Internal Tips
Tips on how to tell if an essential oil is okay to take internally:
1. First, you must check if a particular essential oil is certified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) by the FDA. If the oil is on this list, it will be safe to be used internally.
2. The second, and equally important consideration is the quality of the oil. Most essential oils, even the ones at health food stores and especially the ones at a bath and body shop, are made for the perfume industry. They can be adulterated with many chemicals to extend the oil or alter the scent. Even the term “natural” has no official meaning and may not guarantee the oil’s purity.
1. First, you must check if a particular essential oil is certified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) by the FDA. If the oil is on this list, it will be safe to be used internally.
2. The second, and equally important consideration is the quality of the oil. Most essential oils, even the ones at health food stores and especially the ones at a bath and body shop, are made for the perfume industry. They can be adulterated with many chemicals to extend the oil or alter the scent. Even the term “natural” has no official meaning and may not guarantee the oil’s purity.
There are many ways to use essential oils internally. A few quick examples are listed below:
–You can add a drop of oil to a glass of water or a teaspoon of honey. For example, a drop of lemon will make your water taste great. A drop of peppermint will taste good and ease stomach upset. Be prepared for a flavor blast!
–If the flavor is too strong, you can put a couple drops in a gelatin capsule and take that. Start with only a 2-4 drops until you know how your body will react.
–For those who enjoy the strong flavors, you can put a drop directly under your tongue. Ex. Thieves blend as a cold preventative. Peppermint will freshen your breath.
–And finally, one of the fun ways to use essential oils to really take advantage of the essential oil flavors is to cook with them. Some of the healing properties may be lost with the heat of cooking, but the flavor will be fantastic. Add oregano or basil to your tomato sauce. Add black pepper to your salsa. Add lemon to your home-made lemonade and decrease the sugar. The lemon will make a tasty drink the kids will love.
–You can add a drop of oil to a glass of water or a teaspoon of honey. For example, a drop of lemon will make your water taste great. A drop of peppermint will taste good and ease stomach upset. Be prepared for a flavor blast!
–If the flavor is too strong, you can put a couple drops in a gelatin capsule and take that. Start with only a 2-4 drops until you know how your body will react.
–For those who enjoy the strong flavors, you can put a drop directly under your tongue. Ex. Thieves blend as a cold preventative. Peppermint will freshen your breath.
–And finally, one of the fun ways to use essential oils to really take advantage of the essential oil flavors is to cook with them. Some of the healing properties may be lost with the heat of cooking, but the flavor will be fantastic. Add oregano or basil to your tomato sauce. Add black pepper to your salsa. Add lemon to your home-made lemonade and decrease the sugar. The lemon will make a tasty drink the kids will love.
Remember! Essential oils are very potent, so you have to be cautious when you use them...a little goes a long way!
Warning: Do not put essential oils in eyes, ears, nose, or other areas with sensitive skin.
Warning: Do not put essential oils in eyes, ears, nose, or other areas with sensitive skin.