People have used essential oils for centuries for their medicinal and therapeutic properties.

While they are commonly used for aromatherapy and topical application, essential oils can also be used internally to support overall wellness.

Internal use of essential oils involves ingesting them in small amounts to promote physical, emotional, and mental health.

However, it’s important to approach internal use cautiously and know which oils are safe to consume and in what amounts.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and potential risks of using essential oils internally and provide safe and effective methods.

Before using essential oils internally, you must make sure your oils are safe for internal use!

The only brand of essential oil I use internally is doTERRA.

DoTERRA makes it easy to discern which oils are safe for internal use and which are not.

If an essential oil is safe for internal use, it will display a nutrition fact label on the back of the bottle, just like any other food product.

If an oil is unsafe for internal use, the nutrient fact label will not be on the bottle.

I cannot speak for the quality of other essential oils because I do not use any other brands.

If you are using other brands of essential oils, please research and ensure your oils are safe for ingestion before taking them internally!

Internal Use of Essential Oils

Learning about each application method will enhance your essential oil experience if you are relatively new to essential oils.

The main application methods for essential oils are known as aromatic use, topical use, and internal use.

Internal usage is one of the most beneficial ways to use essential oils. However, it is also one of the most misunderstood.

While internal usage requires careful application and caution, using essential oils internally to benefit your body and promote overall wellness is still possible.

Today we will discuss some of the best practices for the internal use of essential oils.

Why Use Essential Oils Internally?

While aromatic and topical applications are practical, internal usage offers several benefits that cannot be achieved through topical or aromatic use and can improve your essential oil usage overall.

With exclusive benefits for the body, internal use is crucial to any essential oil experience.

As you learn more about essential oils and start incorporating them into your lifestyle, you will see how beneficial internal usage can be.

Throughout this presentation, we will discuss the benefits of internal usage in greater detail.

Benefits of Internal Use

There are several reasons to use essential oils internally.

Because essential oils hold internal benefits for the body, many people use them for things like:

promoting healthy cell function
supporting gastrointestinal health
maintaining healthy immune function.*

Essential oils provide a safe, natural way to regularly deal with many issues our bodies face.

In addition to wellness benefits, essential oils also hold cleaning properties that can be helpful for the internal cleansing of the body.*

Lastly, essential oils are beneficial for adding natural, potent flavors to your favorite meals and drinks.

Using essential oils in cooking will add powerful flavors to your dishes and allow you to simultaneously experience the internal health benefits essential oils offer.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Is It Safe to Use Essential Oils Internally?

Because essential oils are so naturally powerful and potent, those new to essential oils often wonder, “Is it really safe for me to use them internally?”

The answer is yes.

Essential oils come from natural compounds, like plants and fruits, so they provide a safe, natural way to experience internal benefits for the body.

Our bodies are already equipped to metabolize and process natural compounds like those found in fruits and plants, so we are prepared to process essential oils.

Remember that due to their chemistry, certain essential oils are never safe for internal consumption (we will talk about those later). However, plenty of essential oils can be safely used internally to benefit the body.

Scientific Background

As mentioned, essential oils hold many internal benefits for the body.

You might wonder, “How does taking essential oils internally provide the body with certain benefits?”

Much like other things we consume, essential oils are processed through the body, metabolized to provide the body with benefits, and then excreted.

Each essential oil has a unique chemical profile, which gives it certain benefits for the body.

When you ingest an essential oil, it is transported through the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, which can then be distributed throughout the rest of the body.

Like other compounds we ingest, our body can only handle essential oils in appropriate amounts.

Now that we have discussed why we want to use essential oils internally and how internal usage interacts with the body, let’s review some of the necessary safety guidelines to help us safely use essential oils internally.

Safety Guidelines

There is a lot to consider when it comes to internal usage.

First, consider your health status, history, and conditions before using essential oils internally.

If you have any special conditions or concerns regarding how essential oils might affect your current health status, it is always a good idea to consult with your physician before using essential oils internally.

After considering your health status, you must also practice taking appropriate amounts, consider sensitivity, and be aware of potential toxicity. We will discuss each of these areas in more detail.

As mentioned, some essential oils are never safe for internal use.

Never ingest the following oils:

Arborvitae
Cedarwood
Cypress
Douglas Fir
Eucalyptus
Spikenard
White Fir
Wintergreen

Internal Dosing and Dilution

The key to safe internal usage is to always pay attention to the amount you take.

The appropriate amount will depend on:

individual health status
age
size
the particular oil that you are using

However, a few general guidelines will help you stay within the parameters of safe use.

When using essential oils internally, starting with the smallest possible amount is always a good idea: one to two drops.

This will allow you to see how the oil interacts with your body, and you can always increase the amount as needed once you see how your body reacts.

Again, it depends on the particular oil you are using, but the typical recommended amount for internal usage is one to five drops.

Beyond this point, increasing the amount will no longer add benefit, and taking too much can be potentially harmful.

Instead of increasing the amount, taking smaller daily amounts is better, repeating every four to six hours as needed.

It is typically recommended that the user doesn’t exceed 20 drops of essential oils internally within a 24-hour time period.

It is best to stick with lower amounts when using an essential oil daily over an extended period.

Dilution: Some essential oils must always be diluted before being used internally because of their strong chemical makeup and how they can affect the body.

Make sure to always dilute:

Cassia
Cinnamon
Clove
Cumin
Oregano
Thyme

Dilute these essential oils in at least four ounces of liquid before taking them internally.

You can also dilute these oils by adding one to two drops to a recipe or beverage before consuming.

(Note: these essential oils do not need to be diluted if taken using capsules.)

Sensitivity

Because each essential oil has a different chemical makeup, and each person has a different health status and sensitivity, it is essential to consider the internal use of oils on an oil-by-oil basis.

First, it is important to note that essential oils cannot cause allergic reactions.

Allergic reactions happen when our bodies are exposed to protein molecules that cause us to experience an abnormal immune reaction.

Because essential oils are made up of volatile aromatic compounds, they do not contain any protein molecules and cannot cause a genuine allergic reaction.

Although essential oils cannot cause an allergic reaction, they can still cause a sensitivity reaction.

The symptoms associated with sensitivity reactions are often similar to those during an allergic reaction.

So, how do you know if you are sensitive to a particular oil?

If you are sensitive to a particular oil, you might notice sensitivity responses in areas like the skin, respiratory system, or digestive system.

You might also experience pain, swelling, or tenderness in the skin, skin irritations, stomach upset, or difficulty breathing.

Any of these reactions could mean your body is sensitive to that oil.

When you experience sensitivity after using an essential oil internally, you must adjust your application methods to avoid irritation.

Because a sensitivity reaction isn’t the same as an allergic reaction, it might still be possible to use the essential oil if you change your application method.

For example, if you have a sensitivity response to an essential oil after using it internally, you might still be able to use it topically or aromatically.

You can also adjust the amount to see if that caused the sensitivity.

Diluting an oil or using it in a smaller amount might help to reduce the sensitivity.

Remember that if you ever experience sensitivity in the digestive system after using an essential oil, you should immediately stop using it.

If you only use a small amount of essential oil, you can subside the discomfort by drinking fluids.

If you consume a large amount of oil, it is best to contact poison control.

When using essential oils internally, if you ever experience a sensitivity reaction that becomes severe or prolonged, you should seek medical attention to ensure your safety.

Toxicity

As mentioned, you can feel safe using essential oils internally if you observe the proper recommend amounts.

In extreme cases, essential oils can cause toxicity if the recommended amounts are exceeded.

Toxicity refers to the point at which a substance becomes damaging or harmful to the body.

Remember, any substance, even seemingly harmless things like water, vitamins, or minerals, can be toxic to the body when consumed in incorrect amounts.

Like anything else you would put in your body, safely using essential oils is all about sticking to the proper recommended amounts.

The user must far exceed the recommended amount for an essential oil to reach the toxic range.

Using Essential Oils Internally

Now that we have discussed some safety guidelines for using essential oils internally, let’s discuss how the internal application works.

Several internal application methods are easy for essential oil beginners and practical enough for the most seasoned essential oil user.

Here are some of the most basic application methods for internal usage:

Adding a drop or two of essential oil to your glass of water is a simple way to enjoy its internal benefits.

Aside from being one of the easiest ways to use essential oils internally, this can add extra flavor to plain water.

Supplement capsules provide another easy way to take essential oils internally.

All you have to do is add a few drops of the essential oil into the supplement capsule and swallow.

dōTERRA sells vegetarian supplement capsules that don’t contain animal products or preservatives and are accessible for the body to digest.

You can also take essential oils directly by swallowing them on or under the tongue.

Just remember that essential oils are very potent, and even a tiny drop on the tongue can be very powerful.

Also, please remember that some essential oils should always be diluted before internal usage. Oils like Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Oregano, and Thyme should be diluted in at least four ounces of water before swallowing.

However, diluting these oils before adding them to a veggie capsule is unnecessary.

One of the most creative ways to enjoy the internal benefits of essential oils is through cooking and baking.

It is easy to add essential oils to your favorite recipes, and not only will it enhance the flavor of your dish, but it will also allow you to experience the internal benefits of the oil.

Essential oils can easily be added to your favorite entrees, baked goods, desserts, meat marinades, salsas and dips, beverages, and more.

Get doTERRA Essential Oil Recipes

Ideas for Internal Application

Now that we’ve talked about a few of the easiest ways to use essential oils internally, let me give you a few specific examples of internal usage.

Black Pepper: Add to soups, entrées, meats, and salads, to enhance the flavor and aid in digestion*
Cardamom: Add to bread, smoothies, salads, and meat for flavor and to soothe occasional stomach discomfort*
Cassia: Ward off hunger cravings and aid digestion by adding 1–2 drops of Cassia (with a bit of Lemon oil) in a glass of water*
Cilantro: Add to salads, dips, marinades, and stir fry for flavor
Clove: Take in veggie capsules to support cardiovascular health*
Coriander: Take a few drops after eating a large meal to help with digestion*
Cumin: Add 1–3 drops to soups, stews, and curries for a warm, spicy flavor
Dill: Add 1–2 drops to an herbal tea before bed to help promote restful sleep*
Fennel: Place one drop in tea or water to help fight sweet tooth cravings*
Grapefruit: Add 1–2 drops to your water to support healthy metabolism*
Lavender: Take internally to reduce anxious feelings*
Lemon: Take internally to help with seasonal respiratory discomfort*
Lemongrass: Add to entrées and meat dishes for flavor and to promote healthy digestion*
Myrrh: Add 1–2 drops to ¼ cup of water with a bit of agave or honey to help ease the stomach*
Petitgrain: Take internally to help calm the nervous system, ease tense feelings, and promote restful sleep*
Roman Chamomile: Add 1–2 drops to hot drinks or herbal teas to soothe the body and mind*
Spearmint: Add to any drink, dessert, salad, or entrée to promote digestion and enhance flavor*
Tangerine: Add 1–2 drops to smoothies, teas, lemonade, or water for flavor
Thyme: Use 1–2 drops in meat and entrée dishes to add a fresh, herbal flavor
Vetiver: Add to tea or hot drinks during the winter season to promote immune-supporting properties*
Wild Orange: Add a drop to your water for a burst of flavor and to promote overall health*
YlangYlang: Take internally for antioxidant support*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

doTERRA Products Designed for Internal Use

To make internal usage even more effortless, doTERRA has created several products that simplify taking essential oils internally and experiencing the internal benefits of essential oils.

One of the most popular dōTERRA products is dōTERRA On Guard®. The dōTERRA On Guard blend combines several different essential oils that help to support proper immune function, protect the body against environmental threats, and support the body’s natural antioxidant defenses.*

This is a fabulous internal product when you want an immunity boost.* You can use the dōTERRA On Guard blend, or dōTERRA has created dōTERRA On Guard Beadlets and dōTERRA On Guard Softgels to make it even easier to experience the benefits of this blend.

DigestZen® products are also some of dōTERRA’s most popular products because they are designed to provide the user with digestive support and help promote healthy digestion.* Using essential oils that hold cleansing properties for the body, the DigestZen product line includes supplements and products that can help the user maintain a healthy digestive system, reduce occasional gas and bloating, soothe occasional stomach upset, and more.*

Taking essential oil supplements is another easy way to reap the internal benefits that essential oils hold for the body. dōTERRA has created several proprietary essential oil supplements designed to promote vitality and wellness and help supplement the body in deficient areas.* These essential oil supplements provide a safe and natural way to provide your body with help.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

DoTERRA Ebook: Internal Use of Essential Oils

For a more comprehensive look at the information we have discussed today, check out the free dōTERRA® eBook—Internal Use of Essential Oils.

Other cool information:

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-safety-physiology-internal-use-essential-oils

Questions?

Well, if you are anything like me, you’re excited about trying all these different oils!

So how do you get started? Well, in doTERRA, we’ve found that people usually fall under a few different categories.

Let’s see which category you fall into.

The first category is people who only want to use essential oils to make personal lifestyle changes.

For example, do you simply want to naturally support your and your family’s health?

If so, you will want to use the loyalty rewards program and get the deepest product discount. And you will also get all the education you need to use the oils.

And if you’re in this category, please let me know so I can support you.

The second category is people that, maybe you’re this person, you’ve been reading this article and thought to yourself, “man, I know so many people who are also looking to support their health naturally.

They are looking for this and I’d love to be able to share the oils and the information with them. And if this is you, not only can you share, but you can actually share and learn how to earn and get your products for free.

So, think to yourself if you’re in this category.

So, then the last category of people is people like me.

People that started using the oils fell in love with using the oils and saw the difference the oils made in people’s lives.

Just like everyone else, we have goals wanting to create financial freedom. But yet, we want to empower others and make a difference.

And, maybe you, like me, are thinking, Hey, what if I could combine this passion with the ability to supplement or maybe even replace my income?

I want to learn more about that!

And if you are this person, just let me know, and I can talk to you about a few important, really excellent programs we have to help you get started.

Contact Becki

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Internal Use of Essential Oils: Safe and Effective Methods for Wellness