Important safety information to protect you, your family, and your pets
Important Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially if you have health conditions, are pregnant, or are using them around children or pets.
Cats lack a liver enzyme needed to metabolize certain compounds. Never use around cats: Tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, citrus oils (lemon, orange), pine, wintergreen, ylang ylang.
Dogs are more tolerant than cats but still at risk. Avoid: Tea tree (highly toxic), peppermint, wintergreen, pine, pennyroyal, clove, anise. Use with caution: Citrus, eucalyptus.
Birds have sensitive respiratory systems. Avoid diffusing any essential oils in rooms with birds, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits. Even "safe" oils can be harmful to small animals.
Always ensure pets can leave the room. Diffuse for short periods (30 min max). Store oils securely. Watch for symptoms: drooling, vomiting, tremors, difficulty breathing. Contact your vet immediately if you notice symptoms.
Children's bodies process substances differently than adults. Their skin is thinner, their respiratory systems are developing, and they're more susceptible to adverse reactions.
| Age Group | Recommendations | Oils to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | No essential oils recommended | All essential oils |
| 3-24 months | Very limited use; lavender and chamomile only, heavily diluted, brief diffusion | Peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, all "hot" oils |
| 2-6 years | Gentle oils only; short diffusion periods (15-20 min); never near face | Peppermint, eucalyptus (1,8-cineole types), wintergreen, birch |
| 6-10 years | Most oils safe in moderation; still avoid strong oils near face | Wintergreen, birch, clove, hot oils |
| 10+ years | Adult guidelines with reduced amounts | Follow general safety warnings |
These oils contain compounds (menthol and 1,8-cineole) that can cause breathing problems in young children. In rare cases, applying menthol near the face of infants has caused breathing to stop. Always keep these oils away from children under 6, and never apply near the face of any child.
Most aromatherapists recommend avoiding all essential oils during the first trimester when the baby's organs are forming. If you must use them, stick to very diluted lavender only.
Clary sage, rosemary, juniper, peppermint, basil, cinnamon, clove, fennel, oregano, thyme, wintergreen, and any oil labeled as potentially emmenagogue (stimulating menstruation).
Lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, frankincense, sandalwood, and citrus oils (used sparingly) are often considered safer options, but always consult your healthcare provider.
Some oils can transfer through breast milk. Avoid peppermint (may reduce milk supply), sage, and any "hot" oils. Keep diffusers away from nursing areas where baby spends time.
Consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils if you have:
Citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, lime) contain compounds that can degrade plastic over time. If using citrus oils in plastic ultrasonic diffusers: