The Dangers of Taking Essential Oils Internally

 

 

Many brands tout the fact that they sell “food grade” essential oils and are therefore safe for consumption. While I have been known to use a drop of essential oil on my toothbrush, a few drops of lemon oil in my drinking water, or a drop of clove oil to a spoonful of honey for a sore throat, I do not condone the use of taking oils internally. And here is why:

First of all, when most companies ...talk about internal consumption, they are not talking about a drop in your water or on your toothbrush. They are talking about the practice of filling capsules with oils and ingesting them, much like you would medication. Often times this means 20 drops of essential oil in one dose. The problem with this is that essential oils are absorbed immediately. Taking such a large dose can trigger a cleanse in your body. On the mild side this could mean hives, fever, sweating, diarrhea, nausea. On the extreme end, this means death. All cases of death due to essential oils have been attributed to internal use. It is infinitely easier to overdose when taking oils internally.

Here are a few other reasons why I do not recommend taking oils internally:

*Essential oils are HIGHLY concentrated.  On average it takes 1 ounce of plant life to create one drop of essential oil.  As stated above, taking essential oils in such large quantities can shock your system, doing more harm than good.  Contrary to American popular belief,  more is not more when it comes to essential oils.  In fact, many oils provide more benefit in smaller doses.  You are far better off to apply 2-3 drops topically every hour than take 20 drops internally morning and night.

 *When you take a capsule of oil, it actually delays the benefit of the oil because you must wait for the capsule to be digested before the oil can be absorbed, whereas if you simply apply the oil to your skin, you would reap immediate benefit. I have countless stories of people who applied essential oil before taking a pill for their ailment (headache, heartburn, nausea etc) and didn’t end up taking the pill because their symptoms were significantly improved (or gone altogether) before they could get their glass of water to wash down a pill.

*Not only is the benefit delayed when taken internally, but we simply do not know what effect stomach acid has on the integrity of the oil. And while we do not know the effect stomach acid on essential oils, we do know the effect that heat has on essential oils. Heat lowers the frequency of the oil, destroys vital nutrients, and shortens the shelf life. A 98.6* stomach might not be the best place for an essential oil.

Please remember that the purity of the oil does not change the fact that they are extremely concentrated plant material and can be easily overdosed. Being Therapeutic grade does not make that oil automatically safe to be taken internally. Therapeutic grade does not eliminate a host of ills related to concentration and strength. Are the safer? Yes. Safe? No. Synthetic reproductions, or fakes, are extremely dangerous taking internally and just plane dangerous otherwise. Be sure you know where your oils come from before allowing them into your body.

As stated earlier, a study in Germany showed that essential oils can be detected in your mouth just 20 minutes after application to your feet. When they are absorbed so readily, there is truly no reason to take them internally.

I can find no record of recent deaths, or even serious injuries, linked to the proper use of essential oils. This is true in spite of the fact that that more and more people are using them every day. The American Medical Association, in reports of their own, admit that hundreds (some claim thousands) die every year from properly applied pharmaceutical drugs. Essential oils are among the safest and most effective of all therapeutic modalities. They are safe enough for amateurs and novices to use with only the remotest possibility of causing harm to themselves and others. As always, the more you know about individual oils and where they come from, the more effective and safe you and your family will be.

It should also be noted that just because essential oils come from plants, all experts agree that some oils should never be ingested. Eucalyptus is one of these oils. Use caution. And if in doubt, apply to the feet.

Essential Oils 101

Many are aware of the benefits of essential oils, but are unaware of how to properly use them.  Here are a few tips to help you get the most benefit from your oils and decrease any potential negative reaction.

Always ask permission before applying essential oils.  Not only is it common courtesy, but many people have sensitivities to certain plants or carrier oils. Be sure to check for any sensitivities by reading all of the oils in the blend before applying it to anyone.  This is especially important if using oils in a group setting (such as a yoga or meditation class) as the mere scent of the oil can trigger a reaction in someone across the room.

Always use a carrier oil. Essential oils are NOT food extracts.  They are significantly stronger.  When it comes to essential oils, less is more.  On average, one drop of essential oil equals one ounce of plant product.  Start small.  I usually recommend about a dime size amount of carrier oil with 1-2 drops of essential oil to start. You can always increase the amount (to no more than 5 drops at a time) when you know how your body will react. 

Carrier Oil- A carrier oil will not only reduce the chance of a negative reaction, such as a burn or rash on the skin, but will allow you to treat a larger area.  For example, if you placed 2 drops of peppermint oil on your neck for a headache, it wouldn't stretch very far.  Adding a carrier oil would allow you to cover your entire neck and hair line, increasing absorption, and therefore the benefit, of the oil.  The molecules of essential oil are very small.  Essential oils tend to evaporate quickly into the air.  Using a carrier oil allows the essential oil to be absorbed into the body before it has a chance to evaporate. If you do experience a negative reaction, do NOT apply water to the area, but add more carrier oil.  Essential oils should not be stored in a carrier oil, but added to the carrier oil just prior to use to maintain the quality, and prolong the life, of the essential oil.

Favorite Carrier Oils:
Almond
Coconut
Grape seed
Olive

Aromatic Application-  Because the particles of the essential oils are so small, simply smelling them can be enough to get the oils into your blood stream and reap the benefits.  To do this, place one drop of essential oil on the palm of your hand.  Rub your palms together.  Cup both hands over your nose and mouth and take several deep breaths.  Many have also had success smelling the oil straight from the bottle. 

Topical Application-  In most cases, essential oil can be diluted and applied where needed.  In the case of children and those with sensitive skin, it is best to apply the diluted oil to the feet. Studies done in both Germany and Austria demonstrated that essential oils can be detected in the mouth just 20 minutes after application to the feet.  For this reason, there is rarely any benefit to taking essential oils internally. While a drop of clove oil on a canker sore can bring relief, I do not condone the use taking essential oils internally.  (For more information on the dangers of taking essential oils internally, click here.)  If in doubt, apply to the feet.  The feet have the largest pores of the body and are able to absorb the oils more quickly.  Less is more. Start with a small dose and slowly increase it to determine a healthy dose for you.

Remember when your grandmother told you to apply your perfume on your wrist and behind your ears?  This originated with essential oils. There are large veins on both locations.  By applying oils to those veins, the oils are absorbed into the blood stream almost immediately.

What do essential oils do?  ALL essential oils are antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitic and antiseptic.  Some more so than others, but all essential oils have these qualities. Essential oils are able to penetrate the cell wall, in effect cleansing the entire body.  Essential oils also increase circulation, oxygenate the body and help to cleanse the body of harmful toxins helping the body to achieve homeostasis and heal itself.

Storage: Essential oils should be stored in a dark place.  This can be something as simple as a medicine cabinet or a shoe box. While there is no need for essential oils to be refrigerated, they should be kept out of direct sunlight or extreme heat to prolong their shelf life. If you are using high quality oils and keep them in a dark place at room temperature they will last you a very long time.


A Few Other Uses:
*Place a drop or two on your vacuum bag to purify the air. (I love lemon!)
*Place a few drops on a cotton ball and set it over your heating vent or hang from your fan.
*Add a drop to your face wash. (Grapefruit is a personal favorite of mine for a natural astringent)
*Add a drop to your shampoo.
*Add a few drops to your bath (2-3 drops is usually plenty).
*Plug up your shower and add a few drops of oil for  a healing steam effect.
*Diffuse oils in your wax warmer.  Simply dump out the wax, fill the well with water, and add a few drops of oil.
*Place a drop on your pillow at bedtime.
*Put a few drops on the cardboard tube of your toilet paper roll to freshen your bathroom.


I hope this has been helpful.  If you have any additional questions, feel free to comment below, email me at SereneSoleReflexology@gmail.com or join me on my B.E. Essential Oils Facebook page!

***Footnote: This blog is intended for informational purposes only.  It is in no way meant to diagnose or prescribe.  If you have questions concerning your health, please talk to your health care provider.***

Can Essential Oils Be Taken Internally?

 

A few essential oils companies promote taking essential oils internally, even marketing gel capsules to make your own supplements.  Here are a few thoughts on the subject:

*ALL documented cases of death by essential oils are cases where the oils were taken internally and the individual overdosed.  That being said, I have been known to brush my teeth with a drop of oil or place oil on a caker sore or toothache.  These are situations that are rare.  Never long term. I do not condone the use of taking oils internally, especially when taken long term or in a capsule.  It is too easy to overdose.

*Essential oils are absorbed VERY quickly into the skin.  When EO's are taken internally in a capsule, you must wait for the capsule to dissolve, thereby delaying the benefit of the oils.

*If you have a reaction to EO's externally, you can simply apply more carrier oil to lessen the negative effects.  If you have a reaction when oils are taken internally, there is nothing you can do to lessen the negative effects on your sensitive internal organs.   

*While there have been no studies on the effects of stomach acid on essential oils, we do know that heat reduces the quality, and therefore the healing properties, of essential oils. 

*Most medications are time realeased.  This means that when you take a pill the medication is slowly released, allowing the effects to last for 8 hours or so.  This is not the case with essential oils.  The bennefits are seen immidiatly.  Since the oils are not time released, taking them internally can shock your system resulting in many unpleasant side effects.  Mild effects of this are fever, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, headache etc.  Severe side effects include death.
  
Essential oils may be applied topically as needed throughout the day. One will receive significantly better results by applying 2-4 drops topically every few hours rather than taking a capsule with 20 drops in one shot. 

There is no substitute for common sense.  Please treat your essential oils with respect.  Do your homework.  Start out with a low dose and slowly increase it to see what your tolleration level is.

Healing from Heart Surgery

A friend of mine recently endured open heart surgery.  It was painful just to watch her move.  She would close her eyes and try to breathe through the pain as she did simple things like stand up, clear her throat, or turn her neck. She wasn't sleeping well.  The pain was keeping her up at night.  She was needing medication in the night.  I am sure all of us understand how hard it is to deal with any struggle, let alone severe pain, when exhausted. 

I knew there was nothing I could say to help.  But I knew there was something I could do.  I offered reflexology.  I worked on her for 45 minutes attempting to improve circulation and increase oxygen levels to speed healing, increase endorphins, and reduce inflammation.  I prayed she would find some relief. 

That night she was able to sleep through the night for the first time since her surgery two weeks ago.  Let me say that again.  She was able to sleep through the night without waking up in need of medication!  Yes, I am sure many factors came into play to make that happen, but I like to think that reflexology helped as well. 

Reflexology for Increased Desire/Libido

Low libido? Reflexology has proven helpful time and time again not only for sexual desire, but also erectile dysfunction, infertility, PMS, and countless other hormone related problems. While clinical sessions are recommended for chronic issues, there are a few key reflexes that can be stimulated at home to help you make the most of your time together.

Brain: It is said that 90% of sex takes place in the brain. To stimulate the brain reflex rub or apply pressure to the fleshy part of the great toe.

Stomach: The stomach is a great erogenous zone. The stomach reflex is found in the center section of the foot. Knead up and down the length of the foot with your thumbs and fingers. This can also bring relief to the digestive tract, making it easier to relax and enjoy your time together.

Solar Plexus: This reflex point is a fantastic one to work to help your spouse relax, forget about the stresses of the day, and live in the moment. It is located near the center of the foot, just below the pad.

Breast and Chest: Many become very relaxed when working the breast and chest reflexes.  It helps to regulate breathing, increasing oxygen levels and blood flow.  Simply "milk" the foot, focusing on the center of the foot to the toes, both top and bottom. Gently hugging and squeezing the foot in this manner can be very pleasurable.  

Reproductive Reflexes: The reproductive reflexes of both genders are found on either side of the ankle. Massaging the heel and around both sides of the foot can improve circulation to the pelvic region.

If you are confused about the location of these reflexes, please take some time to explore the interactive foot chart found to the right of this article.

Make reflexology a regular part of your foreplay and you will both reap the bennefits. Happy Valentines  Day!

Peppermint Essential Oil

 

Oil of the month: Peppermint!

Peppermint can help with a significant amount of ailments including sinus congestion, headaches, circulation, fevers, digestive issues, concentration, and muscle & joint pain.

Add a few drops to your bath for mild aches and pains,  massage onto your feet for sinus congestion, rub onto the back of your neck and scalp for a headache, or rub directly onto problematic muscles and joints.  Peppermint can be very strong, so be sure to use a carrier oil, especially if using on children.  

Much like lavender oil, peppermint essential oil is soothing in small amounts but becomes a  stimulant in larger amounts.

A word of caution: Peppermint can stimulate the uterus, so please use this oil with caution if you are pregnant.

Lavender Oil

We all know that the smell of lavender promotes relaxation. But did you know that lavender oil is also fantastic for burns, bug bites, menstrual cramps, digestion and much more? As the "grandmother of all oils" it is a great oil to have on hand, especially for those new to essential oils! If in doubt, use lavender! 

I keep a bottle next to my stove. When I was making Christmas candies I burned my finger. A blister instantly began to form. I put a drop of lavender oil it right away. Within a few minutes the pain was gone. I put a drop of oil on every now and then as I thought about. Maybe 3 times. By the next day the blister had gone back down (it never popped!) and I couldn't even see where I had been burned. Amazing! It worked better for me than neosporin.

Interested in learning more? Want to know what oils might be best for you and your family? Feel free to PM me.

Click here to read testimonials from my clients.