While many alternative health therapy practitioners swear by essential oils, you might be prone to severe allergic reactions while using Essential Oils.
These potent extracts from plants serve many medicinal benefits, but most often, the risk of using them is far more damaging.
From naturopathy to aromatherapy, people have been using essential oils in home remedies and to cure ailments that western medicine has failed to correct. From mild to severe dermatitis, inflammation, allergic reactions, blisters to even complete skin pigmentation loss are the horrifying side effects of using these oils wrong.
Before discussing the potential risks and dangers of using essential oils, let’s see what they are.
What are essential oils?
From peppermint essential oil to soothe your cold and lavender essential oil to cure your insomnia, we all have had some experience with essential oils. But if we have to look at the definition of essential oils, it is a liquid extract from plants with useful compounds.
The essential oils are very potent in smell and active ingredients from the plant they are sourced from. Manufacturers of essential oils use two methods to extract the goodness from plants. The two types of techniques are steam or water distillation and cold pressing.
Many manufacturers sell the essential oils as they are in the pure form or mix it with a carrier oil like coconut, sunflower, or castor oil to make more quantity of the same oil.
Essential oils have garnered popularity in the beauty and wellness industry for being a naturally-sourced, often considered ‘vegan’ product. However, many people blindly turn to use essential oils without understanding the dangers and risks.
Essential oils promise relief, but at what potential risk.
With the popularity of essential oils and their benefits, people swear these for all small and big ailments. Essential oils have a very high concentration of compounds, and they can be equally harmful to your body. People overlook these dangers and risks while using Essential Oils in the quest for better health, which is doing more harm than good.
That is why before you use essential oils, it’s best to know the possible side effects that you will have to endure.
Side effects of essential oils
Although essential oils are natural products, they are known to cause allergic reactions. While some people may never experience any side effects even after prolonged use, it’s best to see what you’re getting yourself into. Some of the possible side effects while using Essential Oils include:
- Skin Irritation and Blisters
- Skin Inflammation and Burning
- Asthma Attacks
- Headaches
How to manage the side effects of essential oils
Now that you know the possible side effects, you need to know how you can prepare if they do happen. Most side effect reactions are minor and can be controlled at home; however, if you are having a severe reaction to using essential oils, it’s best to seek medical professionals’ help.
If you get skin irritation from using an essential oil, use heavy cream or oil to wipe away the remaining essential oil from your skin. If you accidentally ingest too much of the essential oil, then contact your nearest poison control center. After that, proceed to drink full-fat milk and avoid vomiting while you seek help.
Are essential oils safe for your pets?
The research in this area is very scarce and has not shown improved results. If you have cats, dogs, or birds, it’s best not to have essential oil diffusers in the room or administer oil directly to the pets.
How to safely use essential oils
Precaution and safety while using essential oils are vital. You might use essential oils on the excellent suggestion of your friends, but it might not work the same way for you. We have rounded up some safety guidelines you should follow when using essential oils:
Always Dilute
Essential oils are powerful and can have toxic effects on your skin that might even be permanent. That is why it’s recommended to dilute the essential oil in appropriate carrier oils like avocado, coconut, or jojoba oil.
Do a Patch Test
If you’re already on medications, then using essential oils will cause all kinds of drug interactions. That is why we recommend a small patch test before using the essential oil in the affected area.
Wash Your Hands after Using Essential Oils
The remaining essential oil from your fingers can cause adverse reactions with your eye and ear. You should thoroughly wash your hands after application of essential oil to prevent any complications.
Avoid Ingesting Essential Oils
Avoid ingesting essential oils unless an expert recommends it. It is best to stick to external use as the high concentration of compounds from the oil may damage your esophageal tract.
End Notes
Act responsibly and weigh the risks and advantages of using essential oils. Avoid blindly following trends and not seeking medical attention for your problems, and self-diagnosing with essential oils.
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