Safety Precautions
Not all natural plants or plant products are beneficial to health. Deadly Nightshade can be poisonous and stinging nettles sting. The following essential oils should not be used under any circumstances.
| Bitter Almond | Rue |
| Boldo Leaf | Sassafras |
| Calamus | Savin |
| Yellow Camphor | Southernwood |
| Horseradish | Tansy |
| Jaborandi Leaf | Thuja |
| Mugwort | Wintergreen |
| Mustard | Wormseed |
| Pennyroyal | Wormwood |
(list as recommended by the International Federation of Aromatherapists Code of Practice)
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant essences and should not be taken orally unless under medical supervision.
People with sensitive skin or allergic reactions to aromatic materials should always do a skin test twenty-four hours before use.
Some essential oils have been documented as being photo-sensitive and should not be applied to the skin before exposure to the sun. Of those mentioned in the above list, those that may fall into this category are among the citrus oils - especially bergamot and also angelica.
Reference: The Fragrant Heavens / Valerie Ann Worwood