Internal Use of Essential Oils?

Is it safe to take essential oils internally? It's a controversial topic.

First, some background. The world of aromatherapy has three main schools of thought:

• The British school teaches the dilution of essential oils and their application (often through massage) for relaxation and balancing. Almost everyone who follows this line of thought advises against taking essential oils internally.
  
• The German school relies mostly on the aroma of the oils, rather than direct application.
  
• The French school treats essential oils as medicine, including internal use of essential oils.

What does the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have to say? In Title 21--Food and Drugs, Chapter I--Food And Drug Administration, Department Of Health And Human Services, Part 182--Substances Generally Recognized As Safe the FDA includes essential oils that the FDA recognizes as generally safe.

Many people believe that essential oils Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) or certified as Food Additives (FA) by the FDA may be safely taken internally as dietary supplements.

If you are considering internal use of essential oils, follow these guidelines:

• Know why you want to use the oil and what you expect from it.
  
• Make sure the essential oil is GRAS.
  
• Make sure you use only high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils (such as Young Living). A lesser quality oil may have side effects or may be ineffective.
  
• Use common sense. Essential oils are potent. One drop may be enough. You can overdose on anything. Discontinue use if you feel any adverse effect.
  
• If in doubt, get professional advice.