So many clients ask this question.  Can essential oils be ingested?  It is a contentious topic in the realm of natural health and wellness. Here’s a bit of a breakdown of the debate and OilGrow’s opinion.

Support for Ingestion

Advocates argue that ingesting certain essential oils, when done under proper guidance, can offer therapeutic benefits. They also point out that some oils are approved as food additives and are considered safe in small quantities.  Another point that they emphasize is that internal use is endorsed by some aromatherapy practitioners for specific health conditions.

At OilGrow, we agree that some oils are approved as food additives and these will then be considered safe to ingest as we suggest below.

Concerns against Ingestion

Critics emphasize potential risks associated with ingesting essential oils such as the fact that essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause irritation or toxicity when taken internally.  They also say that taking essential oils orally is not recommended by major aromatherapy associations due to safety concerns. Another point is that some essential oils might have interactions with medications. This have adverse effects on organs like the liver and kidneys.

Here, we do agree that essential oils are highly concentrated. When used incorrectly or in too high quantities or frequency they might cause irritation and toxicity.  But this is true of topical use as well as internal use.  So when you use essential oils in any way – always remember that less is more and diluted is better except when used in a diffuser.

We also agree in this case with the fact that essential oils might interact with certain medications. Caution should always be taken when using them together.  If you do use safe essential oils while also on chemical medicine, remember to take your medicine and essential oils at least 30 minutes apart in order to increase the bio-availability of both the oils and the medicine and prevent interactions between them.. If you dilute them properly, and use it in small quantities, they should have a supportive effect, although it is always better to be cautious. As example, Wintergreen interacts with any medicine that assists with blood thinning. Never use the two at the same time.

OilGrow’s stance on the question: Can essential oils be ingested?

At OilGrow we often choose to err on the side of caution.  We have a responsible usage guide that Dr. Denise Olivier set up for you.  Have a read through it here.

To answer the question “Can essential oils be ingested” here are some highlights on our thoughts.  Firstly, never consume an essential oil that is not 100% pure. Always buy your oils from a reputable source – one that is willing to release the Certificate of Analysis for each of their oils. Only ever put an essential oil in your body that once the company you bought it from confirms it to be 100% pure.

Secondly, essential oils that are distilled from plants that humans generally do consume, are safe to use internally.  So, oils that fall in these categories: Herbs, Citrus, Spices and Resins.  Think Lemon, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud and then of course the medicinal resins such as Myrrh, Frankincense and Copaiba. We even created a blend or two that you can use internally. Add 2 drops to a capsule, fill it up with Fractionated Coconut oil and drinking it with a glass of water. Have a look at our Boost and Lite oils.

Again, read our responsible usage guide too

Of course, this is only if you use as we prescribe in our responsible usage guide. That is – always dilute essential oils in carrier oil or emulsify them first.  When you emulsify an essential oil, you add one drop to a teaspoon of honey and mix it before you add it to your warm tea.  Or one drop to a warm cup of milk and mix it.  Never add a drop into your cup of tea as is, since it just will not mix with the water.

We are human – your anatomy says you are human.  Humans cannot consume Eucalyptus for instance because it is highly toxic to us.  This is where OilGrow draws the line.  Please don’t consume the oils that you couldn’t eat the plant of.

A few very important points

We also would like to make the point that oil and water do not mix. Your esophagus is a water lined area and pure essential oil will just not go down effectively. These highly concentrated oils might even damage that thin mucus membrane. For this reason we suggest that you always emulsify your essential oil in honey, milk or yoghurt and never more than 3 drops at a time.

Another point we generally stress is safety during pregnancy. Preferably, stay away from essential oils during the first trimester entirely. And rather don’t take them internally at all during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a delicate time and these plant essences are truly and honestly powerful in their therapeutic value for the body. This being said, oils such as Clary Sage is best avoided during pregnancy due to it’s estrogen-like properties. Extra estrogen is not a good thing during this time of your life. However, lavender, frankincense and eucalyptus are safe to use during pregnancy.

Can essential oils be ingested? The OilGrow label instructions

On each OilGrow essential oil bottle’s label we will give clear directions. If the oil is considered safe to ingest, we would say “Do not ingest undiluted”.  This shows that it can be ingested but diluted.  If the label states “Do not ingest”, then it is considered unsafe for ingestion and should not be taken internally at all.  We hope that you will take caution and read the labels carefully.  If you have questions you can always ask the reseller from whom you purchased the oil or send a WhatsApp to our OilGrow number found on the contact page.

A quick word about how to incorporate essential oils in your healthy winter foods

In winter it is so much easier to get your veggies into your diet. There’s wonderful hearty stews and soups that helps you eat healthy. Adding bone broth to soups boosts your immune system and collagen levels. Loading up on a variety of root vegetables will also help. There are warm roast veggies and oven roast chicken. All of these helps you stay on a healthy winter trajectory.

Add essential oils to your recipes and you can help boost your immune system even more. We have a whole recipe box – or Culinary Feast – with all the culinary recipes to date. Included is a lovely butternut soup with Sweet Orange and Cinnamon Bark essential oil added to it. Or try our warming Gluhwein recipe with all the spices added to it. Adding one drop of Lemon and one drop Rosemary essential oils to your olive oil when you do a rub for roasting a chicken will enhance the flavour and boost your immune system.

In conclusion, while some advocate for the internal use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, caution must be exercised due to the potent nature of these substances. It’s crucial to seek advice from qualified professionals and adhere to recommended dosages and methods of application.