What are the dangers of essential oils? There have been claims made by companies producing essential oil products and their distributors that essential oils are 'natural' and therefore are 'safe to consume'. Essential oils are not safe to consume and can cause significant poisoning even if small amounts are ingested.
My personal recommendation is doTERRA. They have the certified safest and in my opinion best essential oils available. They are even safe for internal use, but this and many other benefits have their price.
Essential oils should not be ingested.
Essential oils are highly concentrated. They have the capacity to cause damage if ingested without the necessary expertise.
The bottom of your foot has very soft skin, big pores, and no hair – in other words, it's excellent for absorbing essential oils! With little to no obstacles, oils penetrate the skin fast and effectively. There are also over 70,000 nerve endings located in that area, so essential oils can quickly remedy foot pains.
If so, are they safe to take internally? NOW® essential oil products are intended solely for use as aromatherapy products; they're not intended for internal use. Many of our essential oils are clearly labeled “Not for internal use” due to the fact that they're highly concentrated, and for other safety considerations.
They also note that even essential oils labeled “food-grade” may be unsafe for ingesting or prone to misuse. Since misusing essential oils can lead to poisoning and other adverse effects, anyone interested in using essential oils in their diet would benefit from talking with a healthcare professional first.
When taken orally, the adult dose of frankincense ranges from 3 g to 8 g of the dry gum resin per day. For dry extracts, tinctures, and fluid extracts it is recommended to take 3 g to 5 g of stem bark resin per day. For decoction it is recommended to take 3 g to 10 g of stem bark resin per day.
Since our oils are intended for aromatherapy, we've chosen not to market our essential oils for internal use, so we cannot recommend using them internally, and we can't label them for any use other than aromatherapy.
People should not ingest an essential oil. Frankincense extract is different than the essential oil and is also commonly available. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on dosage. Interactions with other drugs or side effects are much more common when the extract is taken by mouth.
*Please note that essential oils should NOT be used for internal consumption other than for a mouthwash or tooth paste - even then you must spit it out after use and rinse with water!
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.
Products containing essential oils should only be used for their intended purpose (i.e. should not be applied to skin or swallowed unless the label says to do so). Concentrated essential oils can be easily coughed/choked on, which can cause some of the oil to slip into the lungs and damage delicate lung tissue.
These highly concentrated and potent essential oils can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The inhalation of VOCs commonly has negative effects on the respiratory system. Individuals can have different reactions to essential oils, just like they might to other medicines, products, allergens or irritant triggers.
The boswellic acids that come from frankincense have good antibacterial properties, which can help prevent and treat infections in your mouth. These include bad breath, toothaches, and cavities.
Do not take boswellia if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Boswellia may inhibit the liver enzymes that break down drugs, which can increase the drug effects. Avoid taking boswellia concurrently with other medications unless specifically prescribed by your physician.
Swallowing eucalyptus oil is not safe. Depending on the dose, symptoms of swallowing eucalyptus oil include nausea and vomiting, stomachache, difficulty walking, muscle weakness, dizziness, slurred speech, and drowsiness. More serious effects include low blood pressure, high heart rate, lung injury, seizures, and coma.
Examples of essential oils that are effective in anti-aging are Frankincense, Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Geranium, Sandalwood, Citrus, Carrot seed, Ylang Ylang, and Rosemary.
After diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil of choice (this equates to 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil), simply apply to the affected area. You can also try it as a massage balm, gently rubbing the mixture into the skin so it can help ease inflammation and joint pain.
It is always IMPORTANT to read the essential oil label before adding to food or ingesting. If labeled "NOT FOR INTERNAL USE" do not consume orally nor with drink or foods. Most essential oils that can be used internally are labeled by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe). Always read the label before consuming.