Lavender oil

Definition

Lavender oil is an oil made from the flowers of lavender. Lavender poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows lavender oil.

Poisonous Ingredient

Lavender oil (mainly linalyl acetate and linalool)

Where Found

• In some perfumes
• Used as a flavoring agent

Note: This list may not include all uses of lavender oil.

Symptoms

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Burning pain in the throat
  • Burns to the eye
• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea (watery, bloody)
  • Vomiting
• Lungs
  • Difficulty breathing (from breathing in or allergic reaction)
• Skin
  • Rash

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number 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 U.S. 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Fluids by IV
• Medicines to treat an allergic reaction (diphenhydramine, prednisone)

Expectations (prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Lavender oil is generally non-poisonous when breathed in during aromatherapy or swallowed. The major effects are due to allergic reactions of the skin.

References

Prashar A, Locke IC, Evans CS. Cytotoxicity of lavender oil and its major components to human skin cells. Cell Prolif. 2004;37:221-229.