AROMATHERAPY - ESSENTIAL OILS

Date

July 25, 2025

Proper name(s), Common name(s), Source information

¹Brown and yellow camphor essential oils are not permitted due to potential toxicity/carcinogenicity (Tisserand and Young 2014).
²Cinnamomum verum essential oil from bark is not permitted due to potential toxicity/carcinogenicity (Tisserand and Young 2014).
³The estragole chemotype of the sweet basil essential oil is not permitted due to potential toxicity/carcinogenicity (Tisserand and Young 2014).
References: HC 2025, Tisserand and Young 2014, Lis-Balchin 2006, Battaglia 2003, Valnet 2001, Price and Price 1999, Davis 1997.

Route(s) of Administration

• Topical
• Inhalation
• Topical and inhalation

Dosage form(s)

Acceptable dosage forms are as follows:

• Topical (diluted products for local application and body massage): Cream; Gel; Liquid; Lotion; Oil; Ointment; Solution
• Topical (undiluted products for local application and body massage): Liquid*
• Topical (bath and compresses): Liquid*
• Inhalation: Liquid*
• Topical and Inhalation: Liquid*

*Note:To be packaged in a dropper bottle.

Use(s) or Purpose(s)

Consult Table 2 below for uses supported for each medicinal ingredient. The medicinal ingredients in Table 2 are associated with the numbered claims below.

Topical only

1. Used in aromatherapy for symptomatic relief of acne/boils.
2. Used in aromatherapy to help relieve minor skin irritation/cuts/bruises/burns.
3. Used in aromatherapy for symptomatic relief of eczema/dermatitis.
4. Used in aromatherapy to help relieve joint/muscle pain associated with sprain/strain/rheumatoid arthritis.

Topical and/or inhalation

5. Used in aromatherapy as a nervine/calmative.
6. Used in aromatherapy to help relieve headache.
7. Used in aromatherapy as a carminative/antispasmodic for symptomatic relief of digestive discomfort.
8. Used in aromatherapy to help relieve colds/cough.

Note: The above uses can be combined on the product label (e.g., Used in aromatherapy to help relieve headache and colds).

References: HC 2025, Tisserand and Young 2014, Lis-Balchin 2006, Battaglia 2003.

Dose(s)

Subpopulation(s)

Adults 18 years and older

Quantity(ies)

Refer to Tables 3, 4, 5 and 6 below.

Notes

• See Appendix 1 for definitions of various preparations (i.e. steam distilled, expressed, absolute, rectified).
• The concentrations in Table 3 below refer to final concentrations after dilution to be applied on the skin.
• The quantity per dosage unit for undiluted (pure) essential oils should be indicated as a value between 99 - 100% (Table 4) on the PLA form with appropriate dilution information in the Directions for use section.

¹This section refers to minimum and maximum concentrations after dilution for body massage (covering more than 10% of body surface area).
²This section refers to minimum and maximum concentrations after dilution for local applications (covering up to 10% of body surface area).
³(S) - Sensitizing: For definition, see Appendix 1. Additional duration of use and risk statements are required for medicinal ingredients indicated as sensitizing. Refer to Risk information section. Sensitizing ingredients cannot be included in products intended for use on irritated, broken or sensitive skin. (P) - Phototoxic: For definition, see Appendix 1. Additional risk statements are required for medicinal ingredients indicated as phototoxic. Refer to Risk information section.
References: HC 2025, Tisserand and Young 2014, Lis-Balchin 2006, Battaglia 2003.

¹The quantity per dosage unit for undiluted (pure) essential oils should be indicated as a value between 99 - 100% on the PLA form with appropriate dilution information (such as mixing XX drops of the product in YY mL of carrier oil) in the Directions for use section to meet the concentrations listed in Table 3 once diluted.
²Sensitizing ingredients cannot be included in products intended for use on irritated, broken or sensitive skin.
³The appropriate method of preparation associated with each essential oil is listed in Table 3.
⁴A minimum concentration of 99% has been included to allow for the addition of a non-medicinal ingredient with a preservative antioxidant purpose as needed.

¹Sensitizing ingredients cannot be included in products intended for use on irritated, broken or sensitive skin.
²The appropriate method of preparation associated with each essential oil is listed in Table 3.
³If a combination of essential oils is used, the total concentration of essential oils must be a value between 99 – 100% and each essential oil included in the combination must contribute to the recommended uses for the product. A minimum concentration of 99% has been included to allow for the addition of a non-medicinal ingredient with a preservative antioxidant purpose as needed.

¹The appropriate method of preparation associated with each essential oil is listed in Table 3.
²If a combination of essential oils is used, the total concentration of essential oils must be a value between 99 - 100% and each essential oil included in the combination must contribute to the recommended uses for the product. A minimum concentration of 99% has been included to allow for the addition of a non-medicinal ingredient with a preservative antioxidant purpose as needed.

Ingredient Combinations

All ingredients included in this monograph may be combined together with the following restrictions:

• For local topical application/body massage, the total concentration of the combined essential oils must not exceed 5%;
  and
  
• Each essential oil in the product combination must not exceed its maximum concentrations listed in Table 3.

Direction(s) for use

Topical

Local application (10% or less of body surface area)

Apply to a small body area only, 1 to 3 times per day. Rub and/or massage into skin until solution vanishes.

Body massage (more than 10% of the body surface area)

Apply as a body massage once daily. Rub and/or massage into skin until solution vanishes.

Products requiring dilution (topical)

• Do not use the product undiluted.
• Mix XX drops of the product in YY ml of carrier oil prior to applying on the skin¹.

¹Notes

Single ingredient products

Directions for use explaining appropriate dilution of the product in carrier oil must be included on the PLA form and label. The final concentration to be applied on the skin must meet the concentrations in Table 3.

The following information is required on the PLA form to calculate the final concentration of the product:

• The number of drops of the product (XX) to be diluted in the carrier oil.
• The volume of the drop (ml) (e.g. 0.05 ml).
• The volume of the carrier oil (YY) (i.e. fixed oil used to dilute essential oils and absolutes) (ml). Please note that the consumer must be able to measure this volume accurately in the absence of a measuring device (e.g. 5 ml = 1 teaspoon).

Formula to obtain the final concentration of the product:

Final concentration of the product (%) = # of drops of the product * Volume of the drop (ml) * 100/Final volume (ml)

Note:

• Final volume (ml) = [# of drops of the product * Volume of the drop (ml)] + Volume of carrier oil (ml)

Combination products

Directions for use explaining appropriate dilution of the product in carrier oil must be included on the PLA form and label. The final concentration to be applied on the skin must meet the concentrations in Table 3 for each medicinal ingredient and not exceed a total concentration of 5%.

The following information is required on the PLA form for each medicinal ingredient to calculate the final concentration of each medicinal ingredient and of the finished product:

• The number of drops of the product (XX) to be diluted in the carrier oil.
• The volume of each medicinal ingredient per drop (ml).
• The volume of the carrier oil (YY) (i.e. fixed oil used to dilute essential oils and absolutes) (ml) (the same value for each medicinal ingredient). Please note that the consumer must be able to measure this volume accurately in the absence of a measuring device (e.g. 5 ml).

Formula to obtain the final concentration of each medicinal ingredient (MI):

Final concentration of the MI (%) = # of drops of the product * Volume of the MI per drop (ml) * 100/Final volume (ml)

Note:

• Final volume (ml) = [# of drops of the product * Volume of the drop (ml)] + Volume of carrier oil (ml)

Formula to obtain the final concentration of the finished product (maximum concentration of combined medicinal ingredient is 5%):

Final concentration of the product (%) = # of drops of the product * Volume of all MI per the drop (ml) * 100/Final volume (ml)

Notes:

• The volume of all medicinal ingredients (MI) per drop (ml) in the formula below = sum of the volumes of each medicinal ingredient per drop (ml)
• Final volume (ml) = [# of drops of the product * Volume of the drop (ml)] + Volume of carrier oil (ml)

Bath

Add 2 - 8 drops of undiluted product with the same amount of shampoo or liquid soap before adding it to the bath. Mix the water gently. For maximum benefit, remain in the bath for 10 minutes. Use 2 drops of undiluted product the first time and increase by 1 drop per bath up to a maximum of 8 drops. Use once daily (Tisserand 1977; Price and Price 2007).

Compresses

Add 2 drops of undiluted product to 500 ml of warm water in a bottle. Mix by shaking the bottle and immediately soak the compress. Squeeze lightly, apply the compress to the skin, and cover with clothes and/or towelling. Leave for 2 to 4 hours. Use 1 to 3 times per day (Tisserand 1977).

Inhalation

Handkerchief/tissue

Apply 1 - 6 drops of undiluted product to a handkerchief/tissue and inhale occasionally. Use 1 to 3 times per day (Price and Price 2007).

Steaming water/facial steamer

Add 3 - 12 drops of undiluted product to a bowl of steaming water/facial steamer. Inhale slowly and deeply for 5 to 10 minutes. Use 1 to 3 times per day (Price and Price 1999; Tisserand and Balacs 1995).

Duration(s) of use

All products

For occasional use only.

Risk information

Non-medicinal ingredients

• Must be chosen from the current Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID) and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
• The addition of a non-medicinal ingredient with a preservative antioxidant purpose to the product formulation is recommended.
• Products supported by this monograph cannot include any essential oils as non-medicinal ingredients.

Storage conditions

Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the Natural Health Products Regulations.

All products (information for industry; not for labelling)

• Child-resistant packaging/containers should be used (JC 2025).
• Store in airtight, light-resistant container at room temperature or in a refrigerator (Tisserand and Young 2014).

Specifications

• The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) Quality of Natural Health Products Guide.
• The medicinal ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the NHPID.
• Essential oils rich in linalool or limonene should only be used when the level of peroxides is kept to the lowest practical value. The addition of antioxidants at the time of production is recommended for these essential oils (Tisserand and Young 2014; IFRA 2004).

EXAMPLE OF PRODUCT FACTS:

Consult the Guidance Document, Labelling of Natural Health Products for more details.

References Cited

• AHPA 2012: American Herbal Products Association Guidance Policies: Trade Requirement & Guidance Policy for Labeling of Undiluted Essential Oils Used Topically and Offered for Retail Sale; Adopted 2012 and revised 2023, [Accessed 2025 March 6]. Available from: https://www.ahpa.org//Files/Document%20Library/AHPAGuidancePolicies/23_1024%20AHPA%20Guidance_Labeling_Essential_Oils_Retail.pdf
• Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2nd ed. Brisbane (AU): The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy; 2003.
• Davis P. Aromatherapy An A-Z. Saffron Walden, (GB): The C.W. Daniel Company Limited; 1997.
• HC 2025: Health Canada, Natural Health Product Ingredients Database: Counterirritants; 2025. [Published 2025 January 10]. Available from: https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=counter2&lang=eng
• IFRA 2004: IFRA Standards, including amendments. International Fragrance Association, Brussels; 2004. [Accessed 2025 March 6]. Available from : https://ifrafragrance.org/
• JC 2025: Justice Canada. Food and Drug Regulations. Cautionary Statements and Child Resistant Packages. Sections C.01.001 (2) to (4) and C.01.029, C.01.031 and C.01.031.2 (1). Ottawa (ON): Justice Laws Website. [Accessed 2025 July 22]. Available from: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._870/
• Kumar JR, Ranadive NS, Menon A, Haberman HF. Photoinduced cutaneous inflammatory response by psoralens. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology 1992;14(1-2):125-137.
• Lis-Balchin M. Aromatherapy Science: A guide for healthcare professionals. London (GB): Pharmaceutical Press; 2006.
• Price S, Price L. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 3rd edition. Edinburgh (GB): Churchill Livingstone; 2007.
• Tisserand RB. The Art of Aromatherapy: The healing and beautifying properties of the essential oils of flowers and herbs. Rochester (VT): Healing Arts Press; 1977.
• Tisserand R, Young R. Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals, 2nd edition. Edinburgh (GB): Churchill Livingstone; 2014.
• Valnet J. Aromathérapie, 11th edition. Paris (F): Vigot; 2001.

References Reviewed

• Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Brisbane (AU): The Perfect Potion; 1995.
• British Pharmacopoeia Commission. British pharmacopoeia 2013. (Vols. IV and V) London (GB): The Stationary Office; 2012.
• Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews 2006;19(1):50-62.
• Council of Europe. European pharmacopeia. (Vol. 1). Strasbourg, France: Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Health Care; 2010.
• Price S, Price L. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 2nd edition. Edinburgh (GB): Churchill Livingstone; 1999.
• Price S, Price L. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 4th edition. Edinburgh (GB): Churchill Livingstone; 2012.
• Tisserand R, Balacs T. Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals. Edinburgh (GB): Churchill Livingstone; 1995.
• USP-NF 2024: United States Pharmacopeia and the National Formulary. Rockville (MD): United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc.; 2024.
• USDA 2025: United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) - Global. U.S. National Plant Germplasm System; 2025. [Accessed 2025 January 21]. Available from: https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysearch
• Worwood VA. The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy. Novato (CA): New World Library; 1991.

Appendix 1

Definitions

Steam distilled:

Natural raw material is placed in or above water in a retort and exposed to steam, which carries the volatile oils into a condenser where the mixture is cooled. The oils separate from the water and can be collected (AHPA 2012).

Expressed:

Used primarily to obtain citrus essential oils. The fruit is punctured and then mechanically pressed. No external heat is applied during the extraction process (AHPA 2012).

Absolute:

Product of solvent extraction. A solvent is used to extract the oils from the plant material in which the product is called a “concrete” (mixture of essential oil, waxes, resins, and other lipophilic (oil soluble) plant material). A more polar solvent is added to the concrete to extract the essential oil. The alcohol is evaporated and leaves behind the absolute (AHPA 2012).

Rectified:

Essential oil is purified by fractional distillation in order to remove unwanted constituents (Tisserand and Young 2014).

Sensitizing:

Sensitizing essential oils can cause sensitization reaction, also known as allergic contact dermatitis, which is the usual clinical consequence of delayed hypersensitivity. Sensitizing oils cause more pronounced effect on patients with rash, dermatitis, eczema, sensitive skin and other skin conditions (Tisserand and Young 2014). These essential oils cause toxic effect after multiple applications (Lis-Balchin 2006).

Phototoxic:

Phototoxic essential oils produce burns, dermatitis, etc. (phototoxic effects) when the treated skin area is exposed to direct sunlight. Phototoxic effects generally occur due to inherent furanocoumarin content (Tisserand and Young 2014).

Carrier Oil:

Carrier oil is fixed oil used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin. Some of examples of carrier oils are Sweet almond oil, Grape seed oil, Sunflower oil, Apricot kernel oil, and Peach kernel oil (Price and Price 2007).