A MUM has issued a stark warning to other parents after her two-year-old ended up in hospital.
Elessame took to her TikTok page to warn against using a household product commonly used as an anti-spider hack, after her toddler accidentally consumed “the smallest drop” of peppermint oil.
Even a drop of peppermint oil can be dangerous – especially for kids under five – and led to her son spending the night in hospital[/caption]
She said she’d picked up a bottle of the essential oil from a high street store to use in a spray bottle.
Peppermint is often cited as a natural way to keep spiders away, especially if used around doors and on skirting boards.
“We had this bottle that was practically empty, but it must have still had like the smallest drop (in it),” she said.
“As I’ve turned, the straw bit had touched his lip and it was enough for him to like jump and be like, ‘Ooh get it off!’”
Ellesame immediately jumped into action, brushing his teeth, giving him water and wiping inside his mouth to try and wash out the peppermint.
But when she looked online, the advice was to contact the emergency department.
So she called 111, thinking they would say to monitor him at home, and was told that she needed to take him to her local A&E to be seen by a doctor within the next hour.
Once there, they did heart rate and blood pressure checks, which they found were low compared to normal.
And she was then told that her son would have to stay in hospital overnight, because even “something as small as either one millilitre or two millilitres is classed as poisonous and toxic” – and is particularly dangerous for children under five.
In the TikTok video, Elessame said she wanted the scary situation to act as a warning to other parents, as she had no idea that something “natural and organic” could be so dangerous.
Elessame added in the caption: “If you have a toddler you should watch this so you’re aware and keep essential oils out of reach of young children.
“Unexpected chaotic and scary evening out of nowhere!”
“Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Thanks for sharing your story!!” one person wrote in the comments section.
“Wow, never knew this – thanks for sharing!” another added.
“I’m glad your son is well,” a third said.
Everything you need to know ahead of ‘spider season’ starting
When does it happen? Late summer into autumn
Why does it happen? Mating season, males leave their hiding places to find females, and cooler temperatures can drive spiders indoors to warmer environments.
What are the most common spiders? Daddy longlegs, giant house spiders, garden spiders
How long do spiders live for? Most for about a year, some female species can live two or three years.
“I have a 3 year old at home and had no idea. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING!”
Other spider repellents you could try instead
Ready-made spider repellent spray – non-lethal, easy to use and with a pleasant smell.
Spider vacuum – a humane way to get rid of them, and the LED light allows you to spot them in the dark. But you do need to release them immediately.
Spider catcher – perfect for those more squeamish, as the longer handle means catching them from a distance. The spider can be caught and safely disposed without injury.