All about essential oils!

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Real Poison Center Case

A 4-year-old girl child accidentally ingested a small amount of essential oil from a bottle while playing unsupervised. The parents immediately contacted the poison center for guidance on the potential risks and the necessary actions to be taken.

Her parents were told that the essential oil may upset her stomach a little and to monitor the child closely at home and seek medical care if excessive drowsiness was noted. The child’s mom called back the following day to report her daughter only had one episode of diarrhea and had otherwise remained fine.

This case highlights the importance of proper storage and handling of essential oils, as well as the need for education regarding the potential hazards associated with their ingestion.

Essential oils contain potent compounds that may be toxic when ingested in large amounts or by vulnerable individuals, such as young children. These compounds can cause adverse effects on different body systems, including the digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems.

All About Camphor

We want to shed light on the proper use of camphor and camphor containing Vicks products. These common remedies have been used for generations, but it's is crucial to understand their potential risks and to follow the recommended guidelines for safe usage and storage.

Camphor should never be ingested. as it can be toxic and can cause serious health complications. Keep products containing camphor out of reach of children and store them up high and away from sight.,

Use camphor products sparingly and only as directed. Avoid over-application or excessive use, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Direct inhalation or excessive exposure to camphor vapors can irritate the respiratory system, especially in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. It is is advisable to use camphor products in well-ventilated areas and avoid prolonged exposure

All about essential oils!

Essential oils have gained immense popularity for their natural therapeutic properties, but it is crucial to remember that concentrated forms of these oils can be potent and should be handled with care. We aim to provide you with essential tips and guidelines to ensure the safe use of these aromatic treasures.

Storage matters - Store essential oils out of reach of children and pets,

preferably in a cool, dark place. Proper storage helps maintain the oils'

potency and prevents accidental ingestion.

Never ingest undiluted oils - Ingesting essential oils

directly can lead to serious health complications. If using oils internally,

ensure they are of therapeutic grade and follow recommended dosage guidelines

provided by a certified aromatherapist.

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes -

Essential oils should never come into direct contact with the eyes or sensitive

areas. If this happens accidentally, rinse thoroughly with a carrier oil or

milk and call the poison center right away.seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Patch testing - Before applying a new essential oil to a larger area of your

skin, conduct a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area to check for any

allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Keep labels intact - Always ensure that the labels on your

essential oil bottles are clear and legible. Proper labeling helps prevent

mix-ups and ensures that the correct oil is being used.

Some examples of potentially dangerous essential oils are:

Wintergreen: Contains a high concentration of methyl salicylate, which can be toxic if ingested in small amounts. It's best used externally and should be heavily diluted.

Eucalyptus: While commonly used for respiratory support, ingesting large quantities of eucalyptus oil can be harmful and may lead to nausea, vomiting, and even seizures.

Pennyroyal: Contains a toxic compound called pulegone, which can be dangerous if ingested, especially in high doses. It should be avoided during pregnancy.

Camphor: High concentrations of camphor can be toxic and may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. It should never be ingested.

Birch: Contains methyl salicylate similar to wintergreen, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. It's best used externally and highly diluted.

Wormwood: Contains thujone, which can be neurotoxic in high doses. It's important to exercise caution and use this oil sparingly.

Sage: Contains thujone, which can be neurotoxic in high concentrations. It's best used in moderation and under the guidance of a trained professional.

Sassafras: Contains safrole, a compound that can be harmful and carcinogenic in large amounts. It is banned in food and cosmetic products in many countries.

In case of an accidental ingestion or topical exposure to a large quantity of essential oil, contact the your local poison control center right away at 1-800-222-1222. immediately.

Visit our website

Order Materials

Check out the Texas Poison Center Network's Blog