While essential oils offer a wealth of benefits, overuse can lead to skin irritation, sensitivity, or other health issues.
Essential oils are promoted as a cure for various issues, ranging from skin rashes
to emotional well-being problems. They may smell heavenly, but their advertising exaggerates the benefits while underplaying the negative aspects. Even though we can’t deny the numerous health benefits, it comes with quite a few risks that lurk behind the heavenly essence. Read on to know them all.
Poisoning
There have been thousands of cases of poisoning by essential oils in recent years, and more than half of them involved children. It requires a small amount of oil to cause nausea, lung injuries, and attacks on the central nervous system. The most dangerous oil is eucalyptus oil. A small amount of which could cause stomach pains and convulsions. Although in most cases, the oils were misinterpreted for liquid medications, there is a need to be super vigilant before using them.
Sun-Sensitivity
Certain essential oils act as photosensitizers, which boost the skin’s sensitivity to the sun’s rays. A lot of citrus fruits are laced with a substance known as furocoumarin in order to prepare them. It may create chemical burns after exposure to sunlight. In the worst instances, just a few minutes of exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause blisters.
Skin Issues
The spectrum of essential oil-related skin conditions ranges from minor irritations to severe allergic reactions like dermatitis. Allergies can cause itching, hives, rashes, and burning. The skin can become dry and scaly and then begin to break. It is advised not to apply oils on damaged skin because it absorbs more oil, and the reaction can be unexpected and unpleasant.
Nausea
Certain essential oils have impure substances and additives that can be harmful to children and expectant mothers. The infamous sensitization to smells and flavors could cause adverse effects such as nausea, headache, and vertigo.
Allergies
Other than skin issues, allergic reactions to essential oils can irritate the eyes and respiratory system. Therefore, the experience you have with essential oils may result in a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. Sometimes, the allergic reaction gets worse, which means that you have to visit a doctor immediately.
