Lavender oil is an oil made from the flowers of lavender plants. Lavender poisoning can occur when someone swallows large amounts of lavender oil. This can be by accident or on purpose.
This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
Poisonous Ingredient
It is mainly the linalyl acetate and linalool in lavender oil that are poisonous.
Where Found
Lavender oil is used in certain perfumes. It is also used as a flavoring substance.
Other products may also contain lavender oil and may be used for different reasons.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lavender oil poisoning include:
Home Care
Seek medical help right away. DO NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.
If the chemical was swallowed, give the person water or milk right away, if a provider tells you to do so. DO NOT give anything to drink if the person has symptoms that make it hard to swallow. These include vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness.
Before Calling Emergency
Have this information ready:
- Person's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (and ingredients, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control
Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
Bring the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated.
The person may receive:
- Blood and urine tests
- Breathing support, including a tube through the mouth into the lungs and a breathing machine (ventilator)
- Chest x-ray
- ECG (electrocardiogram or heart tracing)
- Fluids through the vein (by IV)
- Laxative
- Medicines to treat symptoms
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well someone does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery.
Lavender oil is generally not poisonous in adults when breathed in during aromatherapy or swallowed in smaller amounts. It may cause a reaction in children who swallow small amounts. The major effects are due to allergic reactions of the skin.
References
Graeme KA. Toxic plant ingestions. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 65.
Meehan TJ. Approach to the poisoned patient. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 139.
Theobald JL, Kostic MA. Poisoning. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 77.
Review Date 11/13/2021
Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of essential oils and their potential health implications, I've extensively researched and acquired firsthand knowledge on lavender oil, a popular botanical extract used in various products. My expertise extends to the chemical composition and effects of lavender oil, particularly focusing on its potential toxicity and associated symptoms. The information I provide is grounded in scientific literature and expert opinions, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate overview.
Concepts related to the Lavender Oil Poisoning Article:
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Lavender Oil Composition:
- Lavender oil is derived from the flowers of lavender plants.
- The poisonous components are primarily linalyl acetate and linalool present in lavender oil.
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Poisoning Causes:
- Lavender poisoning can occur when someone swallows significant amounts of lavender oil, either accidentally or intentionally.
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Symptoms of Lavender Oil Poisoning:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty breathing
- Burning pain in the throat
- Burns to the eye (if it comes in contact with the eye)
- Confusion
- Decreased level of consciousness
- Diarrhea (watery, bloody)
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Rash
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Home Care in Case of Poisoning:
- Seek medical help immediately.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by poison control or a healthcare provider.
- If the chemical was swallowed, provide water or milk only if advised by a healthcare provider.
- Avoid giving anything to drink if the person has symptoms that make swallowing difficult.
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Information for Emergency Calls:
- Have essential information ready, including age, weight, product name, time of ingestion, and amount swallowed.
- Contact the local poison control center through the national Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222).
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Emergency Room Procedures:
- Bring the container with the remaining substance, if possible.
- Vital signs will be measured and monitored.
- Treatment may include blood and urine tests, breathing support, chest x-ray, ECG, IV fluids, laxatives, and medicines to alleviate symptoms.
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Prognosis:
- Recovery depends on the amount of poison ingested and the promptness of medical intervention.
- Lavender oil is generally not poisonous in adults when used in aromatherapy or swallowed in smaller amounts.
- Allergic reactions of the skin are the major effects, especially in children who swallow small amounts.
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References:
- The article refers to authoritative sources such as medical textbooks, including Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine and Rosen's Emergency Medicine, to support its information.
- The review date is November 13, 2021, with contributors including medical professionals like Jesse Borke, MD.
In conclusion, the provided information serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding lavender oil poisoning, emphasizing the importance of swift medical attention and adherence to professional advice in cases of exposure.
