Essential oils can be of tremendous benefit, to all the family. It is not my intention to deter the use of these wonderful botanicals family wide - however, just because they are natural, does not mean that they are without potential risk. 

Essential oils are highly concentrated, botanical extracts and should ALWAYS be diluted - Either with water, or with a carrier oil for topical application. Carrier oils are very much the 'unsung heroes' of the essential oil world. If you experience problems with dry, greasy or sensitive skin - tremendous results can be achieved by using the applicable carrier oil as a susbtitute moisturiser or cleansing agent. Equally, the correct carrier oil choice can make or break the functionality of a topical blend for dermatological complaints. I DO NOT recommend the ingestion of essential oils in any circumstance. Thorough investigation into the effects of ingestion (both to the physical anatomy and the volatile chemical compounds (VOC's) of essential oils) have not yet been completed. Topical, trans-dermal application has been proven to be fully systemic within 15 minutes of application. Therefore, I am unconvinced that ingestion can offer any additional benefits and will not condone these actions. 

There are Essential oils that should be avoided with children- either via inhalation, topical application or both - hereby referred to as "all routes". Subsequently, you will typically find them absent from any of my written blends being a mother myself. Nature offers a bounty of options and and alternatives. A child friendly alternative oil, is more often than not, equally suitable. Should you feel it absolutely necessary to personally utilise an oil contra-indicated for use in children, my recommendation would be inhalation via personal inhalator. Some essential oils have also been determined to be unsafe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding via all routes. This is largely due to them containing chemical constituents that have been proven to be potentially harmful during this delicate physical process. 

Essential oils are frequently categorised by plant name and species or chemotype. For example, Lavender essential oil. Although, all of which are 'technically' Lavender, Lavandula Angustifolia will have far more therapeutic benefit than the aggressive traits of Lavendula Latifolia. Please consider and note the name and chemotype of the oils, to minimise confusion with oils of a similar name. Should counter-indicated oils not specify a chemotype, assume that ALL chemotypes should be avoided.

If you are diagnosed with any of the following, stictly avoid the counter-indicated oils and consult a GP or trained professional before use of essential oils:

• HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.
• EPILEPSY: Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.
• LOW BLOOD PRESSURE: Chamomile, Marjoram, Ylang Ylang.

For further information and an easy checklist, please refer to the Botanical A-Z.