Essential Oil Safety
an Introduction to Toxicology
Orientation:
As usual, let your animated instructor orient you to the day.
The Ship’s Library is an excellent place to read about the toxicology of oils. The chapter will require self-study, so make yourself comfortable.
Take notes as you read and watch three small videos. Ensure you do this section at a comfortable pace. Complete your exercises using your practical potion journal downloads to help with retention.
Introduction-
Please thoroughly review this lesson’s write-ups, charts, and information. Using the oils knowledgeably is paramount for good practice.
The main objective of this lesson on Toxicology is to learn to use essential oils safely.
Find out which essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Understand essential oils should always be kept away from children and pets.
Know which essential oils are phototoxic or aggressive to the skin when undiluted.
Develop safe approaches and habits when working with essential oils.
Toxicology is not light reading, so take your time. I find myself going over this section whenever a relevant question emerges. You will want to keep this chapter handy to refer to as needed.
THE TOXICOLOGY OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Skin Reactions:
The information below is from Sheppard-Hanger, Martin Watts, and Robert Tisserand. For more thorough and current data, always read the Caution note under each essential oil you study in the course.
1.) Cutaneous Irritation
The most common reaction is localized skin inflammation, such as a flare or a hive.
2.) Allergic Sensitivity Reaction
This reaction involves the immune system. The substance enters the skin and binds with lymph tissue, causing a sensitivity, such as a rash or blotch. This reaction gets worse with increased exposure, and anaphylaxis is possible.
Only a few steam-distilled essential oils concretes, and absolutes cause major sensitization or contact allergies. Paying attention to the AMOUNT required to initiate sensitization can prevent many problems. Most tests have been carried out with synthetic fragrances, and many of these are very sensitizing. Therefore, some results need to be more accurate. The most common cosmetic ingredients causing allergic contact dermatitis are fragrances, followed by preservatives.
Most oils and absolutes used in Aromatherapy are below most people’s tolerance levels. However, certain people require extra caution.
Most tests on sensitization have been carried out with synthetic fragrances, and many of these have a potent sensitizing capacity. Therefore, some of the results need to be more accurate. It is best to ensure that test results come from measuring the effects of the whole oil, not isolated chemicals.
The most common cosmetic ingredients causing allergic contact dermatitis are fragrances, followed by preservatives. Many people are sensitized to fragrance materials and other cosmetic allergens by using them on eczematous or irritated skin, which is more readily sensitized than normal skin.
Isolated compounds were tested. Cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, geraniol, anisyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and coumarin caused the most reactions. Peru Balsam as an essential oil was also problematic.
3.) Systemic Allergic Sensitization- Usually from oral use.
This can occur in response to a wide range of substances. Benzoic Acid, a common ingredient in soda pop, may set us up to have allergic reactions to benzoin oil. It is used as a preservative in pop and processed foods. It is present in Benzoin resins at about 4-14%.
Information from: Sheppard-Hanger, Martin Watt.
SENSITIZER CHART-
Plant Aromatics- A data & reference manual on essential oils and aromatic plant extracts. Researched and published by Martin Watt
Sensitizers
| Birch Tar | In some circumstances | |
| Black Pepper | Dilute well. Use with Caution | |
| Cade | ||
| Calamus | (East Indian Type) | |
| Cinnamon | ||
| Citronella | ||
| Clary Sage | Suspect | |
| Colophony | Resin | X |
| Costus Root | X Very Powerful | |
| Fennel | Bitter | It gets worse as it gets older |
| Fir Needle | (Abies siberica only) | sensitizing at 2.5% |
| Hyacinth Absolute | Suspect | |
| Jasmine | Absolute | Irritation at 3% Dilution |
| Junipers | Suspect | |
| Lemon | Suspect | |
| Litsea Cubeba | Suspect | |
| Lovage | Suspect | |
| Mimosa | Absolute | |
| Oakmoss | Concrete | Suspect |
| Opoponax | ||
| Orange | Suspect | |
| Parsley | Seed | |
| Peru Balsam | XX Very Hazardous | |
| Pines | ||
| PinesAbsolute | Suspect in High Concentrations | |
| Rue | Strong | |
| Sassafras | ||
| Spearmint | ||
| Tansy | ||
| Tolu | Balsam | Strong |
| Tonka | Absolute | |
| Turpentine | Unrectified | X |
| Verbena | Oil & Absolute | |
| Ylang | Suspect in High Concentrations |
Information from: Sheppard-Hangar, Martin Watt.
CROSS SENSITIZING OIL CHART
Plant Aromatics- A data & reference manual on essential oils and aromatic plant extracts. Researched and published by Martin Watt
Between other oils or fragrance chemicals- X means cross-reactions may occur.
| Colophony Resin x Peru Balsam x Benzoin x Turpentine x Peppermint x Costus Root x Cinnamon Bark |
| Anise x Fennel x Coriander |
| Petitgrain x Balsam |
| Storax x Styrax x Cinnamon |
Following sensitization to one oil or fragrance chemical, the question of which other oils are likely to cause a reaction is very complex and requires more study of reports on allergic reactions. Sheppard-Hanger, Robert Tisserand, and Martin Watt are among the people who are pursuing these questions.
Safety
Information from: Sheppard-Hanger, Martin Watt.
European Union Cosmetic Regulations aren’t fully followed in Canada, but their work is worth reviewing.
EU Cosmetics Regulation is considered a ‘gold standard’ for cosmetics regulation worldwide, and 26 substances must be indicated in the list of ingredients when their concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products. You can see the list here. Not all are found in natural botanicals, but some 16 are present in many essential oils, which we use as natural formulators. These include geraniol, limonene, linalool, and methyl eugenol, which are common in oils like geranium, rose absolute, and many citrus oils. The list of compounds that can cause allergens and sensitivity in the European Union was developed in 2007.
Here is a link to that information. The oil compounds listed are mainly covered in Martin Watt’s sensitivity list.
Let’s discuss the European Union Cosmetic Regulations a bit more-
Start with Essential Oil Analysis:
Before using essential oils in skin care products, knowing about any potential allergens or sensitizers they might contain is crucial. You can obtain this information from the supplier through two key documents: the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). These documents provide a detailed chemical breakdown of the oils.
If specific data isn’t available, you can refer to general safety guidelines from sources like the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) or various reference books. However, remember that safety assessors usually prefer data specific to your ingredients.
The book “Essential Oil Safety” by Tisserand & Young is a comprehensive resource for understanding the skin safety limits and properties of hundreds of essential oils. It was used in our course.
Calculating Dermal Limits- This is tricky, as several essential oils can contain the same compounds, and if you use them together, the sensitizers in your product will increase:
Understanding the Process: Let’s take an example.
Suppose your formula includes Rose Absolute and Clove Bud oils containing eugenol, a common allergen/sensitizer. Eugenol is restricted to a maximum of 0.5% for products that stay on the skin (like face, hand, and body products within the European Union’s guidelines).
Following this in Canada will not be compulsory, but it is still good to consider. Here’s how to calculate:
Rose Absolute Example: Say it contains 0.02% of eugenol (23% of the oil). To calculate the eugenol percentage, divide 0.02 by 100 and multiply by 23. This gives you 0.0046%.
Clove Bud Example: If it contains 0.1% of eugenol (14% of the oil), divide 0.1 by 100 and multiply by 14 to get 0.014%.
Total Eugenol Content: Add these two percentages together (0.0046% + 0.014%) to get a total of 0.006% eugenol in your product. This is well below the IFRA’s 0.5% limit.
By following these steps, you can ensure the safe use of essential oils in your aromatherapy products. Understanding and complying with safety guidelines is critical to providing effective and safe aromatherapy experiences. It will take some calculation, but creating a commercial product, especially for sensitive individuals, may be worth the effort.
Contaminants-
Pesticides and herbicides may be present in oils. This is more likely in absolutes and expressed oils. The skin poorly absorbs the pesticides; however, some of the reactions thought to be related to the oils may be to the pesticides.
Although contaminants are unwelcome in aromatherapy, they are relatively small amounts that will be absorbed through the skin compared to accumulating toxins while eating sprayed food. Compared to food consumption, essential oils pose a minimal threat but are not a desirable component.
Degradation of Oils-
Oxygen can change the chemical composition of oils by combining with some of their components. This process is called oxidization and is sped up with heat and light. Thus, store your oils in dark bottles in a cool or cold place. Also, move oils from bigger to smaller bottles as the oil is used up to minimize the oxygen in the bottle. Keep the lids on your essential oils tightly sealed.
Lemon and pine are most affected. Many oils do get more sensitizing with time. In one recent study, lemongrass was intentionally oxidized, and it was found to have lost much of its anti-bacterial activity compared to fresh, unoxidized lemongrass oil. Again, brown bottles, minimum headspace, and a cool or refrigerated environment will help slow the degradation process through oxidization.
Read your notes- under the caution area, you will find each essential oil’s tendency to oxidize.
Remember to take frequent breaks in this section, as reading can be difficult.
The Medicine is in the Dose-
With any substance- the medicine is in the dose, as is the poison. Toxicity is generally related to the amount of oil used. When taking oil orally (which we tend to do very little of in Canada), one’s dose is generally higher than having a massage, where only 5% is usually added to a carrier. The oil in massage absorbs more slowly into the body- less absorbs than with oral application, and it is constantly being removed from the bloodstream.
We do not generally advocate oral dosing, except a minute amount of cuisine-appropriate oils for a little additional flavour. Any essential oil will be toxic if too much is taken; too much with some oils can be very little. Avoid oral use and store your oils out of the reach of children. Ensure your essential oils have inserts that allow only one drop at a time to come out and tight lids to discourage use if they get into the wrong hands.
Frequency of Application-
A small quantity of toxic oil applied daily for several months could have a cumulative effect. This could cause minor liver or kidney damage.
Age, Weight, Health and Skin Type of Client-
Seniors, babies, children, small, thin, thin-skinned and immune-compromised individuals need a far smaller dosage of essential oils, if any, than older, stronger, and heavier counterparts. Always be highly cautious with anyone who has allergies or sensitivities.
How to Patch Test With Essential Oils-
A patch test is crucial before using any new essential oil to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. First, select a small area of skin that’s easy to monitor, like the inside of your forearm or the back of your wrist. Make sure the area is clean and dry. Next, dilute a drop of the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. A good ratio is 15 drops of essential oil to a teaspoon (5mls) of carrier oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be applied directly to the skin in their pure form. This is a 5% dilution; you can put it up or down in strength, depending on your formula.
Apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil to the chosen spot and cover it with a bandage. Wait for 24 to 48 hours, keeping an eye on the area for any signs of reaction, such as redness, itching, swelling, or irritation. If you experience any of these symptoms, carefully wash the area with soap and water, and avoid using that essential oil. If there’s no reaction after the waiting period, it’s generally safe to assume your skin tolerates the oil well, and you can use it as intended. Remember, this test is a precautionary measure to help ensure the safe use of essential oils on the skin.
This simple patch test is a vital step in practicing aromatherapy safely. It helps prevent adverse reactions and ensures a positive experience with the therapeutic use of essential oils.
Method of Application-
Inhalation-
There are fewer problems associated with inhaling oils unless you use an aggressive essential oil like oregano or cinnamon alone in a diffuser, which can create a toxic reaction in the lungs. Remember not to diffuse essential oils with babies, young children or pets, or anyone with epilepsy, asthma or allergies to those particular oils. However, when inhaled, the following essential oils can pose a problem to young children.
Some essential oils contain compounds that can be harmful if inhaled or applied to the skin of young children, particularly those under the age of 10. Essential oils high in 1,8-cineole, such as eucalyptus and rosemary, and oils like camphor and wintergreen are problematic. These oils can pose dangers such as respiratory issues or skin irritation in young children and should be avoided for use around them.
For safe use of essential oils around children, it’s recommended to:
Avoid using essential oils in any form (diffused or topical) on or around children under 3.
Certain oils are considered safer for children between the ages of 3 and 6, but they should still be used cautiously and in diluted form.
When diffusing oils, ensure it’s done in a well-ventilated area and limit the diffusion time to prevent overexposure, which can lead to irritation or other adverse reactions.
If safe dosages are adhered to, toxicity problems associated with massage tend to involve skin sensitivities, dermatitis, or possible allergic reactions. Conducting a patch test and interviewing clients about known sensitivities ahead of time will help minimize these occurrences. Oral intake may be dangerous. Most problems are related to ingesting large amounts of oils and self-administering. Essential oils can be very irritating to the mouth and stomach lining.
Rectal Dosing-
This is very popular with Europeans. Dr. Penoel uses this method commonly. The dosing is done with suppositories. Keep the doses very small. It is an efficient way to administer to the lower colon. We do not advocate this method as it requires some medical expertise, but it is good to know about. The oils can become toxic if the dose is too high. Oil can also irritate the rectum if the oil is not evenly dispersed or emulsified.
Vaginal Administration-
This is, again, a very European method of administration. This is done with tampons, douches, and suppositories. This can be effective for vaginal infections. Safety is similar for oral or rectal, so keep the doses low and do not use toxic oils. Never use it if you are allergic or sensitive. Disperse evenly and ensure there is emulsification with a carrier oil for the tampon or suppository or water with the douche.
Chemotypes-
Different chemotypes of the same oil will often have various levels of toxicity. This is because essential oils are chemically complex and usually contain over 100 components. These components can enhance each other’s properties, making them safer or more antagonistic. Predicting whether synergy or antagonism will occur with the chemotypes is difficult.
Information from: Sheppard-Hanger, Martin Watt.
Phototoxicity or Photosensitization– is another type of reaction that can occur to the skin when using essential oils and absolutes.
A substance contacts the skin or is taken orally. When the skin is exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light, a skin reaction can occur. This reaction can range from a mild colour change to deep weeping burns. This is the best-understood area of toxicology in aromatherapy.
Fruit peel oils, especially bergamot, can cause photosensitization. This reaction is much less likely if the citrus oil is steam-distilled rather than expressed. There are compounds called furanocoumarins in these oils (interchangeably called furocoumarins) that are too heavy to rise with steam distillation, but they are present in the mechanical expression of citrus oils. It is these compounds that cause the photosensitivity to occur.
PHOTOSYNTHESIZING OILS CHART
Plant Aromatics- A data & reference manual on essential oils and aromatic plant extracts. Researched and published by Martin Watt
| Angelica | Root | Mild |
| Bergamot | Expressed | Very Strong |
| Bergamot | Bergaptene Free | None |
| Caraway | Mild | |
| Cassia | Mild | |
| Cedarwood | Virginian | Mild |
| Cinnamon Bark | Mild | |
| Cumin | Moderate | |
| Dill | Weed | Suspect |
| Ginger | Very Mild | |
| Grapefruit | Very Mild | |
| Honeysuckle | Absolute | Mild |
| Lavender | Absolute | Very Mild |
| Laurel Leaf | Absolute | Mild |
| Lemon | Expressed | Moderate |
| Lime | Expressed | Moderate |
| Lime | Distilled | None |
| Mandarin | Moderate | |
| Orange | Expressed | Moderate |
| Patchouli | Mild | |
| Rue | Very Strong | |
| Verbena | Lippia citriodora | Moderate |
Information from: Sheppard-Hanger, Martin Watt.
*Note –
Bergamot and rue are the strongest phototoxic oils. All fruit oils should be used with caution.
Overall, ABSOLUTES are more powerful photosensitizers than the equivalent distilled oil.
Case Studies In Phytotoxicity, Video-
The shipmate Maurice will narrate these case studies of Robert Tisserand’s and Ours.
TOXICITY TESTING- Robert Tisserand
The problem with conducting toxicity testing on rats or mice (aside from the cruelty to animals) is the skin and metabolism of rodents are different from those of humans.
When comparing rodent poisoning data to humans, this data can be a poor indicator of human toxicity. We also need to fully understand the effects of essential oils on animals and pets. It is best to avoid using them on your furry friends, including diffusion.
Wintergreen- In 6 cases of wintergreen poisoning in adult humans, three people died from ingesting 15 ml, 30 ml and 80 MLS of oil. Three survived after ingesting 6 ml, 16 ml and 24 ml. None of these cases received medical intervention. Comparing it to rodents means wintergreen oil is 3-5 times more toxic to humans than rodents.
Eucalyptus is generally fatal in human adults in amounts of 30-60 ml. It is deadly to children in much smaller quantities—about 3 MLS. This makes it 3-6 times more toxic in adults than lab animals.
In Pennyroyal, the toxicity for animals and humans is similar.
Oral administration is sometimes dangerous. Some oils are poisonous even in tiny amounts (wormseed, for example), but the factor is quantity with most oils. Many oils are used for flavouring in the food industry but in small doses. With an oral application, the possibility of a toxic reaction is much greater.
Drug Interactions– Many essential oils will react with drugs, especially if the oils are ingested.
Excretion is another factor that is related to toxicity.
Essential oils typically take 1-5 days to be eliminated. If they are used daily, a build-up occurs in the body.
In several cases of fatal poisoning, it was not until the second or third dose that death occurred. A 2-year-old was given eight drops of wormseed oil, followed by a similar dose one week later. The second dose proved fatal.
A girl of 19 months died after three one-drop doses of wormseed oil, 12 hours apart.
Toxicity can affect one or several organs, sometimes making species react differently to the oils.
According to Tisserand- oral administration is, however, only sometimes dangerous. Some oils are poisonous even in tiny amounts (wormseed, for example), but the factor is quantity with most oils. Many oils are used for flavouring in the food industry but in small doses. With oral application, the possibility of a toxic reaction is much greater.
Convulsions:
This is a form of neurotoxicity.
Tisserand, Int. J. of Aroma 1996, vol 7 no. 4
Hyssop- All reported cases are from ingesting oils.
A 6-year-old was given 2-3 drops of hyssop oil for his asthma frequently. One day, she accidentally gave him about 15 to 20 drops. He suffered a convulsion and recovered fully in the hospital three days later.
In the second case, an 18-year-old girl drank 30 drops of hyssop oil to treat a cold. One hour later, she lost consciousness for 10 minutes and bit her tongue.
In the third case, a 26-year-old woman took ten drops of hyssop oil on each of 2 consecutive days and suffered a seizure on the third day. None of these people had epilepsy. About 5 % of the population may have epilepsy, which has not manifested yet.
The Risk in Pregnancy:
Tisserand and Young, pgs 152 and 153, have created a list of essential oils that any route throughout pregnancy and lactation should avoid.
I will only include the essential oils that are commonly used in aromatherapy. Some of the oils on the list could be clearer.
Avoid These Oils
During pregnancy and lactation, I would avoid all essential oils.
Anise and Anise Star, Birch Sweet, Buchu, Carrot Seed, Cassia, Chaste tree, Cinnamon Bark, Costus, Cypress-Blue, Dill Seed, Fennel- bitter and sweet; Feverfew, Ho leaf, Hyssop, Lanyana, Lavender, (Spanish), Mugwort, Myrrh, Myrtle, Oregano, Parsley Leaf and Seed, Pennyroyal, Rue, Sage, Savin, Tansy, Thuja, Western Red Cedar, Wintergreen, Wormwood, Yarrow.
Essential Oils that Should Be
Restricted During Pregnancy-
Tisserand and Young pg 156
Boswellia papifera, champaca absolute, lemon balm, lemongrass, may chang, melissa, and myrtle. Nasturtium absolute, tea tree, the lemon-scented variety; thyme, lemon type; and lemon verbena, the lemon type.
To be safe, avoid all essential oils in the first three months of pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Do not take any oils internally during the pregnancy. Keep essential oils away from children under 3.
Carcinogenic Properties of Oils
Tisserand Int. J. of Aroma, 1997, Vol. 8 no.1
Our experimental research is done on rodents. We are still determining how well this data extrapolates to humans. We know this metabolism is more efficient in rodents than in humans, which means the risk to humans is lower.
East Indian Calamus (not North American) and Sassafras have proven carcinogenic in rodents. How this extrapolates to how humans react to massage oil is unknown. This is when rodents were injected with the oil or ate large amounts of it.
Possible Problematic Oils-
Calamus,
Sassafras,
Basil,
Tarragon
Ravensara Anisata,
Yellow and Brown Camphor
To a Lesser Degree- (No actual proof).
Laurel
Fennel
Star Anise
Myrtle
Ho Leaf
East Indian Nutmeg
Anise
Mace
Information from: Sheppard-Hanger, Martin Watt.
Body Care-
Increasing Penetration of Essential Oils:
Part of your exercise with this chapter will be to take notes from the videos to fill in the categories below:
Factors that Affect Penetration of Oils into Skin
Area of skin oils are applied to
Smaller area of application means less penetration
Thickness & permeability of skin
Gland Openings and Follicles
Women’s Skin
Damaged Skin
Rate of Circulation
Hydration
Warmth
Occlusion
Carrier Oil
Information from: Sheppard-Hangar, Martin Watt, Robert Tisserand.
Precautions:
Information from: Sheppard-Hanger
Could you check a client’s medical history for allergies or reactions to scented products?
Extra care is urged for those suffering from dermatitis, eczema, fragile, damaged, inflamed skin, or abnormal conditions.
Before working on the face and neck, any previously applied cosmetic or perfume preparations should be removed. This will reduce the risk of cross-sensitization.
Please don’t apply essential oils to the armpit area.
Do not give any aromatherapy treatment to clients who are about to visit a Turkish bath, sunbed, or beach; the permeability of essential oils into the skin increases significantly in these environments.
Avoid oils suspected of acting as sensitizers to Atopic clients who suffer from hay fever, allergic rhinitis, eczema, asthma, wool or animal intolerance.
Those who suffer from these allergies are 13.5 times more likely to develop contact dermatitis.
Citrus Peel, Calamus or Sassafras oils are contraindicated for clients with histories of melanoma, senile patches, large moles, extensive dark freckles or skin cancer.
Safety Tips for Working With Oils-
This section will be presented on video.
Please take your notes for this section.
OILS NOT RECOMMENDED CHART
Plant Aromatics- A data & reference manual on essential oils and aromatic plant extracts. Researched & Published by Martin Watt
The following should not be applied to the skin except for traces used in perfumes.
* Indicates Very Hazardous
| Almond | bitter *** |
| Bergamot | expressed* |
| Birch | sweet and Birch Tar oil |
| Boldo | Leaf |
| Cade* | |
| Calamus** | |
| Camphor | Brown, yellow or unrectified* |
| Cassia | |
| Cedarwood Himalayan | |
| Cinnamon | Bark |
| Colophony* | |
| Costus | Root** |
| Fig Leaf | Absolute |
| Horseradish* | |
| Inula helenium* | |
| Mustard | Volatile* |
| Opoponax | |
| Pennyroyal | |
| Peru | Balsam* |
| Rue | Absolute |
| Sassafras** | |
| Tansy | |
| Terebinth | |
| Thuja | |
| Tolu | Balsam |
| Turpentine | Unrectified |
| Verbena | Lippia citriodora |
| Wintergreen | Methyl Salicylate |
| Wormwood | |
| Wormseed |
Croton Oil, Savin Oil, Wormseed Oil, and Chenopodium are illegal in the UK except by prescription and are hazardous.
Information from: Sheppard-Hangar, Martin Watt, Robert Tisserand.
ESSENTIAL OIL TOXICITY LEVELS
Essential oils should not be taken internally. Some oils are toxic in small quantities. Thankfully, most of them, such as wormseed, are not commonly sold in the market.
Tisserand and Young pg. 26-say most essential oils will probably cause severe problems if drunk in sufficient quantity. Tea tree has become a problem lately, not because it is incredibly toxic, but because it is common and availability can increase problems if people engage in unsafe practices, like oral ingestion. Avoid these problems and do not take essential oils internally unless you occasionally ingest a drop or two of “safer” essential oils for therapeutic or flavour-enhancing purposes over a short period. Ensure essential oils never get into the hands of babies, young children, or mentally impaired adults.
Except where indicated, the lethal dose applies to 3-year-old children.
Almond (bitter) 13 ml
Basil 8 ml
Black Cherry- Contains natural cyanide. Please don’t use this.
Birch 3.5 ml
Boldo 1.8ml
Calamus 11 ml
Camphor Amount not specified
Cinnamon Amount Not Specified
Clove Amount Not Specified
Deer tongue 10 ml
Dill Indian, A few MLS. have proven fatal.
Eucalyptus Globulus 5 ml
German Spearmint 6.5ml
Parsley Seed 1.5 MLS has been fatal for an adult woman.
Pennyroyal 3 ml
Rue 15 ml
Tansy 5 ml
Thuja 10 ml
Thymus 8 ml
Tonka 14 ml
Turpentine 10 ml
Wintergreen 3.5 ml
Wormwood 13 ml
Wormseed – A few drops killed a baby.
Information from: Sheppard-Hanger, Martin Watt, Robert Tisserand.
Oils that may Cause Significant Burning
to Mucous Membranes if Ingested:
Birch, Camphor, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniper, Mints, Pepper, Pimento, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Tansy, Thyme, Turpentine.
Information from: Sheppard-Hangar, Martin Watt, Robert Tisserand.
Oils Which, if Applied Neat to the Skin, may Cause Burning or Severe Irritation:
Birch, Black Pepper, Cayenne, Boldo, Camphor, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Ginger, Juniper, Mints, Pepper, Pimento, Thyme, Turpentine.
Anything you are sensitive to or allergic to.
Again, remember your pets. Essential oils should not be used with pets—do not give them oils internally or put them on their fur, which they will lick. Even diffusion of essential oils may cause problems with some pets, so practice extreme caution.
Information from: Sheppard-Hanger, Martin Watt, Robert Tisserand.
Scroll to the Downloads at the bottom of the page to get your Toxicology Hand Out- from the Practical Potions, Accompanying Journal.