When using genuinely pure essential oils, it’s important to follow essential oil safety cautions and guidelines.  For sure, authentic essential oils are 100% natural.  But they are highly potent and not all are suitable for inhaling deeply close up or rubbing on anywhere and everywhere.

We’ve already covered guidelines for safe use in this post here, so please go check it out if you’re new to essential oils or a seasoned pro who might be guilty of growing a bit blase.

Along with general guidelines, some essential oils in particular have higher concentrations of certain constituents that garner them extra need of care.

Key notes:

  • This list is a guide and not 100% exhaustive
  • Before using any oil, look it up in a trustworthy essential oils reference book.  If you don’t have one, before buying any more oils, please get one.  Knowledge is power
  • All essential oils should be checked for drug contraindications with the prescribing physician

Essential Oil Safety Cautions List from A-Z

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) avoid use if epileptic

Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 48 hours after applying unless it’s furocoumarin-free bergamot oil

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) can be irritating to nasal passages and membranes if inhaled directly from the diffuser or bottle

Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) can be irritating to nasal passages and membranes if inhaled directly from the diffuser or bottle

Clove (Syzgium aromaticum) anticoagulant properties can be increased when combined with thinning medications like aspirin

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) dilute before applying; avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 24 hours after applying

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) avoid use if epileptic

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) anticoagulant properties can be increased when combined with thinning medications like aspirin

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 24 hours after applying

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) anticoagulant properties can be increased when combined with thinning medications like aspirin

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) avoid use if epileptic

Idaho Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) do not use if pregnant or trying to conceive

Idaho Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) do not use if pregnant or trying to conceive

Lavendin (Lavandula x hybrid) do not use on burns; this is a different species with different constituents from lavandula angustifolia

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) one of the most commonly adulterated essential oils, often mixed with lavendin and synthetic additives that can cause adverse effects, so be hyper-diligent about authenticity when buying

Lemon (Citrus limon) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 24 hours after applying

Lime (Citrus latifolia or C.aurantifolia Swingle) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 48 hours after applying

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 24 hours after applying

Micromeria (Micromeria fruticosa) do not use if pregnant or trying to conceive

Orange (Citrus sinenses) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 24 hours after applying

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) a very ‘hot’ oil high in phenols; dilute before applying; can be irritating to nasal passages and membranes if inhaled directly from the diffuser or bottle

Palo santo (Bursera graveolens) if pregnant or under a physician’s care, consult with them before using; do not use on infants under 18 months

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) avoid contact with eyes, mucus membranes, sensitive skin, fresh wounds and burns; do not use on infants under 18 months

Petitgrain (Citrus sinenses/C. aurantium amara) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 24 hours after applying

Pine (Pinus silvestris) commonly adulterated with turpentine so be hyper-diligent about authenticity when buying

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis CT cineole) do not use on children under 4 yrs; can interact with certain prescription drugs

Ruta (Ruta graveolens) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 24 hours after applying

Sage (Salvia officinalis) avoid use if epileptic or with high blood pressure

Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulifolia) avoid use if epileptic or with high blood pressure

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 24 hours after applying

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) avoid use if epileptic

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) a very ‘hot’ oil high in phenols; dilute before applying; can be irritating to nasal passages and membranes if inhaled directly from the diffuser or bottle

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) avoid use if epileptic; anticoagulant properties can be increased when combined with thinning medications like aspirin

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) use sparingly with low blood pressure

Yuzu (Citrus junos) avoid direct sunlight and UV for at least 24 hours after applying

With all essential oil use, quality is imperative. All Young Living oils are guaranteed pure from seed to seal, unlike so many brands out there in the marketplace.  You really do get what you pay for.  You can check it out with your own eyes in this short video.

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The information on this site does not constitute advice. Please consult with your health practitioner. When using any of the products mentioned throughout this site, please be sure to read the labels and follow their suggestions for safe use. We make commissions from sales via many of the products we recommend but we only suggest products we genuinely enjoy and want you to benefit from.