because knowledge is comfort...

Background information on essential oils

Pure essential oils are the distilled essence of plants so can be very powerful. Because of this, some oils have cautions attached to them, although not all authors agree or even comment on the issue. Julia Lawless (1995), for example, issues many cautions, while others, such as Marcel Lavabre (1990), offer very few, suggesting instead that 'the list of contra-indications seems to be growing by the day, with no scientific or anecdotal evidence to sustain it'.
In 1995, five years after Lavabre's lament, a thoroughly researched set of safety data was published (Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals). This is essentially the 'bible' of essential oil safety, so where dispute exists between authors this is the text we use to arbitrate.
The listing below presents relevant data about the essential oils used in alt products, with the proportion used wherever a caution is present.

Infants and children

Avoid dermal applications of essential oils for newborn infants. Over 2 months and up to 2 years a 0.5-1% dilution of a non-irritant oil such as lavender or mandarin is acceptable. From 2 years onwards no more than half the normal adult dilution should be used, while from age 12 onwards an adult quantity of maximum 3% is allowable.
Babies may be helped to sleep by burning 25 drops of lavender and/or mandarin in an electric oil burner (never a candle burner). Choose one that is fitted with a safety light.

Pregnancy
Tisserand & Balacs recommend that as a general safety precaution during pregnancy, essential oils should be confined to external application only, and then at a maximum concentration of no more than 2%.
With pregnancy we have deviated from the policy of relying on Tisserand & Balacs to arbitrate and have also included cautions from Lawless (1995). None of these are named by Tisserand and Balacs, who are very clear about those oils they consider unsafe for use during pregnancy. The Lawless cautions are included, however, so that should any woman have a particular concern she can consult her doctor with specific information.

* Compiled from Robert Tisserand & Tony Balacs, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Professionals.

The essential oils

Bay (Pimento racemosa): relatively non-toxic and non-irritant if used in moderation; non-sensitizing. Extensively used in fragrance work, soaps, perfumes and hair lotions, and in the food and beverage industries. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- flower (hand/body lotion), 0.1%

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin): non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization in some individuals. Used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- chamomile skin cream, 0.1%
- dermal comfort, 0.1%
- nourishing e-lotion #3 (dry skin), 0.08%

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia): non-toxic, relatively non-irritant, phototoxic (reacts to direct sunlight) when used in dilutions greater than 0.4%. Alternatively, a bergapten-free variant of bergamot is available, which is non-phototoxic. Where the blend quantity for dermal applications exceeds maximum use level, the bergapten-free variant is substituted. Used in cosmetic products, creams, soaps, suntan lotions and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries - most famously in Earl Grey tea. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- bathroom bliss air spray, 0.3%
- bug spray (PETS), 0.67% (bergapten-free)
- citrus hand and body lotion, 0.36%
- coat and skin conditioning spray (PETS), 0.2%
- insect aside, 0.67% (bergapten-free)
- nourishing facial oil (sun damaged skin), 1.00% (bergapten-free)
- peptonic facial spritz, 0.2%
- pooch shampoo (PETS), 0.2%
- quietude massage oil, 1.16% (bergapten-free)
- relaxing massage oil (PETS), 0.2%
- scenter air spray, 0.5% (maximum use relates to dermal applications)
- soothe facial spritz, 0.3%

Carrot seed (Daucus carota): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes and by the food industry. Pregnant women may wish to consult their doctor re use during pregnancy. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- nourishing e-lotion #1 (oily skin), 0.16%
- nourishing e-lotion #2 (normal/combination skin), 0.1%
- nourishing e-lotion #3 (dry skin), 0.08%
- nourishing facial oil (sun damaged skin), 1.5%

Cedarwood atlas (Cedrus atlantica): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used in cosmetics and perfumes. Pregnant women may wish to consult their doctor re use during first trimester. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- coat & skin conditioning spray, 0.2%
- peptonic, 0.1%
- pooch shampoo, 0.2%
- soothe, 0.06%

Cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): leaf oil is relatively non-toxic; possibly irritant to the mucous membranes. Should not be used at more than 3% concentration. Is used, among other things, in nasal sprays, cough syrups and dental preparations and by the food and beverage industries. Pregnant women may wish to consult their doctor re use during first trimester. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- scenter in a proportion of 0.18%

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus): non-toxic, non-irritant; occasional sensitization in some individuals. Extensively used in soaps, household goods, industrial perfumes, insect repellents and by the food and beverage industries. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- bathroom bliss, 0.14%
- bug spray (PETS), 0.88%
- insect aside, 0.88%

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries. Do not use if intoxicated by alcohol (can exaggerate its effects). Pregnant women may wish to consult their doctor re use during first trimester. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- sleep, 0.2%

Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata): clove oil can cause skin and mucous membrane irritation. Should be used in low dilutions (ie, less than 1%). Is used, among other things, in dental preparations, soaps, toiletries, cosmetics and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries. Pregnant women may wish to consult their doctor re use during first trimester. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- scenter, 0.07%
- seduce, 0.04%

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used by the pharmaceutical industry and as a fragrance in perfumes and colognes.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, and by the pharmaceutical industry.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Is used, among other things, in cosmetic products, creams, soaps, perfumes and by the food and beverage industries. Pregnant women may wish to consult their doctor prior to use. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- cool woman, 0.4%
- nourishing e-lotion #2 (normal/combination skin), 0.1%
- reverse thrust, 0.3%
- scenter, 0.36%

German chamomile (Maticaria recutica): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used in antiseptic ointments and in tonic preparations; extensively used in cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, hair and bath products and by the food and beverage industries.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Non-toxic, non-irritant; may cause sensitization in some individuals. Used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfumes and by the food and beverage industries. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- arthritis massage oil, 0.32%
- river peppermint rub, 0.14%

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Extensively used in soaps, toiletries and high-class floral and oriental fragrances, and in the food and beverage industries.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Because it is so versatile, lavender, in all its variants, is the most widely used of all the essential oils. Used in all types of soaps, lotions and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries.

Lemon (Citrus limon): non-toxic. Phototoxic if used in dilutions greater than 2%. Extensively used in soaps, cosmetics, toilet waters and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- bathroom bliss, 0.43%
- coat/skin conditioning spray (PETS), 0.2%
- nourishing e-lotion #1, 0.2%
- peptonic, 0.2%
- pooch shampoo (PETS), 0.2%
- repel smell (PETS), 0.29%
- scenter room spray, 0.36%

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): non-toxic; possible sensitization/irritation for some individuals if used undiluted. Extensively used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries.

Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used in perfumes, colognes and toiletries and by the food and beverage industries.

Lemon-scented tea tree (Leptospermum petersoni): non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing unless applied undiluted.

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Phototoxic if used in dilutions greater than 0.7%. Used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries. The juice is used to make citric acid. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- clean start shave gel, 0.4%
- seduce room spray, 0.5%

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic. Used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries.

Marjoram (Origanum marjorana): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used in soaps, colognes and perfumes and by the food industry. Pregnant women may wish to consult their doctor re use during pregnancy. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- river peppermint rub, 0.36%
- sleep, 0.2%

Melissa (Melissa officinalis): non-toxic; possible sensitization if used in high dilutions. Extensively used in cosmetics and toiletries, and by the food and beverage industries. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- chamomile skin cream (PETS), 0.1%
- dermal comfort, 0.1%

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha): non-irritant, non-sensitizing, possibly toxic in high concentration. Pregnant women may wish to consult their doctor re use during pregnancy. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- shea butter & rosewood clay cleansing bar, 0.2%

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon marinii): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used in cosmetics, perfumes and soaps.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Extensively used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries.

Peppermint (Mentha arvensis, Mentha piperita): non-toxic, non-irritant; menthol may cause sensitization in some individuals. Low concentration (less than 1%) is advised. Used in pharmaceuticals, soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and industrial fragrances, and by the food industry. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- bug spray (PETS) (piperita), 0.64%
- dog spritz (PETS) (piperita), 0.4%
- foot fetish (piperita), 0.66%
- insect aside (piperita), 0.64%
- repel smell (PETS) (arvensis), 0.14%

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Extensively used in soaps, cosmetics, colognes and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries.
River peppermint gum (Eucalyptus elata): non-toxic, non-sensitizing, may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- river peppermint rub, 0.14%

Rose (Rosa centifolia): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Extensively used in perfumery and cosmetics.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used extensively in soaps, cosmetics, household sprays and by the food and beverage industries. Anyone with epilepsy should apply with caution. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- arthritis massage oil (PETS), 0.64%
- chamomile skin cream (PETS), 0.1%
- peptonic, 0.1%

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used in soaps, toiletries, cosmetics and perfumes and by the food and beverage industries.

Sandalwood (Santalum album): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Extensively used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, in the production of incense and by the food and beverage industries.

Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestrus): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics and toiletries, and by the food and beverage industries.

Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Because it is so versatile, lavender, in all its variants, is the most widely used of all the essential oils.

Star anise (Illicium verum): Non-sensitizing, non-irritant but should be avoided by those with hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin. Its recommended maximum use level is 1.5%. Used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, and as a flavoring in toothpastes, food, confectionary and beverages. Pregnant women may wish to consult their doctor before use. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- cool woman, 0.2%

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis): non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Extensively used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, and by the food and beverage industries.

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization in some individuals. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- bathroom bliss, 0.14%

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): can cause dermal irritation and sensitization in some individuals. People with high blood pressure should avoid use. Present in the following alt products in the stated proportions:
- bathroom bliss, 0.14%)

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata): non-toxic, not-irritant, a few cases of sensitization reported. Used in cosmetics and perfumes and by the beverage industry.

*Sources
Battaglia, S, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Perfect Potion, Qld, 1995.
Edwards, Victoria H, The Aromatherapy Companion, Storey Books, Vermont, 1999.
Lavarbe, Marcel, Aromatherapy Workbook, Healing Arts Press, Vermont, 1990 (revised).
Lawless, Julia, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Element Books, Boston, 1995.
Tisserand, R and Balacs, T, Essential Oil Safety, Churchhill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1995.
Webb, Mark A, Bush Sense: Australian Essential Oils & Aromatic Compounds, Griffin Press, Adelaide, 2000.