This is what everyone wants to know:  which oils can I take internally? I have a list for you.  Keep in mind that not all essential oils are safe for internal use—some essential oils are never appropriate to use internally. See below for some that you should never ingest.

The FDA recognizes certain oils as generally safe for consumption.  They call these the GRAS List (Generally Recognized as Safe). This list includes:  Basil, Fennel, Ginger, Lemon, Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Lemongrass, Lime, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, and Wild Orange. Do you notice something about this list? You have probably eaten these things in your diet already.

There are more that aren’t as recognizable like: Bergamot, Juniper Berry, Melissa, Marjoram, and Ylang Ylang. These are also FDA GRAS approved.

NOT FOR INTERNAL USE
Here is a list of essential oils to never use internally because of the way the chemicals affect the body: Arborvitae, Cedarwood, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, Spikenard, White Fir, and Wintergreen.

So how much do you give yourself?
When starting out, use the smallest dose possible. That is 1-2 drops. Then slowly increase once you know how it affects you. The recommended dose for internal use is 1-5 drops. After that, increasing the dose will no longer produce a benefit. It is better to take a smaller dose and repeat every 4-6 hours as needed.

How do you consume these oils?
The next question I always get is: How do you get it inside of you? Well, there are some really easy ways.

1. Water. Add a few drops to a glass of water. I prefer to adding the drops to the glass first, and then add water. This helps mix it a little.The oil flavors the water and you just drink it to consume it. Lemon is a great one for this method.
2. Veggie Capsules. Add the oils to a capsule and swallow it down. I often take Oregano and Tea Tree Oil when I feel like I’m coming down with something. If this is something you are interested in, talk with me and I can get you started.
3. Direct Application. You can apply a drop or two directly to your mouth and tongue, or even under your tongue. The oils are extremely potent so  when in doubt, dilute with water and drink it down.
4. Cooking and Baking. Talk about flavor! With benefits. Add some basil to your spaghetti sauce or lemon to your poppy-seed lemon bread. Delish and good for you.

This is what I tell people to get them started. But as always, I am here to answer specific questions and to help find the right internal oil for you.