Essential Oils & Preganancy
Anise Pimpinella anisum – You want to see them telling you not to use on kids under 5 (not even diffusing). There should be a warning to avoid if pregnant and/or breastfeeding (the herb is good for increasing milk production, but you do want to avoid the essential oil). This is also potentially carcinogenic and should have a warning that if you use topically, use in a very low dilution.
Bergamot Citrus bergamia, Citrus aurantium – You want to see the warning of phototoxicity with this essential oil. To use safely, no more than a 0.4% topical dilution is recommended before sun exposure. Sometimes companies offer a bergapten-free/furanocoumarin-free option, which is not phototoxic.
Cinnamon Bark/Leaf Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum – You want to see a distinction between Cinnamon Bark and Cinnamon Leaf. There is a difference when it comes to proper dilution, as Cinnamon Bark should be diluted to 0.07% and Cinnamon Leaf 0.6%. You want to see suggestions for diluting well if used topically due to sensitization risk, as well as a warning that these can inhibit blood clotting.
Clove Bud/Leaf/Stem Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata – You don’t want to see this suggested for teething babies, as it is a moderate mucous membrane irritant and sensitizer which should not be used on kids under age 2. Clove is also an essential oil which can inhibit blood clotting.
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus maidenii, Eucalyptus plenissima, Eucalyptus kochii, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus Autraliana,Eucalyptus phellandra, Eucalyptus smithii – You want to see warnings for avoiding using around children under the age of 10 – yes, even E. radiata, as it can cause slowed respiration.
Fennel (Bitter, Sweet) Foeniculum vulgare subsp. Capillaceum, Foeniculum vulgare – You want to see warnings for not using on children, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, and to dilute well if using topically on anyone else due to them being potentially carcinogenic. You don’t want to see this suggested for use on lactating women to boost milk production.
Lemon Citrus x limon, Citrus limonum – You want to see warnings for diluting well before applying topically, due to its phototoxicity. Lemon should be diluted to 2% if used topically before going out in the sun. You don’t want to see suggestions for adding to your drinking water.
Peppermint Mentha x Piperita – You want to see warnings for not using on children under age 6 due to the possibility of slowed respiration.
Wintergreen Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gaultheria procumbens – you want to see warnings for avoiding on children, and recommendations for diluting heavily.
Bergamot Citrus bergamia, Citrus aurantium – You want to see the warning of phototoxicity with this essential oil. To use safely, no more than a 0.4% topical dilution is recommended before sun exposure. Sometimes companies offer a bergapten-free/furanocoumarin-free option, which is not phototoxic.
Cinnamon Bark/Leaf Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum – You want to see a distinction between Cinnamon Bark and Cinnamon Leaf. There is a difference when it comes to proper dilution, as Cinnamon Bark should be diluted to 0.07% and Cinnamon Leaf 0.6%. You want to see suggestions for diluting well if used topically due to sensitization risk, as well as a warning that these can inhibit blood clotting.
Clove Bud/Leaf/Stem Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata – You don’t want to see this suggested for teething babies, as it is a moderate mucous membrane irritant and sensitizer which should not be used on kids under age 2. Clove is also an essential oil which can inhibit blood clotting.
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus maidenii, Eucalyptus plenissima, Eucalyptus kochii, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus Autraliana,Eucalyptus phellandra, Eucalyptus smithii – You want to see warnings for avoiding using around children under the age of 10 – yes, even E. radiata, as it can cause slowed respiration.
Fennel (Bitter, Sweet) Foeniculum vulgare subsp. Capillaceum, Foeniculum vulgare – You want to see warnings for not using on children, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, and to dilute well if using topically on anyone else due to them being potentially carcinogenic. You don’t want to see this suggested for use on lactating women to boost milk production.
Lemon Citrus x limon, Citrus limonum – You want to see warnings for diluting well before applying topically, due to its phototoxicity. Lemon should be diluted to 2% if used topically before going out in the sun. You don’t want to see suggestions for adding to your drinking water.
Peppermint Mentha x Piperita – You want to see warnings for not using on children under age 6 due to the possibility of slowed respiration.
Wintergreen Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gaultheria procumbens – you want to see warnings for avoiding on children, and recommendations for diluting heavily.