you want to use?

The method you use is based on the desired effect. Are you looking for mood-altering effects (aromatherapy)? Are you looking to treat a skin ailment or relieve pain (topical)? Or, are you looking to treat a medical condition (oral or aromatherapy)?

Does the oil need to be diluted?

Most essential oils, unless they are considered OK to apply “neat,” need to be diluted. Always check the dilution guidelines.

Does the oil increase photosensitivity?

In general, citrus essential oils increase photosensitivity. Applying them before sun exposure can cause serious skin burns.

Does the oil have any clinical interactions?

Some essential oils, absorbed into the body through aromatherapy, can cause an adverse reaction when used with other medications or supplements. They may also trigger or worsen symptoms of an underlying medical condition.

Is the oil safe to use around infants, children, or pets?

Always check whether a specific essential oil is safe for children and pets. Keep in mind that what might be safe for dogs may be poisonous for cats. Cats are more sensitive to essential oils than other pets. Avoid using aromatherapy in public.

Is the oil safe to ingest?

Essential oils that are perfectly safe when used topically or in aromatherapy may be toxic when ingested. Certain oils, like wintergreen, can be deadly.

In general, essential oils should be treated like other medications, supplements, or harmful materials. This means exercising caution when purchasing, storing, and using them.

Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets

It’s not enough to keep your essential oils out of view. In order to ensure safety, place all essential oils in a lockable case and store them in a cupboard out of reach. Alternatively, store them in a high-up cabinet and add a child lock.

When diffusing, don’t exceed 30- to 60-minute intervals

With essential oils, less is often more. Exceeding the ideal times doesn’t amplify the oil’s benefits. In fact, it can actually create stress on your body, especially the nervous system.

Only diffuse in well-ventilated areas

As a general rule, if all you can smell is the essential oil, your area is not well-ventilated. In such cases, you risk irritating your respiratory system.

Ventilation is especially important when pets are present, and you should always leave doors open for pets to leave the room.

When in doubt, dilute the oil

When using topically, carrier oils shouldn’t be overlooked. Not only are they useful in spreading the essential oil onto a larger surface area, they help protect your skin from rash and irritation.

Never use photosensitizing oils before UV exposure

Safety guidelines recommend waiting a full 24 hours after using photosensitizing oils before visiting a tanning booth or spending time in direct sunlight.

Always wash your hands after using essential oils

If you have remnants of essential oils on your hands and you rub your eyes or scratch the inside of your ears, you could experience a serious adverse reaction. Essential oils shouldn’t come into contact with eyes and ears.

Keep all essential oils away from flames

Essential oils are highly flammable. They shouldn’t be used or stored near candles, gas stoves, lit cigarettes, or open fireplaces.

What to do if side effects occur

Practicing caution and following safety guidelines will help ensure a positive experience using essential oils. However, adverse reactions can still happen. Knowing what to do if side effects do occur is part of responsibly using essential oils.

In most cases, minor side effects can be taken care of at home.

If essential oils get into your eyes, you can do one of two things:

• Soak a cotton swab in a food-grade fatty oil like sesame or olive. Wipe the swab over your closed eyelid.
• Immediately flush the area with cool, clean water.

If you’re experiencing skin irritation: Use a fatty oil or cream to absorb and wipe the essential oil away.

If you accidentally ingest an oil, immediately contact your local poison control center. Then, follow these precautions:

• drink full-fat or 2% milk
• avoid vomiting
• keep the essential oil bottle handy to show the emergency response team

• Do not use essential oils in babies and children under 3 years of age.
• In general, we advise against the use of essential oils for pregnant or lactating women, people with neurological and epileptic problems or with serious health problems. Unless medical advice, or taking advice from an aromatherapist.
• Injections (intravenous, intramuscular) of essential oils are strictly prohibited.
• Do not apply essential oils to the eyes or eye areas to the mucous membranes: ears, nose, eyes, and do not swallow them unless advised medical advice.
• Essential oils should not be applied pure or sprayed inside the nose and ears. You can nevertheless massage the free-hand access areas (ear pavilion, nostril border) with a mixture of essential oil diluted to 5% in vegetable oil.
• Perform a test on the inner crease of the elbow and wait 24 hours to make sure there is no allergic skin reaction.
• Never use an essential oil without learning about its use. If you have any doubts or questions, you should always refer to a health professional.
• Some essential oils rich in phenols, terpenic adehydes (cinnamaldehyde, citral...) or terpenes can be irritating to the skin.
• Do not expose yourself to the sun for 4 hours after applying a citrus essence and certain essential oils that contain Furocoumarines.
• Respect the precautions of use in the technical sheet of each essential oil.
  In the bath, mix the essential oil well beforehand with a neutral base (soap, shampoo...) because the essential oil does not mix with water.
  Wash your hands after using an essential oil.
• Keep essential oils out of reach of children and animals.

Internal use

• This lane is reserved only for adults and children over the age of 7.
• Before any use internally, it is necessary to read and respect the instructions and precautions of use contained in the technical sheet of each essential oil.
• Some essential oils should be used orally for short periods of time (essential phenol oils).
• Always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist for this type of use.
• Do not use this route for extended use without medical advice.
• For any use of essential oils for purely therapeutic purposes, consult a doctor.

Atmospheric diffusion or inhalation

• Phenol-rich essential oils can be irritating to the airways and are not suitable for atmospheric diffusion or inhalation.
• It is possible to use them in small quantities (0.1 to 0.5%) in blends with other less aggressive essential oils (citrus, real lavender...).
• Do not spread essential oils rich in ketones, especially in the presence of children.
• The spread and inhalation of essential oils is not recommended in people with asthma (especially during a crisis), and caution is required in young children and the elderly.
• It is important never to practice streaming essential oils in a closed room without aeration. Prolonged diffusion can saturate the air with aromatic molecules and may cause irritation of the respiratory mucous membranes.
• Respect the precautions of use in the technical sheet of each essential oil.

• Some essential oils in phenols, terpenic adehydes (cinnamaldehyde, citral...) or terpene can be irritating to the skin. They must be used diluted.
• Others are photo sensitizing and it is not recommended to expose yourself to the sun at least for 4 hours after application.
• Some essential oils can be allergenic: always do a pre-test in the bend of the elbow.
• Respect the precautions of use contained in the technical sheet of each essential oil.
• Mix the essential oil with vegetable oil.

These properties, indications and modes of use brought to your attention by this focus are derived from scientific books or reference websites in aromatherapy that have been selected by our team.

They are found on a regular basis and many confirmed by observations in scientific settings. This information is given for informational purposes, it cannot constitute medical information or engage our responsibility.

For any use of essential oils for purely therapeutic purposes, consult a doctor.

What are the dangers of essential oils?

There have been claims made by companies producing essential oil products and their distributors that essential oils are ‘natural’ and therefore are ‘safe to consume’.

Essential oils are not safe to consume and can cause significant poisoning even if small amounts are ingested.

The Western Australian Poisons Information Centre (WAPIC) has recorded an increase in poisonings as a result of essential oil ingestions in children. It is therefore important that essential oils are stored securely in a child-resistant container and kept out of reach of children.

The use of undiluted essential oils on sensitive skin or in the nostrils can irritate or burn. Susceptible people may also develop an allergic reaction and a skin rash.

What are the symptoms of toxicity?

Essential oils are rapidly absorbed orally and symptoms can develop as quickly as 30 minutes after ingestion (some individuals experience delayed symptoms up to 4 hours after exposure). The severity of toxicity is dependent on the type of oil and the amount ingested.

Children are particularly susceptible. As little as 2mL (less than half a teaspoon) of eucalyptus oil can cause significant poisoning in an infant. Symptoms of toxicity include:

• drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, coma (after large ingestion)
• seizures
• persistent cough, gagging/choking, shortness of breath, wheezing
• nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• skin irritation (skin exposure)
• eye redness, irritation or pain (eye exposures). 

What should I do after an exposure?

Ingestion:

• rinse out the mouth
• phone the Poisons Information Centre on 999 for advice
• do not induce vomiting
• do not give oral fluids until it is advised safe to do so by the Poisons Information Centre. This can increase of risk of vomiting and aspiration of fluid into the lungs.

Eye exposures:

• Immediately rinse the eye(s) under running water, allowing the water to flow from the corner of the eye closest to the nose over the eye and outwards. This should be continued for 15 minutes. Persistent eye symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor. 

Skin:

• Remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. See a doctor if symptoms do not resolve.

Inhalation:

• Affected patients should be taken to fresh air.
• If symptoms do not settle phone the Poisons Information Centre.

​​