Aromatherapy: Potential Risks And Dangers You Need To Know

Aromatherapy is a popular practice that involves using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. While it has been used for centuries and is believed to have many health benefits, there are some risks associated with its use. The safety of aromatherapy depends on several factors, such as age, health, and medication use. Some essential oils can be toxic and should never be swallowed or applied directly to the skin. They can cause skin irritation, allergies, and even hormone-related complications. In addition, some oils can be dangerous for children, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions. It is important to research the quality of essential oils and consult a healthcare professional before use to avoid any potential risks or side effects.

Some essential oils are toxic and should never be used

Aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, is a range of traditional, alternative, or complementary therapies that use essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds. While aromatherapy is generally safe, it is important to note that some essential oils are toxic and should never be used.

Essential oils are derived from plant parts, and due to their scent, they are often used in perfumes, cosmetics, room fresheners, and even flavourings. They are also used in aromatherapy for their therapeutic benefits, which include improving health and mood, easing stress and anxiety, boosting relaxation, and improving sleep quality.

However, it is crucial to exercise caution when using essential oils, as some can be toxic and harmful if used or ingested incorrectly. Here are some essential oils that are considered toxic and should be avoided:

• Camphor: Even a small amount of camphor is dangerous if swallowed, and can cause seizures within a few minutes. It is typically used as a moth repellent or in skin preparations, but it should be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Pennyroyal: Pennyroyal oil is highly poisonous to the liver if swallowed.
• Wintergreen: Swallowing wintergreen oil is extremely dangerous and can be equivalent to ingesting a large number of adult aspirin tablets.
• Nutmeg: While nutmeg is commonly used in food, ingesting it in large amounts can cause hallucinations and even coma.
• Eucalyptus: Ingesting eucalyptus oil can cause seizures.
• Sage: Ingesting a large amount of sage oil can lead to restlessness, vomiting, vertigo, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and kidney damage.
• Tea tree: Although tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities, it is toxic if swallowed.

In addition to the oils listed above, it is important to note that essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin without dilution. They must always be diluted with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or olive oil, to prevent adverse reactions such as rashes and irritation. Furthermore, ingesting essential oils is not recommended, as it can damage the liver or kidneys and lead to unexpected changes in the gut.

To ensure safe use of essential oils, it is crucial to follow the advice of a trained professional and properly dilute the oils according to recommended guidelines.

Aromatherapy oils should never be swallowed or applied undiluted to the skin

When swallowed, essential oils can damage the liver or kidneys, and may even be fatal. They can also cause negative interactions with other drugs and undergo unexpected changes in the gut.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, and can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and chemical burns if applied undiluted to the skin. They should always be diluted with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or olive oil, before being applied topically.

Some essential oils, such as camphor, pennyroyal, and wintergreen, are so toxic that they should never be used at all. It is important to understand the properties of the oils you are using and to always follow the directions for use.

Additionally, it is worth noting that essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so it is important to purchase them from reputable sources and follow the advice of a trained professional when using them.

Aromatherapy is not suitable for everyone, including children, pregnant women, and those with certain conditions

Aromatherapy is not suitable for everyone. This is because some aromatic plant oils are toxic and should never be used. For example, camphor, pennyroyal, and wintergreen. Aromatic plant oils are very potent and should never be swallowed or applied undiluted to the skin.

Children

Aromatherapy should only be used for children over the age of three, and only with essential oils that have been found to be safe and effective for children, such as lavender, peppermint, citrus, and ginger. The risks of negative reactions are too high for younger children. It is also important to keep essential oils in a secure place, out of the reach of young children.

Pregnant women

Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using any aromatic plant oils, as some oils can be dangerous during pregnancy. For example, peppermint oil should not be used around women in their first trimester of pregnancy.

People with certain conditions

People with asthma and those prone to nosebleeds should use caution when inhaling vaporizing oils. People with epilepsy, high blood pressure, and cardiac diseases should also consult their doctor before using any aromatic plant oils.

Essential oils can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and sun sensitivity

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative therapy that uses essential oils to improve a person's health or mood. While it has been practised for thousands of years, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved with using essential oils.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, and can cause adverse reactions when used on the skin. They should always be diluted with a carrier oil, such as almond or olive oil, before being applied to the skin. Even when diluted, essential oils can cause allergic reactions in some people. To test for an allergic reaction, it is recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin, such as the inside of the forearm. If there is no allergic response within 24 to 48 hours, it is likely safe to use. However, some people may develop allergies to essential oils even after using them multiple times without any issues.

Essential oils can also cause skin irritation, especially if they are not diluted properly or are applied to sensitive areas of the skin. Undiluted essential oils can irritate or burn the skin, and some oils may cause photosensitivity, increasing the risk of sunburn or skin damage. Citrus oils, in particular, are known to increase photosensitivity and should not be applied before sun exposure.

In addition to skin reactions, essential oils can also cause eye irritation if they come into contact with the eyes. It is important to always wash your hands after handling essential oils to avoid accidentally transferring them to the eyes or other sensitive areas.

Overall, while aromatherapy can be a beneficial practice, it is important to use essential oils with caution and always follow the advice of a trained professional.

Ingesting essential oils can be fatal

Ingesting essential oils can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. While essential oils have been used for nearly 6,000 years to improve a person's health and mood, they are not meant to be swallowed. Here are some reasons why:

Liver and Kidney Damage

Some essential oils, such as pennyroyal oil, can be highly toxic to the liver if swallowed. Ingesting essential oils can also lead to unexpected changes in the gut and negative interactions with other drugs.

Poisoning

Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent. Swallowing them can lead to serious poisoning, which is an increasing cause of poisoning in children. In fact, any essential oil, if swallowed, can be poisonous and cause adverse reactions.

Pneumonia

Aspirating an essential oil, which can happen if someone tries to swallow it but chokes, can cause pneumonia.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to essential oils are possible and can be severe. Some common reactions include skin rashes, irritation, and burning. In more severe cases, allergic reactions can include difficulty breathing, which should be treated as a medical emergency.

Seizures

Ingesting certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, sage oil, and wintergreen oil, can cause seizures.

Hormonal Abnormalities

A 2007 study found that using lavender and tea tree oil topically on males who have not reached puberty has been linked to hormonal abnormalities.

Other Risks

Other potential risks of ingesting essential oils include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, vertigo, rapid heart rate, tremors, kidney damage, loss of muscle coordination, and confusion.

In summary, it is important to remember that essential oils should never be ingested unless specifically advised by a trained healthcare professional. Always follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer, and keep essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.

Frequently asked questions