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Few things are quite as nice as winding down with some essential oils. Because of their relaxing properties—each scent may activate different parts of the brain associated with emotions—essential oils have increased in popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, as their use has risen, so has the incidence of scary accidental poisonings. "In 2020, more than 24,000 essential oil exposures were reported to poison centers across the United States," saysKelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, medical toxicologist and co-medical director of the National Capital Poison Center (NCPC). The most commonly reported cases, she says, were the result of ingestion and skin exposure, and they largely affected children, pets, and consumers who didn't read the directions. Read on to discover the five essential oils you probably didn't know were toxic.

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While many essential oils are used for aromatherapy, tea tree oil—also called melaleuca oil—is more frequently used as a home remedy for skin and respiratory conditions, including bruises, burns, eczema, colds, coughs, and throat irritation. Several studies have found that the essential oil is successful at treating these afflictions thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, according to the NCPC.

However, it's not without its risks. In fact, "At NCPC, tea tree oil was the most commonly reported essential oil involved in toxic exposures from 2020 to 2022," says Johnson-Arbor. "Tea tree oil can cause somnolence [read: drowsiness], hallucinations, vomiting, and difficulty walking after oral ingestion," says Johnson-Arbor. For that reason, avoid drinking tea tree oil and never attempt to use it internally. If any amount of tea tree oil is consumed, seek immediate emergency care.

No scent is as soothing as lavender, which is why this essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. It's not just a refreshing smell, either. Lavender can potentially decrease anxiety and ease insomnia, according to a 2005 study saPhysiology & Behavior and a 2015 study nasaJournal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, respectively. While the benefits of lavender are incredible, you'll want to use it safely: Johnson-Arbor notes it's the second-most common essential oil exposure reported to the NCPC. "Lavender is a potent sedative," she says. "Lavender oil can cause sedation when as little as four drops are swallowed." To prevent accidents, keep all lavender oil in child-proof containers (if you have little ones or pets), and use only as directed.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

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Peppermint oil is the third-most common essential oil involved in calls to the NCPC. This minty essence is used to ease IBS, sinus infections, colds, and other conditions, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). In most cases, peppermint oil can be safely used both orally and topically. However, it is possible to take too much. "Consumption of higher doses is associated with coma and respiratory depression," says Johnson-Arbor. "Inhalation of high amounts of peppermint oil may cause seizures and confusion." To ensure safety, follow the directions on your essential oil product. Because these oils can be diluted differently, toxic doses vary depending on the product.

If you're like many people, the smell of eucalyptus oil may remind you of cold and flu remedies. The aroma is infused into popular over-the-counter products such as Vicks VapoRub and even tissues. So, it should come as no surprise that this essential oil has many uses, including silencing a cough or clearing the chest, as well as easing joint pain and even repelling mosquitos, according to Healthline. When utilizing the oil, though, you'll want to avoid ingesting it. "Eucalyptus oil is highly toxic and can cause central nervous system depression and seizures after oral exposure," says Johnson-Arbor.

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Clove oil is the fifth-most common essential oil involved in calls to the NCPC. Studies have found this oil ay isang malakas na antimicrobial at antifungal, at maaari ring maiwasan ang pagguho ng ngipin at magbigay ng kaluwagan ng sakit bilang isang pangkasalukuyan na anestisya, ayon sa Healthline. Gayunpaman, maaari rin itong mapanganib kapag nilamon. Ayon sa pananaliksik na inilathala ng National Center for Biotechnology Information noong 2019, "ang mga overdoses ay minarkahan ng simula ng pagkabalisa, pagbaba ng kamalayan, at koma na nagmula sa loob ng oras ng paglunok ng10 hanggang 30 milliliter ng langis ng clove. "Ang pinsala sa atay at bato ay maaaring sundin sa lalong madaling panahon.

Upang magamit nang ligtas ang anumang mahahalagang langis, inirerekomenda ni Johnson-Arbor ang mga sumusunod na alituntunin. Una, ubusin ang mga produktong ito tulad ng itinuro. "Gumamit lamang ng mga mahahalagang langis bilang aromatherapy, at huwag lunukin ang mga ito o ilapat ang mga ito nang direkta sa balat o bibig," sabi niya. "Ang anumang mahahalagang langis ay maaaring lason kapag ginamit sa isang pamamaraan maliban sa aromatherapy o paglanghap." Nabanggit din niya na ang ilang mga indibidwal - tulad ng mga may sakit sa hika o baga - ay maaaring maging sensitibo sa mga mahahalagang langis kapag inhaled. "Ang mga madaling kapitan na ito ay maaaring magkaroon ng mga paghihirap sa paghinga pagkatapos ng paglanghap ng mga mahahalagang langis," sabi niya. Tulad ng anumang bagay, kumunsulta sa iyong doktor bago simulan ang isang mahahalagang regimen ng langis.

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