Is it Safe to Ingest Essential Oils?

 

Contributed by Dr. Joshua Yorgason, MD  – Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon), Member of doTERRA Medical Advisory Board

Each type of oil contains a mixture of natural chemical compounds unique to that species of plant and to the environment in which the plant is grown. For thousands of years, humans have ingested plants in the form of food as well as plant parts and extracts as herbal health products and teas from leaves and flowers, which contain essential oils.

One could argue that it should also be safe to ingest essential oils in small quantities, just as we have been doing when ingesting plants containing essential oils. Because they are produced naturally by plants, essential oils are found in naturally balanced mixtures. Then why is there an ongoing concern about the internal use of essential oils? Internal use can not only be very effective, but is also safe. Oils first have an effect on local tissues.

The local effect may be felt more strongly when applied internally compared to when applied to the skin because the nerves in the mucosa are closer to the surface, often more numerous, and can be more easily stimulated compared to the nerves in the skin. Although the skin is thicker and seems to be less fragile than the mucous membranes, the reality is that similar to the skin the mucosa has many features that are protective, and therefore conducive to the use of essential oils.

Like skin, the mucosa has many layers designed to protect the body against disease and toxic exposures. And similar to skin, the mucosa has an ability to constantly restore itself and to regenerate after harmful exposures, such as trauma from teeth or heat from foods that can cause ulceration.

The mucosa heals an open sore very quickly, so it can resume its protective function. The mucosa also has thousands of mucous glands that secrete mucous to create a protective film over the tissues. The mucous is continually being produced and continually migrating as the cilia beat, limiting any local exposure.

When essential oils contact the mucosa, they are absorbed to some degree at the initial point of contact, but much of the oil will be continually diluted by the mucous. Rapid absorption and constant dilution allow the oils to have a dramatic yet temporary effect, which explains why any sensation you have in the mouth or throat from essential oils taken internally is temporary. Because the mucosa is designed to be protective, essential oils can be safely used internally.

The premise of all of these discussions is that essential oils could be harmful when taken internally. However, studies suggest just the opposite. Essential oils may actually be protective to the mucosa. Many studies show that essential oils can have a positive effect when there is a problem with the stomach’s mucous membranes.* For example, limonene, found in citrus oils, was shown to help protect the stomach mucosa in a preclinical study.(3) This protective effect was shown without affecting normal stomach acid secretion, gastrin enzyme secretion, or antioxidant glutathione production.(3) Many other studies have also demonstrated similar effects.* (1–6)

Avoiding hot oils that may be irritating to the mucous membranes, using small single use amounts, or using less than the maximum daily amounts recommended, are all safe practices that can help us have confidence in using essential oils internally. If we are using the oils for a local effect, such as to soothe the mouth and throat, then the oils can be appropriately diluted. Internal use of essential oils may be the best method to help improve function of the gut and improve digestion, because the oils can get to the area of need.

Taking essential oils internally may be a very effective method to get the oils to be absorbed into the body to promote health and wellness, for an overall soothing effect on the body, and for a calming effect on mood. Using the appropriate amount of oils in Veggie Caps or prepackaged in the appropriate amounts in softgels can be an effective way to take essential oils internally so that they can be maximally absorbed by the gut for a whole body effect.

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Autumn Aroma

The weather in New England never ceased to amaze me when I lived there. It could go from a sizzling summer day to full-on autumn in the blink of an eye.  That “autumn state of mind” is what I miss most about Boston. That 60s and below chill in the air, those bright gorgeous oranges, golds, yellows and reds against a blue flawless sky, and the smell of fallen leaves is what I miss most. When I first moved to California, my college room-mate sent me pressed leaves from Connecticut. She’ll never know how much that meant to me!

Autumn is my favorite season. Here in California we don’t pack away the flip-flops and flimsy summer outfits until almost November. We continue to have warm days, but despite the lack of fall pizzazz here in Southern California, the Fall soon brings cool nights, and morning fog.  Autumn is a time for high school and Monday Night Football. NBA Basketball creeps its way into our home at the end of October. The days grow shorter and the nights are longer. Somehow this “autumn state of mind” prepares my body to long for quiet indoor days, curled up with a hot mug in hand, reading by the fire. Autumn brings cornucopia foods to the table. Fresh squash and yams, apples, pears and cranberries. Stews, Chilies, and roasts soon fill up the house with warmth and succulent aroma.

Kick off the Fall season by filling your home with the aromatic benefits of essential oils. Diffuse clove, rosemary and orange essential oil. Clove provides anti-bacterial properties, while Rosemary promotes clear thinking, and Orange burns toxins in your body.

 

Caring for Your Essential Oils

Now that you have your essential oils, and are beginning to use them regularly, it’s important that you store them properly. Although essential oils do not become rancid, they do oxidize, deteriorate and lose their beneficial therapeutic properties over time. Oils such as citrus oils will oxidize and begin to lose their aroma and therapeutic properties in as little as six months, especially if they are kept in the heat. The aroma of essential oils such as Patchouli and Sandalwood mature with age. Make sure to store your oils in amber or cobalt blue bottles. All essential oils should be stored in a cool dark place. Value your essential oils, they support you and your family’s health, and should become an essential part of your lifestyle.

Daily Oil Use

Do You Use Your Essential Oils Daily? Essential Oils are becoming a very practical, healthy, safe, and cost-effective way to care for your family’s health and wellness. How can you share these great products with others if you aren’t quiet sure how they work yourself? When someone has an upset stomach or a headache what is your first response? The local pharmacy? Using essential oils “becomes a way of life”. Once you get in the groove of using the oils in your life everyday, they become your first “go to” whenever someone is not feeling well, physically or emotionally. If you would like to learn more about essential oils and incorporating them into your daily routine, I’m offering a free consultation. Email me to set up a consultation. Kimjones@k-grafix.com.

Well, Hello

It’s been a very long time since I’ve posted a blog on this site! I have been blogging, but I have a new passion.

Essential oils have taken over my life so to speak. I’ve been using them to care for me and my family’s physical and emotional health since December. They are amazing. I have kept a journal of the conditions that have treated with essential oils. We are no longer using over-the-counter medications. Essential oils are a natural solution to wellness.

• I no longer have heartburn and acid reflux every night (DigestZen)
• Headaches/Migraines are gone within 20 minutes (Past Tense blend of 9 oils)
• I have lost 7lbs since March (No special diet or exercise, just taking essential oil supplements)
• Colds are gone within 3-4 days, no cough after (Melaleuca)
• Stretch marks (my son from weight lifting) are disappearing (Lavender and sandalwood)
• Carpel Tunnel. . . gone!
• No more menopause symptoms (ClarySage)
• Spousal snoring gone (Frankincense, it’s amazing!)
• Allergies and watery eyes gone (Eucalyptus)
• Mosquito bites, gone in 12 hours (Lavender)
• Cold sores – most people can feel when one is developing. We put on Melaleuca and it never develops!
• Tickle in the throat, Melaleuca on the throat and it’s gone in a few seconds.
• . . .not to mention the emotional side of the oils

This has been an amazing journey, and a new ministry for me.

Visit my other site to find out more about essential oils, and how they can work in your life.