Can essential oils cause headaches and dizziness?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 09, 2026
The body absorbs more this way, boosting the chance that they will interact with medications or cause an allergic or toxic reaction. Even continued exposure to small amounts (a few drops a day in a water bottle) can lead to fatigue and headaches.
Do essential oils have side effects?
The use of undiluted essential oils on sensitive skin or in the nostrils can irritate or burn. Susceptible people may also develop an allergic reaction and a skin rash.
Can essential oils make you feel sick?
As a general rule, when essential oils are used properly, they are safe and will not make you sick.
Can essential oil cause headaches?
Headaches: Inhaling essential oils may help some people with their headaches, but inhaling too much may lead to a headache in others.
Can essential oils make you feel dizzy?
Even for adults, large amounts of inhaled peppermint essential oil could cause nausea, dizziness, confusion, and muscle weakness. Peppermint oil is the perfect example of how much more powerful the essential oil form is from the herb.
30 related questions foundWhat's making me dizzy?
Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner ear disturbance, motion sickness and medication effects. Sometimes it's caused by an underlying health condition, such as poor circulation, infection or injury. The way dizziness makes you feel and your triggers provide clues for possible causes.
What gets rid of dizziness fast?
If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down at once. This will lower your chance of falling down. If you have vertigo, it may help to lie down in a dark, quiet place with your eyes closed. Drinking water may also give you fast relief, especially if you're dizzy because you're dehydrated.
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 do scents give me a headache?
For example, in the case of strong odors, such as cologne and perfume, experts believe these odors, even if they're otherwise pleasant, may cause a person's blood vessels to swell and dilate and, in turn, stimulate the nerve system in the brain associated with head pain.
Can you put too many drops of essential oil in a diffuser?
For this reason you should not use more than 5-6 drops of essential oil in your aroma diffusion system according to the size of your room. The excessive amount of essential oils will result in a fragrance that is too strong and this is certainly not a suitable solution for small spaces.
Can diffusers give you a headache?
More oil does not equal a better experience when using an aroma diffuser. A few drops might not seem like a lot, but trust us, it's enough to make your home smell good. In fact, using too much oil can lead to an overpowering and unpleasant smell that causes feelings of headaches and nausea.
Can you get sick from a diffuser?
This is especially important for diffusers utilizing water, which can harbor bacteria that can effect indoor air quality, making you sick. If you suffer asthma or allergies, you should also take note: Some 100% essential oils may still result in respiratory symptoms in allergic or asthmatic individuals.
What are the side effects of lavender oil?
Side effects might include constipation, diarrhea, and headache. When applied to the skin: Lavender is possibly safe. It's usually well-tolerated, but can sometimes cause skin irritation. When inhaled: Lavender essential oil is possibly safe.
Can you overuse essential oils?
DON'T Overdo It. More of a good thing is not always good. Even when diluted, an essential oil can cause a bad reaction if you use too much or use it too often. That's true even if you're not allergic or unusually sensitive to them.
Can you be allergic to essential oil?
The most common allergic reaction to an essential oil is contact dermatitis — an itchy, red rash on your skin typically where the oil has been applied. In some cases, the rash may also blister or peel. The reaction may not always be immediate, you may not develop symptoms for several hours, or even days.
Is it safe to breathe in essential oils?
'. The answer is yes it is safe, but even more than that, breathing in essential oils can be good for you. Inhaling essential oils isn't just pleasant because of their gorgeous scents and aromas they release, but it can actually positively affect your mental and physical wellbeing too.
Are migraines a side effect of essential oils?
The body absorbs more this way, boosting the chance that they will interact with medications or cause an allergic or toxic reaction. Even continued exposure to small amounts (a few drops a day in a water bottle) can lead to fatigue and headaches.
Why do I get dizzy when I smell perfume?
As mentioned earlier, most perfumes and fragrances are made of chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Many of these chemicals are also found in cigarette smoke. Inhaling some of these chemical fumes causes damage to the brain, bringing up headaches, sinus problems, dizziness, and some respiratory diseases.
Why does lavender give me a headache?
Lavender essential oil may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. If you experience nausea, vomiting, or a headache after using lavender, discontinue use immediately.
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.
Do essential oils raise blood pressure?
Based on their results, the team concluded that essential oils may help reduce high blood pressure.
What essential oils work for dizziness?
Essential oils are natural and affordable options for managing the symptoms of vertigo, including nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Some of the options available for managing vertigo include peppermint, ginger, lavender, and lemon essential oils.
When should you worry about dizziness?
Generally, see your doctor if you experience any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged and unexplained dizziness or vertigo. Get emergency medical care if you experience new, severe dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following: Sudden, severe headache. Chest pain.
How do you know if your inner ear is causing dizziness?
Steps to determine affected side:
- Sit on bed so that if you lie down, your head hangs slightly over the end of the bed.
- Turn head to the right and lie back quickly.
- Wait 1 minute.
- If you feel dizzy, then the right ear is your affected ear.
- If no dizziness occurs, sit up.
- Wait 1 minute.
Why do I always have a headache and feel tired and dizzy?
If you're suffering from fatigue and constant headaches, it may be time to see a doctor. Headache could be a sign of a migraine disorder, sleep disorder, dehydration, or several other chronic illnesses. Fatigue is a common symptom of many conditions including depression, sleep disorders, and fibromyalgia.