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Precautions Regarding Internal Use
It is our recommendation that essential oils NOT be used internally (via ingestion or suppository), unless under the supervision of a MD, with a degree in integrative medicine, who has also studied Aromatherapy and knows how to safely advise on internal use of essential oils specific to the individual and his/her symptoms. Some (not all) essential oils are safe to take internally, when used in correct dilution, dosage and application method. It is extremely important to have the training to know what essential oils are safe to use, understand the chemistry of those essential oils, and how to administer them in an appropriate manner to ensure safety.
There is a great deal of misinformation circulating on the web; many sites recommend internal or neat (undiluted) use of essential oils; applications that are both unnecessary and unsafe. There was an incident in our community of a “lay person” treating a client with oral (in a capsule) ingestion of an essential oil blend; as a result of this treatment the client ended up in a hospital with a burned esophagus. There are many other reports of people experiencing severe skin irritation or burns from applying essential oils neat. Please note: if your skin is burning, itching, or becomes inflamed after applying essential oils it means that you are having an adverse reaction; some people hold the belief that this reaction is “healing”, proving the essential oils are working – this is simply not true.
If working with a qualified MD and have chosen essential oils that are considered safe for ingestion, then know that e3’s essential oils have been tested for purity and quality and are safe for internal use in that regard. An MD will do a full patient intake, taking into consideration, age, health status, prescriptions/supplement use, and lifestyle choices before prescribing a protocol for internal essential oil use.
Some essential oils can be used safely in toothpaste, mouthwash, gargle, cooking etc. Again it is important to be prudent with the dilution ratio, choice of essential oil, and know the age and health status of the intended user. Remember, that essential oil application methods and dosages appropriate for a healthy adult, a child, an individual with a compromised immune system or on medications will vary.
Important questions to be answered when considering internal use of essential oils.
- Why is internal being considered rather than inhalation and/or topical application?
- Is internal use being overseen by a health care practitioner knowledgeable in the contraindications of ingestion and interactions with other medications and/or health care issues?
- What is the age and physical state of the individual?
- In what form is internal use being recommended, i.e. capsules, suppository, other?
- Will internal use adversely affect liver and kidneys? Anything taken internally will be processed by the liver and kidneys, thus, this must be taken into consideration.
