Internal Use – Is your essential oil safe?

Internal Use – Is your essential oil safe?

This can be pretty controversial, even for people who love using essential oils every day.  And for good reason!  We don't want to put things in our body (or in our kids) that are not safe.  Unfortunately, every oil that I've seen in the pharmacy, health food store, and big box stores contains a label that says “for topical / aromatic use only – do not ingest”.


So why do I take my essential oils internally?  Why is my essential oil safe?  Read on!


In order for an essential oil bottle to be labeled for internal use, it has to meet rigorous standards set by the Food and Drug Administration.  When they do, they can be considered GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) for use as a food additive.  They can safely be put in food and drink, at reasonable doses.


5 things the FDA looks at to determine whether or not an essential oil is safe for internal use

~  Toxicology – at what strength does the oil become poisonous to a child? (even water can be toxic if you drink too much!)
~ Organic chemistry – what is the chemical makeup of the oil?
~ Biochemistry  – how will the chemistry of the oil interact with the chemistry of a human?
~ Metabolism – what path does the oil take through the body, and how is it absorbed? 
~ Pathology – what illness or disease would be caused if a human were poisoned?
   
The essential oils that I use have undergone this strict process and have been approved for the GRAS label - in fact I can choose from about 50 different oils and blends!  That gives me the freedom to use my oils in my drinking water, in a capsule, or in my food!  By the way, essential oils are great for cooking!

This is great for me, because the reason I started using essential oils 7 years ago was to support my digestive system.  I have a couple of favorite oils and blends that work great to keep my digestive system doing it's thing.


What about you?  Are the oils that you picked up from the store safe enough to be used internally?  If not, would you like to try some that are?  I'd love to help you get your hands on some great, high quality essential oils that will really support your wellness.

Please Contact me if you'd like to chat!