An essential oil is a wonderful natural product that we are fortunate to be able to use. However, there may be times when it is not safe to use an essential oil. Contraindications refer, for example, to situations where the user is taking certain medications or has medical conditions that could be adversely affected by the essential oil. It is also important to take into account vulnerable groups such as older people, children and pregnant women.
Essential oils should always be used as a complementary treatment and never as a medicine or as a substitute for a doctor or other healthcare professional. We always recommend that you consult a doctor first if you have any symptoms, and that you discuss the use of essential oils with your treating doctor if you are taking any medication.
You can find the contraindications for all single oils listed in the text on our website. However, we would still like to set out a number of important points clearly for you.
- People with epilepsy should always consult a doctor or aromatherapist before using essential oils
- When using homeopathic remedies, always consult a homeopathic doctor first before using essential oils alongside them
- In the case of serious illnesses such as cancer, heart problems and high blood pressure, always consult a doctor or aromatherapist first. Do not use an oil to treat specific symptoms on your own!
- Do not apply oil to open wounds or inflamed areas
- The use of essential oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding is not recommended. Read more about this on the page ‘Essential Oils and Pregnancy’
- Always exercise great care when using essential oils on babies and children. Do not use essential oils on babies under 6 months of age. For information on safe use with children, please refer to the blog on the use of essential oils with babies and children
- All citrus oils increase sensitivity to sunlight. It is therefore not advisable to apply these oils to the skin in sunny weather, as this can cause permanent pigmentation marks on the skin
- We do not recommend using this product on extremely sensitive skin, for example during or after radiotherapy or chemotherapy
- The use of essential oils in cases of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychosis should always be discussed with the treating doctor due to the use of medication
- Use with caution if you have asthma or COPD. In some people, the use of essential oils may actually make the symptoms worse
- Never apply an essential oil undiluted to the skin
- We advise against ingesting essential oils. You can find more information in our blog on taking oil.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this website is not intended to replace the services or advice provided by trained (medical) professionals and/or healthcare organisations, such as GPs, medical specialists, A&E services, (acute) mental health services, physiotherapists and psychotherapists. Neither the information on this website nor the features available on it should be regarded as a substitute for medical or other professional help, care, support or information, and is not intended as an aid to making a (self-)diagnosis. The information is intended as general guidance and is not specifically directed at any individual person or any specific medical situation, such as that of a visitor to the site or someone in their circle. This means that visitors should not attach any diagnostic or therapeutic value to the information in relation to their own medical situation or that of others.
𝙻𝚒𝚎𝚏𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚝 𝚣𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚖
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