Essential Oils to Avoid

As a follow-up to my post on fragrance, I wanted to share more information on essential oils. I highlighted how safe essential oils are in comparison to synthetic fragrance. However, there still exist some safety guidelines when it comes to specific situations, such as expecting mothers.

Plants have evolved to produce poisonous substances in their leaves to kill phytophagous insects. This means that even though they are natural, plants can contain toxic substances. As a  result, that there are some natural substances you should avoid. In an environment abuzz with the dangers of BPA, but praising the newest fad superfood, it may come as a surprise that something natural can be dangerous, but it's true. The following lists outline who should avoid which essential oils (don't worry, if you're anything like me, you won't recognize any of these essential oils from your personal care products or supplements. But just in case, read on).

Essential Oils to Avoid Internally and Externally

Cade (contains Benzoapyrene, a known carcinogen.)
Sassafras (contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Ravensara anisata (contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Basil (contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Camphor (contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Calamus (contains Beta-asarone, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (contains Estragole and Methyleugenol, possible carcinogens.)
Snakeroot (contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Malaleuca bracteata (contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Bitter Almond (contains Hydrocyanic acid, which is highly toxic.)
Armolse (contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Sweet Birch (contains Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Boldo (contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Buchu (contains Pulegone, which is toxic to the liver.)
Cassia (contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Cinnamon Bark (contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Costus (contains Costuslactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Elecampane (contains Alantalactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Horseradish (contains Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Lanyana (contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Mustard (contains Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Pennyroyal (contains Pulegone, a liver toxin.)
Dalmatian Sage (contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Tansy (contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Thuja (contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Wintergreen (contains high amounts of Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Wormseed (contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Wormwood (contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)

Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy Internally and Externally

Balsamite (contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Ho leaf (contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Hyssop (contains Pinocamphone, which is generally toxic, a neurotoxin, and convulsant.)
Indian Dill Seed (contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Juniperus Pfitzeriana (contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Parsley Leaf (contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Parsleyseed (contains Apiol, which is a generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Plectranthus (contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.) 
Spanish sage (contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Savin (contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Annual Wormwood (contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin)
Cangerana (contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Lavandula Stoechas (contains Camphor which is a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Lavender cotton (contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin.)
Oakmoss (contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Perilla (contains Perilla ketone, which is potentially toxic.)
Rue (only circumstantial evidence.)
Treemoss (contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)


Essential Oils to Avoid Internally During Pregnancy
Anise (contains Trans-anethole, a xenoestrogen.)
Fennel (also contains Trans-anethole.)
Lavandin (contains a small amount of Camphor.)
Lavandula stoechas (also contains a small amount of Camphor.)
Nutmeg and Mace (contains Myristicin, which can cause heart palpitations.)
Rosemary (contains a small amount of Camphor.)
Spike lavender (contains a small amount of Camphor.)
Yarrow (contains a small amount of Camphor.)

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Image courtesy of: 
1. Getty Images

Source:

Bubble and Bee