Is It Safe to Ingest Essential Oils? What the Sales Reps Aren't Telling You

Your bias, and intentional omissions of information, shine through clearly. You say that EO's indicated as GRAS are specifically "not subject to FDA approval for its use as a food additive", and then go on to quote - '"...[A]ny substance that is intentionally added to food is a food additive, that is subject to premarket review and approval by FDA, unless the substance is [GRAS]"'. You say that "The GRAS designation explicitly means the substance is NOT SUBJECT to FDA review." and this is materially UNTRUE and a false representation. I would encourage any reader to go check out the GRAS definition for themselves, directly from the FDA. You can find it here: https://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabel... and see clearly how you intentionally stopped your quote short of continuing on where it says "... unless the substance is generally recognized, among QUALIFIED EXPERTS, as having been ADEQUATELY shown TO BE SAFE UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF ITS INTENDED USE..." [EMPHASIS ADDED]. The bottom line is that for a substance to earn a "GRAS" classification, it has to pass through safety determinations that involve scientific procedures and/or a LONG history of safe usage for a tenure of decades. To try to downplay the significance of "GRAS" as if it is meaningless - or worse, to portray it as meaning a substance doesn't fall subject to any requirements - is absolutely misleading and reprehensible on your part. I have no idea what your agenda is, but you really should find another creative outlet because the misinformation you are spreading is egregious.

At the beginning of your article you state that Young Living Representatives suggest that diluted EO's are ok to ingest and then your article goes on to talk about sales people suggesting ingesting EO's in their consentrated undiluted form is ok. That is confusing to me; it's obvious you don't believe ingesting highly potent EO's and your beginning statement shows that Young Living agrees. If a representative has a memorized statement it should be in line with your opening statement from Young Living suggesting dilution; if they say otherwise they are speaking for themselves.

I read your article hoping to get outside information about diluting and ingesting certain EO's but it seemed your main objective was to discredit Young Living Sales people when there are many other companies selling EO's and countless people using and wanting information about how to improve their health and starving for sound advice in alternatives to western medicine.

In the future it would be helpful to have information on what EO's or suppliments you have found to be helpful in your venture as a sales representative instead of writing about the errors of other sales representatives.

Would love your thoughts on Melaleuca PURE Essential Oils

Hi Lee. Thank you for this piece. I came across it after a DT rep came into our health store and after hearing her speak I was concerned at the way she gave out advice concerning EOs and the condemnation of other EOs on the market.

This attitude ALWAYS get me worked up when someone rubbishes other company products as a way of promoting theirs.

But after 15 years in my store, I do recognize the signs as soon as they are used.

We would never recommend the internal use of EOs without the advice from a qualified Aromatherapist or similar as our policy. We also never advise using them neat on the skin as the oils are so potent and so easily absorbed. Whilst EOs are indeed a wonderful product provided by nature, they must be treated with respect and sense, a trait often lacking in general public when faced with their own health issue (if one drop was good, then two or three will cure me) attitudes which have been demonstrated many times in our store.

Your writing is informative, unbiased and a joy to read by all of our staff in our store and thank you for your obvious care and concern you have shown in this piece.

I am very impressed with your article; it has convinced me that I must stop ingesting essentia oils immediately.

I really appreciated reading this article. I am Young Living distributor and chose this company after a lot of reading about essential oils. I chose them for the variety of products they carry and their open commitment to quality. There were definitely other companies that I trusted, but I'll be honest I like the idea of supplementing my family's income too.

I want to let you know that I am a distributor that does NOT encourage the internal ingestion of straight essential oils and caution against the use of multiple supplements at one time. I am also not alone in my position and there are many of us that don't. I have a medical/science brain and use essential oils with a goal to improve our well-being while reducing toxins in my home and around my family. I am not a Dr nor certified health practitioner so do not prescribe or consult on what someone should be using for ailments. I do follow my country's natural health products claims regarding many of the oils I sell and encourage people to do their own research as I have done.

Unfortunately, there are some people that give companies like YL and similar a bad rap and thus many people feel they need to attack the companies rather than choose to address the individuals or simply provide good evidence based research on which people can make their decisions about essential oil use. We need good sound research out there of what these oils do and how to safely use them. Time spent bashing companies and their supporters is time wasted. It is projected that within the next 30 yrs cancer rates will hit a 50% incident rate. We already know toxins play a role in that, they also are contributing to decreased fertility and increased autoimmune disorders. Essential oils, and other natural health products, have the potential to replace those toxic products we use and counter damage done to our bodies. Let's put our time and energy there and work together to create healthy and well communities.

Based on easily verifiable info on FDA.gov the FDA does not define the term essential oil. Therefore, a company could create a completely synthetic product and legally call it 100% Pure Essential Oil. The FDA also allows "incidental ingredients" in a product to not be disclosed on a label. This could be a chemical that is used during processing. Also YL reps are prohibited from making medical claims and YL has enforced this when they see noncompliant info online. I know someone who had gotten a warning and needed to remove content even though she was a certified aromatherapist and was speaking within the scope of her training. When I pass around peppermint at a YL essential oils class, it is diluted in carrier oil. That is how I was trained and that's what the instructions say to do right on the bottle! I do not condone casual internal use except for as a flavoring in food with a high fat content, which is safe. The fact Robert Tisserand recommends working with a trained aromatherapist before consuming (although I've read even more liberal writings of his on this) suggests that there is a place for safe internal use. EOs are powerful and like any other supplement (if you are using as such) should be used with caution. I wouldn't walk into a health food store and just pick up random bottles of supplements without doing research. That doesn't mean these supplements aren't helpful. YL's vitality line is approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement and is labeled as such. I appreciate wanting people to use caution. I'm just sick of all of the hype and making blanket statements about MLM companies and their reps.

I am a Certified Aromatherapist and I am so happy to read your very detailed article on Ingestion of Essential Oils.

Let's not leave out DoTerra! They are worse than YL reps.

Wow, I just found this article after feeling ill for the last two days, after I was schooled by a YL distributor how to ingest peppermint oil (not diluted), and massage it into my forehead and throat for a cold. I stated to google articles after I swallowed two more drops, followed by a glass of water, and developed painful esophageal burning (I take full responsibility, I should have dome some research -_- ) Never again....

I'm disappointed by this article. There is a ton of testing and there are oils out there that are dietary. too much of anything can be bad for you. i will continue drinking my delicious oil water. DILUTED!! use common sense!!

Thank you for this article. I have been reading up on the ingestion of essential oils for a few months. I had a friend that ingested too much and was ill for a while due to it. Now I find myself nervous as there are folks I work with that are drinking essential oils in their water on a daily basis, have their children drink it and now have passed out flyers about essential oil shots. Very concerned and don't know how to tell them I'm worried.

Wow what a well-researched and useful piece! Really a masterful job -- thanks!

Wow! This is a wonderful, in-depth article backed by scientific research. Thank you for writing this! I actually use doTERRA oils and was not bought into the idea of using them internally. This article really helped me understand the facts. I sincerely appreciate the work you have done here.

Well now we have the vitality range!

And that's fda approved

Thank you for such an informative article. Keep them coming!

Thanks for the post, Lee. I'm really bothered by YL's approach and am concerned it will get the FDA cracking down on the industry, not just the companies that operate badly. I'd rather see self-responsible business succeed.

On your comment on liability - I think that is one thing they can get around. To my understanding, each person in MLM runs their own business. Their up-line connection is a separate business entity and isn't liable for anything illegal a different company does. You have to prove that the illegitimate practice is pushed from the parent. This is often associated with written and verbal training materials and information that differ in content.

@Jean Bakula - Young Living give out lots of bad advice and will make any claim that it can find half a reference for if it means selling product. This is not the only source I've found that references YL saying to ingest pure drops of EO's. They are also behind a fairly recent claim that carrot seed oil has an SPF of 40, which it doesn't.

You mention diluting in water - essential oils don't mix with water. You get a bunch of water with a drop of EO floating on the top.

Yes, people ingest frankincense. Not the EO (I hope). Currently, Boswellia (the genus name) is being sold in health food stores in capsules with labels that tout the boswellic acid content. Frankincense resin has been chewed like gum for centuries.

You start your article out by bashing on Young Living specifically but later on mention other companies. I suspect you didn't research how other countries utilize EO for this wordy "article". Also, the FDA just approved a few products from YL as "medicine".... Do you know what that means? Do you realize almost all medicine came from plants and herbs to begin with. If someome choices, makes a personal choice to ingest EO after doing their own research who are you going to blame? I agree with another commentor that I've never seen anyone say Take 10 drops or some asinine amount Internally. 1-2 drop per 2 liter. Medicine and prescription drug overdoses have seriously hurt, damaged and killed many more people than natural medicine ever has. Have you visited the Young Living farms? Actually seen how the oils are picked and distilled? Know that the farms and seeds are organic (by at least 10 years if not more). Do you know anyone who actually uses used oils from YL or DT? Do you know where these companies get their ingriedents and why it eould make a difference of Owning the farms versus buying from a third party? Do you look up to big pharma when they make asthma drugs that cause aggression and suicidal ideations in children? Or antidepressants that could cause suicidal or homicidal thoughts in adults? You think the people who get thode side effects shouldn't have any other options? Where does your hate come from? How have you been harmed personally? Please share your agenda instead of scaring people away from a natural alternative.

You sound like you have a grudge against Young Living. Nobody is going to ingest Frankincense. Any instruction I read was to add 1 DROP of lemon or lime oil to a 1 quart stainless steel water bottle to boost your vitamin C. Nobody would use oils in amounts you are discussing, I don't know where these exaggerations come from. I know people in chronic pain (myself one of them) and the Ortho Ease helps so much, if you rub a few drops where it hurts. I wouldn't use it on children, and most of them smell like pine or are blends nobody would consider eating. One drop diluted in a lot of water is all I ever saw written in my book. The Thieves cleaners are great, and used in a diffuser, have helped my family from getting colds and sore throats. They are also calming and soothing. You should never put anything in a Styrofoam cup, that's unhealthy in itself. McDonalds stopped using styrofom over 20 years ago.

YL is expensive, and if you shop around you can find EO's that are cheaper. Nobody is suggesting you ingest a whole bottle, it's usually one, diluted drop.

Are you an atheist?

Thank you for writing your article. It is honestly one of the few I've read that really does not seem biased one way or the other. I certainly don't like finding article after article written by company reps about how safe their product is for this use or that use, they are hardly an objective source. A lot of other articles really seem to have a personal vendetta against one specific company as opposed to taking issue with the actual product usage, that sends off alarm bells for me too. You nicely balanced the line between potential benefit vs. potential harm & I thank you for that. While I do rep for a company I do advocate against some of their advice adamantly (drinking eo's in water? doesn't anyone remember the saying "they mix like oil & water" meaning they don't). I'm a big believer in doing your own research no matter what & if you don't feel comfortable doing or using something then trust your gut, at the end of the day it is your body not mine or that rep's. You can still reap the benefits without following x companies "regimen" to the letter. As far as dilution, I'm amazed at some of the stories I've read about people using copious amounts of oils neat that I can barely stand smelling 1 drop off heavily diluted. Whether some of it is people just assuming if a little is good more must be better & of course there are the reps who gloss right over the importance of dilution, some of the stories just make my brain come to a halt. I still double check my prescription bottles every time I use them, it seems so crazy to me how many people don't bother to even read the label right on the side of the bottle. I do wish these companies (the one I rep for included) would spend more time & effort on making sure reps understand the importance of dilution & potential adverse effects from intenal use & that just because one person can use an oil safely one way does not automatically mean everyone can. I also wish they would provide more info about how to identify signs of potential overdose, especially on kids & animals whose liver functions may be different or aren't fully developed, perhaps if nothing else to encourage responsible use & self education. I look forward to reading more of your articles. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the softgel supplements that the companies have added to their product lines, there seems to be very little out there regarding those specifically.

Hi! I feel like I learned so much information from this page! Thank you! I also enjoyed reading the listing of companies you gave in response to a previous comment. I'm curious if you have done any research on the company Nature's Sunshine who also provides essential oils including "organic" and "wild?"

Hi! Thank you for this awesome article. It was very helpful, and has turned me against ingesting oils. (I haven't ingested any yet, but I was going to start doing the "drop of grapefruit oil in my water" thing, to help with weight loss). I do have 2 questions though. I think I'm suffering from information overload, so I wanted to make sure.

1. Is it, or is it not safe to use 1 drop of essential oils in cooking? You know, like using a drop of oregano oil in spaghetti sauce or things like that. - assuming it's quality oil, etc.

2. Is it ok to use essential oils in lip balms? I was going to start making some soon, but now I'm a little scared of licking the balm on my lips because of the oils.

Clarification on these 2 subjects would be most appreciated, and thank you again for doing all of this research!

Interesting,

I believe in two of my previous replies I actually said I do occasionally eat a peppermint leaf or slice of lemon. That is not the comparison we are even talking about, so for two previous replies citing using herbs and spices or some products consumed or even using a lemon drizzle made from lemon zest is not an accurate argument to even attempt to bring up. BIG difference in the ratios of essential oils being ingested in either case from, say a couple of drops of said oil in a bottle of water, or straight up (Essential oils cocktail anyone?) And those examples. As for the muscle cream, those oil proportions are diluted of course, because they are in a cream base. The level of even trying to make an argument here is non existent, since there are no intelligent comparisons. And imagine that- GASP- we can agree on one thing: muscle creams are ok because you aren't rubbing toxic oils undiluted on yourself. And yes there are some oils which are considered safe to use undiluted, but through some actual research, we are also finding some of those same oils are even more effective diluted to a less than full strength ratios. I also don't think in any sense we have said was directly about anything other than unsafe use of ingesting essential oils. Feel free to interpret as you will, as that is usually how some will always try to twist things.

And by the way, as an EMT, the results may take a while to see, but there are people who have Kidney and Liver damage and they have been ingesting essential oils. It may not kill you right away, but neither will taking a whole bunch of some medications right away either. Does that mean it won't/doesn't harm you? No. Would you eat six pain pills at once? Probably not.

@millicent: let's make an amino acid comparison: amino acids are good and healthful, right? when attached to their proteins, yes, amino acids are good and healthful. but when separated from their proteins and ingested, they are absorbed too quickly by the body and become excitotoxins. for you to compare consuming lemon peel with consuming lemon essential oil only reveals your lack of knowledge and understanding on this topic.

A few more questions...do you use any spices in your cooking? Do you use any lemon peel in bundt cakes or the drizzle for frosting? Do you realize these contain essential oils? Do you remove the essential oils first before using or consuming them? You have cherry picked articles that feed what you were taught in your herbalist teachings. You pick articles that are written by government agencies and supported by big Pharma. Of course Big Pharma doesn't want you to consume the oils, that is a given. You definitely have the right to have an opinion, but what you are stating is not "fact" other than to the person who wrote the article. Those of use who disagree can find articles that completely disagree with what you have reported. So while I do respect your right to write your article and link to the "facts" that support your thoughts, just know that anyone can do the same thing. I'm not doing it in rebuttal because I've done the research for myself and think that others should do the same. Talk to people, for real, who do use them on their skin and who do use them internally. Also, if you are true to your own thoughts, you should recommend that no one use any arthritis aid or any type of muscle ache creams....they have essential oils. GASP!

I too did extensive research when I began learning about oils, and through my research found that Young Living puts the greatest amount of care and research into their oils. They have teams of doctors and veterinarians that advise on the oils. Out of the millions that use YL oils, I find that your research has produced nothing that should bring about great concern about how their oils are used. You need to be careful with everything that you do. Each OTC drug has had a number of people complain about side effects, etc. Have you bashed each and every one of them? You need to not play doctor. You can do research, but people need to be responsible for their own health. I am thankful for essential oils and we use them undiluted (not all, but some) on our skin and we use them internally. If you will read labels of items you purchase, you will find that many have essential oils in them and you are drinking it or eating it. Your research is incomplete and biased. I'm sorry for you and each reader who decides not to continue their own research. You are missing out on a good thing. God put these oils here and they have been used for 1000s of years safely. (All articles are not written by YL - very misleading title. People should be hesitant in trusting you.)

Totally will keep you posted when one of my 600 downline dies from oils

I have to say thank you for this wonderful and informative article. I am new to the world of essential oils. I am now obsessed with the learning process. I just spent $200 on the books you suggested!!I have several friends that do the YL oils and I recommended them to check out the oils I found. The first thing they said to me is they don't say you can't ingest them so they are no good. I contacted the company right away and they got back within the hour telling me in no way do they recommend that without the supervision of a Aroma therapist or doctor. They do have recipes for teas and cooking with the oils but nothing on ingesting them straight. They said no way. I also like them because they get back to me with answerers to every question no matter how small. That is a good company.

It is also sad that these companies sell for such high prices. OMG when I started I thought now way could I do this. My friends were scaring me by saying I am wasting my money and that they are not safe because they were inexpensive. How can they sleep at night with these prices. I shopped and read reviews and found a few wonderful companies that I can afford. I have many now and can also afford trial and error on different blends.

I have read every comment also and they were very helpful also!! So needless to say in just this one article I spent hours of my day off just reading and learning so much!! Thank you it made my day!

thank you for your article. i only read the first third of it, and have bookmarked it for later perusal. i'm really cautious with essential oils and won't even consider buying Young Living or Doterra because they are big enough that they are, in my opinion, more vulnerable to internal corruption. i order from Mountain Rose Herbs, but am most comfortable with Nature's Gift because Marge has her hands and nose on everything. she has suppliers that she has used over time, which doesn't eliminate risk but at least it minimizes risk, and i believe she does her own independent testing.

because essential oils are so potent, and because there is a lot of fraud out there, i have veered away from them in many cases, limiting my use to a handful in place of the many that i used to use. and i never use them undiluted, not even german chamomile. i actually watched a Doterra rep put an undiluted drop of lime essential oil on a baby's forehead at one of their sales gatherings, without the mother's permission. i about fell over, i thought it was maybe the most dangerous and presumptive albeit well-meaning thing i had seen to date.

i probably move between 15 or 20 different eo's, carefully.

Hello, friends-

I have posted in the past as "Michael" I have since formed a profile, and I am known as MJ Degno. Lee first off- she is brilliant, and has been very supportive for me recently, and a good friend. She has sound advice. I have been working on many blends and I am a advocate of safe oil use. While yes there are some schools of thought about ingestion out there, this would be reserved for Professionals, and I personally do not use any oils internally. I have no need, and to be honest I don't want to take the chance. I know my body, and I don't think it would be good for me either. The arguments that diffusion and ingestion being "the same thing" isn't even a substantive argument.

For example- as an EMT-Routes of Entry are : Ingestion, Injection, Absorption, and Inhalation. If that holds true for recognized EMT practice, it holds true for Oils. These are recognized means of entry. Yes, they are different methods and means, and reactions on the body are different. I am proud of Mindy for letting that customer know that it isn't safe to ingest oils, regardless of what she has heard. So Kudos. Be safe everyone. Any other questions are welcome, and myself and Lee would be glad to assist for any reason. Any contrary reasoning on my explanations are welcomed, I'd be glad to expand on my viewpoints. They are based on sound practice, I would love to talk about it if need be.

Take care people.

MJ Degno

Lee, I think I just fell in love with you tonight from reading your article. You said everything I have wanted to say about MLM EOs and you backed it with citations! I am constantly angered by the advice given by these reps to use oils undiluted and to ingest them. I work as a Wellness Specialist at a local grocers and we sell essential oils. Recently a customer was looking at our oils and was told by some random lady (I am assuming she was a YL rep) that she "should not ingest those oils because they are not therapeutic grade". After the woman walked away, I told the customer she should never ingest any EO oil, regardless of the brand. I was fuming because 1. This woman was giving unsolicitated, unsafe advice in my place of business where I take my customer's health seriously and 2. Because the rep somehow figured her training as a rep trumped my soon to be completed Aromatherapy certification. I just have a difficult time understanding why the advice of a MLM company who's primary goal is to make money would be more believable than certified Aromatherapists who typically make little money but truly love the people they help. It is mind baffling to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you for being the voice behind this crazy issue!

I don't really (and I don't think Lee needs to either) have to convince anyone to choose to do anything one way or another. I actually kind of addressed this in a response earlier. If I myself feel like one day dropping a capsule filled with something I felt might make me feel better-there's no one to stop me.

However what if I was wrong? Miscalculated? It seems logical the body after repeated use of something can develop a tolerance over time to it.

Now, those oils I was taking internally don't have the same effect anymore for me and one day I take a dose that kills me because I figure a little more might help this one time.

Lee already said that most likely the majority of the oils probably have been evaporated by the time they drink the water. I like how many contradictions I saw in that particular reply. Billy's post Said 1-2 and then he ends his post with "ONE DROP"

Do I eat a peppermint leaf occasionally or a lemon slice every now and then? You know it. But you won't catch me munching down a whole pound of peppermint leaves or 7 lemons at one time (Peel and all)

This is real and this is what we're fighting folks.

You can't come on here and say hey we do it so it must be ok.

Then someone else sees that and thinks it is- do you see why it's a problem?

There's people out there who see that and read somewhere that this one thing can help their condition and they go out and buy an oil. Then they remember reading somewhere it's ok to ingest oils and BAM. Someone unintentionally harms themselves or someone else.

We don't want that. Someone who understands synergistic capabilities of EO's I think this is a sign that you can probably get some sound advice from that person. (But this is by no means a hard and fast rule)

In closing, I've faced accusations from so called "friends" because I cared enough to arm them with facts about dangers of EO ingestion. Well I feel it's my duty as a responsible practitioner to inform them. I give them the facts, but don't push my beliefs on them. It's up to them what they do with the information.

I'm not going to make someone a blend and not give them warnings or possible reactions to look for when using it, that would be irresponsible practice. And anyone selling EO's should be held to that same standard.

My entire family uses essential oils in all forms (Young Living of course.) Dr. Gary Young, the founder has put out a tremendous amount of literature on proper usage that is quite easy to find. We've been users for a decade and we notice the effectiveness and speed of natural healing. Your issues with Young Living are your own to deal with. I disagree with relying on any regulatory agency, especially ones which support big Pharma. Natural has been around for much longer than any opinion and what works will continue to work.

Thousands of years of humans using and ingesting oils and now we should not? absolute non-sense. I'm 4 years in, and our my family of 5 including 3 kids are the healthiest we know. if there is a sickness, One -two drops of lemon and peppermint oil in boiling water witht.. they breathe the steam for 3 minutes and then drink the water. stomach viruses are knocked out in a few hours. GONE. same with sinus, headaches, cuts, etc,

Tamiflu is made with Star Anise, in face many pharmaceuticals are derived from, or copy the properties of many oils.

I understand your point of view. but i think there are other ways of viewing this, This entire article makes it seem like SALESMAN are to blame for people ingesting oils.

I HAVE NEVER been contacted by a salesmen. I found this as an alternative to taking anti-biotics for chronic sinus infections. I haven't had a sinus infection in 4 years now.. i used to get them 2-3 times EVERY YEARS SINCE childhood. so 30 years of going to the doctor and not one ever said, breathe in some steam with oils.

I respect your opinion. but thousands of years of human existence suggests ingestion is fine and actually very good for you, but it's for the user to determine, not you.

ONE DROP

This is why I love this page, and coming here every so often. Lee is willing to help others get answers, and is NOT offering close-minded advice. I am an advocate for education and overall safe practices of EO use. I have witnessed advised use of oils first hand where the use is contraindicated based on a person's previous medical issues. Again- too reliant on the MLM's advice (who just wants to make a buck) and not well versed enough to know the difference. Innocent and not intended in this case-but you get the point.

I'm going to throw my two cents in, hopefully not ruffling too many feathers in the process. The bottom line is- Essential Oils are extremely potent, a good way to think of it is that they are 100 x more potent than the actual wood/resin/leaf/tree/fruit they are distilled from. I have a problem with sales associates that work for these companies putting bad/inaccurate information out there because the companies they are selling for say it is ok.

The ultimate decision lies with the user. Either way we are just concerned with people's well being. A good idea would be to ask someone who is either a certified aromatherapist, or clinical aromatherapist.

There are some uses for ingestion that have been discussed here that are perfectly acceptable, and I don't in ant way want to say that all ingestion is bad, but I would be hesitant in just accepting anyone's word for it. I think mainly, most people involved in this craft are concerned that there is so much bad/inaccurate information out there. Please be careful, y friends. As always, use cation, and get a good opinion from someones who has some experience. Be well, Everyone.

Michael

According to PubMed Young Living Essential Oils are not only safe for ingestion, diffusing and to use topically. Are they wrong?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=young+liv...

I am new to this whole EO scene. Is your article saying unsafe to ingesting period or unsafe to ingesting full strength undiluted EOs? I am trying to fully understand ingesting before I talk with my husband.

We visited a local naturals store and the lady talked about DoTerra's supplements. Can you offer a quick insight into these? Or maybe you have already written about them. The description says they are "potent" which is scary/freaky. This is the type she recommended: http://www.doterratools.com/lifelong-vitality-prod...

Hi Lee! Love this information. I am really starting to get into essential oils (not ingesting them) and have a question for you! You have really set yourself apart as a trustworthy source! So my question - do you think the Terra Greens product by Doterra is safe? It is a fruit and vegetable powder / supplement and contains 30 mg of an essential oil blend per serving for flavoring (lemon peel essential oil and ginger root essential oil). I really like the superfood supplements but am curious if that amount of essential oil could be harmful to me and my kids if ingested. Maybe it's different since it is in powder form?? Thank you!!!

Thank you for this insightful article. It is insane to me that Doterra and Young Living advocate and encourage ingesting essential oils. When I first came in contact with a Doterra consultant, she passed around a bottle of doterra peppermint oil. I got an immediate migraine and had to walk out. Doterra is extremely concentrated, to dangerous levels. I believe that Doterra and Young Living are putting people at risk.

I have two young sons with autism and I use essential oils in diffusers to help alleviate symptoms when they are sick. The only oils I have been able to tolerate are those by a company called allaris.

While I enjoy the "no government" oversight over essential oils, I also despise the fact that some companies only care about the bottom line and take advantage of the "no regulation" rule.

No, thank you. Another thing that gets me now is people have this misconception that "I have an opinion, and YOU WILL hear it" regardless if my opinion has the facts or evidence to back it up. "I can be totally talking out of my ass," but you need to respect it air about them. A reason I really don't like social media. I'm beginning to regret creating another page.

My sentiments exactly,though Lee. It's SCARY. And rightfully so. Thank you for drawing me there. I Love it. Please, you yourself- don't ever forget those you reach, those you touch. I frequently have to remind myself of that all the time. There will always be those who will try to tear you down or destroy that which you believe in.

Anyone who has read my previous- I use Nature's Gift because I love them, I highly recommend them. They meet all the criteria-(No affiliation/ commissions here- I just trust them and have never had better experiences with any other oils I have used) and I blend all my own oils by hand. I like knowing I am helping people. I often tell people I blend for that they are paying me for my research and knowledge, and not the oils themselves. I offer them for a reasonable price and I'm not out to make money, but make a difference in other people's lives. And who ever's lives I can impact, I do so because THAT is the reward for me. NOT making money. Yes, its nice, but not why I got involved with this in the first place, much like the decision to join the Army. Please form an educated opinion, research until you're exhausted, and by all means attempt to get certified if you want to actually continue to supply others with essential oils and treatments for their ailments.

Thanks again, Lee. Be Kind.

I have been for 20 years practicing in EO use, and I have decided after all these years to get my certification for aromatherapy and massage. I am also a Nationally Registered EMT, and hold many certifications for healthcare professions that are really too many to list. I am a Army Medic, and have worked alongside some folks in the healthcare field that I can honestly say are some of the brightest Surgeons, Doctors, Nurses, and Medics that I personally have ever had the pleasure of knowing. (there are some who are the opposite as well)

I have been pushed by many individuals to do my homework and research everything until I am exhausted on anything deemed "questionable" or non-quantifiable. It can serve to rationalize then, that if essential oils are made from vast volumes of plant materials, that they are in fact extremely potent, and can be dangerous, especially in the hands of those untrained in their usage. (not laying claim that I am just yet, either)I can advocate for a few of the companies you have listed, and I love your article. By the way, for Pete's sake, please do not bash this person. Individuals who ACTUALLY care about our craft, and not about making money, are the ones who suffer. It is people who believe all the marketing schemes and ploys that are causing the use of essential oils as a reliable alternative therapy to come into question. There are folks, like myself who are attempting to apply case studies and scientific logic to the art of Aromatherapy in order to achieve credibility for this craft, and now everywhere you turn, there are big companies and sales reps degrading our precious craft who don't have a clue on what exactly they are even talking about. I myself, after many years, gaining the knowledge I have am just now beginning to get into the advanced field of this craft, and it personally makes me sick to my stomach that people who have no clue recommend unsafe essential oil practices.

What is concerning to me is we live in a day and age where organic, wellness, and natural remedies are often sought after by individuals, without having the slightest insight on how something works. Then large companies get people into selling their products, enticing them with the promises of making big money, and the sad part is, people are buying into this because they have done a few months research? I've been at this 20+ years, and I am just now working on my certification(s)

Meanwhile, peddlers are doing nothing and selling these oils all over the place and destroying this craft you and I hold so dearly. It's maddening, saddening, and I hope soon all of the hard work guardians of the profession are doing to get aromatherapy recognized as legitimate will be recognized so we can put an end to this very serious and glaring issue. People out there buy their pitch-hook, line and sinker, because they see results for a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your article.

Okay, I have recently purchased YL oils. Are the oils themselves a good quality to use as long as you use them properly? I want them to purify the air, help with stuffy noses for the kids, homemade bug spray, things like that. I guess I'm asking, if I do not ingest and I dilute the oils, are they a good quality? I also use Aura Cacia as I can easily find it in my grocery store. Thanks so much for this article. I am learning a lot! :)

Thank you so much for getting the word out there. I feel validated with my concerns since I began using these yl oils! man I feel so stupid for buying into their marketing scam! everything you said is exactly true, they said almost verbatim to my questions. I was getting a severe headache and neck pains when I began using it and did not put two and two together until my husband brought it up. stopped using them for a couple of days and what do you know gone. I have began to dilute them a ton and no issues and actually I am getting the therapeutic value that they claim to have...in other words I wouldn't dismiss the use of oils at all but definitely needs dilution and proper research before beginning!

I'll pray you find Truth some day. The voice of God cannot get through to your fear based thinking.

Thank you! I will look into those

I was recently introduced to EO's through a friend who had just signed up to be a rep for Young Living. I went to one of her parties and I am such a skeptic by nature that I delved into searching the internet. I've decided that I will definitely be staying away from the MLM companies. Native American Nutritionals (on your list above of ethical, trustworthy companies) was highly recommended on several blogs so I decided to give them a shot. After ordering from them, I learned they had merged with Rocky Mountain Oils (not on your list). Does that mean NAN is no longer trustworthy or does that mean Rocky Mountain is now considered trustworthy? Oy, now I'm back to square one of research. Any recommendations? I am currently using NAN's Immune Strength diluted in coconut oil on my children's feet (6 years old and 4 years old). I also have peppermint and lavender and only use them diluted on myself and the kids. Do you have any advice to help narrow down the options for which company to pick? Or am I okay sticking with NAN? And don't worry, we will never ingest any oils!

Hi Lee,

Don't worry, I won't eat them. It just didn't feel right to me. I drank the one drop of citrus oil in a lot of water, and felt OK about that, but beyond that I don't know. I have seen other EO's on Amazon a lot cheaper too. I don't want to sell them, I think I just want to buy a few more for my own use. I garden a lot, and notice when I use them outside I don't get bit as much, mosquitoes love me. So the best way to use EO's is to just smell them? I think that sounds reasonable. I want to go back and read this all again. Thanks for getting all this info together.

I think Lee Tea brought up a lot of issues that I considered when approached by a friend who uses YL EO's. She is a clairvoyant, a better one than I am, and I am taking courses at her Healing Center. She was struck by lightening and had a near death experience, and came out of it highly clairvoyant. She uses the oils for massage therapy, and to uplift moods, she just lets them sit there and people can smell them. I don't understand why you think something is wrong with anyone who wants to treat themselves with a natural substance rather than a chemical one. So far my experiences with the oils have been good, I diffuse them and smell them. But I am careful because I have sensitive skin, and also think the YL ones are very expensive. I'm just beginning to research it all, and don't think I want to sell them. I also agree a nice walk in sea water can cure a lot of things :).

An otherwise intelligent woman in my office--at an executive level--began using YL EOs in the past year or so. She isn't pushy but if you express an interest in the oils she wastes no time telling you that you can become a member with only a $150 order, etc. blah, blah, blah. That raised my MLM eyebrow.

I wanted the peppermint oil to sniff when I get allergy headaches and feel groggy but I've used it a couple of times in my morning tea too. After reading this, I'll never do it again! Same with the Theives, I put that in my tea once or twice too---no more.

I asked for the Purification oil to try to treat a stubborn toenail fungus and have applied undiluted numerous times. The nail is growing out without looking as bad as it was but a good long walk in the surf seems to have given me better results after using the oil for quite some time.

What really gets me is that this woman has rows of the little oil bottles and loves them. I want to ask her "what the heck is so wrong with you that you need all this stuff?"

Well, I'm going to continue to read up on these oils and save myself from cleansing my wallet. Great info here--thanks!

I LOVE this article!! I have a diploma in aromatherapy from a NAHA approved school and working towards a degree in applied science in CAM specializing in aromatherapy; so much of this information is important and those YL and DT people simply don't get it. I'm pleased to see that contraindications, metabolism, and debunking the grades are all addressed. Thank you again for this!!

Hi Lee

Thanks for this very useful article!

You might find this site particularly interesting http://aromamedical.org/new.html

Your article is very helpful, I am new to essential oils and want to learn how to use them safely and responsibly. Is there a reputable book you would feel comfortable recommending that also covers how to use specific oils safely on children, pregnant/nursing women, and infants?

Thanks!

Thank you so much for this article! I am not really an EO user, I use a little to make soaps and cleaning products but nothing that would make me well educated on the subject. I have seen YL oils all over my Facebook newsfeed lately and my BS flag has gone off more than once after reading some of the advice, claims, and "testimonials". I don't debunk aromatherapy, I think it can be wonderful for some things, but the way this stuff is being pushed reminds me of the traveling medicine shows that sold snake oils and tonics. The reason I found you is one claim they are making is they have an oil/set of oils to "treat" Autism and as a parent of three Autistic kids with a basic grasp of physiology and pathology I know there is no science that can support that claim. The Autistic community is beginning to be the new "group to dupe" and I was working on a post for my blog as a warning for other parents and came across this. It so thoughtfully explains everything I could want to say that I would never have the time to research as thoroughly as you have. I am linking this post to the one on my blog. Also, I didn't know that you should not use them internally or undiluted. There is a whole lot of that going on with someone I know and I have been saying for some time that I don't know exactly what the dangers are but I know this is unsafe. Thank you again for the science and the information!

BTW, do you use essential oils at all...Sorry if I missed that in this post? If so, what do you use and for what purposes ?

Superb article on EO's! Wish I had your article about 9 months ago when I was a complete newbie to it:(

Your article resonates with what I have been wanting affirmation for quite some time. I will have to add your link to this post I wrote several months back on my own journey... http://maximizedmama.com/800/

That above link is not to promote me, but to reiterate safety of EO usage. I had a horrible reaction to ingesting oregano oil and it could have been a near death experience.

Native American Nutritional recommends ingesting on both their bottles and website, so, even though they have outstanding ethics in their business, I will not promote them:(

Thanks for all your time, energy and more that went into writing this article. It will hopefully open the eyes of many!

I'm also new to EO's, am signed up with YL, but have some definite concerns with their marketing. Thank you for the comprehensive article. Common sense should scream out, "don't ingest the oils!" I get shivers down my spine every time I read a post that states that Mr. YL said something is perfectly safe. Would they drink the Kool-Aid because he said it was safe? Anyway, I'm also thrilled to see your list of trusted oil companies and my favorite is on it. Thanks for your work!

love this article! I have forwarded it to several friends for their consideration. It has a lot of helpful information that will hopefully get people thinking and spreading the message to others.

Thank you so much for this article. As business owners of Holistic Organic Wellness in Boca Raton, we pride ourselves for educating and teaching people about essential oils. #againstmlm #saynotomlm

what brand of essential oils do you use? thanks!

Thank you so much for this article. I have been a skeptic of the YL craze and worried when I see people applying the oils to their babies and little ones!! It is so hard to find any information on the internet that hasn't been written by YL themselves!! This is a great article; now I need to figure out how to nicely share it with some of my family/ friends.

Thank you for writing this excellent article! I have been studying aromatherapy for some years, and I am appalled at what YL and also DoTerra are telling people regarding the use of essential oils. Unfortunately this dangerous misinformation is becoming very widespread.

Thank you so much for this well written and well researched article . I am a British RN. I am also a qualified Aromatherapist, trained very much in the French tradition in UK 22 years ago. The golden rule was and still is : Always dilute and NEVER ingest . Several years ago, on holiday outside of the UK, I came across some YL sales reps. I was shocked by their use of the oils and the fact they were encouraging complete strangers to literally layer undiluted oils on to their skin, sometimes in the sunlight , with no knowledge of their medical histories. I knew that what they were saying and doing was dangerous and misleading ; I told them exactly what I thought but they laughed and said I was out of date !!! They are still getting away with it .

I am so pleased that I am not the only person who has rumbled them !!!

It is hard to find good info!

Thanks for your well researched and well written article. I am new to using essential oils for use in handmade bath and body products. I have friends who are all very into the Young Living and DoTerra oils and blather on about all the fab things about EOs (including using them internally). They also have been trying to get me to sign up to be a distribution rep to buy and use their oils in my bath products. As a scientist myself, I was highly skeptical about these claims (that's how I found your article). I believe in the whole "if it sounds too good to be true it probably is" and after doing my research, these MLMs are full of you know what. On top of it, their cost is outrageous when quality EOs are available for less cost and without having to buy a membership.

Your on-line group will probably find quite a bit of information regarding the medical properties of plants by looking at sites/books about botony as well. I'm always amused when I tell people who ask how I got interested in this particular topic that it stems from reading a group of fictional books by Jean M. Auel called the Earth Children series (it starts with Clan of the Cave Bear) and other similar novels. I've always kinda wondered if I shouldn't have pursued botony as a career :) since it fascinated me so.