Quintessential Oils

Essential Oil Safety Information

All contents of this site are to be used as informational guidelines only. We are not responsible for the misuse of any of the oils or herbs listed. We cannot and do not prescribe. The aromatherapy and herbal products listed in our site are listed as alternative health maintenance aids. They are not recommended for use in place of treatment for disease. Please consult a competent health care practitioner when appropriate. People differ and their responses to essential oils & herbs may differ. Therefore, we urge you to be careful, to learn all that you can about the products you're using and to treat yourself and the Herbal Kingdom with respect. Safety precautions must always be considered before using essential oils. The user should be knowledgeable about essential oil properties and actions before any use. Because of their high concentration, a little bit goes a long way. Most essential oils may cause skin irritations if not diluted in a carrier oil. Some oils may be toxic if taken internally or used in excessive quantities. We do not advocate taking essential oils internally. Proceed carefully and with guidance from a trained aromatherapist if any of the following situations exist: pregnancy, breastfeeding, high blood pressure, epilepsy, open wounds, diabetes, rashes, neurological disorders, or if taking prescription medications or homeopathic remedies. Keep out of reach of children and pets! Listed below is a list of possible known contra-indications for each essential oil. There may be additional contra-indications not included in the general list below. We highly recommend consulting an aromatherapy book which explains the benefits and contraindications of each oil. A Glossary of Medical Terms is available for referencing different properties. Essential oils can be found under Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Blends. Carrier oils can be found under Carrier Oils. Please check specific data before purchasing oils as they are non-refundable. Please read our Ordering Information Page for complete details on our return policy. Enjoy!

Possible Contra-Indications

AGARWOOD (OUD aka Aloeswood) (Aquillaria Agallocha) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
AJOWAN (Trachyspermum Ammi) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
ALLSPICE (Pimenta Officinalis) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
AMMI VISNAGA (Ammi Visnaga) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
AMYRIS (Amyris Balsamifera) - Avoid with low blood pressure.
ANGELICA ROOT (Angelica Archangelica) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid with diabetes.
ANISE (Pimpinella Anisum) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Narcotic (trance inducing).
ANISE, STAR (Illicium Verum) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
APRICOT (Alcohol Extract) (Prunus Armeniaca) - Contains alcohol.
AZEALA ABSOLUTE (Azalea Species) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
BALSAM PERU OIL (Myroxylon Pereirae) - Possible skin irritant.
BALSAM, TOLU (Myroxylon Balsamum) - Possible skin irritant.
BASIL (Ocimum Varieties) - Can be highly toxic if used in large doses. Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with cancer or liver damage.
BAY LEAF (Pimenta Racemosa) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Narcotic (trance inducing).
BENZOIN ABSOLUTE (Styrax Benzoin) - Possible skin irritant.
BERGAMOT (Citrus Bergamia) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
BIRCH (Betula Varieties) - Can be toxic if used in large doses. Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
CAFE ABSOLUTE - Solid (Coffea Arabica) -This is an adrenal gland and nervous system stimulant so should be used with caution. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
CAJEPUT (Melaleuca Cajeputi) - Always dilute well! A powerful skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
CALENDULA (CO2) (Calendula Officinalis)
CALOPHYLLUM (Foraha) (Calophyllum Inophyllum)
CAMPHOR, WHITE (Cinnamomum Camphora) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with asthma or epilepsy. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies. Make certain that you only use WHITE Camphor.
CARAWAY SEED (Carum Carvi) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
CARDAMOM (Elettaria Cardamomum)
CARNATION ABSOLUTE (Dianthus Caryophyllus)
CARROT SEED (Daucus Carota)
CASSIA (Cinnamomum Cassia) - Heavy skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
CASSIE ABSOLUTE aka Sweet Acacia (Acacia Farnesiana) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
CEDARWOOD (Cedrus Varieties) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
CEDARWOOD, VIRGINIA (Juniperus Virginiana) - Can be highly toxic if used in large doses. Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with kidney disease.
CELERY SEED (Apium Graveolens) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
CHAMOMILE, GERMAN BLUE (Matricaria Chamomilla) - Should be avoided by those with allergies to ragweed.
CHAMOMILE, ROMAN (Anthemis Nobilis) - Should be avoided by those with allergies to ragweed.
CHAMOMILE, MOROCCAN (Ormensis Multicaulis) - Should be avoided by those with allergies to ragweed.
CHAMPACA ABSOLUTE (Michelia Champaca) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
CINNAMON (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) - Heavy skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
CISTUS (aka Labdanum) (Cistus Ladaniferus) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
CITRONELLA (Cymbopogan Nardus) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
CLARY SAGE (Salvia Sclarea) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with low blood pressure, epilepsy or if hormone dependent. Narcotic (trance inducing).
CLEMENTINE (Citrus Clementine) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
CLOVE BUD (Eugenia Caryphyllata) - Heavy skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid with liver disease. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
COCOA ABSOLUTE - Solid (Theobroma Cacao) - Can stimulate appetite.
COMBAVA PETITGRAIN (Rare Lime) (Citrus Hystrix) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
COPAIBA BALSAM (Copaifera Officinalis)
CORIANDER SEED (Coriandrum Sativum) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with kidney problems.
CUMIN SEED (Cuminum Cyminum) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
CYPRESS (Cypressus Sempervirens) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
CYPRESS, BLUE (Callistris Intratropica)
CYPRIOL aka Nagarmotha (Cyperus Scariosus) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
DAVANA (Artemesia Pallens) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
ELEMI (Canarium Luzonicum) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus Varieties) - Possible skin irritant. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
FENNEL, SWEET (Foeniculum Vulgare) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with cancer & epilepsy.
FIR NEEDLE (Varieties)
FRANGIPANI ABSOLUTE (Plumeria Rubra) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
FRANKINCENSE (Olibanum) (Boswellia Carterii)
GALANGAL ROOT (Alpinia Officinarum) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
GALBANUM (Ferula Gummosa) - Not to be used on babies or small children.
GARDENIA ABSOLUTE (Gardenia Jasminoides) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
GERANIUM, ROSE (Pelargonium Graveolens) - Possible skin irritant.
GINGER (Zingiber Officinale) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
GINGERGRASS (Cymbopogon Martinii Var Sofia) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
GINGERLILY ROOT aka Sanna (Hedychium Spicatum) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
GOTU KOLA ABSOLUTE (Centella Asiatica) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus Paradisii) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
GUAIAC WOOD - 60% (Bulnesia Sarmienti / Jojoba)
HAY ABSOLUTE (Foin Coupe) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
HAZELNUT (CO2)(Coryli Avellanae)
HELICHRYSUM (Helichrysum Italicum) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
HO WOOD (Cinnamomum Camphora) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
HONEY ABSOLUTE - Solid (Honey)
HONEYSUCKLE ABSOLUTE (Lonicera Caprifolium) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
HOPS (Humulus Lupulus) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid if hormone dependant.
HYSSOP (Hyssopus Officinalis) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with high blood pressure or epilepsy. Narcotic (trance inducing).
IMMORTELLE ABSOLUTE (Helichrysum Angustifolium) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
INULA (aka Elecampane) (Inula Graveolens) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
JASMINE ABSOLUTE (Jasminum Varieties) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
JONQUIL ABSOLUTE (Narcissus Jonquilla) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
JUNIPER BERRY (Juniperus Communis) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with kidney disease.
KARO KAROUNDE ABSOLUTE (Leptactina Senegambica) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
LAUREL LEAF (Laurus Nobilis) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
LAVENDER (Lavendula Varieties)
LAVANDIN, GROSSO (Lavendula Hybrida)
LAVENDER, SPIKE (Lavendula Latifolia) - Possible skin irritant.
LEMON (Citrus Limonum) - Possible skin irritant, Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
LEMON MYRTLE (Backhousia Citriodora) - Possible skin irritant.
LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon Citratus) - Possible skin irritant.
LIME (Citrus Aurantifolia) - Possible skin irritant, Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
LINDEN BLOSSOM ABSOLUTE (Tilia Cordata)
LITSEA CUBEBA (aka May Chang) (Litsea Cubeba) - Possible skin irritant.
LOTUS ABSOLUTE (Nelumbo Nucifera) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
LOVAGE (Levisticum Officinale) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
MANDARIN, RED (Citrus Reticulata) - Possible skin irritant.
MANGOGINGER (Circuma Amada) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
MANUKA (Tea Tree, NZ) (Leptospermum Scoparium)
MARJORAM, SPANISH (Thymus Mastichina) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid with high blood pressure or asthma.
MARJORAM, SWEET (Origanum Marjorana) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid with high blood pressure or asthma.
MELISSA (aka Lemon Balm) (Melissa Officinalis) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
MIMOSA ABSOLUTE - Solid (Acacia Decurrens) - Possible skin irritant.
MINT, BERGAMOT (Mentha Citrata) - Possible skin irritant. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
MUGWORT, WHITE (Artemisia Herba Alba) - USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION! Can be highly toxic if used in large doses or for extended use. Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid with epilepsy. Not to be used on babies or small children.
MUHUHU (Brachyleana Hutchinsii)
MYRRH (Commiphera Species) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
MYRTLE, RED (Myrtus Communis)
NARCISSUS ABSOLUTE (Narcissus Poeticus)
NEROLI (aka Orange Blossom) (Citrus Aurantium) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
NEROLINA aka MQV (Melaleuca Quinquenervia, chemotype LN) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
NIAOULI (Melaleuca Viridiflora)
NUTMEG (Myristica Fragrans) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Narcotic (trance inducing). Can be toxic if used in large quantities.
OAKMOSS ABSOLUTE (Evernia Prunastri)
OPOPANAX (Commiphora Erythrea) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
ORANGE (Citrus Varieties) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure)
OREGANO (Origanum or Thymus Varieties) - Powerful skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with asthma or liver disease.
ORRIS ROOT (CO2) (Iris Pallida) - Possible skin irritant or allergic reactions.
OSMANTHUS ABSOLUTE (Osmanthus Fragrans) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
PALMAROSA (Cymbopogon Martini)
PARSLEY, HERB (Petroselinum Sativum) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with kidney disease.
PATCHOULI (Pogostemon Cablin) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid with anorexia.
PEPPER, BLACK (Piper Nigrum) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with kidney disease. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
PEPPERMINT (Mentha Piperita) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid near eyes! Avoid during pregnancy (1st trimester). Not to be used on babies or small children. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
PETITGRAIN(Citrus Aurantium Varieties) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
PINE (Pinus Varieties) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid with high blood pressure.
RAVENSARA ANISATA (Ravensara Anisata) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with cancer and epilepsy.
RAVENSARA AROMATICA (Ravensara Aromatica)
ROSE (Rosa Varieties)
ROSEHIP (CO2) (Rosa Canina)
ROSEMARY (Rosemarinus Officinalis) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with high blood pressure, epilepsy or asthma. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
ROSEWOOD (aka Bois de Rose) (Aniba Rosaedora) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
SAGE (All Varities) - Can be highly toxic if used in large doses. (Spanish Sage is far less toxic than Dalmation Sage). Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with high blood pressure or epilepsy.
SANDALWOOD (Santalum Album) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid with kidney disease.
SAVORY, MOUNTAIN (Satureja Montana) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
SEABUCKTHORN BERRY (CO2) (Hippophae Rhamnoides)
SEAWEED ABSOLUTE (Fucus Vesiculosus)
SPEARMINT (Mentha Spicata) - Possible skin irritant. Neutralizes homeopathic remedies.
SPIKENARD (Nardostachys Jatamansi) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
SPRUCE (Picea Varieties)
ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum Perforatum) - Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
STYRAX (aka Storax) (Liquidamber Orientalis) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
TAGETES (aka Mexican Marigold) (Tagetes Minuta) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
TANACETUM ANNUUM (Blue Tansy) (Tanacetum Annuum) - Avoid with endocrine imbalance.
TANGERINE (Citrus Reticulata) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
TARRAGON (Artemisia Dracunculus) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
TEA TREE (All Varieties) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
THYME (Thymis Varieties) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid with high blood pressure or liver disease.
TOBACCO ABSOLUTE (Nicotine Free) (Nicotania Tabacum) - Not to be used on babies or small children.
TONKA BEAN ABSOLUTE (Dipteryx Odorata) - Do not use in large doses. Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
TUBEROSE ABSOLUTE (Polyanthes Tuberosa) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
TURMERIC (Curcuma Longa) - Adrenal gland stimulant. Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or in cases of acute jaundice or hepatitis. Not to be used on babies or small children.
VALERIAN (Valeriana Officinalis) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
VANILLA ABSOLUTE (Vanilla Planifolia)
VERBENA, LEMON (Lippia Citriodora) - Possible skin irritant. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure).
VETIVER (Vetiveria Zizanoides) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Avoid with liver disease.
VIOLET LEAF ABSOLUTE (Viola Oderata)
VITEX aka CHASTE BERRY (Vitex Agnus Castus) - Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding or if on birth control pills. Check with doctor before using if you are on a Hormone Replacement Therapy. Not to be used on men, babies or small children.
WHITE GINGERLILY ABSOLUTE (Hedychium Species) - Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
WINTERGREEN (Gaultheria Procumbens) - Can be highly toxic if used in large doses. Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children.
YARROW (Achillea Varities) - Possible skin irritant. Avoid with asthma or those with "weed dermatitis". Avoid in pregnancy, with babies or small children.
YLANG YLANG (Cananga Oderata) - Possible skin irritant. Too much can cause headaches.
YUZU (aka Mikan Citrus) (Citrus Junos Siebold) - Possible skin irritant.

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