Lavender allergy?

[Kelsadate]

I was wondering if anyone else had come across this?

A couple of months ago, I suffered from some swelling and discomfort on one side of my face. I went to an NHS walk-in centre, where an anti-histamine was suggested. Later I had to see a dermatologist about another problem I once had, and mentioned it to him. "Do you use lavender oil on your pillow to help you sleep?" he asked. No, but my wife sometimes does - and now he mentioned it, I realised that she had swapped pillows with me while was recently ill. It seems this a problem that is not unknown to doctors.

Just over a week ago I stubbed my toe painfully and used a little lavender oil (on a dampened pad) to ease the bruise. A few days later my toes started to itch, and to swell slightly. They have become quite uncomfortable. Now I'm wondering if I should avoid lavender.

A quick Google search has brought up references to some studies that suggest a growing intolerance to lavender, given an increasing interest in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy courses teach us that lavender is one of the two essential oils that are OK for direct, undiluted application to the skin. I wonder if this advice should be re-visited?

 

[Tori =)]

I've certainly come across this before. When I was researching my aromatherapy assignment I made mention of it.

 

[Opireeappeada]

I do sympathise as it is not very pleasant having an allergic reaction but have to say that good quality Lavender Oil is one of the safest essential oils you can get.

Lavender is one of the oils that is most commonly adulerated in the essential oil trade. Unscrupulous suppliers stretch lavender by the addition, or total substitution of lavandin oil (which is a hybrid of spike lavender and true lavender). Synthetic linalool and linalyl acetate can be substituted for the real thing, as well as linalool and linalyl acetate from other botanic species. So know your supplier.

I have seen one instance of an allergy to lavender and that was 20 years ago, you can develop allergies to almost anything and it may be you have an allergy to one or other chemical component of lavender. Are you particularly stressed at the moment, as allergic reactions can occur when under stress?

You say you have visited a dermatologist, has he referred you for allergy tests? You will then be able to pinpoint the specific component you are allergic to. It's always best to do a patch test before applying any oils - so it is probably just as well your big toe served as a patch test and you didn't have a full body massage using lavender.

For bruising I would always recommend arnica in preference to essential oils as I find it more effective personally. Something for you to think about for the future.

Binah
xx

 

[rasiquins]

I just wanted to reply and say that I have a lavender allergy, and I have been aware of it since my early teens.

I get all itchy and feel a little sick when I smell it, but I can't stand the smell of it anyway;

The worst reaction that I have had when it comes to lavender is my eyes swelling almost shut and my face getting all red and itchy - and that was from smelling some lavender bath products that someone brought my mum I think, and they were downstairs in a sealed box!

I suffer from hayfever now, and I never used to a few years ago, and the symptoms I have started off quite similar to that, but I have to take prescription strength antihistamines for hayfever and also if i am around anyone who has lavender on them as i start feeling feint and sick.

I think that my cousin also has developed a similar allergy, and only really noticed when someone brought some lavendar products for him and I think it triggered an asthma attack.

I can't even have lavender in my house as I find the smell lingers and makes me feel really bad. Just thought I'd mention it, as I think people think I'm strange when I tell them that I am allergic to lavender.

 

[KatC]

Interesting post...

I've had reactions to Lavender oil for a number of years now, I noticed that when I put a few drops in my bath and any of the water splashed onto my face - I'd react.

I also notice that when I massage with lavender oil the tops of my hands and under-side of my wrists also react.

The reaction is raised and itchy little puckerings; almost pimple-like.

It was probably around ten years ago that I first noticed this and was laughed at by a number of aromatherapists and fellow 'holistic-heads' I spoke to, I was met with incredulous responses like lavender sensitivity doesn't exist! It must be something else.

My personal feeling is that my intolerance is due to over-exposure many, many years ago when I'd discovered it's miraculous healing properties - I'd rub it into sunburnt skin liberally two or three times a day (without a carrier oil, in my ignorance, bless me) delighted with the quick healing responses, I'd put it on spots on my face, (again, they'd heal within days) I'd bath in lavender every evening before bed and put it on my pillows, linen, etc. etc. etc. I really did overexpose myself!

I still burn it and use it in my bath on occasion (very sparingly), being mindful not to splash any on my face, and, if a client has asked specifically for lavender oil massage, then I will still massage and put up with the discomfort for a couple of days after.

Interesting... and pleasing to hear that I'm not alone reacting to gentle healing lavender,

xxx

 

[NOWAUTOFF]

That sounds very like the reaction on my face and my toes. On my face, my eye swelled up during the night and my cheek was all puckered and felt rough, but in a smooth way (if that makes any sense) to the touch.

The two instances were from different bottles, both of professional quality from reputable and well-known suppliers.

I've never noticed any problem when massaging with it in a blend - maybe using it diluted is OK?

 

[Lioness]

It must be incredibly difficult being an aromatherapist and having an allergy to one of the most useful oils. Also bearing in mind that whatever the allergen is it may well be present in other oils too.

Therapists must look after their skin, it is a barrier and protective in its role if that barrier is compromised then that could render the therapist
vulnerable to infection.

I have on occasion worn gloves and I have explained the reason to my clients giving them a choice of a massage with gloves or no massage. They all have chosen the massage, this has been when my skin has been compromised and cannot be patched up with an elastoplast.

Binah
xxx

 

[WillieThompson]

Hi i have been reading with interest and this subject got me wondering,i dont as yet have any allergies,but i think that is because i havent use eo's often enough,but when i do find that they cause my hands to react, i may not be able to work,i already have fairly rough hands anyway as i do that kind of work,i do moisturise but then im back to square one.
What kind of gloves do you wear Binah?, our tutor wears opaque ones but she is always pulling them up,i dont want that kind of problem, id like them to stay on my hands. Any tried and tested ones i would be interested in purchasing.
L xx

 

[Pompal 09.]

I bought my gloves from a local beauty/hairdressing wholesaler they are not clear, I have chucked the box out, so will let you know next time I go there. I think you can buy similar ones from Boots. Generally speaking they are fairly easy to work with, but can squeak on occasions which can be disconcerting. Obviously, I prefer to work without gloves, but as said when I need to protect my hands I do so.

Binah
xx

 

[jyelougqiaeiqvefg]

It's obviously not idea to wear gloves when working with clients, so only do it if absolutely necessary. And of course, if they're latex, you must check that your client isn't allergic to the latex, as this is quite a common allergy.

 

[Haley]

I was just about to post on Eucalyptus which I experienced a reaction to. Instead of a similar thread thought I would just comment on here. Have used Eucalyptus in the bath especially when have sinusitus. Always experience stinging on certain parts of the body, itchiness and redness and heat. Last night just added 2 drops including 2 drops of lemon and got the reaction. How could I forget.

However, when using Eucalyptus with carrier oil, (Grapeseed) I do not suffer a reaction. Helpful when treating clients I think.

 

[sk8erboy]

Many oils can cause a reaction in the bath, which they might not do when blended in a carrier.

This is because they do not disperse in water, coupled with the fact that the hot bath water can make your skin more sensitive.

 

[giczheoh]

My son (now 18) has claimed an allergy to Lavender for many years - having being subject to me making him use it for various ailments - what a cruel mum!! And he doesn't have any other allergies so isn't that kind of person who reacts to everything.
I suppose Lavender is low on the potential sensitivities list but some folk can develop allergies to anything.
A close friend has an allergy to Tea Tree - the other "safe" eo!

Regarding using gloves to prevent potential allergies - I've been massaging using e oils at various strengths from 2% to 5% for 12 years and have no problems at all! I, like Binah, would just use them when an elastoplast cannot do the job.
I do get irritation on inner thighs and inner arms etc. when using some oils in the bath - lemon being 1 of them - this is well recognised as the e oils form an undiluted film on the water surface which coats your skin as you enter the water.

 

[sfeysujlidcirkerf]

I just found this on the internet - interesting reading:-

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=OJ3qKgNUljcC&pg=PA466&lpg=PA466&dq=list+of+potential+allergens+in+essential+oils&source=web&ots=oDZIKTSaU-&sig=rU7nQ1721RjGsG5CBDGNrsIUWnI&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result

It states quite clearly that a distilled essential oil is not an allergen?

Binah
xx

 

[Go Fight Love]

I have just logged on and found this thread. I have always felt ill when I smelled lavender but it was about 20 years ago I had my first massage using lavender oil and instead of relaxing me I felt as though I had ants crawling around under my skin and then got really hyper.
I never particularly liked the smell before but now I avoid any lavender products like the plague.
I thought I was the only one and everyone said I was imagining things - obviously not!
Els

 

[Roweena Creme]

I'm not sure I'd belive such a statement coming out of a book that also says 'our immune system fails when our contact with God has been compromised' which may well be true but it isn't very scientific, nor is their statment that molecules under a certain size aren't allergens very scientific.

The author seems to be unaware of anything other than steam distillation, CO2 phyto extracts etc don't seem to be considered, and as for pressed oils being a concern - it's usually the fact the citrus oils oxidise into terpenes and they are known skin irritants that people react to.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I've found lavender allergies to be quite common - I think it is over exposure to the cheap synthetic lavender scents that seem to be used in anything and everything (toilet cleaners, fabric softeners, shampoo, hand cream, soap, room fresheners, .....) these days has made people sensitive to linalool and/or linalyl acetate and they react to the synthetic versions and the natural versions found in the essential oils. Pretty much what RobynM said

I don't even have lavender in my treatment room, lavender is a great do everything oil, but for specific conditions there are usually more effective oils that can be used that people haven't been over exposed to , like ravensara (actually another very good catch all oil, but not over used, great for sleep and healing)

 

[mstdean518]

Hi

i don't use lavender oil as i am not an aromatherapist . . . hopefully i will be by the end of the year however , on a recent course i was speaking to another lady on the course who said that she cannot even smell lavender with coughing and sneezing. She said she also finds it hard to breathe. Now she does have asthma but to be that affected by just the smell?? i used to burn lavender in the oil burner all the time , not anymore - she said she knows plenty of people with the same problem. . . .

 

[thefire]

I'm allergic to lavendar. First noticed it when a former boss gave me some lavendar scented hand lotion. Within a few minutes of putting it on, my hands (and face where I had touched it) itched like crazy. I had to go and wash my hands thoroughly (and my face). Recently, I was trying to start drinking tea and was smelling a few to see if they smelled nice enough that I could get them past my nose to my mouth! One of them caused the very familiar "oh, goodness, I can't breathe" reaction that inhaling lavendar scents always causes. That put an abrupt end to my search for a tea to try until I can find out what other herbs are closely related so I don't make myself sick. There was no lavendar in that particular tea blend. There was bergamot and chamomile. Could those have caused this reaction? Are they close relatives? I looked in some books, but they all said lavendar is a mint! I love mint and have no problems with it. HELP!!!!!

 

[oanobdga]

A girl I did my nurse training with (who also had asthma) had the same reaction to Bergamot.