In case of accidental ingestion of essential oils, what should you do?

• A. Ingest veggie oil (1-3 tblsp)
• B. Induce vomiting
• C. Drink water
• D. Wait and see

Answer: (A)

When essential oils are ingested, the priority is to dilute the oil and protect the stomach lining, since these are highly concentrated, lipophilic substances. A bland vegetable oil acts as a diluent that can mix with the essential oil in the stomach, helping to dilute it, reduce irritation, and slow absorption. A small amount is typically recommended, about 1–3 tablespoons, unless a healthcare professional advises differently.

Inducing vomiting is not advised because it raises the risk of aspiration into the lungs and can worsen injury. Drinking water won’t effectively dilute the oil since oil and water don’t mix. Waiting and seeing could miss early symptoms, so it’s best to seek guidance from poison control or a medical professional if there are symptoms or a large amount was ingested.