Essential Oils & Epilepsy: The Science, Benefits and Risks
What does the research tell us about essential oils and epilepsy? And what should you consider before using essential oils if you live with epilepsy?
Essential oils have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, researchers are investigating whether certain essential oils and their chemical compounds could have anticonvulsant properties, meaning they may help reduce seizure activity.
However, the relationship between essential oils and epilepsy is complex. While some compounds show promise in laboratory and animal studies, others have been associated with seizures, including in people with no previous history of epilepsy.
Let's explore the science, the potential risks, and the importance of making informed decisions.
🌿What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated, aromatic extracts obtained from plants. They contain volatile compounds, meaning they evaporate easily and produce a plant's characteristic scent. These compounds may come from different parts of a plant, including its flowers, leaves, bark, wood, roots and fruit.
Most essential oils are produced through steam distillation. Plant material is heated using steam, which carries the volatile aromatic compounds into a cooling system. As the steam condenses, the essential oil separates from the water and can be collected.
Essential oils contain complex mixtures of naturally occurring chemicals. Their composition varies depending on the plant species, growing conditions, extraction method and storage. This matters because an essential oil's effects depend on its chemical composition, concentration and dose. Being natural does not automatically make a substance safe.
🔍Essential oils and epilepsy: Understanding the research
Some essential oils contain compounds that may influence the central nervous system, including pathways involved in seizure activity.
Researchers are investigating whether certain compounds can affect neurotransmitters such as GABA, which helps regulate brain activity, or influence ion channels involved in the electrical signalling of nerve cells.
However, essential oils can also contain compounds capable of triggering seizures. A 2019 systematic review examined research into essential oils and seizures, including laboratory studies, animal experiments and human case reports. It identified oils with potential anticonvulsant effects, alongside others associated with seizure-provoking effects.
An important limitation is that promising results in animals do not necessarily translate into effective or safe treatments for humans. At present, essential oils are not established substitutes for prescribed antiseizure medication.
✅Essential oils being investigated for potential anticonvulsant effects
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm has a long history of traditional use and contains several biologically active compounds.
Research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2021 investigated the effects of lemon balm essential oil in experimental models of seizures. The researchers found evidence of anticonvulsant activity and potential protective effects against seizure-related brain damage in laboratory and animal studies.
A further study investigated lemon balm essential oil in two mouse seizure models. The results suggested a moderate reduction in seizure activity, although the effects varied according to the experimental model.
These findings suggest that lemon balm essential oil contains compounds worthy of further investigation.
2.Lavender (Lavandula species)
Lavender is widely studied for its potential effects on anxiety, relaxation and inflammation. Researchers have also investigated its possible influence on seizure activity. Some lavender essential oils contain linalool, a naturally occurring compound that has demonstrated effects on nervous system signalling in laboratory experiments.
In animal studies, lavender essential oil has shown anticonvulsant effects in certain seizure models. One study reported protection against seizures in mice exposed to a seizure-inducing chemical.
Research has also examined Lavandula dentata, investigating its potential effects on inflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal signalling in an animal model of epilepsy, and found beneficial outcomes.
Although these findings are promising, they do not demonstrate that lavender essential oil prevents seizures or improves seizure control in humans.
⚠️ An important distinction: Lavender species are not interchangeable. Different species and preparations can have different chemical compositions and safety profiles. Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) contains different proportions of compounds, including camphor and 1,8-cineole, which have been associated with seizure-provoking effects. People with epilepsy should not assume that one lavender oil is safe simply because another has shown promising laboratory results.
3.Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint essential oil contains several compounds, including menthol and menthone. Its chemical composition has attracted interest in research into neurological activity.
A 2022 study found that peppermint oil reduced seizure activity in mice, with researchers suggesting that its chemical compounds may influence neurotransmitters involved in regulating brain activity.
Further research has investigated menthone, a compound found in peppermint oil. A 2011 study found that synthesised menthone derivatives demonstrated anticonvulsant activity in mice, although these compounds were chemically modified and not the essential oil itself.
🔬Menthone aryl acid hydrazones: a new class of anticonvulsants - PubMed
✅Other oils safe in epilepsy:
The scientific literature includes preliminary research into other essential oils and plant-derived compounds, including:
Mexican oregano or wild sage (Lippia origanoides)
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata)
Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
Caraway (Carum carvi)
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum)
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Dingadingana (Cinnamosma madagascariensis)
Some studies have reported potentially anticonvulsant effects, but the strength of evidence varies considerably. Research may involve isolated compounds, plant extracts rather than essential oils, or animal models.
🔬Essential Oils and Their Constituents: Anticonvulsant Activity - PMC
🔬Essential Oils: Chemistry and Mechanisms of Anticonvulsant Action
🔬The Effects of Various Essential Oils on Epilepsy and Acute Seizure: A Systematic Review - PMC
❌Essential oils associated with seizure risk
While some essential oils are being investigated for potential anticonvulsant properties, others have been associated with seizures. The risk depends on factors such as the oil's composition, concentration, amount and route of exposure. In some cases, seizures have occurred after ingestion, and others have involved topical products or inhalation.
1.Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
Camphor is a potent compound used in a range of topical products and essential oil preparations.
Exposure to camphor, particularly through ingestion, can cause serious poisoning, including seizures. Case reports have also raised concerns about products containing camphor in people with epilepsy.
Camphor toxicity can affect the nervous system rapidly, making accidental ingestion especially dangerous for children.
Camphor essential oil should be avoided by people with epilepsy, as exposure has been linked to acute seizures in otherwise healthy individuals and breakthrough seizures in those with controlled epilepsy. It is thought thatCamphor may trigger seizures by disrupting inhibitory GABA-A signalling and neuronal ion channels.
2.Eucalyptus (All species)
Eucalyptus essential oil contains 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol.
Seizures have been reported following exposure to eucalyptus oil, including inhalation, topical application and ingestion. A 2021 case series and systematic review examined reported cases of eucalyptus-oil-associated seizures, highlighting the potential for serious adverse effects.
These reports do not mean every exposure causes a seizure. However, given the potential consequences and the limited evidence establishing safe use in people with epilepsy, caution is warranted.
🔬Clinico-laboratory characteristics and outcome of patients with eucalyptus oil-induced/provoked seizures
🔬Eucalyptus oil inhalation–induced seizure: A novel, underrecognized, preventable cause of acute symptomatic seizure - PMC
3.Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage essential oil contains thujone, camphor and 1,8-cineole. The proportions vary between products.
Thujone can interfere with GABA-mediated inhibition in the nervous system, while camphor and 1,8-cineole have also been associated with seizure-provoking effects.
Published case reports describe seizures following the ingestion of sage essential oil. These reports are a particular concern because essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic when swallowed.
🔬The Effects of Various Essential Oils on Epilepsy and Acute Seizure: A Systematic Review - PMC
❌Other oils to avoid
Rosemary Essential Oil (Salvia rosmarinus)
Hyssop Essential Oil (Hyssopus officinalis)
Ravintsara Oil (Cinnamomum camphora from Madagascar)
Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
The same systematic review also identified seizure concerns associated with oils such as hyssop, thuja, cedar and pennyroyal. Rosemary has also featured in reports involving seizure-provoking essential oil preparations.
However, risk should be assessed according to the specific plant species, chemical composition, formulation and exposure. Sharing an aromatic classification or containing one similar compound does not automatically mean two oils have identical risks. Tea tree oil, for example, should not be classified as a seizure trigger simply because it belongs to a particular aromatic category. Its risks need to be assessed using evidence specific to that oil.
If you live with epilepsy, avoid experimenting with concentrated oils that have uncertain safety profiles, particularly those associated with seizures in published reports.
🛡️How to approach essential oils safely
If you're considering essential oils as part of your wellbeing routine, there are several important precautions to keep in mind.
1. Check the botanical name.
Common names can be misleading. Different species within the same plant family can have very different chemical compositions. Look for the full botanical name on the label.
2. Choose products from reputable suppliers.
Look for clear labelling, botanical identification, ingredient information, batch details and appropriate storage instructions. Product purity and composition are important.
3. Store essential oils correctly.
Keep bottles tightly closed, away from direct sunlight and heat, and out of reach of children and pets. Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. Ensure the bottle is dark in colour and avoid essential oils packaged in clear bottles.
4. Check the age and condition of the oil.
Essential oils can oxidise and change chemically over time, potentially increasing the risk of skin irritation or allergic reaction. Shelf life varies by oil and product, so follow the manufacturer's guidance rather than relying on a single expiry rule for every type.
5. Consider interactions and exposure routes.
Inhalation, topical application, and ingestion can produce different exposures. Never assume that an oil is safe to swallow because it is marketed as natural or therapeutic. Ask your pharmacist or epilepsy specialist about potential interactions with your medication and whether a particular product is appropriate for you.
6. Never replace prescribed antiseizure medication with essential oils.
Do not reduce, stop or change your medication because of claims about essential oils. If you notice a negative change in seizure frequency after using an essential oil, stop using it.
📌Final thoughts: What does the evidence really tell us?
Essential oils contain compounds that can affect the nervous system. While some have shown potential anticonvulsant effects in laboratory and animal studies, others have been linked to seizures and toxicity.
If you're considering aromatherapy for relaxation or wellbeing, consult your epilepsy specialist, herbalist, or pharmacist first. The aim is not to fear all essential oils, but to approach them with informed caution, respect for the science and a clear understanding of what the evidence does (and does not) tell us.
📝Enjoyed this article?
This is just one of several blogs exploring the latest science behind nutrition, lifestyle and epilepsy.
Be sure to check out my other articles on vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds that researchers are investigating for their potential to support brain health and seizure management. Together, we'll separate the myths from the science and explore what the evidence really says.
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