PH Mfengwana

Title : The risk evaluation of the potential dangers and hidden challenges associated withLongterm use of essential oils: A systematic review and risk assessment analysis

Abstract:

Background: The integration of essential oils in various wellness practices has acquired significant attention for their potential therapeutic benefits. However, concerns regarding the safety and risks linked to prolonged use of essential oils necessitate a comprehensive evaluation of potential health risks. This systematic review aims to critically assess and investigate the documented dangers, hidden risks, and long-term effects associated with extended use of essential oils.
Methods: A systematic search across multiple databases was conducted to identify relevant studies, including clinical trials, observational studies, case reports, and scholarly articles. Selected literature was analysed to extract findings related to documented adverse effects, potential health risks, and long-term implications associated with continued use of essential oils.
Results: This review highlights various concerns linked to prolonged usage of essential oils, encompassing allergic reactions, skin irritation, sensitization, potential toxic effects, and other adverse health outcomes.
Conclusion: While acknowledging the potential benefits of essential oils, the users should be cautious and responsible when using them. This will minimize and mitigate potential dangers and hidden risks associated with essential oils. Moreover, it is apparent that there is a need for standardized guidelines and further research to ensure the safe and judicious application of essential oils in wellness practices.

Keywords: Essential oils, aromatherapy, cognitive enhancement, adverse effects, safety considerations.

Audience Take Away Notes:

• The audience will acquire a detailed understanding of the potential hazards and risks connected to prolonged or improper usage of essential oils.
• Attendees will learn about the importance of cautious and informed use of essential oils.
• Audience to be encouraged to recognize the need for further research to establish standardized guidelines and practices for safe and effective use of essential oils.

Biography:

Dr Polo-Ma-Abiele Hildah Mfengwana is the Head of Health Sciences Department at Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) and holds a Doctor of Health Sciences in Biomedical Technology degree from CUT. Her research is on the ethnopharmacology, with concentrated focus on the safety and efficacy of traditional medicinal plants used to treat cancer, wounds, and inflammation by traditional healers in African countries. She is supervising more than 10 postgraduate students, with 16 publications in reputable international journals and 4 book chapters. Moreover, she serves as the research article peer reviewer for international journals.