Category: Essential oils

Historically, a single teaspoon of pure methyl salicylate, or **oil of wintergreen**, contains a dangerously high amount of salicylate, equivalent to nearly twenty 300 mg aspirin tablets. This potent compound, most widely recognized by its other name, is a key ingredient in many topical pain-relieving products but demands careful and respectful use due to its toxicity.

The essential oil industry is projected to see significant growth in the coming years, yet many users remain unaware of the potential adverse reactions associated with these concentrated botanical extracts. This article explores what are the side effects of Stress Away, a popular essential oil blend, by examining the pharmacological risks of its individual components, which include copaiba, lime, and lavender oils.

A single teaspoon of concentrated wintergreen oil contains as much salicylate as roughly 22 adult aspirin tablets and can be fatal if ingested. This potent compound, known as methyl salicylate, is the primary source of the serious side effects of wintergreen, which range from minor skin irritation to life-threatening poisoning.

Ingesting as little as 3.5 mL of pure, undiluted eucalyptus oil can be fatal, a stark reminder that it is highly toxic and knowing when should you not use eucalyptus oil is critical for safety. This essential oil, potent and concentrated, poses serious risks if misused or applied to vulnerable populations.

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, tea tree oil was one of the most frequently reported essential oil exposures in 2022, highlighting the significant risks of misuse. The answer to the question, "can you drink tea tree oil?" is an unequivocal and urgent **no**, as this potent essential oil is toxic when ingested.

In 2022, Poison Control managed over 2,200 cases of human exposure to tea tree oil, almost twice as many as any other essential oil. This alarming statistic highlights a critical public health issue, as many people misunderstand the safety of essential oils and think, "Can you eat tea tree oil?", leading to potentially severe outcomes.

While traditional sources from the 16th century describe copaiba as a stimulant oleoresin, modern pharmacological studies highlight its primary active compound, beta-caryophyllene, for its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming effects. This reveals a key difference in how we now understand its mechanism of action, which is distinct from central nervous system stimulants.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is an effective insect repellent, leading many to question: **Is lemon eucalyptus oil safe?** The answer depends entirely on the product you're using, as EPA-registered OLE is distinct from the essential oil and carries different safety considerations.