Nature has a wide range of volatile plant fragrances, known as essential oils, which are characterized by a particularly intense and strong odor. In a pine forest, for example, the smallest amounts per cubic meter of air of the essential oil of turpentine are sufficient to spread the characteristic, spicy scent. No wonder, then, that people associate these aromatic substances with a healthy and healing effect, but rarely with a risk.
The dose makes the poison
Because although essential oils are perceived as beneficial and symptom-relieving for colds and flu-like infections, for example, the dose makes the poison with them, too. This is shown by severe cases of poisoning in children, which are repeatedly caused by essential oils, most of which are used incorrectly. Essential oils are particularly characterized by their toxic effects on the central nervous system, the kidneys and the respiratory tract. There are considerable differences in the strength of their effects on humans. Very toxic are e.g. camphor, eucalyptus (cineole) and peppermint oil (menthol). Somewhat less toxic are turpentine oil, orange/lemon peel oil, tea tree oil, and clove oil. Relatively harmless are cosmetic products such as perfumes, creams, soaps, etc., in which the proportion of essential oils is usually low and can be neglected with regard to poisoning. Caution, on the other hand, should be exercised with products that contain high levels of highly toxic essential oils. These are, for example, Chinese oils, warming rubs or balms, blood circulation-enhancing sports ointments, special bath oils or cold baths, scented oils for room air improvement or aromatherapy, and also various citrus-based thinners, e.g. for organic paints.
Severe poisoning could be the result
If these products are ingested accidentally, severe poisoning can result. In infants and young children, even a few drops of the essential oils that accidentally enter the nasopharynx can cause cramping of the larynx and lead to breathing difficulties. Fortunately, experience from the medical reports in cases of poisoning and the German poison information centers show that these severe poisonings are very rare. In the vast majority of cases, “only” skin and mouth reddening, abdominal pain, possibly also nausea and vomiting occur as a result of the accidental ingestion of essential oils. Very rarely there are short-lasting symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, tremors and movement disorders. Whether the poisoning is mild or severe, all warning signs should be taken seriously and a poison information center consulted.
