Risks of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy treatments involve the use of essential oils to help treat conditions and ailments. Used carefully, or under the guidance of a certified aromatherapist, essential oils can generally be used safely in most aromatherapy treatments. However, risks do exist and you must be aware of both the correct treatment method and essential oil for each person and ailment. It is always best to consult a doctor or certified aromatherapist prior to using aromatherapy for medical purposes.

Sensitization

Skin sensitization is one of the possible but generally least severe risks to topical aromatherapy applications. It's easy to think sensitization is the same as irritation but it is not. Sensitization is an increased sensitivity to an essential oil with each application; applying it once may create a small rash but the next time the rash would be worse. In "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," clinical aromatherapist Julie Lawless writes that potential sensitizing essential oils include: chamomile, lemon, jasmine, and lemongrass.

Seizure

Essential oils can affect your nervous system---and not always in a positive way. Patricia Davis, an aromatherapist and author of the book, "Aromatherapy: An A-Z," notes that many essential oils can increase the risk for an epileptic seizure. If you are epileptic you should avoid using rosemary, fennel, sage and wormwood in any aromatherapy treatments. The University of Maryland Medical Center also acknowledges the increased seizure risk and says anyone with a history of seizures should also avoid hyssop oil.

High Blood Pressure

Prior to using any aromatherapy treatments you need to know what your blood pressure is. Some essential oils elevate blood pressure; if you have high blood pressure to begin with this can cause a potentially dangerous hypertensive state. The University of Maryland Medical center advises those with high blood pressure avoid using strong stimulant oils like spike lavender and rosemary. Lawless also recommends not using hyssop, sage and sweet fennel.