Can Using Too Much Essential Oil Cause Toxicity?

Hi good morning

Today ill be talking about essential oils and wether if used more than recommended ‘dose’; would it cause toxicity.

Now essential oils are plant based and mostly extracted out from plant’s oil. Since most essential oils are from plants; people have this perception that its safe because its natural.

Well its not entirely true. According to the Poison Centre (USA); essential oils (depends on seller) are mostly sold undiluted; and when used more than recommended dosage or too much can cause many problems such as liver toxicity, kidney toxicity and pneumonia. 

Now bare in mind these toxicities usually happens when its ‘ingested’, not when applied to skin. 

However there are some studies that shows that when you apply these EO on babies skin below 1 year old, can cause these problems too. Ive written an article on this before here about the danger of using essential oils in babies so do check it out.

For adults; applying too much on skin; probably wont cause these reactions as our skin is already made to protect our internal organ from the ‘outside exposure’. Worst case; you will get rashes. 

However, it may cause a problem if you are applying on wounded or open ‘skin’ which is usually a problem most eczema and psoriasis people has. Due to that; i would advice that you stick to usage of 5% and less on your skincare product (may vary from eo to eo)

Now having said that; these eo are not tested widely on people (clinically) and most are ‘hear say’ therefore; it may vary from people to people the way they respond to these eo. Eo has many ‘components’ and different species from different country has different components. So be cautious on what or how you use it.

Example for me; im ok with peppermints and lemongrass scent, but too much of jasmine makes me have difficulty in breathing.

The same goes with citrus based essential oils. Like lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit and bergamot; these when use in our hot weather in Malaysia causes skin burn. So if these are the reactions you are getting using these eo; make sure you use a strong SPF protection daily. 

All in all; since the reactions vary from people to people; its the best to test it out in small quantity first. Same goes if you are selling; let your customers know that you have these eo inside and its the best that they do a small allergic test before using it. Just put it behind the ear or on your elbow for 24 hours before using it. If all is ok; no reaction; than its probably safe:)

Thank you for reading!

Nisha