Is It Safe to Ingest Essential Oils?

Original Publish Date: 12/28/21

I was doing some research for a client about the safety of ingesting essential oils. There are some oils that have been shown to be endocrine disruptors, like tea tree oil and lavender oil but the other ones, I wasn’t too sure about. 

The wellness space is mixed whether it’s safe to orally or topically take essential oils. 

So I put my thinking cap on and found this study where one lady suffered from hypoxemia from excess peppermint oil consumption. 

Now I know it’s just one person but I like to err on the side of caution and the concern I have with essential oils is that they are very concentrated. Unless you work with an herbalist, I’d err on the topical side and in smaller amounts. 

Smelling some peppermint oil can do wonders for headaches but I’d play it safe and not ingest most essential oils. Always find what works for you but work with a trusted professional (like an herbalist and not someone who sells MLM essential oils) before taking mega doses of anything.

Tea tree oil is in many products that are important for those suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) due to its natural antifungal properties. Using this long-term may not be ideal but it’s an important trade-off to consider. The goal is that once the immune system is restored, these tools won’t have to be used as often and only for preventative practices.

There’s nuance in everything health-related. In full transparency, this topic requires more research before NwJ is able to fully take a stance. As we continue to research this topic, it’s better to err on the side of caution and only work with your trusted practitioner. Adjunct supports have their place but it can be very individualized.

In health,

Judy