Is Aromatherapy for everyone?

There are 4 major groups of people that might not benefit from aromatherapy. They are:

1. Diabetic patients
2. Epilepsy patients
3. Pregnant women
4. Breast feeding women

People with diabetes can use most of the essential oils with the exception of these few that are high in ketones (read why) such as:

• Peppermint
• Angelica
• Sage (Spanish)
• Spearmint
• Valerian Root
• Turmeric
• Vetiver
• Spike Lavender

For those suffering from epilepsy, they should avoid:

• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus
• Hyssop
• Sage
• Fennel
• Spike lavender
• Camphor

Pregnant women should avoid all essential oils during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. After that period, they should still avoid:

• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Vetiver
• Thyme
• Wintergreen
• Oregano
• Myrrh
• Nutmeg
• Basil
• Cinnamon bark
• Clary sage
• Lemongrass
• Black Pepper
• Clove
• Cypress

Essential oils absorb into the skin and if you didn’t know, it can change the taste of breast milk which could affect breastfeeding the baby.

There are some essential oils which are beneficial for breastfeeding moms for example, marigold can heal cracked nipples, geranium soothes engorged breasts and carrot seed enhances milk flow.

Reference: Elizabeth Ashley – The secret healer.