Are there risks to using rosemary oil?
Written by
Natalie Hamilton
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Knowledge of rosemary oil's potential dangers provides for proper use of this powerful plant. We must understand that while rosemary oil offers many benefits to human comfort, its improper use can lead to adverse reactions, ranging from mild skin irritation to severe illness. Always be cautious and treat rosemary oil with the respect it deserves in terms of concentration, following safety precautions accordingly.
Dermal Reactions
- Risk: Chemical burns from undiluted application
- Prevention: Strict 3-5% dilution in carrier oils
- Response: Discontinue use immediately if redness occurs
Pregnancy Complications
- Risk: Uterine stimulation from ketones
- Prevention: Complete avoidance during pregnancy
- Alternative: Consider safer options like chamomile
Epilepsy patients have certain unique hazards from rosemary oil. Rosemary oil can contain camphor, which can lower seizure threshold and cause seizures to occur in some patients. Epileptics should entirely avoid rosemary and opt for other oils that are neurobiologically safe, such as lavender.
Consistently implement preventive measures. Always test the purpose with a patch test on each new batch of oils. Keep rosemary oil out of the reach of children and pets, as ingestion can cause kidney damage. As stated previously, it poses a fire hazard, so avoid using it near an open flame.
Precautions should be exercised with special populations. Children under 10 years of age should completely avoid rosemary oil due to its potential to affect developing systems. Older adults require lower dilution ratios due to more delicate skin. It is always a great practice to seek professionals who can guide you in using essential oils in conjunction with your health practices.
Read the full article: 10 Amazing Benefits Rosemary Oil Provides
