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Essential oils offer a plethora of health and wellness benefits. In addition to their well-known aromatherapy and current capabilities, ongoing research suggests that certain essential oils can also improve your physical health when ingested as well. When taken orally, the best edible essential oils exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They are therefore suitable for alleviating gastrointestinal complaints up to and including congestion of the sinuses as well as preventing the spread of germs and relieving indigestion and upset stomach. Some essential oils also have a detoxifying effect on the body and can even help support healthy immune, neurological, and nervous system function.
What to Know Before Using Essential Oils
It is important to note that not all essential oils are safe to consume and can have some toxic side effects. More research needs to be done, but internal consumption is generally only recommended for certain essential oils and brands. Experts emphasize the importance of using only high quality, pure brands of oil and no mixtures of any kind. Possible side effects can include allergic reactions and symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, heartburn, and vomiting, especially if ingested in large quantities and used frequently. Always consult your doctor before taking any essential oil.
Discover below the best edible essential oils that have been found safe for internal consumption in small, controlled doses.
peppermint
When ingested, peppermint essential oil has been found to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort by relaxing the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. This makes it a viable solution for relieving gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and constipation, as well as a digestive aid after a meal. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also make it great for relieving stomach pain and regulating the bacteria in your gut. Peppermint oil is believed to provide an energizing, refreshing mint flavor and improve your focus and concentration. Research suggests it improves memory and alertness when swallowing. It has also been found that ingesting peppermint oil also promotes a healthy respiratory system.
Add a drop of a pure peppermint essential oil like Artizen’s Peppermint Essential Oil, which is 100 percent therapeutic-grade Mentha Piperita (mint), in your next glass of water or cup of tea to get the digestive, cognitive, and respiratory benefits .
Artizen Peppermint Essential Oil
$ 8
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oregano
Like peppermint essential oil, oregano oil promotes a healthy gastrointestinal tract. When taken orally, it can help relieve symptoms of indigestion and other gastrointestinal disorders, and relieve respiratory conditions such as chest congestion. It can also help relieve sinus congestion and has powerful antibacterial properties. This makes it a great essential oil to use on deck when you’re feeling sick. Oregano oil can cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family, which include basil, mint, rosemary, sage, lavender, thyme, savory, marjoram, hyssop, and perilla.
To include oregano essential oil in your wellness routine, add a few drops of a pure essential oil such as Plant Therapy oregano essential oil, which is 100 percent Origanum Vulgare (oregano) oil and can also be used topically or in an essential oil can be diffuser.
Herbal therapy oregano essential oil
$ 10
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cinnamon
Cinnamon oil is another essential oil with impressive antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It is an excellent homeopathic remedy for infections such as a sore throat. To boost your immune system in the morning, you can combine cinnamon oil with lemon water and honey to kill bacteria and strengthen your body’s defenses against germs. When taken orally, it has also been found to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve metabolic function, balance blood sugar, and curb sugar cravings.
Fascinated by the health benefits of cinnamon essential oil? Incorporate it into your wellness routine with a pure essential oil like Cliganic’s Cinnamon Cassia Essential Oil, which is 100 percent organic and non-genetically modified pure Cinnamomum Cassia Oil (cinnamon).
Cliganic Cinnamon Cassia Essential Oil,
$ 10
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orange
When ingested, orange essential oil can act as an effective means of curing stomach discomfort and relieving symptoms of digestive problems. It has also been found to support a healthy immune system and add an extra layer of protection to your body to fight off cold and flu-causing germs and bacteria.
Add a drop of a pure essential oil like DoTerra’s Wild Orange Essential Oil, which contains 100 percent pure limonene, to your water or tea to harness the immune system and gastrointestinal benefits.
DoTerra wild orange oil
$ 15
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anise
When taken orally, aniseed essential oil can relieve feelings of upset stomach, intestinal gas, and constipation while also acting as an expectorant for people with nasal congestion or sinus congestion, meaning it helps to loosen mucus. It also acts as a diuretic to increase urine flow and can even be helpful in relieving menstrual cramps or pain. For some, it can also be a homeopathic remedy to improve the quality of their sleep by helping them fall asleep faster and sleep all night.
While anise is safe to consume in small, regulated doses, it can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to similar plants such as fennel, celery, parsley, and dill. If you don’t suspect an allergy, adding a drop of a pure essential oil, such as Plant Therapy’s Star Anise essential oil, which contains 100 percent pure Pimpinella anisum (star anisum) essential oil, to your water and tea to enhance your wellbeing routine .
Herbal Therapy Star Anise Essential Oil
$ 9
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Black pepper
Black pepper essential oil acts as a powerful appetite stimulant due to its ability to activate the orbitofrontal cortex and aid the reflexive swallowing movement. This multi-purpose essential oil is rich in digestive, nervous and neurological support monoterpenes. It has detoxifying properties and helps the body get rid of toxins – increasing and improving muscle regeneration as well as curing respiratory diseases. For some, black pepper essential oil may help curb the urge to smoke cigarettes as well.
Add a drop of a pure essential oil like Majestic Pure Black Pepper Essential Oil, which is 100 percent natural and therapeutic Piper Nigrum (black pepper) oil, to your water and tea to enrich your body with its wellness properties enrich.
Majestic essential oil made from pure black pepper
$ 25
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