Who should not use essential oils: a comprehensive analysis of taboo groups and precautions
Essential oils are popular for their natural aromatic and healing properties, but they are not suitable for everyone. The following is a summary of the taboos on the use of essential oils that have been hotly discussed on the Internet in the past 10 days, combined with scientific evidence and expert advice to help you use essential oils safely.
1. List of taboo groups for essential oils

| Crowd classification | Potential risks | Examples of prohibited essential oils |
|---|---|---|
| pregnant woman | May cause uterine contractions or affect fetal development | rosemary, sage, cinnamon, cloves |
| Infants and toddlers (under 3 years old) | Sensitive respiratory system, poor skin tolerance | Mint, eucalyptus, wintergreen, thyme |
| epilepsy patients | May induce nervous excitement | fennel, rosemary, sage |
| Hypertensive patients | May increase blood pressure | Rosemary, thyme, black pepper |
| People with liver and kidney dysfunction | Increased metabolic burden | Cinnamon, cloves, lemongrass |
2. Disabled Guidelines for Special Health Conditions
1.People with sensitive skin: Patients with eczema and dermatitis should avoid using phenolic essential oils (such as oregano, thyme), and it is recommended to do a skin test first.
2.Asthma patients: Strong volatile essential oils (such as eucalyptus and pine) may induce bronchospasm and need to be used under the guidance of a doctor.
3.People taking certain drugs: Avoid using anticoagulants with ginger and myrrh essential oils; use citrus essential oils with caution when taking antidepressants.
3. Inventory of recent hot and controversial essential oils
| Essential oil name | focus of controversy | Security advice |
|---|---|---|
| tea tree essential oil | Hormone disorders caused by use in children | Avoid long-term use under 12 years of age |
| lavender essential oil | gynecomastia risk | Use with caution in prepubertal boys |
| lemon essential oil | Photosensitivity causes skin burns | Avoid light for 12 hours after use |
4. Golden Rules for Safe Use
1.dilution principle: The concentration for facial use should not exceed 1% (10ml base oil + 2 drops of essential oil), and the concentration for body massage should not exceed 3%.
2.Contact taboos: Avoid contact with eyes, ear canals and mucous membranes. Pure essential oils cannot be taken orally directly.
3.time control: Use the same essential oil continuously for no more than 3 weeks. It is recommended to use it at intervals of 1 week.
5. Latest suggestions from experts (updated in 2023)
According to the latest guidelines from the International Aromatherapy Association:
- The concentration used by people over 60 years old should be reduced by 50%
- All essential oils are prohibited for patients during chemotherapy
- People with allergies should avoid floral essential oils (such as jasmine and ylang-ylang)
Conclusion:Essential oils are a gift from nature, but their value can only be realized when used correctly. It is recommended to consult a professional aromatherapist before use, especially for special groups of people who should be more cautious. The "essential oil omnipotence theory" that has been hotly discussed on social platforms recently needs to be viewed rationally, and scientific knowledge can ensure safety.
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