Hazardous Essential Oils

Essential Oils should never be used internally but some can be hazardous if used externally as well. Although most essential oils are safe to use, there are some you want to avoid in certain situations. This article will examine hazardous essential oils.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Rue, Thyme and Sage

Mugwort essential oil, Pennyroyal essential oil, Rue essential oil, Thyme essential oil and Sage essential oil are some of the few hazardous essential oils that shouldn't be used in any capacity. The concentrated essences of these plants, the essential oils, are hazardous and should always be avoided. Although the plants may be used safely, the essential oils of these plants are toxic and without a doubt, hazardous.

All of the other essential oils listed below are safe to use except in the certain situations listed. Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Rue, Thyme and Sage essential oils are the most hazardous of all the essential oils.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Bergamot

Bergamot is one of the hazardous essential oils that are safe if used correctly. However, Bergamot essential oil is Phototoxic. This means that it can be used externally but if the skin is exposed to sunlight, severe sunburn could occur.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Camphor

Camphor is another of the relatively safe hazardous essential oils. However, prolonged inhalation of Camphor essential oil can cause headaches.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Cinnamon

Cinnamon essential oil, made from either bark or leaf, is one of the hazardous essential oils that can irritate the skin. It's nice to use in candles and potpourris but should not be applied to the skin.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Clary Sage

Clary Sage essential oil is another of the hazardous essential oils that is used very often. It should not be inhaled for prolonged periods of time or could cause headaches. Otherwise, it's safe to use for most applications.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Clove

Clove essential oil is one of the hazardous essential oils that will irritate the skin. It's useful for many things but should not be applied to the skin in any way.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Fennel

If used correctly, Fennel essential oil can be very beneficial. However, it's one of the hazardous essential oils that should be avoided by pregnant women. It is an irritant that can also cause epileptic episodes and so should also be avoided by anyone with this condition.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Hyssop

Like Fennel essential oil, Hyssop essential oil should also be avoided by pregnant women. It's also another of the hazardous essential oils that can cause epileptic episodes and so should be avoided by anyone with epilepsy.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemon Grass and Lemon Verbena

While these essential oils are not hazardous when used properly, they can be irritating if applied directly to the skin. I use these oils often in cleaning and deodorizing but they shouldn't be used in baths or direct applications.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Marjoram

Marjoram essential oil is safe to use unless you are pregnant. Pregnant women should avoid this and all other of the hazardous essential oils.

Hazardous Essential Oils - Ylang-Ylang

Ylang-Ylang essential oil is safe to use but prolonged inhalation may cause headaches. I often use this essential oil in bath and body products without a problem.