Despite the benefits of aromatherapy, it is of maximum importance that we perform a safe service for the client. Therefore, considerations of sensitivities and reactions are attended to. This following sections are laid out in this format: Contraindications, skin sensitivity, and pets.

The following are contraindications (i.e. we can not use theses specific essential oils in the session) for aromatherapy:

Asthma
All essential oils

Epilepsy
All essential oils

High Blood Pressure
Hyssop
Thyme
Sage
Pine
Rosemary

Hypoglycemia
Geranium

Kidney Problems
Juniper

Pregnancy: The following oils cannot be used during pregnancy, labor, or breastfeeding:
Aniseseed
Basil
Birch
Camphor
Hyssop
Mugwort
Parsley
Pennyroyal
Peppermint (breastfeeding)
Sage
Tansy
Tarragon
Thuja
Wintergreen
Wormwood

Sunlight Sensitivity (phototoxicity)
Bergamot
Sweet Orange
Tangerine
Lemon
Grapefruit

Skin Sensitivity
A client may have an unknown skin sensitivity to an essential oil. Therefore, before each session with an new-to-the-client blend, a patch test will be performed before the therapist starts setting up. A small dab of the essential oil cream is applied to the forearm. If the skin becomes red, irritated, or itchy, the oil will be wiped off and jojoba oil will be applied to soothe the skin. The essential oil will not be used in the session.

The following oils (some may be found in seasonal or promotional blends) are more likely to cause skin irritation:
Allspice
Bay Laurel
Cassia/Cinnamon
Clove
Oregano
Parsly
Sage
Thyme

Pets
Dogs and cats have much more sensitive noses than humans. Therefore, the intense aromas of essential oils can be irritating, and sometimes dangerous.

Common signs that an essential oil has negatively affected you pet include: watery nose or eyes, vomiting, lethargy, tremors, low body temperature, redness in lips and gums, coughing, wheezing, and low heart rate.

Dogs
The following oils are toxic for dogs (licking from your skin or used in a diffuser):
Pennyroyal
Tea Tree
Cinnamon
Peppermint
Ylang Ylang
Pine
Wintergreen
Citrus Oils
Sweet Birch

Cats
Cats lack an enzyme that allows their body to break down phenols in essential oils. This may lead to organ failure.
The following oils are toxic for cats (licking from your skin or used in a diffuser):
Cinnamon
Clove
Sweet Birch
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Ylang Ylang
Citrus Oils
Eucalyptus
Cadjeput
Pennyroyal
Pine
Wintergreen