Safflower Oil Side Effects

Safflower oil has been used widely as a herbal remedy for a number of purposes. Being a herb, its cure and effect is natural and last-longing. However, like artificially prepared medicines, natural herbs and plants can also pose serious threats even taken beyond acceptable limits or consumed in the wrong way or direction.

In layman terms, side effect is any adverse or non-likeable reaction of a herb, a plant, a medicine or anything for that matter, which is originally being used as a treatment or a remedy for some particular diseases.

Side effects can surface out instantaneously or after a certain period of time. The side effects of a specific remedial consumption can be even more harmful than the initial problem. These side effects are not easy to be traced and hence before consuming anything as a probable curing agent, medical supervision should be sought for.

Side effects are not a general thing but they are not rare too. Anything at any time can cause side effects. These side effects may be caused due to overdose or not taking the medicine in the prescribed manner.

Side effects can also occur by simultaneous use of two or more medicines or herbs whose compositions are not supporting each other and the internal conflict between them results in side effects. The most probable solution of such altercation is to avoid or discontinue the consumption of the problematic intakes.

Dosage of safflower oil for varying age groups and different matters is the major cause of side effects. Safflower oil can be used in multiple ways. It can be used as edible oil, as a massager and a moisturizing lotion and also as an important ingredient in medicinal preparations.

There is no proven effective dose of safflower oil. However, the side effects of safflower oil range from skin to serious internal complications.

Safflower is a very good moisturizer and a Vitamin E supplement. It is used for massaging and help the skin retain the linoleic fatty acid content. But unfortunately, misguided use can result in side effects of safflower oil, being allergies, scars, and marks and even reddening of the skin.

There are methods as to how safflower oil should be applied on the skin and what skin types are suitable for safflower oil. Ignorant application can worsen the situation. Safflower oil is related to the most common skin problem- dermatitis.

Safflower oil is a very effective and a safe component of parenteral nutrition program for new-borns. Normally, a blend of around 10-20% safflower oil is considered safe for such programs. Free fatty acids and triglycerides, which if not monitored, can cause high cholesterol (hyperlipemia) in newborns.

The most obvious and common side effects of safflower oil have been studied to be related to diarrhoea, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular issues and increased serum lipids.

Patients suffering from low blood pressure should not go for a daily consumption of safflower oil as it reduces the blood pressure and also causes vomiting, belching, nausea and loose stools.

Safflower oil is tested to have increased the liver enzyme concentrations, posing serious threats for liver patients.

Other general side effects of safflower oil include:

• Rapid breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Loss of appetite
• Bad aftertaste
• Chest pain
• Diabetic increase
• Increased number of white blood cells
• Skin pigmentation
• Allergies
• Action on uterus of pregnant woman

Safflower oil causes side effects if taken alongwith different drugs or chemical preparations. Some of the side effects resulting from similar situations are:

• Increased risk of bleeding when taken with anti-coagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Diabetic patients taking insulin or other sugar lowering medications should go for adjustments as safflower oil itself alters the sugar level in blood.
• Safflower oil, if combined with immunostimulating agents can have adverse effects.
• Safflower oil encourages micro-circulation by prohibiting platelet accumulation.
• Herbs having antacid properties can react adversely if taken with safflower oil.
• Safflower oil may react with fish oil and other oils unfavourably.
• Even safflower containing items and products can have conflicting reactions with safflower oil.

Side effects are matter of professional expertise and cannot be diagnosed self or through other home-made methods. The seriousness of side effects is revealed when they enter higher levels. The worsening condition is we do not even know what products and what combinations are resulting in side effects.

Thus, an advisable remedy is to always go for guidance before starting to consume anything. If you are already under medical supervision, then it becomes all the most important to consult your specialist before your condition risks your life.