What Are Essential Oils

Essential oils are organic compounds extracted from the bark, flower, fruit, leaf, seed or root of a plant or tree and have several healing properties. The oils in the plants are made up of very small molecules that can penetrate your cells, and some can even penetrate the blood-brain barrier. These oils are highly concentrated and have a strong aroma and can be used in aromatherapy and their benefits range from mental to physical healing.

Are Essential Oils Safe

Essential oils are generally safe to use and have very few negative side effect or risks associated with their use especially when used as directed. If you are trying to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle, they make for great alternatives to over-the-counter medications for both physical and mental health. Overall, there is good evidence that essential oils are both safe and can be a powerful healing tool in natural medicine.

Oral Application of Essential Oils

Many essential oils can be ingested- taken by the mouth or eaten. You can cook with foods that contain essential oils in them such as lemongrass, ginger or cinnamon. You can also use them in teas to create our own herbal tea remedy. A few popular teas would be chamomile tea or peppermint tea. A few other common ways to ingest them is through capsule form, adding a few drops to your beverage or food dish or by adding a few drops of essential oils under your tongue for fast absorption.

Benefits of Oral Application of Essential Oils

As noted above, one benefit of ingesting essential oils is the fast absorption rate. But is that all? Of course not. There are a lot of essential oils that are beneficial to our health when they are ingested. But remember, only 1-2 drops will be efficient and give you the benefits you need. Here are some benefits of ingesting essential oils and some of the oils that will help.

Support Immune Health

Oils to support the immune system include:

• Cassia
• Cilantro
• Cinnamin Bark
• Clove
• Frakincense
• Lime
• Marjoram
• Melissa
• Myrrh
• Oregano
• Roman Chamomile
• Tangerine

Supports Respiratory Health

• Black Pepper (seasonal allergies)
• Cardamom (clear breathing)
• Fennel
• Lemon (seasonal allergies)
• Lime
• Myrrh
• Oregano
• Peppermint (clear breathing)
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Cardiovascular Support

• Bergamot
• Black Pepper
• Cinnamon Bark
• Clove
• Fennel
• Lime
• Marjoram
• Thyme

Calm and Support Nervous System

• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Cilantro
• Clary Sage
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Marjoram

Protect Against Free Radical Damage With Antioxidants

Free radicals can cause harm to your cells. They are harmful molecules that are created to break down food or from being exposed to radiation and smoke. These essential oils can help protect you from this damage.

• Black Pepper
• Juniper Berry
• Lime
• Oregano
• Wild Orange
• Ylang Ylang

Aid and Sooth Digestive Tract

• Black Pepper
• Cilantro
• Corriander
• Frankincense
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Tangerine

Help Upset Stomach and Indigestion

• Cardamom (helps with indigestion)
• Ginger (helps with gas and bloating)
• Spearmint (reduces nausea)

Detox of Internal Systems

• Cilantro
• Helichrysum
• Juniper Berry
• Lemon
• Thyme
• Wild Orange

For more information on oral Applications of essential oils read: Oral Application of Essential Oils 

Summing It Up

Essential oils can be used internally at very low levels (1-2 drops). They can be ingested by either capsule form, being added into food (or the food itself) or under the tongue. When choosing essential oils to ingest, be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure the oil is for consumption. Also, follow the directions carefully. Have you used essential oils internally? What were your results? Let us know in the comments!