20 mars 2023
They are diffused into the ambient air or applied to the skin… At first sight, essential oils only induce calm and soothing, especially since they are of natural origin. In some cases, however, they can be harmful… Explanations.
Essential oils are preparations obtained by distillation of plants or parts of plants (leaves, flowers, bark, etc.). Their characteristic? They are “very focused”, insists the Belgian Poison Control Center, and can cause symptoms of intoxication in the event of an overdose. Their severity varies according to the type of exposure (ingestion, eye contact, etc.), the type of oil in question, the concentration of the product (“Poisoning by pure essential oils is the most problematic”), the amount ingested.
First half hour…
In the event of ingestion, the symptoms can be multiple: irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. “The ingestion of certain essential oils can also cause disturbances of consciousness or convulsions, respiratory problems, and, more rarely, damage to the liver or kidneys”, specifies the Belgian center. Good to know, “the first symptoms occur in the first hours following the accident, often in the first half hour”.
In the event of skin contact with a pure oil, skin irritations may appear: redness, burning sensations… Not to mention that “Essential oils can trigger allergic reactions in sensitized people. »
Also pay attention to the eyes, with in case of contact, “vision disorders and possible corneal damage”. However reversible lesions. Finally, the inhalation of vapors of essential oils “may sometimes cause mild upper respiratory tract irritation”.
Doctor’s opinion
Which essential oils are most at risk? It seems difficult to lay down general rules. The Belgian Poison Control Center explains that “each has particular properties and specific toxic risks, which makes it difficult to rank the most dangerous oils”. Nevertheless, “essential oils of sage, hyssop, cedar, eucalyptus and camphor are particularly dangerous in overdose in children because they can cause convulsions”.
One last point: “Certain groups of patients are more sensitive to the toxicity of essential oils: in the event of asthma, epilepsy, allergy, in pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children, it is preferable to seek the advice of a doctor before using an essential oil ».
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Source : Belgian poison control center (www.centreantipoisons.be), site consulted on March 10, 2023
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Written by : Written by David Picot – Edited by: Emmanuel Ducreuzet