Though essential oils are extremely helpful in relieving a number of problems, but they can be quite unsuitable for humans if not used in the prescribed manner. Among the many essential oils that have the tendency to harm the user are the essential oils of lavender flower and the eucalyptus leaf. These essential oils are used for several purposes like relieving anxiety, depression, pain, congestion and inflammation. But if not used precariously, these essential oils can cause a number of side effects too.
The Side Effects of Eucalyptus & Lavender Essential Oils
Some of the side effects of using eucalyptus and lavender essential oils include:
Skin Irritation
One of the quite common side effects of application of the eucalyptus and lavender essential oil is its tendency to cause deep skin rashes. Primarily occurring in people allergic to either of the plants, the eucalyptus and lavender oil can lead to skin irritation and even severe skin allergy if applied directly (without dilution) on the skin.
Respiratory Irritation
One of the most common uses of eucalyptus and lavender essential oil is its application in curing cough and cold symptoms; however, in case the patient is asthmatic or has allergy to either of the plants, then eucalyptus and lavender oil worsens the symptoms as a side effect. Used as aromatherapy in cold due to its sharp pungent aroma, the eucalyptus oil can also lead to an irritation in the eyes and nose when inhaled by patients having allergic reaction to the oil.
Digestive Problems
Ideally neither eucalyptus nor lavender essential oil should be consumed orally, as even the slightest amount of ingestion can prove to cause toxic side effects. Even the smallest doses of these essential oils can cause digestive problems like diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, vomiting and rectal bleeding. If either the eucalyptus or lavender essential oils has been accidentally consumed then poison control should be called upon immediately to curb the deteriorating symptoms of the toxicity.
Poisoning
Other than causing the above listed side effects, the simplest ingestion of eucalyptus or lavender oils can cause severe toxicity leading to acute poisoning or other life threatening symptoms like seizures. These essential oils can even react with other medications like chloral hydrates, nervous system depressants and barbiturates to accentuate the poisoning. Some of the symptoms of poisoning by Eucalyptus and Lavender oils include dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, slurred speech, seizures, discoloration and blurred vision. If any of the above listed symptoms are experienced then immediate medical help should be called for. Therefore, whenever administering either of these essential oils orally, they should be taken under the guidance of a qualified physician to prevent their harmful side effects.
Breast Growth in Boys (Gynecomastia)
Another serious side effect of using the eucalyptus and lavender essential oil is gynecomastia where there is breast growth in boys or men. Though, this side effect from eucalyptus and lavender essential oil tends to go away in a few months once the use of the particular oil has stopped, but it shows its side effects nevertheless.
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