Safety Data & Contraindications For Stay-Away-Blend
This is a blend that is intended to repel insects and mosquitoes. It has also proven to work well on keeping ticks and chiggers away. Read all about our spray here.
Please weigh the risks of being bitten by insects versus the associated (albeit low) risks of the oils.
None of the statements above are approved by the FDA, and are not meant to diagnose or cure any condition, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information provided here is for educational purposes, and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
As always, we can not recommend the use of any essential oils (orally, inhalation or dermal) for pregnant women or those attempting to conceive; however, we leave it up to each individual to choose what is right for them. That being said, you again must weigh the risks of mosquito bites (and the associated potential transmission of viruses) against insect repellent use. If in doubt, we would personally choose to use the Lite-Stay-Away-Spray at 2% strength in addition to reducing the amount of exposed skin.
All ingredients with (TS) in their title are found in doTerra’s TerraShield blend.
INGREDIENTS:
TerraShield contains the following:
Citronella essential oil (cymbopogon nardus) – Warnings: Undiluted Citronella oil has been reported to cause contact dermatitis in humans on rare occasion – low risk. There is a caution about ingesting Citronella if taking any drugs metabolized by CYP2B6. The benefits of the anti-carcinogens (over 60% of the oil) outweighs the smaller 0-1.7% risk of methyleugenol.
Cedarwood essential oil – Note: (unidentified botanical in this blend) Generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing.
Skimmia Laureola contains the following properties: Geraniol exhibits anti-carcinogenic properties. Major constituents of the oils were linalyl acetate (17.9-44.7 %), linalool (12.5-22.0 %), α-terpinyl acetate (6.2-9.3 %), α-terpineol (5.5-11.1 %), geranyl acetate (4.8-10.6 %), dictamnol (3.9-13.1 %), myrcene (1.1-2.3 %), neryl acetate (2.1-7.1 %), neoiso-dihydrocarveol acetate (0.0-2.0 %) and (2E,6E)-farnesyl acetate (0.2-1.8 %). Warnings: Skimmia Laureola oil may be phototoxic as Bergapten has been reported twice as a constituent. No known contraindications. Skimmia contains no known carcinogens.
Catnip (nepeta cataria) – Warnings: Catnip has diuretic properties and may increase amount and frequency of urination. Women with pelvic inflammatory diseases or are pregnant should not use. The constituents, nepetalic acid, and nepetalactone, are believed to be responsible for Central Nervous System effects. No reported effects from the oil have been made, however, Catnip oil contains 1.2-43% of nepetalic acid and 12.7-84% of nepetalactones.
West Indian Sandalwood (amyris balsamifera) has the following properties: Gamma-eudesmol , and beta-sesquiphellandrene exhibit anti-carcinogenic properties. Warnings: No known contraindications. Amyris oil contains no known carcinogens.
Muhuhu oil (brachylaena hutchinsii). No known contraindications. Very little is known about Muhuhu and its constituents. It contains no known carcinogens.
Cabreuva (myrocarpus fastigiatus) No known contraindications. Cabreuva oil contains no known carcinogens. Nerolidol and farnesol exhibit anti-carcinogenic properties.
Wild Orange Peel oil (citrus sinensis) aka Sweet Orange – Warnings: No known contraindications. However, skin sensitization can occur if oil becomes oxidized. Adding an antioxidant to any blended product is recommended. Storage in a refrigerator can prolong shelf life. Stay-Away-Spray has an antioxidant added to help halt oxidation.
Abies Alba (silver fir/white fir) – Warnings: Non-toxic, non-irritant (except in high concentration and to those with highly sensitive skin) and non-sensitizing. Do not take silver fir essential oil internally.
Eucalyptus (eucalyptus radiata) –Warnings: Eucalyptus oil is high in 1,8-cineole and can cause Central Nervous System and breathing problems in young children. Children under 10 should not have eucalyptus radiata applied on or near their face. People with high blood pressure and/or epilepsy may want to avoid ingesting eucalyptus oil. Excessive use of this oil may cause headaches. Ingestion limit of 600mg/day for adults. Dermal limit of 20% for adults. Suspected but not confirmed contraindication for internal use with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, and in severe liver disease. Do not apply Stay-Away-Spray directly to the face of children under 10.
Santalum Paniculatum (Hawaiian Sandalwood) Not enough information published on this species yet.
Spartium Junceum – Warnings: No known contraindications. Estragole and safrole are carcinogenic if present in sufficient concentration, however they are not high enough to be concerning, since this absolute is expensive and is likely only used in very small amounts.
Rose Damascena (Damask) aka Rose otto – Warnings: No known contraindications. 21mg/day is the recommended maximum for adult ingestion. Maximum dermal usage is suggested at 0.006%, 0.012%, and 0.6% depending on the source. Limits are due to the level of methyleugenol (carcinogenic) in rose oil. However, the geraniol levels in rose oil may counteract the carcinogens.
(thymus vulgaris) aka Thyme(geraniol CT) is a more mild Thyme chemotype and is useful skin products for acne or eczema or for problems of the ear, nose and throat or taken internally for blood infections. It has the following benefits and properties: antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic, and diuretic.
Warnings:
Constituents in Thyme oil may inhibit platelet aggregation (thus reducing blood clotting) so the oral use of Thyme is cautioned in the following circumstances:
- If taking anti-coagulant drugs (aspirin, heparin, warfarin)
- Breastfeeding mothers
- Hemophilia
- Peptic ulcers or Internal bleeding
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment (liver/kidney failure or impairment)
- Hypertensive or diabetic retinopathy (vision impairment or loss due to disease of retina)
- Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count)
- Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
- Up to a week before or after major surgery or child birth.
Thyme oil may be choleretic (which means it helps to stimulate the production of bile by the liver)
- Contraindications when taken orally : Cholestasis
- Warning when taken orally: Drugs that are metabolized by CYP2B6
- Caution with hyperthyroidism, since Thyme may also stimulate the thyroid gland.
- Caution with high blood pressure, since Thyme can be used to increase circulation.
- Caution for people with allergies to rosemary or mint oils, since Thyme contains many of the same constituents.
(cymbopogon citratus) – Lemongrass essential oil is an analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, galactogogue, insecticidal, nervine, sedative and tonic substance. The benefits range from skin care, beauty treatments, first aid, insect repellents, anti-fungal treatments and so much more.
Warnings: Drug interaction, skin sensitazation, and teratogenicity are all hazards of Lemongrass. The following cautions apply:
- Children under the age of 2, and anyone with hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin should not use dermally.
- Ingesting Lemongrass should be done with caution in diabetics whole are using drugs to control blood sugar levels.
- Lemongrass (dermaly, inhalation & ingesting) is not advised while taking drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
- 0.7% is the maximum for dermal use. Could irritate sensitive skin.
- Risk of teratogenicity (an agent or factor that causes malformation of an embryo).
(lavandula angustifolia)Lavender essential oil has so many benefits it is easier to send you here: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil.html
Warnings:
- Lavender has no known contraindications.
- There is only a moderate risk of skin sensitization with lavender.
- For dermal use, the maximum level is 0.1%.
(mentha piperita) Peppermint essential oil contains the following benefits:digestive, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, respiratory and circulation benefits. You can read more here: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html
Warnings:
- Due to peppermint containing 40% or more 1,8-cineole, it should not be applied to the face of infants or children, or otherwise inhaled by them. (children under the age of 2 for sure..use judgement for older children)
- Menthol-rich oils should be avoided by anyone with heart disease or cardiac fibrillation.
- Can irritate sensitive skin.
- Drug interaction with felodipine is suspected.
Data gathered during our research and studies, from some of the following sources:
- Tisserand, Robert, and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier, 2014. Web.
- “Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute School of Essential Oil Studies.” Aromatherapy School and Courses. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2016.
- “National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.” NAHA/safety. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2016.
- Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. San Rafael, CA: New World Library, 1991. Print.
- The U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed