08/17/2026
🤔Did you know that every essential oils is not good to use with certain people that have medical issues like neurological (seizures), asthma, people who are on blood thinners, blood pressure issues just to name a few. These oils have properties that also don't mix well with certain medical conditions & medications. I am not a doctor or a nurse so, I cannot and will never give medical advice. I do research and had a class in massage school on essential oils my teacher was from Germany. I find that not a lot of people take the time to educate themselves and without proper knowledge they reach for that essential oil because they like it so, why would it not be good for others and why wouldn't they enjoy it as much as the person using them.
From experience and my schooling, I have learned up to this point is that lemongrass may not be the best for people that have asthma that are allergic to grass. Lemongrass is a grass. Then there is lemon which is from the fruit that does not have any grass but possibly may bother some with a lemon allergy.
Neurological issues people that fall under this category may have issues with lavender, eucalyptus, sage, rosemary, camphor, fennel, hyssop, wormwood & cedarwood. These oils contain high levels of neurotoxic compounds, such as thujone, camphor, and 1,8-cineole. These chemicals can trigger seizures, muscle tremors, and acute neurological distress, particularly in people with epilepsy, seizure disorders, or developing nervous systems. Risks and Mechanisms Neurotoxic compounds: Many of these oils cross the blood-brain barrier easily. GABA inhibition: Components like thujone block inhibitory neurotransmitters, leading to overstimulation of the brain. Seizure triggers: High concentrations can induce status epilepticus or lower seizure thresholds in sensitive individuals.
Now let's look at them individually: Specific Oils to Avoid
Camphor: Highly toxic; can cause seizures and central nervous system depression even in small doses.
Eucalyptus & Rosemary: Rich in cineole, which can exacerbate breathing issues and trigger neurological events in children or sensitive adults.
Sage & Hyssop: Contain high levels of alpha- and beta-thujone, known convulsants.
Wormwood: Contains extreme levels of thujone; historically linked to severe neurotoxicity.
Lavender & Cedarwood: Generally milder, but can still cause adverse reactions or interactions in severely sensitive neurological profiles
High blood pressure issues you possibly may want to be cautious with rosemary, thyme, sage, hyssop, peppermint, grapefruit, orange & eucalyptus bcs this are all very stimulating oils.
Low blood pressure issues you possible may want to avoid lavender, ylang-ylang, clary sage and marjoram.
Blood thinner medications do not go well with wintergreen, sweet birch, clove bud & leaf, cinnamon bark & leaf, oregano, allspice, ginger & frankincense, these oils help thin the blood as well
I hope you found this helpful and again this is not medical advice. If you have questions please contact your doctor. I hope you can see why it is always good to make sure your massage therapist is educated and knowledgeable enough when using essential oils.
