top of page

dōTERRA | Essential Oils for Beginners | Internal Use

Internal usage is one of the most beneficial ways to use essential oils, however, it is also one of the most misunderstood. While internal usage requires careful application and caution, it is still possible to use essential oils internally to benefit your body and promote overall wellness. Today we will be discussing some of the best practices for internal usage of essential oils.

Why Use Essential Oils Internally?

While aromatic and topical application are effective, internal usage offers several benefits that cannot be achieved through topical or aromatic use, and can improve your essential oil usage overall. With exclusive benefits for the body, internal use is an important component to any essential oil experience. As you learn more about essential oils and start to incorporate them into your lifestyle, you will see how beneficial internal usage can be.

Benefits of using essential oils internally

Promote healthy cell function*

Support gastrointestinal health*

Maintain healthy immune function*
Cleansing benefits*
Add flavor to food and beverages

​

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

Is it safe to use essential oils internally?

Because essential oils are so naturally powerful and potent, those who are new to essential oil usage often wonder, “Is it really safe for me to use essential oils internally?”

 

The answer is YES.

Essential oils come from natural compounds found in nature like plants and fruits, so they provide a safe, natural way to experience internal benefits for the body. Our bodies are already equipped to metabolize and process natural compounds like those found in fruits and plants, which means that we are prepared to process essential oils. 

Keep in mind that due to their chemistry, there are certain essential oils that are never safe for internal consumption (we will talk about those later), however, there are still plenty of essential oils that can be safely used internally to benefit the body.

Safety guidelines

There is a lot to consider when it comes to internal usage. First, you must consider your own personal health status, health history, and health conditions before using essential oils internally. If you have any special conditions or any concerns regarding how essential oils might affect your current health status, it is always a good idea to consult with your physician before using essential oils internally.

After you’ve considered your own personal health status, you must also practice appropriate dosage, consider sensitivity, and be aware of the potential for toxicity. These are discussed in more detail below.

​

There are some essential oils that are never safe for internal use. Arborvitae, Cedarwood, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, Spikenard, White Fir, and Wintergreen essential oils should never be taken internally, in any amount.

Internal Dosage and Dilution   |   Sensitivity   |   Toxicity

Internal Dosage and Dilution

When you are first starting out with internal usage, it is always a good idea to start with the smallest possible dose: one to two drops. This will allow you to see how the oil interacts with your body, and you can always increase the dose as needed once you see how your body reacts.

​

Make sure to always dilute Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Oregano, and Thyme essential oils in at least four ounces of liquid before taking internally. You can also dilute these oils by adding one to two drops to a recipe or beverage before consuming. (Note: these essential oils do not need to be diluted if taken by way of capsules.)

REMEMBER

​

  • Start with 1-2 drops

  • Recommended dose: 1-5 drops

  • No more than 20 drops within a 24 hour period

​

​Always dilute before internal use:

  • Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano and Thyme

Internal Dosage and Dilution

Sensitivity

If you are sensitive to a particular oil, you might notice sensitivity responses in areas of the body like the skin, respiratory system, or digestive system. You might also experience pain, swelling, or tenderness in the skin, skin irritations, stomach upset, or difficulty breathing. Any of these reactions could mean that your body is sensitive to that particular oil.

​

When you do experience sensitivity after using an essential oil internally, you simply need to adjust your application methods in order to avoid irritation.

You can also adjust the dosage to see if that caused the sensitivity. Diluting an oil or using it in a smaller amount might help to reduce the sensitivity.

​

Keep in mind that if you ever experience sensitivity in the digestive system after using an essential oil, you should immediately stop using it. If you only used a small amount of the oil, you can subside the discomfort by drinking fluids. If you consumed a large amount of oil, it is best to contact poison control.

Sensitivity
Toxicity

Toxicity

You should feel safe about using essential oils internally, as long as you observe the proper dosage amounts. In extreme cases, essential oils can cause toxicity if the dosage recommendations are exceeded. Toxicity refers to the point at which a substance becomes damaging or harmful to the body. Remember, any substance, even seemingly harmless things like water, vitamins, or minerals can be toxic for the body when consumed in incorrect amounts. Just like anything else you would put in your body, safely using essential oils is all about following proper dosage recommendations. For an essential oil to reach the toxic range, the user would have to far exceed the dosage recommendation.

Ideas for Internal Applications

Basil

Add to your favorite Italian dishes for a refreshing, complimentary flavor

bottom of page