Can you ingest essential oils? In short, the answer is no. Although certain companies or individuals might suggest otherwise, most experts advise against ingesting essential oils. It is even suggested to stay away from ingesting/cooking with essential oils made from edible plants or plant extracts (such as citrus oils or herb oils). This is because they are more concentrated than the compounds found in the plant themselves. Even small amounts can cause adverse reactions. Additionally, some oils are toxic at any dose. The safest course of action is to only use essential oils externally. There is very limited evidence of the potential benefits of consuming essential oil, so it is not worth the risk. If you have questions about this, you can ask your doctor to help clarify the best option for your case. 

More information about why you should not consume essential oils: 

Oils from Edible Plants

Some of people’s misconceptions about ingesting essential oils are because some essential oils come from edible plants. This can lead some individuals to think that it is safe to ingest these oils. However, doing so can lead to potential health problems. It is very important to read the label instructions and pay attention to the potency of the essential oils. These products are very concentrated, more so than their herbal counterparts. They are safe to use on your skin (when diluted) or for diffusion, but using them beyond what is indicated on the label can be potentially dangerous. 

Why Cooking with Essential Oils is a Bad Idea

Some may think that cooking with essential oils is okay, especially when they come from plants you would normally cook with. This can be confusing, especially with herb-based oils. For example, someone might be cooking and realize they are out of an herb, and may want to an herb-based essential oil as a substitute. However, this is not a good idea for several reasons. 

As previously mentioned, it is important to consider the potency of essential oils. High-quality essential oils are usually 50%-70% more potent than the plant they come from. Therefore, they should not be used as a substitute when cooking. We know it can seem strange not to ingest oils made from edible plants but trust us, if there was a great way to use our products, we would be the first to mention it. Cooking with essential oils or otherwise ingesting them just isn’t safe or healthy. 

Oils that are Always Toxic

Certain essential oils such as rose or tea tree oil are always unsafe for human consumption. Oftentimes people will mistake “natural” for non-toxic and assume oils are safe for every type of use. While oils are fine to use externally, internal use is a different story, especially for oils that come from plants that are potentially toxic to humans when ingested. 

The Overall Health Dangers of Ingesting Essential Oils

Overall, there are many dangers when it comes to ingesting essential oils. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate essential oils, so there aren’t many rules when it comes to potency or labeling. This is why it’s important to choose a reputable company with strong quality standards. Regardless of quality, ingesting essential oils can cause poisoning, even if small amounts are ingested. Some of the symptoms of toxicity are drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, seizures, persistent cough, and nausea. If you have questions about ingesting essential oils and want more clarification, you can contact your doctor or local health care provider to get more information. 

To learn more about essential oil safety, read our blogs.