Herb & supplement monograph

Aromatherapy Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Aromatherapy

0 medications have a known interaction with Aromatherapy, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Aromatherapy. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Aromatherapy combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Aromatherapy: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Aromatherapy uses scented essential oils, usually inhaled or applied to the skin, to support relaxation and well-being. Some studies suggest it may modestly help with stress, anxiety, and nausea, but evidence is limited and it should not replace medical treatment. When used carefully, it is generally low-risk, but essential oils are concentrated and can irritate skin or cause harm if swallowed.

Aromatherapy
Part used
Essential oils distilled or pressed from various plants (flowers, leaves, bark, peel, roots)
Common forms
Essential oils for diffusers, inhalers, topical blends, massage oils, bath products
People commonly use it for
  • Stress and relaxation
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep problems
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Mood support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally low-risk when inhaled, but essential oils are concentrated and can irritate skin or be toxic if swallowed.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When used orally. Some essential oils can cause severe side effects, including convulsions and kidney failure, when ingested in large amounts.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

The safety of aromatherapy, when used topically or by inhalation, depends on the type of oil, the dose and dilution, and the method of administration....

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Aromatherapy is a practice that uses essential oils from plants to support physical and emotional well-being. These oils are concentrated extracts taken from flowers, leaves, bark, peels, or roots of many different plants, such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus.

People most often use aromatherapy by breathing in the scent from a diffuser, an inhaler stick, or a few drops on a tissue. Oils can also be diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin during massage, or added to a bath. Aromatherapy is considered a form of complementary therapy, meaning it is used alongside, not instead of, regular medical care.

How it works

The exact way aromatherapy works is not fully understood. One leading idea is that smelling these oils stimulates nerves in the nose that connect to areas of the brain involved in emotion, memory, and stress responses. This may explain why certain scents feel calming or uplifting.

Essential oils also contain many natural plant compounds, such as linalool in lavender or menthol in peppermint. Laboratory and animal studies suggest some of these compounds may have relaxing, antimicrobial, or anti-inflammatory effects. It is important to know that these lab findings do not always translate into clear benefits in people.

Effectiveness

Does Aromatherapy work?

Evidence overview · 39 uses evaluated
7 Possibly effective 2 Leans ineffective 30 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Dysmenorrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Aromatherapy via inhalation or massage seems to improve dysmenorrhea symptoms; however, it is unclear which essential oils and application methods are most beneficial.

Possibly Effective Insomnia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Most small clinical studies suggest that inhaled or topical aromatherapy improves sleep quality in healthy patients or those with various underlying conditions. Most studies have evaluated lavender or rose essential oils; however, it is unclear which essential oils may be most beneficial.

Possibly Effective Labor pain
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Adding aromatherapy to standard treatment seems to be beneficial for reducing labor pain. Most research has evaluated lavender essential oil; however, it is unclear which essential oils may be most beneficial.

Possibly Effective Postoperative pain
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Adding aromatherapy to analgesics seems to be beneficial for reducing postoperative pain in some patients. Most research has evaluated lavender essential oil; however, it is unclear which essential oils may be most beneficial.

Possibly Effective Pre-procedural anxiety
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Inhaled and topical aromatherapy may help to alleviate anxiety before surgical or dental procedures. However, it is unclear which essential oils are most beneficial.

Possibly Effective Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Aromatherapy may alleviate psychological symptoms of PMS such as anxiety and depression. However, it is unclear which essential oils are most beneficial.

Possibly Effective Stress
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Inhaled aromatherapy may help to alleviate stress in healthy persons; however, it is unclear which essential oils are most beneficial.

Possibly Ineffective Cancer-related pain
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Most research shows that aromatherapy via inhalation or massage does not seem to provide any additional pain relief in patients with cancer.

Possibly Ineffective Parturition
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Administering inhaled aromatherapy during labor does not seem to improve perinatal outcomes.

Also studied for 30 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alcohol use disorder
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled aromatherapy for alcohol use disorder, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alopecia areata
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using topical aromatherapy oils for alopecia areata, there is insufficient reliable information about the benefit of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using topical aromatherapy oils for eczema, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Burns
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Aromatherapy via inhalation or massage seems to reduce pain and anxiety in patients with burn injuries. However, it is unclear which essential oils are most beneficial.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer-related fatigue
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if aromatherapy can improve fatigue in patients with cancer; research is conflicting.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small studies suggest that aromatherapy seems to reduce CINV. It is unclear which essential oils are most beneficial.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled aromatherapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic bronchitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled and topical aromatherapy for bronchitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cognitive function
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if aromatherapy can improve cognitive function; research is limited and conflicting.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Colic
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled and topical aromatherapy for colic, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dementia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that inhaled or topical aromatherapy may improve behavioral symptoms in adults with dementia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Depression
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that aromatherapy via inhalation or massage might improve depression in patients with cancer. It is unclear if aromatherapy is beneficial in patients with major depressive disorder.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fibromyalgia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using topical aromatherapy for fibromyalgia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Headache
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled aromatherapy for headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled aromatherapy for reducing pain from kidney stones, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Lymphedema
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled and topical aromatherapy for lymphedema, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Menopausal symptoms
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that inhaled lavender oil aromatherapy may modestly improve menopausal symptoms. The effects of other essential oils are unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Mental alertness
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Some research suggests that bergamot essential oil does not improve mental alertness. The effects of other essential oils are unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoarthritis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled and topical aromatherapy for osteoarthritis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pain (acute)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small studies suggest that aromatherapy seems to reduce pain associated with needle puncture. It is unclear if aromatherapy is beneficial for other types of acute pain.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Perioperative anxiety
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that aromatherapy does not reduce perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing cesarean section. The effect on other patient populations is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Aromatherapy may reduce the use of rescue antiemetics and prevent postoperative nausea; however, it is unclear which essential oils are most beneficial. Aromatherapy does not seem to prevent postoperative vomiting or be beneficial for treatment of PONV.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postpartum complications
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled and topical aromatherapy for postpartum complications, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postpartum depression
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled and topical aromatherapy for postpartum depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if using inhaled aromatherapy is beneficial for pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pruritus
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled and topical aromatherapy for pruritus, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psychological well-being
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled and topical aromatherapy for psychological well-being, there is insufficient reliable information about the benefits of aromatherapy for this use.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Aromatherapy seems to reduce the severity of RLS in patients on hemodialysis. The effect on other patient populations with RLS is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stroke
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled aromatherapy for hemiplegic shoulder pain in stroke patients, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tobacco and nicotine dependence
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using inhaled aromatherapy for smoking cessation there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of aromatherapy for this condition.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

When inhaled in small amounts, aromatherapy is generally considered low-risk for most healthy adults. However, essential oils are highly concentrated and require care.

Never swallow essential oils unless directed by a qualified professional, as some can be toxic when taken by mouth. Always dilute oils in a carrier oil before applying to the skin to lower the risk of irritation. People with asthma or other breathing conditions should be cautious, since strong scents can sometimes trigger symptoms.

Keep oils away from the eyes and out of reach of children and pets, as some oils can be very harmful to them. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the safety of many oils is not well studied, so it is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist first and avoid using oils on or near a baby. Use extra caution in young children, older adults, and anyone with a chronic medical condition.

Side effects

The most common side effects come from skin contact and include redness, itching, rash, or allergic reactions, especially when oils are not properly diluted. Some oils can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, which may lead to burns.

Inhaling strong scents can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, or breathing irritation in sensitive people. Serious problems are rare but can occur if essential oils are swallowed, which may cause poisoning. If you have a severe reaction or accidentally swallow an oil, seek medical help right away.

Aromatherapy: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Aromatherapy from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

The safety of aromatherapy oils, when used topically or by inhalation, depends on the type of oil used. See individual monographs for specific safety information. The oral use of essential oils is often unsafe.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Topically: Skin irritation, photosensitization.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

All routes of administration: Systemic absorption of large quantities of certain essential oils can cause seizures.

Orally: Certain essential oils have been reported to cause hepatotoxicity, kidney failure, and seizures.

Reports by condition
Cough Pulmonary/Respiratory

In one case report, a 34-year-old Japanese female presented with complaints of dyspnea, cough, and fever 2 weeks after initiating lavender essential oil therapy delivered via humidifier. The patient had an oxygen saturation of 88% and was diagnosed with acute eosinophilic pneumonia. Symptoms improved after a course of corticosteroids and discontinuation of aromatherapy.

  1. Kodama T, Watanabe T, Mataki N, Kanoh S, Kichikawa Y. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia following aromatherapy with essential oil. Respir Med Case Rep 2022;37:101657.
Dermatitis Dermatologic

Angelica root, bergamot, cumin, distilled or expressed grapefruit, expressed lemon, expressed lime, orange, expressed bitter, and rue essential oils may have photosensitizing effects. Bay, caraway, cinnamon, citronella, clove, cumin, lemongrass, lemon verbena, oregano, peppermint, tagetes, and thyme essential oils may have irritant effects when in contact with skin or mucus membranes. The following essential oils may have dermal sensitizing effects: cassia cinnamon, cinnamon bark, peru balsam (Myroxylon pereirae), Camellia sinensis, lemon verbena, turpentine oil, lemon myrtle, lemongrass, and inula. In a case report, lavender, jasmine and rosewood essential oils resulted in airborne allergic contact dermatitis in an elderly patient with relapsing eczema.

  1. Schaller M and Korting HC. Allergic airborne contact dermatitis from essential oils used in aromatherapy. Clin Exp Dermatol 1995;20(2):143-145.
Epilepsy Neurologic/CNS

Ingestion of undiluted oils can sometimes result in significant adverse events including convulsions, particularly in children. Essential oils with proconvulsant effects include rosemary oil, eucalyptus, camphor, fennel oil, hyssop oil, pennyroyal, sage oil, cedar, and thuja. Ingestion of camphorated oil 5-30 mL by children 5 years and younger has resulted in twitch, seizure, ataxia, and coma. Ingestion of eucalyptus oil 5-30 mL by children 3 years and younger has resulted in seizure, lethargy, and coma. This adverse effect is likely due to the eucalyptus oil constituent cineole, which can cause seizures when consumed in high doses.

Topical and inhaled essential oils have also been linked with seizures and other adverse effects. Applying excessive amounts of highly concentrated oils to a large surface of the skin, or to broken skin, can result in significant systemic absorption and increase the chance of serious side effects, such as convulsions. For instance, prolonged topical exposure or topical application of large amounts of eucalyptus oil can cause agitation, drowsiness, slurred speech, and seizures. The risk of toxicity may be greater in children. One systematic review describes eucalyptus oil-induced seizures in 49 children and 61 adults, with most cases associated with topical use, followed by inhalation and then ingestion. In one prospective observational study, there were 22 reports of new onset seizures and 33 reports of recurrent seizures in adults and children after use of camphor and eucalyptus oil, either alone or in combination. Most cases of seizure with topical use occurred 0.5-24 hours after topical application to the chest, neck, or face. Most cases of seizure with inhalation occurred about 2-30 minutes after steam inhalation of camphor and/or eucalyptus oil.

  1. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  4. Bahr TA, Rodriguez D, Beaumont C, Allred K. The Effects of Various Essential Oils on Epilepsy and Acute Seizure: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6216745.
  5. Gouin S, Patel H. Unusual cause of seizure. Pediatr Emerg Care 1996;12:298-300.
  6. Phelan, W. J., III. Camphor poisoning: over-the-counter dangers. Pediatrics 1976;57(3):428-431.
  7. Gibson, D. E., Moore, G. P., and Pfaff, J. A. Camphor ingestion. Am.J.Emerg.Med. 1989;7(1):41-43.
  8. Theis, J. G. and Koren, G. Camphorated oil: still endangering the lives of Canadian children. CMAJ. 6-1-1995;152(11):1821-1824.
  9. Skoglund, R. R., Ware, L. L., Jr., and Schanberger, J. E. Prolonged seizures due to contact and inhalation exposure to camphor. A case report. Clin.Pediatr.(Phila) 1977;16(10):901-902.
  10. Flaman Z, Pellechia-Clarke S, Bailey B, McGuigan M. Unintentional exposure of young children to camphor and eucalyptus oils. Paediatr Child Health. 2001 Feb;6(2):80-3.
  11. Spoerke, D. G., Vandenberg, S. A., Smolinske, S. C., Kulig, K., and Rumack, B. H. Eucalyptus oil: 14 cases of exposure. Vet Hum.Toxicol 1989;31(2):166-168.
  12. Hindle, R. C. Eucalyptus oil ingestion. N.Z.Med J 5-11-1994;107(977):185-186.
  13. Webb, N. J. and Pitt, W. R. Eucalyptus oil poisoning in childhood: 41 cases in south-east Queensland. J Paediatr.Child Health 1993;29(5):368-371.
  14. Patel S and Wiggins J. Eucalyptus oil poisoning. Arch Dis Child 1980;55:405-406.
  15. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70.
  16. Heng, M. C. Local necrosis and interstitial nephritis due to topical methyl salicylate and menthol. Cutis 1987;39(5):442-444.
  17. Darben T, Cominos B, Lee CT. Topical eucalyptus oil poisoning. Australas J Dermatol 1998;39:265-7.
  18. Panda PK, Sharawat IK, Panda P, Dawman L, Kasinathan A. Clinico-laboratory characteristics and outcome of patients with eucalyptus oil-induced/provoked seizures: A case series and systematic review of the published patients. Trop Doct 2021;51(4):518-522.
  19. Mathew T, John SK, Kamath V, et al. Essential oil related seizures (EORS): A multi-center prospective study on essential oils and seizures in adults. Epilepsy Res. 2021;173:106626.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) Musculoskeletal

In a case report, a patient applied menthol and methyl salicylate (constituents of wintergreen oil) topically and used a heating pad concurrently. This resulted in increased absorption, resulting in skin and muscle necrosis.

  1. Heng, M. C. Local necrosis and interstitial nephritis due to topical methyl salicylate and menthol. Cutis 1987;39(5):442-444.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) Renal

Ingestion of undiluted oils can sometimes result in significant adverse events including kidney failure. In a case report, a patient applied menthol and methyl salicylate (constituents of wintergreen oil) topically and used a heating pad concurrently. This resulted in increased absorption, leading to interstitial nephritis.

  1. Heng, M. C. Local necrosis and interstitial nephritis due to topical methyl salicylate and menthol. Cutis 1987;39(5):442-444.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no standardized dose for aromatherapy. The amount used depends on the type of oil, the product, and how it is being used (diffuser, inhaler, skin, or bath).

A good general rule is to use the smallest amount that gives the effect you want, and to follow the directions on the product label. When applying oils to the skin, always dilute them in a carrier oil first. If you are unsure how to use an oil safely, ask a pharmacist or a trained aromatherapist for guidance.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Aromatherapy & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally. Some essential oils can cause severe side effects, including convulsions and kidney failure, when ingested in large amounts.

  1. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  4. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
  5. Janes, S. E., Price, C. S., and Thomas, D. Essential oil poisoning: N-acetylcysteine for eugenol-induced hepatic failure and analysis of a national database. Eur.J Pediatr 2005;164(8):520-522.
Insufficient reliable information

The safety of aromatherapy, when used topically or by inhalation, depends on the type of oil, the dose and dilution, and the method of administration. See individual monographs for safety information. The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists recommends caution with the use of the following essential oils during

Aromatherapy & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

The safety of aromatherapy, when used topically or by inhalation, depends on the type of oil, the dose and dilution, and the method of administration. See individual monographs for safety information. The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists recommends caution with the use of the following essential oils during

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 23 references that drive our Aromatherapy monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  4. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999. DOI
  5. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. PubMed
  6. Darben T, Cominos B, Lee CT. Topical eucalyptus oil poisoning. Australas J Dermatol 1998;39:265-7. PubMed
  7. Gouin S, Patel H. Unusual cause of seizure. Pediatr Emerg Care 1996;12:298-300. DOI
  8. Phelan, W. J., III. Camphor poisoning: over-the-counter dangers. Pediatrics 1976;57(3):428-431. DOI
  9. Gibson, D. E., Moore, G. P., and Pfaff, J. A. Camphor ingestion. Am.J.Emerg.Med. 1989;7(1):41-43.
  10. Theis, J. G. and Koren, G. Camphorated oil: still endangering the lives of Canadian children. CMAJ. 6-1-1995;152(11):1821-1824.
  11. Skoglund, R. R., Ware, L. L., Jr., and Schanberger, J. E. Prolonged seizures due to contact and inhalation exposure to camphor. A case report. Clin.Pediatr.(Phila) 1977;16(10):901-902. PubMed
  12. Janes, S. E., Price, C. S., and Thomas, D. Essential oil poisoning: N-acetylcysteine for eugenol-induced hepatic failure and analysis of a national database. Eur.J Pediatr 2005;164(8):520-522. PubMed
  13. Spoerke, D. G., Vandenberg, S. A., Smolinske, S. C., Kulig, K., and Rumack, B. H. Eucalyptus oil: 14 cases of exposure. Vet Hum.Toxicol 1989;31(2):166-168.
  14. Hindle, R. C. Eucalyptus oil ingestion. N.Z.Med J 5-11-1994;107(977):185-186.
  15. Webb, N. J. and Pitt, W. R. Eucalyptus oil poisoning in childhood: 41 cases in south-east Queensland. J Paediatr.Child Health 1993;29(5):368-371. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Aromatherapy: Common Questions

What is Aromatherapy used for, and does it work?
People use Aromatherapy for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Aromatherapy for Dysmenorrhea, Insomnia, Labor pain and Postoperative pain. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Aromatherapy interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Aromatherapy. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Aromatherapy interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Aromatherapy with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Aromatherapy interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Aromatherapy used for?
People commonly use Aromatherapy to support relaxation and reduce stress, anxiety, trouble sleeping, nausea, and headaches. It is used as a complementary comfort measure, not as a proven cure for any condition.
Is Aromatherapy safe?
Inhaling small amounts of essential oils is generally low-risk for most healthy adults. However, oils are very concentrated, so never swallow them, always dilute before applying to skin, and keep them away from children and pets.
Can I use Aromatherapy during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
The safety of many essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well studied. It is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist first and avoid using oils on or near a baby.
Can essential oils be applied directly to the skin?
Most essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin to lower the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Avoid the eyes and broken skin, and do a small patch test first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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