Essential oil characteristics and effects, but also the products of the very same tree can vary grossly. Lavender oil has long been used in the production of perfume. However, it can be estrogenic and antiandrogenic, causing problems for prepubescent boys and pregnant women, in particular. Lavender essential oil is also used as an insect repellent. Rose oil is produced from the petals of "Rosa damascena" and "Rosa centifolia". Steam-distilled rose oil is known as "rose otto", while the solvent extracted product is known as "rose absolute". The potential danger of an essential oil is sometimes relative to its level or grade of
Essential oil may contain impurities and additives that may be harmful to pregnant women. Sensitivity to certain smells may cause pregnant women to have adverse side effects with essential oil use, such as headache, vertigo, and nausea. Pregnant women often report an abnormal sensitivity to smells and taste, and essential oils can cause irritation and nausea when ingested. Always consult a doctor before use. The following table lists the or median lethal dose for common oils; this is the dose required to kill half the members of a tested animal population. LD is intended as a guideline only, and reported values can