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Essential Oils with Moderate Toxicity: How to Use Them Safely (Rating 2)

Essential Oils with Moderate Toxicity: How to Use Them Safely (Rating 2)

Essential oils have earned a place in our daily lives for their calming, healing, and energising properties. Whether it's to unwind after a stressful day or to relieve muscle tension, these aromatic wonders offer an array of benefits. However, not all essential oils are created equal. While many oils are safe for regular use, others come with a more moderate level of toxicity. These oils may still pack a punch with their therapeutic benefits, but they require a bit more caution, especially for certain individuals.

In this second part of our series on essential oils and their toxicity, we’ll dive into oils with a moderate toxicity rating. These oils have an LD50 between 1 and 2, which means they can be toxic if not used properly, but they’re not as dangerous as those in the highest toxicity category. If you’re a fan of aromatherapy, these oils may still be part of your collection, but using them safely is key to enjoying their benefits without putting your health at risk.

Understanding Rating 2 Oils

Before we jump into the specific oils, let’s take a quick refresher on what Rating 2 oils are all about. Oils in this category have an LD50 rating between 1 and 2, meaning they are still considered toxic but not as harmful as those in the Rating 1 category. An LD50 of 1 to 2 suggests that while these oils are more toxic than the safer oils (Rating 3), they are less likely to cause severe harm when used in moderation.

Rating 2 oils are typically considered safe for use in aromatherapy, but they need to be treated with respect. They are more powerful than many others and can cause adverse reactions if overused, particularly in sensitive individuals or when used incorrectly. So, as much as they can enhance your wellness routine, it’s crucial to know how to handle them safely.

Toxic Essential Oils (Rating 2): What You Should Know

Now, let’s take a closer look at some Rating 2 essential oils—those with moderate toxicity. These oils offer powerful therapeutic properties but must be used cautiously.

Certainly! Here's a table summarising the essential oils with moderate toxicity, their toxic constituents, potential risks, and LD50 values where available:

Essential Oil Toxic Constituent Potential Risks LD50 (mg/kg)
Artemisia aborescens Thujone Neurotoxic, may cause seizures if consumed in large amounts -
Atlas Cedar Atlantone Toxic if used excessively -
Basil (Tropical or Exotic) Methyl chavicol Harmful to the liver if overused -
Bay Leaf Eugenol Skin and mucous membrane irritation if undiluted -
Birch Methyl salicylate Skin irritation, dangerous in high amounts 1.2
Cassia (Chinese Cinnamon) Cinnamic aldehyde Skin irritation and adverse reactions if misused -
Cinnamon Bark Cinnamic aldehyde Irritant, causes issues in high concentrations -
Clove Bud Eugenol Toxic in large doses, may cause respiratory issues -
Clove Leaf Eugenol Toxic in large doses, may cause respiratory issues -
Dill Carvone Toxic if not used properly -
Everlasting Italidione Should be used with care -
Hyssop Pinocamphone Harmful if inhaled in large amounts 1.4
Lavender Stoechas Fenchone, Camphor Neurotoxic in large quantities -
Mugwort (Armoise) Thujone May cause toxicity and seizures if consumed in high amounts -
Oregano Carvacrol Skin and digestive irritation when overused -
Parsley Leaf Apiol, Myristicin Toxic in high amounts -
Pennyroyal Pulegone Liver damage, respiratory issues when consumed -
Red Thyme Thymol, Carvacrol Skin irritation and other issues if misused -
Rosemary (CT Verbenone) Camphor, Verbenone Toxic in high doses -
Sage Thujone Toxic in large doses due to varying thujone content 2.6 (varies)
Sassafras Safrole Should be used sparingly, potential toxicity 1.58
Savory Carvacrol Toxic in larger amounts -
Spearmint Carvone Irritant if used in large quantities -
Tansy Thujone Toxicity can cause significant side effects when overused 1.15
Tarragon Methyl chavicol Toxic in higher concentrations -
Thuja Thujone Neurotoxic in excessive amounts -
Wild Thyme Carvacrol, Thymol Skin irritation and other issues if overused -
Wintergreen Methyl salicylate Skin irritation and toxicity in excess 1.2
Wormseed Ascaridole Toxic in large amounts -
Wormwood Thujone Toxic if ingested in large doses -
Yarrow Isoartemisia ketone, Camphor, Thujone Toxicity and other adverse effects -

Why Are These Oils Moderately Toxic?

So, what makes these oils moderately toxic? The answer lies in the powerful compounds they contain. Many of the oils on this list, like eugenol in clove and bay leaf or methyl chavicol in basil, have a strong physiological impact. They can irritate the skin, cause liver damage, or trigger allergic reactions if used improperly. These oils are wonderful for their healing properties, but they should always be approached with care. When used in excess or without proper dilution, they can lead to skin burns, digestive distress, or even more serious health complications.

Safe Usage Tips for Rating 2 Oils

The good news is that these oils can still be part of your aromatherapy routine, as long as they’re used responsibly. Here are some essential safety tips:

  1. Dilution is Key: Always dilute these oils in carrier oil (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil) before applying them topically. For most oils, a 1-2% dilution is a safe starting point. This helps minimise the risk of skin irritation and ensures you’re using the oil safely.
  2. Moderation is Your Friend: While these oils are potent, they can still be beneficial in small doses. Avoid using them too frequently, and limit their use to a few drops at a time. Especially for children, pregnant women, or individuals with sensitive skin, keep your usage minimal.
  3. Patch Test First: Before applying any new oil to your skin, always conduct a patch test on a small area to make sure you don’t experience any irritation. This is particularly important with oils like cinnamon bark and oregano, which can cause burns or rashes in some people.
  4. Avoid Ingestion: Most of the oils on this list should not be ingested, as they can be harmful to the digestive system or even toxic in larger amounts. Only use them as directed by a healthcare professional.
  5. Be Mindful of Pre-existing Conditions: If you have a health condition, such as asthma, liver disease, or a history of allergic reactions, consult a healthcare provider before using these oils. Some of these oils can exacerbate certain conditions, so it’s always safer to ask first.

Conclusion

Essential oils with a Rating 2 toxicity can still offer incredible benefits, from easing tension and promoting relaxation to supporting your immune system. However, like any powerful substance, they must be used with caution. By diluting them, limiting their exposure, and conducting patch tests, you can enjoy these oils’ therapeutic properties safely.

Remember, less is more when it comes to aromatherapy with moderate toxicity oils. With proper knowledge and respect for their potency, you can still include these oils in your wellness routine without risking your health. Always be mindful of the oils you're using and ensure you're using them in a safe, responsible way.

At Amrita Court Global, we offer a wide range of the freshest essential oils with active ingredients, which are proudly Australian-made and owned. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality oils and educating you on their safe use. So go ahead and indulge in the wonderful world of aromatherapy, just remember to do so responsibly.

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