HOW TO USE

ESSENTIAL OILS SAFELY

CHEATSHEET
IMPORTANT NOTE: For the sake of space, some oils are listed in multiple locations. If an oil exists in two locations, that
means it is generally regarded as safe, but has a contraindication for a certain sub-population and should be researched if you
have any concerns.

example #1: Helichrysum is regarded as safe across the board. However, for those who have blood clotting issues or who are
already taking blood thinners, it should be avoided.

Example #2: Cedar, juniper, and chamomile should be avoided during pregnancy, but certain varieties are considered safe
while breastfeeding.

Essential Oils That Are NOT SAFE for Children Essential Oils That Are
SAFE During Pregnancy & Labor
Not safe under 6 Not safe under 2 Bergamot Geranium Lemon Pine
Aniseed Fennel Peppermint Balsam Lemon Balm Rambiazana Cedarwood Ginger Mandarin Rose
Anise, Star Galangal Ravintsara Benzoin Lemon Basil Saffron Coriander Grapefruit Marjoram Spearmint
Birch Ho Leaf Rosemary Black Seed Lemon Leaf Savory Cypress Helichrysum Neroli Spruce
Cajeput Laurel Sage Cassia Lemon Verbena Tea Fir Juniper Berry Patchouli Tangerine
Cardamon Marjoram, Sanna Clove Lemongrass Treemoss Frankincense Lavender Peppermint Tea Tree
Chaste Tree Spanish Saro Garlic May Chang Ylang-ylang
Cornmint Myrtle Wintergreen Gingerlily Oakmoss Essential Oils That Are
SAFE During Breastfeeding
Euchalyptus Niaouli Hyssop Oregano

Bergamot Coriander Helichrysum Patchouli

Ways to use Common Essential Oils That Blue Tansy
Cedar, Atlas
Cypress
Dillweed
Juniper Berry
Lavender
Pine
Rose
essential oils Are SAFE for Children Cedar, Virginian Fir Lemongrass Spearmint
Chamomile, Frankincense Lemon Spruce
Herbs & hydrosols are preferable for children under 2 German Geranium Mandarin Tangerine
Aromatically Bergamot Geranium Neroli Chamomile, Ginger Marjoram Tea Tree
Place essential oils in an essential oil Camphor Grapefruit Orange, Sweet Roman Grapefruit Neroli
diffuser according to manufacturers Cedarwood, Atlas Helichrysum Orange, Blood
directions Chamomile, German Hemlock Patchouli

Topically
Citronella Jasmine Absolute Rose Absolute Essential oils to Avoid During
Clary Sage Juniper Berry Sandalwood
Add to beauty products, such as lip Coriander Lavender Spearmint Pregnancy, Labor, and while
balm, lotion, & sunscreen
Rub on skin via a carrier oil
Cypress
Fir, Pine, & Spruce
Lemon
Mandarin
Tangerine
Tea Tree
Breastfeeding
Frankincense Marjoram, Sweet Vanilla Aniseed Cinnamon Jasmine Peppermint2
Internally Anise, Star Chamomile1 Juniper1 Rosemary
Consume ONLY as directed by a Angelica Clary Sage3 Marjoram Sage
certified health practitioner Essential Oils That Are Basil Clove Mustard Tansy

NOT SAFE for Pets

Birch Dill Mugwart Tarragon
Steam or vapor Inhalation Black Pepper Euchalyptus Myrrh Thyme
Add essential oils to hot water or a Avoid these essential oils with all animals except under professional Black Seed Fennel Nutmeg Wintergreen
humidifier and inhale steam or vapor supervision. Never use essential oils neat (undiluted) with pets - consider Camphor Feverfew Oregano Wormwood
using hydrosols with small animals instead. Carrot Seed Helichrysum4 Parsley Yarrow
Direct Inhalation Anise Garlic Pennyroyal Tea Tree Oil Cedar1 Hyssop Pennyroyal
Use a personal inhaler according to Birch Goosefoot Peppermint Terebinth 1
avoid during pregnancy; certain varieties safe while breastfeeding
manufacturers directions or waft oils Bitter Almond Horseradish Pine Thuja 2
okay during pregnancy; avoid while breastfeeding
directly from their bottle. Boldo Hyssop Rue Thyme 3
can cause contractions; good for inducing labor under supervision
Calamus Juniper Santolina Wintergreen 4
generally safe, but avoid if you have blood clotting issues
Camphor Mugwort Sassafras Wormwood
Cassia Mustard Savory Yarrow
Sources Clove Oregano Tansy Ylang-ylang Use Extra Caution with
Essential Oil Safety, Robert Tisserand
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Essential Oils While Pregnant
Aromahead Institute
Mountain Rose Herbs Essential Phototoxic and Breastfeeding
The Truth About Essential Oil Safety, Lea Harris
The East-West School for Herbal & Aromatic Studies oils to Avoid Essential Oils During pregnancy:
Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals, Kristen Leigh Bell
completely Do Not expose your
skin to the Sun after
Never use essential oils neat (undiluted).
Never ingest essential oils.
Prepared by Kresha Faber using these oils
Bitter Almond Mustard Do not use steam inhalation.
NourishingJoy.com & NaturallySavvyMom.com Bergamot Verbena During the first trimester, do not use oils topically. Diffuse only.
Boldo Pine (Huon)
Cumin Lime (if cold During the second and third trimesters, essential oils may be
Disclaimer: I am not a certified aromatherapist or health Cade Sassafras used topically at half the recommended dilution strength.
Dill pressed)
professional. Im a mom on a mission to help create healthy
(unrectified) Savin During labor, do NOT add essential oils to a birthing pool
families and equip those who want to live thoughtful, intentional
Grapefruit Orange, Bitter
lives. This printable infographic concisely replaces my Camphor Snakeroot
overbulging binders of notes to provide information at-a-glance Lemon (if Orange, While breastfeeding:
(Brown)
and is not to be construed as medical advice, but as a starting Tea Tree cold pressed) Sweet
Fig Leaf Peppermint essential oil should be avoided while nursing
point for your own research into how to use essential oils wisely (Black) (distilled)
and well in your own home. Lemon Dilute all essential oils to half-strength
Horseradish Wormseed Rue

Best Practices
Standard Dilution Chart for Essential Oils
for healing salves, massage oils, and other topical applications for Essential Oils
Dilution 0.25% 1% 2% 3% 5% 10% 25% Essential oils are very concentrated substances and should be diluted for nearly
every use. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and pets. Store essential
drops of essential oil per 1 tsp oils in a dark, cool place for the best long-term efficacy.
--- 1 2 3 5 10 25
(5 mL) of carrier oil

0.25% dilution Children 6 months - 6 years

drops of essential oil per 2 tsp Use very sparingly under age two
--- 2 4 6 10 20 50
(10 mL) of carrier oil Dilution may be increased 0.5% for short periods

drops of essential oil per 3 tsp 1% dilution Children over age 6

--- 3 6 9 15 30 75 Pregnant women
(15 mL) of carrier oil
Elderly adults
Those with sensitive skin, compromised immune
drops of essential oil per 4 tsp systems, or other serious health issues
1 4 8 12 20 40 100
(20 mL) of carrier oil For massaging over a large area of the body

drops of essential oil per 5 tsp 2% dilution Ideal for most adults and in most situations,
--- 5 10 15 25 50 125 including daily skin care
(25 mL) of carrier oil
3% dilution Used short-term for a temporary health
drops of essential oil per 6 tsp issue, such as a muscle injury or respiratory
--- 6 12 18 30 60 150
(30 mL) of carrier oil congestion. Up to 10% dilution is acceptable,
depending on the health concern, the age of the
person, and the oils being used.
drops of essential oil per 1/2 cup
6 24 48 72 120 250 625
(125 mL) of carrier oil
25% dilution Short-term use only, such as for muscle
cramping, bad bruising, or severe pain.
drops of essential oil per 1 cup
12 49 99 150 250 500 1250 Using oils neat Use caution when using EOs undiluted, as some
(250 mL) of carrier oil
(undiluted) individuals can experience irritation or sensitivity.
Lavendar may be used neat for short periods,
1 fluid ounce (US) = 6 teaspoons 20 drops = 1 milliliter (mL) such as for bug bites, burns, stings, or cramps.
29.5 mL = 1 fluid ounce (US) 100 drops = 1 teaspoon (tsp)

Updated 29 May 2016