COVID-19 and essential oils: no, essential oils are not a means of combating the coronavirus
In the context of the health crisis linked to COVID-19, ANSES and the network of Poison Control Centers are closely monitoring calls for a reason associated with COVID-19. This inventory aims to identify risk situations in order to issue recommendations. Several origins of risk situations have been identified by poison control centers including the use of essential oils.
Various special circumstances at risk have been identified: self-medication by using essential oils orally to “strengthen natural defences” and “fight against the coronavirus”, spraying essential oils to “sanitize an enclosed space” by a person at risk (asthmatic person), or inappropriate use to disinfect a surgical mask, for example.
ANSES recalls that essential oils are not a means of combating the coronavirus. It is important to respect the conditions of use of these oils (route of administration, dose, area of application, etc.). ANSES and the Poison Control Centers recommend that people with respiratory conditions (particularly asthmatics), and pregnant or breastfeeding women, do not use essential oils. Before any use, and if you have any questions about the use of essential oils, seek advice from a pharmacist.
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