How long do essential oils stay in your bloodstream?

Author: Cecelia Hand II  |  Last update: Thursday, October 23, 2025

The answer to this question depends on various factors, including the type of essential oil, the method of application, and individual metabolism. In general, essential oils can stay in your bloodstream for up to 24 hours.

Do essential oils get absorbed into the bloodstream?

Our skin is permeable, meaning it absorbs substances applied to its surface. This includes essential oils, which are made up of plant compounds that can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.

How do essential oils leave the body?

Now that your body has broken down these compounds, it's time for them to be excreted. While small amounts may leave through your lungs or sweat (yes, essential oils can make you smell like them for hours!), most of the excretion happens through your kidneys.

What happens if you smell too much essential oils?

Potential risks:

Inhalation of certain essential oils can trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. Strong odors, such as those from essential oils, may act as irritants and lead to bronchoconstriction (tightening of the smooth muscles around the airways), coughing, or shortness of breath.

Can too many drops of essential oils be harmful?

Certain oils may cause irritation if used in too high a concentration. If you happen to be a highly sensitive person (HSP), try a skin patch test to determine any potential irritation before you use essential oils, and always dilute appropriately.

How do essential oils leave the body? + How Long They Last

What are the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in humans?

What are the symptoms of toxicity?
  • drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, coma (after large ingestion)
  • seizures.
  • persistent cough, gagging/choking, shortness of breath, wheezing.
  • nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
  • skin irritation (skin exposure)
  • eye redness, irritation or pain (eye exposures).

What is the safest essential oil to diffuse?

Essential oils to be diffused pure
  • Bergamot.
  • Asian rosewood.
  • Roman chamomile.
  • Cardamom.
  • Lemon.
  • Java Lemongrass.
  • Elemi.
  • Frankincense.

Which essential oil is best for anti-aging?

Examples of essential oils that are effective in anti-aging are Frankincense, Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Geranium, Sandalwood, Citrus, Carrot seed, Ylang Ylang, and Rosemary.

What essential oils should not be mixed together?

Which Essential Oils Should Not Be Mixed?
  • Peppermint and Eucalyptus.
  • Lemon and Lavender.
  • Clove and Thyme.

How long do essential oils last in your system?

The answer to this question depends on various factors, including the type of essential oil, the method of application, and individual metabolism. In general, essential oils can stay in your bloodstream for up to 24 hours.

What is the strongest essential oil for pain?

There is no single “strongest” essential oil, as the effectiveness varies based on the type of pain. However, oils such as kunzea, wintergreen, clove, peppermint, and eucalyptus are generally recognized for their powerful pain-relieving properties but should always be used diluted with caution.

Where is the best place on the body to apply essential oils?

Top 5 Places To Apply Roll-On Essential Oils to Your Body
  • Behind the Ear. Your head is a great place to try roll-on oils! ...
  • Temples. Temples are another highly permeable area of skin found on the head that is perfect for essential oils. ...
  • Wrists. There are other “pulse points” on the body outside the temples. ...
  • Clavicle. ...
  • Feet.

Can ingesting essential oils cause liver damage?

Essential oils can irritate the skin, eyes, mouth and stomach. Some essential oils can cause much more serious symptoms if more than a taste amount is ingested. For example: swallowing a mouthful of wintergreen oil is like swallowing a large amount of aspirin. Clove oil can cause coma and liver damage when swallowed.

What part of the body absorbs oils best?

Your radial artery runs along the inside of your wrist, which makes it easy for your body to absorb essential oils into the bloodstream. The wrists are also a great spot for applying oils that you want to inhale, as the aroma will be closer to your nose.

Can you out essential oils on your body?

Lin cautions against directly applying most essential oils to your skin without diluting them. “With few exceptions, it's best to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to avoid skin irritation,” she says.

Which oil works like Botox?

Helichrysum oil is sometimes referred to as the "Botox in a bottle" because of its powerful regenerative properties.

What is the best essential oil to fade age spots?

Oils like tea tree, lemon, and frankincense are popular for fading dark spots and improving skin tone.

What oil tightens saggy skin?

Which essential oils can help with skin tightening? Cypress, bergamot, lemon, tea tree, and rosemary essential oil have all been found to be effective with skin tightening.

What is frankincense used for?

Frankincense oil seems to kill some types of bacteria and fungi (yeasts). It is commonly used as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes. People use frankincense for aging skin, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.

Where to put essential oils on body for sleep?

Just mix a couple of drops of your nominated essential oil with water and the diffuser will release a fine, scented mist over the next few hours, filling your room with a calming aroma. ☺️ Apply directly to your body - Rub a couple of drops of the essential oil on your wrists, forehead and temples.

What is the most toxic essential oil?

Mugwort, Thyme, Rue and Pennyroyal are toxic and hazardous. A lot of people are susceptible to allergic reactions from certain essential oils which cause no problems to others. As an example, I had a lady who got a severe allergic reaction just with inhalation of the geranium oil.

What happens when essential oils enter the bloodstream?

The oils circulate through the bloodstream and interact with tissues and cells throughout the body. Eventually the circulating oils must pass through the liver, which is an organ situated in the lower-right side of the thorax, below the ribcage.

What essential oil is good for sleep apnea?

The most effective oils for sleep apnea include:
  • Lavender. Lavender is often known for its relaxation benefits, but it can also clear the airway. ...
  • Peppermint. Congestion can restrict the airways, making it more difficult to breathe. ...
  • Thyme. ...
  • Lemon. ...
  • Eucalyptus. ...
  • Cedarwood. ...
  • Clove. ...
  • Fennel.

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