Essential Oil Ingestion

Essential oil ingestion is not something that Kuura Essentials generally recommends as there are still many questions regarding both short-term and long-term effects. These is not enough research on the subject and there is also little information on correct dosages.

Common safety hazards: gastric irritation, hepatotoxicity and drug interactions.

However, if you decide to ingest essentials oils, there are good and not so good ways to do this. 

CORRECT INGESTION

  • Do use enteric coated capsules or gel caps that are filled with vegetable oil
  • You can also use syrup/honey as the carrier if no capsules are available 
  • Do not ingest more than 3 drops 3 times daily for 2 weeks as appropriate doses for most essential oils are not known. Ingestion of inappropriate doses can cause liver toxicity.

INCORRECT INGESTION

  • Never ingest essential oils in water, tea or with other liquid substances! Essential oils do not dissolve in water and this irritates the mucous membrane inside your body (mouth to stomach). 

Be aware of contraindications and side-effects! Even though essential oils are natural, they are strong substances that should not be taken without proper knowledge!

KNOWN ESSENTIAL OILS THAT CAUSE DRUG INTERACTIONS

There are essential oils that have been found to most likely inuence medication, either increasing or decreasing the effectiveness of the drug taken.

Below is a list of essential oils that are considered a hazard to have drug interactions as they contain the essential oil constituent Citral:

  • Lemongrass
  • May Chang
  • Honey Myrtle
  • Lemon Myrtle
  • Lemon-scented Tea Tree

Below is a list of essential oils that are considered a hazard to have drug interactions as they contain the essential oil constituent alpha-Bisabolol/Chamazulene:

  • Balsam Poplar
  • Blue Chamomile
  • Blue Tansy
  • Yarrow

Below is a list of essential oils that are considered a hazard to have drug interactions as they contain the essential oil constituent Methyl salicylate:  

  • Sweet Birch
  • Wintergreen

 

NOTE!

Never decide to ingest essential oils on your own or if someone recommended to do so on social media or online.

Always contact a licensed practitioner to do it correctly!

 

Safety Resources:
Essential Oil Safety Masterclass - Tisserand Institute 2019
Essential Oil Safety - Tisserand & Young
Tisserand Institute - Essential Oil Education