You're Using Too Many Essential Oils If This Happens

Essential oils have been steadily gaining in popularity, and not only for aromatherapy lovers. In a 2019 press release, it was stated that because of the progressively booming health and wellness industry, essential oils were poised for a massive sale increase. The Scientific American shares that in 2019, Americans spent $1 billion on essential oil products and by 2022, it is estimated those sales will increase by $10 billion.

Essential oils have been used for centuries in alternative medicine but have recently seen an uptick in awareness of the benefits they can provide to a person's health, mood, and mental state. These oils are derived from plants, fruits, and flowers, and therefore are said to be relatively safe to use, but in moderation, because too much of a good thing is not necessarily good for you.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is evidence showing essential oils can offer health benefits including boosting one's emotional state, reducing stress, improving sleep, minimizing nausea, and killing bacteria and viruses, but there are also downsides to this natural alternative therapy. 

Just as essential oils can offer health benefits, they can also create health problems. According to WebMD, many people misuse the oils due to being wrongly advised, or uninformed, and this can cause negative reactions, unwanted effects, and possible serious health issues. A common reason adverse effects occur is due to the over-use of the oils, which results in an "overdose."  

Inhaling, applying, or ingesting too many blended essential oils or too much of one oil may lead to a severe sensitization or allergic reaction, and dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D., shares with WebMD that "Once you become sensitized, you will forever be allergic to it." Healthline reports that the skin condition contact dermatitis and hives or welts on the skin are common allergic reactions to the oils, and even if you are not allergic to the ingredient, a reaction may occur from overuse. You might also experience irritated eyes or nasal symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, or congestion.

According to doTERRA, applying one to five drops of oil into a water diffuser for a short period of time, 15-20 minutes, is generally well-tolerated. Over-diffusing, or using too much oil, can result in lightheadedness, nausea, and headaches. Starting in small doses is the safest way to begin using essential oils, as the more oil you use, the more potent the effect.