Essential oils are extracted from various plants and have some aromatic chemical compounds. Clove oil, Lavender oil, Eucalyptus and tea-tree oil are some of the common ones. These oils had been using in aromatherapy since ages but its medical effectiveness is still debatable.
Companies making essential oils claim it to be 100% natural but you never know. Always consult a medical expert before its usage. Sometimes even a small ingestion of it can have a hazardous impact on your health.
We are here to discuss some of the potential health risks of using Essential oil:
Toxic
Essential oils when orally ingested can be toxic. Its severity is dependent on the amount is taken and type of it. Children are more vulnerable to it. If they even accidently consume some undiluted essential oil such as Eucalyptus they can suffer from lethal consequences. Symptoms of toxicity include:
- Seizure attack
- Shortness of breath
- Choking
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Persistent Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
Irritation
If oil is too concentrated and you haven’t diluted it well, it can cause irritable skin. Especially those who have sensitive skin are more vulnerable to it. It’s always recommended to do a patch test first and ask an opinion of a dermatologist before applying any essential oil to your skin. You can seek help from an expert to know its dilution ratio and its recommended daily ratio for its safe usage.
Stick to Your Medication
If you are recommended to take 2 drops, it means 2 drops. Don’t just go with your instinct. In addition to it, some essential oils interact badly with the prescribed drugs so if you are on a certain medication it’s always better to ask your physician before orally consuming any essential oil. Peppermint oil has been known to badly react with some of the prescribed drugs.
Don’t Blindly Follow
If one essential oil did good for one person doesn’t guarantee that it will do well for you too. It’s not like one size fits all scenario. Risks are dependent on the age, its consumption method, person’s medical history, and overall body’s resistance to the new thing. Children usually face adverse affect of it, if not used with caution. In extreme cases, it can damage the metabolism system, damage liver and causes difficulty in breathing.
Don’t try to experiment when it comes to health. Always seek a professional opinion if you are unsure.
