There has been a lot of hullabaloo (I’ve always wanted to use that word!) about ingesting essential oils lately. I get it. People are telling other people to just add a few drops of oil to their water, or cook with them…but it is safe?
Should You Be Ingesting Essential Oils?
It all boils down to being smart about oils-and which oils have a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) certification from the FDA. These oils generally come from food sources-think peppermint, black pepper, lemon, orange, and more.
A caveat here-I only recommend the use of 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils.
But Is Ingesting Essential Oils SAFE?
In a word, yes.
That being said, I feel the need to say this: you can buy basil essential oil at the grocery store, but if you look at the label, it will say “aromatic use only”…which is essential code for DO NOT EAT ME.
How Do I Use Essential Oils Internally?
As always, use your best judgement. When you’re ingesting essential oils, think medicinally. Read the label, and follow instructions. I love ingesting oils and using them in my day to day routine (I always add a few drops of Lemon essential oil to my Singing Canary, for example.)
My favorite essential oils to use internally:
An Unexpected Cost Savings
Now, all of that being said, if you haven’t tried cooking with oils, you absolutely need to! Not only have I found that my food is way more flavorful (say that ten times fast!), but it’s helping our grocery budget. I can use my essential oils to season my spaghetti and avoid letting fresh herbs go to waste.
This is especially helpful in winter when my herb garden has literally gone to seed and I can’t quite replant for fear of frost. Plus, peppermint brownies are one of the boy’s favorite treats.
Disclaimer: I’m a mom, blogger, and researcher. I am NOT an aromatherapist. I use essential oils but you should do your own research.
