For more than 6,000 years, people have valued fragrant oils for their relaxing, invigorating and medicinal properties. Aromatherapy remains one of the most popular and widespread practices of alternative medicine. When executed by trained professionals, aromatherapy is generally safe. However, certain individuals should avoid aromatherapy and related practices. Consult your health care provider before beginning any therapy to treat a medical condition, and notify your aromatherapy practitioner of any conditions or limitations that may affect your treatment.
Pregnancy
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), pregnant women should avoid contact with any essential oils. Many essential oils, including fennel and clary sage, can harm a developing fetus or trigger pre-term labor contractions. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) identifies only eight fragrances that are considered safe for pregnant women to use. Even these relatively safe oils should be used with extreme caution; NAHA recommends aromatherapy only during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Severe Allergies
All essential oils contain natural compounds that can trigger allergic reactions. People with a history of severe seasonal allergies, including hay fever, should avoid exposure to aromatherapy oils. Susceptible individuals may experience rash, hives or other skin problems from aromatherapy. Rarely, allergies to essential oils trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.
Severe Asthma
UMMC identifies severe asthma as an aromatherapy contraindication. According to the National Institutes of Health, eucalyptus oil and other traditional respiratory treatments may help to relieve asthma symptoms and soothe irritated airways. However, some asthma patients experience worsened symptoms in the presence of essential oils. Rarely, aromatherapy can provoke a serious asthma attack requiring emergency medical care. If you have severe asthma, avoid aromatherapy unless your health care provider recommends otherwise.
Other Medical Conditions
Certain essential oils can cause problems in people with pre-existing medical conditions. UMMC warns that people with epilepsy should avoid hyssop oil, which can increase the likelihood of a seizure. Estrogenic essential oils like fennel, anise and clary sage can encourage the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors in women with certain types of cancer. Stimulating fragrances like rosemary and spike-lavender may worsen anxiety or hypertension among people with these conditions.
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