are undiluted essential oils really that dangerous?

Question

their labels make them sound like hydrochloric acid!

Answer 1

Yes. A very few are ok for undiluted use, that too, usually only topically on the skin - like tea tree oil and lavender oil (but once again depends on the skin sensitivity).

When taken orally or used undiluted, they can cause severe problems which can sometimes even lead to death. So please be advised and use them only after you know how the particular oil can be used. If you are new to this, you should definitely consider reading up some beginner's material.

Answer 2

They're not quite on the same level as hydrochloric acid, usually, but some of them can be quite toxic, especially hepatotoxic, (or toxic to the liver). Pennyroyal and clove oils, undiluted, are classed as abortifaecients. This means if used in quantity undiluted directly on the skin or taken internally, they can cause a pregnant woman to miscarry her child. Would you really want to be responsible for a woman losing her child through not knowing what you are doing? Nothing to fool around with as you can see. Tea tree oil, if left in a bottle with a rubber stopper, will dissolve the rubber stopper, and fairly quickly. Even something as innoccuous as thyme, when in essential oil strength can cause illness (and also dissolve those rubber stoppers again...) It must be understood by anyone using them that there are quite literally 100's and 100's of pounds of plant material used to make 1 oz--1 very, very small bottle of essential oil. Yes, they are THAT strong, that is why they are used in DROPS, and with knowledge, respect and a carrier oil. That is also why they are so expensive. Artemisia, nutmeg and mace essential oils (the outer covering around the nut of the nutmeg), are poisonous, and extremely toxic if misused. If you are questioning this, it sounds to me like you need to do some more research and some more learning.

Answer 3

They can be very dangerous. But that danger comes from being unaware of how to use them. One too many drops for one more day in an oral regimen can damage the liver. Any and everyone should use care and caution when using pure essential oils. Be aware of cautions and contraindications for each essential oil that you have in your collection. That being said...suppliers of eo's need to make that initial statement of extreme caution to attempt to protect themselves from someone doing something stupid with eo's. It isn't realistic to include instructions on each tiny bottle and there is always someone that heard that, oh say Cinnamon oil was good for something and then climbed into the bath with 5 mls of the stuff! I operate an essential oil business, I get them all over my hands all the time. I do take some orally as well as dispense them to my family. I am pretty casual about them, actually. No ill effects yet!

Answer 4

Depends on the oil in question.
Different oils have different properties.
For example sage oil is abortifascient... can make a pregnant woman miscarry.
Lavender oil is an excellent calmative, relaxant and anti-microbial - all with topical use.
You shouldn't use more than a few drops of any essential oil in your bath because it will scorch your skin. A little goes a long way.
I use straight heliotrope oil as a perfume... I get lots of complements and it lasts a long time, and no skin problems.

You really need to get a resource book on essential oils.

Answer 5

They can be. Not acid though. Most oils are highly alkaline.

This is one of the reasons they must be diluted for proper use.

They are also highly concentrated and your body is simply not designed to handle certain things all at once.

For example: even though your kidneys can filter and regulate the levels of salt taken in through your diet, if you drank a cup of sea water, the salt concentration (and amount you're taking in) is so much, your kidneys will never recover and you will die.

Some compounds in essential oils can have a similar impact on your organs when you take them in too large a quantity and concentration.

So read up and enjoy these products with care and attentiveness.

Answer 6

Absolutely! I take EO internally because i have a pure source. If you are interested give me a holler.
Cheers
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Answer 7

Some can be rather caustic and others are safe to touch. Try a drop on your skin in a nonsensitive place and see if it is going to burn you.

Answer 8

YES! Its called a herxhimer reaction. Google it if you like.