Is It Safe to Ingest Essential Oils?

Dr. Joshua Yorgason, MD
Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon)
Member, dōTERRA Medical Advisory Board

Each type of oil contains a mixture of natural chemical compounds unique to that species of plant and to the environment in which the plant is grown. For thousands of years, humans have ingested plants in the form of food as well as plant parts and extracts as herbal health products and teas from leaves and flowers, which contain essential oils. One could argue that it should also be safe to ingest essential oils in small quantities, just as we have been doing when ingesting plants containing essential oils. Because they are produced naturally by plants, essential oils are found in naturally balanced mixtures. Then why is there an ongoing concern about the internal use of essential oils? Internal use can not only be very effective, but is also safe.

Oils first have an effect on local tissues. The local effect may be felt more strongly when applied internally compared to when applied to the skin because the nerves in the mucosa are closer to the surface, often more numerous, and can be more easily stimulated compared to the nerves in the skin.  Although the skin is thicker and seems to be less fragile than the mucous membranes, the reality is that similar to the skin the mucosa has many features that are protective, and therefore conducive to the use of essential oils. Like skin, the mucosa has many layers designed to protect the body against disease and toxic exposures. And similar to skin, the mucosa has an ability to constantly restore itself and to regenerate after harmful exposures, such as trauma from teeth or heat from foods that can cause ulceration. The mucosa heals an open sore very quickly, so it can resume its protective function. The mucosa also has thousands of mucous glands that secrete mucous to create a protective film over the tissues. The mucous is continually being produced and continually migrating as the cilia beat, limiting any local exposure. When essential oils contact the mucosa, they are absorbed to some degree at the initial point of contact, but much of the oil will be continually diluted by the mucous. Rapid absorption and constant dilution allow the oils to have a dramatic yet temporary effect, which explains why any sensation you have in the mouth or throat from essential oils taken internally is temporary. Because the mucosa is designed to be protective, essential oils can be safely used internally.

The premise of all of these discussions is that essential oils could be harmful when taken internally. However, studies suggest just the opposite. Essential oils may actually be protective to the mucosa. Many studies show that essential oils can have a positive effect when there is a problem with the stomach’s mucous membranes.* For example, limonene, found in citrus oils, was shown to help protect the stomach mucosa in a preclinical study.(3) This protective effect was shown without affecting normal stomach acid secretion, gastrin enzyme secretion, or antioxidant glutathione production.(3) Many other studies have also demonstrated similar effects.* (1–6)

Avoiding hot oils that may be irritating to the mucous membranes, using small single use amounts, or using less than the maximum daily amounts recommended, are all safe practices that can help us have confidence in using essential oils internally. If we are using the oils for a local effect, such as to soothe the mouth and throat, then the oils can be appropriately diluted. Internal use of essential oils may be the best method to help improve function of the gut and improve digestion, because the oils can get to the area of need. Taking essential oils internally may be a very effective method to get the oils to be absorbed into the body to promote health and wellness, for an overall soothing effect on the body, and for a calming effect on mood. Using the appropriate amount of oils in Veggie Caps or prepackaged in the appropriate amounts in soft gels can be an effective way to take essential oils internally so that they can be maximally absorbed by the gut for a whole body effect.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Patriotic Cupcakes with Lime Essential Oil

Servings: 18        Prep Time: 20 minutes        Cook Time: 30 minutes        Difficulty: Medium

Natural food-colorants are hard to come by and can sometimes add a funny flavor to your favorite treats. These patriotic cupcakes are dyed with freeze-dried fruit and add a delicious berry flavor to your already-loved cream cheese frosting. Let’s just say that each layer tastes like a strawberry, blueberry, or lime cheesecake. Need we say more? 

Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups cake flour 
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar 
1 tablespoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon sea salt 
¾ cup butter, softened 
4 large egg whites, plus 1 whole large egg
1 cup whole milk 
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-2 drops Lime essential oil 

Naturally Colored Cream Cheese Icing: 

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
16-ounce (2 packages) cream cheese, room temperature
5 cups powdered sugar 
1 pod’s worth of vanilla beans, or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
1 drop Lime essential oil
¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries
¼ cup freeze-dried blueberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Put cupcake liners into muffin tins.
3. Mix dry ingredients on slow speed for 2 minutes until blended.
4. Add the soft butter and mix in until evenly crumbly.
5. Add egg whites one at a time, then add one whole egg, beating well after each addition to begin building the structure of the cake. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with each egg addition.
6. In a small bowl, whisk milk with vanilla and Lime essential oil. Add to the batter ⅓ cup at a time. Beat 1 to 2 minutes after each addition until fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
7. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

1. With an electric mixer, and using the paddle attachment, not the whisk, mix the butter and cream cheese together for about 3 minutes on medium speed until very smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
2. Add vanilla bean pod or extract and mix. Slowly add powdered sugar. Keep adding until you get desired sweetness and thickness.
3. Divide frosting into three bowls.
4. In two separate plastic bags, add freeze-dried strawberries and blueberries. Using a rolling pin, roll on top of freeze-dried fruit until they are small crumbs.
5. Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries and blueberries into separate bowls and stir to combine.
6. In the third bowl of plain frosting, add 1 drop of Lime essential oil and stir to combine.
7.  Add each frosting into a separate pastry bag. If you don’t have pastry bags, you can put it into a plastic baggie and snip the corner of the bag.
8. Using a pattern of red, white, and then blue, gently pipe a small layer of each frosting onto cupcakes. 9. Once done, you should have a beautiful and extremely tasty patriotic cupcake. For an extra flair, add an American flag toothpick on top.

The Unity of Yoga and Essential Oils

Contributed by Brooke Perkins

Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. The original meaning of the word yoga is believed to be “unity,” which is key to the overall goal of the practice: pushing one’s consciousness toward transcendence. Since the beginning, yoga has evolved and changed in many ways and throughout the years research has reaffirmed that this practice not only benefits physical health, but mental and emotional health as well.

Yoga has proven to be beneficial because of its three main components: asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing technique), and meditation. Oftentimes when we exercise we forget to incorporate these components. For instance, even though we are constantly breathing, it is not necessarily something we are consciously thinking about. In yoga, breath is the life of the practice; each movement is associated with a deep inhale or exhale. It is this state of active breathing that has been found to be highly beneficial, especially when it comes to our brain wave activity.

Modern day research has shown that yoga can help us manage stress, but why is that exactly? Studies have shown that yoga has the ability to decrease salivary cortisol, which is a known stress hormone.(1,2) Additional studies have also found that yoga-based relaxation training can help stabilize the function of the autonomic nervous system,(3) the system that controls our breathing, heartbeat, and digestive processes. Yoga also plays a significant role in decreasing heart rate. (4,5) One study demonstrated that not only is breathing beneficial for overall brain wave activity but so is meditation and posture-based poses. These yoga practices have been found to stimulate the amygdala and frontal cortex,(6) which house our memory and emotional reactions. As you can see all of these benefits can have a positive effect on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Now that we’ve learned about some of the science behind yoga, it’s time to understand how essential oils can relate to this ancient practice. While modern day science has yet to thoroughly ascertain the benefits of essential oils and yoga when combined, there are still many benefits to be received. Much like yoga, the use of essential oils aims to support the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. Research has shown that essential oils not only provide emotional benefits but physical benefits as well.

There are several studies that speak to the abilities of essential oils to help reduce anxious feelings (7-10) and provide an overall sense of well-being. Other research studies have shown that they can help maintain concentration.(11,12) Lastly, research has suggested that essential oils help promote feelings of clear breathing and open airways.(13)

As you can see, yoga and essential oils easily go hand-in-hand. You can, and should, enhance your current practice by using the two together. So whether you are a brand new or seasoned yogi, everyone can benefit from using essential oils during their practice.

Here are some tips on oils to include in your practice:

Apply InTune® at the beginning of class to help set your focus.

Rub a drop of dōTERRA Breathe® on your chest.

For a more invigorating practice, diffuse Wild Orange and Peppermint.

Diffuse Serenity® for a more calming practice.

Apply a drop of Frankincense or Sandalwood to your temples during meditation to help you relax and reduce stress.

Apply dōTERRA Balance® to the back of your neck during Savasana to help with relaxation.

Pictures taken at 3B Yoga Studio in Provo, Utah.

Bibliography

A Fresh Look at Dilution

Let’s look at some skin science. The skin is composed of many layers. The outermost layer is called the stratum corneum, which is composed of dead keratinized cells surrounded by intercellular glycolipids.(1,2) This layer is great at keeping out unwanted materials such as water, dirt, and microbes. However, the chemical constituents of essential oils possess unique properties that allow them to readily pass through the stratum corneum.(2–4) 

But they don’t pass through all at once. In fact, the stratum corneum serves as a reservoir of lipophilic substances, such as essential oils.(5–7) This reservoir drains into the dermis in a matter of a few hours.(6)

Diluting an essential oil in a carrier oil slows down the “reservoir drain.” The carrier oil increases the hydration of the skin, meaning it increases the integrity of the skin.(8) Because of this, essential oils take longer to enter and pass through the stratum corneum. 

Here’s the takeaway message: the best way to get a localized, longer-lasting effect from applying essential oils topically is to dilute.

The dōTERRA Touch™ oils are perfectly suited for delivering diluted oils to specific areas for a longer-lasting, localized effect.

Bibliography