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Is it safe to use essential oils internally?
If you have never used essential oils internally before, it might seem
strange to consume something so powerful and potent. However,
essential oils come from plants, fruits, and compounds found in nature,
and therefore present a safe way to receive internal benefits. You are most
likely already incorporating essential oils into your daily diet, as many of
the foods we eat contain a small amount of essential oil. Because our
Keep in mind that not all essential
oils are safe for internal use—some
essential oils are never appropriate to
use internally. We will discuss these
essential oils more in chapters two
and four.
bodies are designed to metabolize and process natural compounds like
plants and fruit, we are already equipped to metabolize* essential oils.
Essential oils are merely high concentrations of natural compounds—the
part that gives plants their taste and smell. While some essential oils are *Metabolism: the life-sustaining
never appropriate for internal consumption, there are plenty of oils that chemical reactions that occur in
can be safely taken internally and processed by the body—much like cells that help the body with growth,
other substances found in nature. reproduction, resiliency, and response
As you will read in chapter two, there is substantial research to support
to the environment.
the validity of safely using essential oils internally.
The science behind internal use
As mentioned, we already consume small amounts of essential oils in our daily diet, so our bodies are
equipped to process these types of nutrients. Like other things we consume, essential oils are processed
through our body when taken internally, providing the body with specific benefits.
When an essential oil is ingested, it is transported through the
gastrointestinal tract, directly into the bloodstream, where it is then
carried throughout the rest of the body. As lipid soluble compounds,
essential oils can easily be transported to all of the body’s organs,
even the brain. Because essential oils can be delivered to the organs
of the body, they are processed (like other things we consume) through
metabolization by the liver and other organs, and then excreted.
While our bodies are designed to metabolize and process natural
compounds like essential oils, it is important to remember that the
body can only handle essential oils in appropriate doses. You’ll
learn about appropriate dosage later, but remember that when using
essential oils internally, always consider dosage and consumption
levels on an oil-by-oil basis. Each essential oil contains different
chemical components that will cause unique reactions within the
organs and cells of the body. By considering the chemistry and
recomm ended dosage for each individual essential oil, it is possible
to safely reap the benefits of internal usage.