We receive many questions about whether it's safe to consume our oils or those from other brands. Here's the deal: we always err on the side of caution when it comes to ingestion. In fact, we advise against it unless you have the guidance and supervision of a qualified therapeutic aromatherapist or medical professional.
Is it a question of purity?
Now, it's important to note that this recommendation applies to all brands, not just ours. You see, it's not about which oil is "purer" than the rest (because 100% pure is 100% pure). It's about recognizing that essential oils are potent natural plant chemicals. When ingested irresponsibly or without the right knowledge, they can potentially cause harm. Nobody wants that!
Ingesting too much or the wrong essential oil can have serious consequences for your digestive system. We're talking about potential permanent damage to the delicate mucus lining and the formation of ulcers. Ouch!
What about “Food Safe” Oils?
Many essential oils are classified as GRAS by the United States FDA. This means that they are Generally Regarded as Safe. This means that they can be used as food additives safely. However, the food and drink industry has set specific percentages at which these oils can be safely used as a flavoring agent. These percentages are generally measured in parts per million (ppm). To give you a visual representation of what a ppm looks like, imagine adding 7-8 drops of essential oil to a massive 225 litre tub of cooldrink. This is using essential oils “under the conditions of its intended use” as described by the FDA. It’s very different to adding 4-5 drops of essential oils to your drinking water.
Remember, when you see a label that says "not for internal use," it's not a question of oil quality; most companies choose to include this warning because they understand the risks associated with improper ingestion. They don't want to encourage casual and haphazard consumption. And we totally agree!
What About Using Essential Oils in a Capsule Or in Cooking?
Now, let's be clear: there are instances where essential oils can be safely and effectively taken internally when dealing with severe health issues. However, we cannot express to you enough that if you are using essential oils internally, you should consult an experienced certified aromatherapist or medical practitioner. They have the knowledge and expertise to guide you properly.
When taking essential oils in a capsule, always dilute them in a carrier oil first. You don’t want undiluted essential oils to come into contact with your stomach lining.
Casual ingestion of essential oils in a glass of water has led to adverse side effects in many cases. Oils float on water, they do not mix, so when you drink and swallow them they come into contact with the lining of your mouth, throat and stomach and can cause harm.
When it comes to cooking, essential oils are often diluted more than when using oils in other ways. It might seem like a great idea to cook with essential oils if you're interested in using them internally. However, let's take a closer look at the cost comparison between Lemon essential oil and a fresh lemon from the produce aisle. You'll quickly discover that using essential oils in cooking is not as budget-friendly. And on top of that, the flavor experience falls short as well. Nothing beats the deliciousness of using fresh ingredients!
Don’t just take our word for it
Here's the good news: our perspective is shared by the majority of essential oil companies worldwide, as well as by renowned expert Robert Tisserand. With over 60 years of experience in aromatherapy, he knows his stuff! If you'd like to learn more about essential oil safety and ingestion, we recommend visiting the Tisserand Institute website, or reading his internview on ingestion and safetly.
Remember, when it comes to ingesting essential oils, it's better to be safe than sorry. Stick to inhalation and topical application and let the magic of essential oils work its wonders while keeping you out of harm's way, or be sure to consult an expert before you decide to ingest oils.
Stay informed, stay curious, and stay well!