What to do if I accidentally swallowed tea tree oil?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question “what to do if I accidentally swallowed tea tree oil?” with an in-depth analysis of what should be done if you accidentally swallowed tea tree oil. Moreover, we will also discuss what happens when you swallow tea tree oil and methods to eliminate any side effects.

What to do if I accidentally swallowed tea tree oil?

If you accidentally swallow tea tree oil, swish water in the mouth and spit it out several times. Drink some water or milk to get rid of the taste and dilute any of the oil that has got to the stomach.

What to do if a child accidentally swallowed tea tree oil?

If a young child swallows tea tree oil then wipe the mouth with a soft, wet cloth. When done rinsing, drink some water or milk to get rid of the taste and dilute any of the oil that has got to the stomach.

What happens when you accidentally swallow tea tree oil?

When someone gets into the oil, they often cough or gag. They may try to spit the oil out of their mouth. Only small amounts tend to reach the stomach. 

Swallowing large amounts may cause:

  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea 

It can also cause symptoms such as drowsiness, loss of coordination, hallucinations, and weakness. It may also cause comas.

A lot of coughing and choking can cause some of the oil to slip into the lungs. This is an aspiration, which can lead to serious symptoms such as chemical pneumonia.

What are the uses of tea tree oil?

1. Hand Sanitizer

Using tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer may help kill several germs responsible for colds, flu, and other illnesses.

2. Insect Repellent

Tea tree oil has been shown to kill or repel insects. In some cases, it is as effective or more effective than standard insecticides or repellents.

3. Natural Deodorant

Tea tree oil contains compounds that fight bacteria responsible for body odor. It can be used to make a safe and effective deodorant.

4. Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Applying a mixture of tea tree oil and coconut oil can help prevent minor cuts and abrasions from becoming infected.

5. Boost Wound Healing

Tea tree oil may help speed wound healing by reducing inflammation and increasing white blood cell activity.

What happens when you ingest tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil should never be consumed and is considered to be extremely hazardous — it becomes toxic when swallowed. If you ingest the oil you may become confused or drowsy. There are reported cases of hallucinations, comas, severe rashes, weakness, and vomiting.

Is it safe to use tea tree oil in your mouth?

Tea tree oil is available as an oil and in many over-the-counter skin products, including soaps and lotions. However, tea tree oil should not be taken orally. If swallowed, it can cause serious symptoms.

What essential oils should you avoid?

Popular essential oils that should never be used on or around infants and children:

  • Eucalyptus.
  • Fennel.
  • Peppermint.
  • Rosemary.
  • Verbena.
  • Wintergreen.

Why is tea tree oil bad for kids?

A few small studies suggest that frequently using lotions, shampoos, styling gels, and even a certain cologne containing lavender and tea tree oils may cause breast growth in boys, also known as gynecomastia, along with breast growth in girls as young as 4 or 5.

Which essential oils are toxic to humans?

Highly toxic essential oils include camphor, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, and wintergreen oils, the researchers noted. Many essential oils can cause symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, and seizures.

What are the side effects of essential oils?

The potential side effects of essential oils include:

  • Irritation and burning: 

Always dilute oils with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. 

  • Asthma attacks: 

While essential oils may be safe for most people to inhale, some people with asthma may react to breathing in the fumes.

Can you gargle tea tree oil?

To make your chemical-free mouthwash, simply add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water, mix thoroughly and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds or so. Like other mouthwashes, tea tree oil should not be swallowed. It can be toxic if ingested.

You can read the benefits and uses of tea tree oil here.

Other FAQs about Oils that you may be interested in.

Can coconut oil make your hair grow?

Can you store olive oil in the fridge?

How is corn oil made?

Conclusion:

In this brief guide, we have answered the question “what to do if I accidentally swallowed tea tree oil?” with an in-depth analysis of what should be done if you accidentally swallowed tea tree oil. Moreover, we have also discussed what happens when you swallow tea tree oil and methods to eliminate any side effects.

Citations:

https://www.justanswer.com/medical/6s46m-accidentally-swallowed-small-amount-tea-tree-oil.html

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10702997_Ingestion_of_tea_tree_oil_Melaleuca_oil_by_a_4-year-old_boy

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