Precautions of Essential Oils

Some of you maybe interested in purchasing essential oils to use in making your own bath products. To assist you with your creations, I am going to list some of the most popular essential oils. For further information, you may want to consult an trained aromatherapist or a reference book on essential oils.

Basil - Usually stimulating but has a stupefying effect when used in access. An emmenagogue so perhaps best to avoid using this particular oil while pregnant. Also basil maybe an irritant to people with sensitive skin.

Bay - Bay maybe an irritant to the skin and possibly the mocous membrane, so it is best used with caution or not at all. Pregnant women should stay clear of it.

Bergamont - One should avoid use to bergamont after use because it is strong to sunlight which means that it increases photosensitivity of the skin, This is due to the chemical Bergaptene which will help with tanning, but will not protect the skin from burning. It may also irritate sensitive skin.

Carrot Seed - It is best to avoid during pregnancy.

Celery - Celery should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the early months.

Chamomile - It is regarded as an emmenagogue, so it should be avoided in the early months of pregnancy.

Cinnamon - The essential oil of the cinammon leaf is often preferred over the oil of the bark or the bud. The latter two may cause a severe skin reaction in some and also contain a large portion of Cinnamic Aldehyde often the cause of skin sensations. Nevertheless, cinammon leaf is a very powerful oil and should be used with care. Cinnamon essential oil would be best avoided in pregnancy as it could be abortifacient. A high dosage could cause convulsions.

Citronella - Can be a skin irritant.

Clary Sage - Can be very sedative and can make concentration very difficult, so it is best on to use before driving or using heavy machinery. Alcohol should not be consumed while under treatment of Clary Sage because it may result in feeling of nausea. Also, consider that large doses of Clary Sage can also produce headaches.

Clove -A very potent oil and should be used with caution. Using it during a massage may not be a good medium of application since skin irritation could occur.

Eucalyptus - A powerful oil so care should be taken with dosage. Best avoided by people with high blood pressure or epliespy. May antidate homeopathic medication.

Ginger - Could irritate sensitive skin.

Grapefruit - Skin irritations could occur if exposed to strong sunlight after treatment.

Jasmine - This oil should not be used until a woman is about to give birth. It will help to ease labor. Its overuse could distrub the bodily fluids "narotic" like properties may impede concentration. Certainly the powerful aroma indicates low dosage.

Juniper - Prolonged use of Juniper may overstimulate the kidneys. It certainly should be avoided in cases of severe kidny disease or other inflammatory conditions. An emmenagogue, so best avoided during pregnancy.

Lavender - Some people who suffer from low blood pressure may feel abit dull drowsy after using this oil. It is also an emmenagogue, so it would be best to avoid this oil in the early months of pregnancy.

Lemon - This oil may irritate to sensitive skin.

Lemongrass - This is a rather harsh essential oil and could irritate sensitive. Low dosage of this oil is best.

Lime - This oil may cause photosensitivity in presence of strong sunlight and possibily irritates sensitive skin.

Mandarin - This oil may phototoxic, so it best not to used before going out into strong sunlight.

Myrrh - This is an emmenagogue, so it best to be avoided during pregnancy.

Nutmeg - It is best to be cautious with this rather potent oil since prolonged use may overexcite the motor nerves possibly causing mental discomfort. At worst delerium and convulsions through conversely may induce numbness. Nutmeg could also overstimulate the heart as well as irritate the skin. It would be best to avoid during pregnancy and probably altogether.

Orange - Prolonged use and high dosage of Orange essential oil may irritate sensitive skin. And there is a change of phototoxicity as well.

Patchouli - Apparently this essential oil can be a sedative in low doses and rather stimulating in high doses. May cause loss of appetite which is fine if eating habits need to be curbed. Also, its odor may be a little persistent for some people.

Peppermint - Peppermint is a powerful and overwhelming aroma so care should be taken with dosage. It is probably best used in infusers rather than through masssage. Peppermint might be ok in local areas. It is likely to irritate the skin and mucous membranes, however it should be kept away from the eyes.

Rose - Since rose is an emmenagogue it is best avoided being used during pregnancy.

Rosemary - It is highly simulating action may not be suitable for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure. It should also be avoid being used during pregnancy since it is a emmenagogue. Rosemary might antidote homeopathic remedies.

Sage - A very powerful which in extreme cases may adversely effect the central nervous system by producing convulsions, epiletic fits or paralysis. Even low dosages can be toxic. Sage should not be used during pregnancy nor breastfeeding as it can stem the flow of milk. It may also induce excessive uterine spasms. Clary sage has similiar curative properties and is thought to be a safer alternative.

Sandlewood - A lingering aroma, often persists in clothes after they have been washed. It has aphordisiac qualities and should be used at your peril. Perhaps it is best to avoid during states of depression because it may lower mood even further.

Spearmint - A sharp oil which is not good for a total body massage unless a minute dosage is used. However, massaging spearmint oil in local areas may be a preferable option. The possibility of irritating the eyes as well as sensitive skin. It is best to avoid using peppermint during pregnancy. It also could antidote homeopathetic remedies.

Tangerine - Could be phototoxic and care shold be taken nto to expose the skin to strong sunlight after treatment.

Tarragon - There is some risk of toxicity with prolonged use and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Thyme - A very potent oil, one of the strongest anti-septics and toxicity is possible with prolonged use. Inhalation maybe preferable. Using thyme as a massage or bath oil can possibly could irritate the skin and the mucous membranes. Should not be used in cases of high blood pressure or during pregnancy.

Violet - Reputedly can cause sensitisations, so caution is advised.

Ylang-Ylang - Excessive use of ylang-ylang may lead to headaches and nausea. It could possibly irritate sensitive skins and advise against using on inflammatory skin conditions and dermatitis.


Source: The Directory of Essential Oils by Wanda Sellar. Vermilion an imprint of Ebury Publishing. Random House UK Ltd. London. 2005.

Whole Foods Market

Just want to let you know that if you are interested in purchasing some essential oils you can purchase a variety of scents from Whole Food Markets. The essential oils are located in the beauty section of the store and the price range is from about $5 to $45 depending on the scent. They only carry one size.

The philosophy of the high cost is the more of the plant they have to use, the more the cost. Or the smaller the bottle, the larger the cost.

If you need to purchase and perservative you can purchase grape seed oil for about $12.

The only thing you must be aware of is that essential oils will eventually expire. I have read that it be 2 years after you open the bottle. You will know if the essential oil is not good because it will have a rancid smell.

To help prolong the life of your oils, store them in a cool dark place or have a dedicated fridge. You do not want the fragrance to mingle with your food or visa versa.

For a location near you, check out their website at www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

Juniper Tree

Juniper Tree is a store in Berkeley which carries supplies to make your own soap and bath supplies. I was introduced to the store in 2003 when I took a Melt and Pour Soap Making class taught by Lori Nova through DeAnza's Community Education.

If you have taken anyone of my classes I make references to this retail establishment to purchase supplies. I have been to the store and have made purchases there. Everytime I go there to purchase some supplies, I have a game plan of what I need and wind up purchasing more than I need.

I like the variety of fragrances and botanicals they have. On my next trip, I am planning to purchase some of the coloring used for soap making and will give a product review in the future.
So, look out for future product reviews.

The staff at Juniper Tree is very helpful and resourceful. I highly recommend anyone to make the trip over there.

Although I find parking to be a problem, I often will take Bart to the Downtown Berkeley Station. Once I get out of the station, there is a Bus Stop. If you wait for the #9 Bus it will take you to San Pablo Avenue. And you are only a couple of stores away.

They have a website you may want to check out before you venture out. www.junipertreesupplies.com

Learning a New Craft

Crafting is always fun and addicting. If you are new to crafting and wondering where to look for craft classes here are some places to look: your local Michaels Store, Parks and Recreation Departments, Adult Schools, Community Education Departments of your local community colleges. Prices of classes can vary from venue to venue. But if you are on a budget, I would recommend your local Michaels.

Believe me this is a great way to learn a new craft. And I can tell you this is how I got started with soap making. I found the class through my local community college's community ed 5 years ago. And it snowballed from there.

Look where I am now - teaching classes and composing a blog. This craft may take me to the next level of starting some kind of bath product business.

Craft Message Boards....

I am always checking out what other people are posting on craft message boards. I do learn alot from what others are posting. Check out the column to the right to access these message boards.

Also what is good about HGTV, DIY, and Michaels, you can search for soap and other related bath related items to make.