1. Internal Use of Essential Oils
If you are relatively new to essential oils, learning about each of the different application methods will enhance your essential oil experience. The main application methods for essential oils are known as aromatic use, topical use, and internal use. Internal usage is one of the most beneficial ways to use essential oils, however, it is also one of the most misunderstood. While internal usage requires careful application and caution, it is still possible to use essential oils internally to benefit your body and promote overall wellness. Today we will be discussing some of the best practices for internal usage of essential oils.

2. Why Use Essential Oils Internally?
While aromatic and topical application are effective, internal usage offers several benefits that cannot be achieved through topical or aromatic use, and can improve your essential oil usage overall. With exclusive benefits for the body, internal use is an important component to any essential oil experience. As you learn more about essential oils and start to incorporate them into your lifestyle, you will see how beneficial internal usage can be. Throughout this presentation, we will discuss the benefits of internal usage in greater detail.

3. Benefits of Internal Use
Promote healthy cell function, support gastrointestinal health, maintain healthy immune function*
Cleansing benefits*
Add flavor to food and beverages
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
There are several reasons to use essential oils internally. Because essential oils hold internal benefits for the body, many people use them for things like promoting healthy cell function, supporting gastrointestinal health, or maintaining healthy immune function.* Essential oils provide a safe, natural way to deal with many of the issues that our bodies face on a regular basis. In addition to wellness benefits, essential oils also hold cleaning properties that can be helpful for internal cleansing of the body.* Lastly, essential oils are extremely useful for adding natural, potent flavors to your favorite meals and drinks. Not only will the use of essential oils in cooking add powerful flavors to your dishes, but it allows you to simultaneously experience the internal health benefits that essential oils have to offer.*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

4. Is it Safe to Use Essential Oils Internally?
Because essential oils are so naturally powerful and potent, those who are new to essential oil usage often wonder, “Is it really safe for me to use essential oils internally?” The answer is yes. Essential oils come from natural compounds found in nature like plants and fruits, so they provide a safe, natural way to experience internal benefits for the body. Our bodies are already equipped to metabolize and process natural compounds like those found in fruits and plants, which means that we are prepared to process essential oils. Keep in mind that due to their chemistry, there are certain essential oils that are never safe for internal consumption (we will talk about those later), however, there are still plenty of essential oils that can be safely used internally to benefit the body.

5. Scientific Background
As mentioned, essential oils hold many internal benefits for the body. You might be wondering, “How does taking essential oils internally provide the body with certain benefits?” Much like other things we consume, essential oils are processed through the body, metabolized to provide the body with benefits, and then excreted. Each essential oil has a unique chemical profile, which gives it certain benefits for the body. When you ingest an essential oil, it is transported through the gastrointestinal tract, directly into the bloodstream where it can then be distributed throughout the rest of the body. Just like other compounds that we ingest, our body can only handle essential oils in appropriate doses. Now that we have talked a little bit about why we want to use essential oils internally and how internal usage interacts with the body, let’s go over some of the important safety guidelines that can help us safely use essential oils internally.
If any audience members want a more thorough scientific explanation, refer them to the dōTERRA® eBook: Internal Use of Essential Oils:

6. Safety Guidelines Appropriate doses Sensitivity Toxicity
Never use internally:
Arborvitae
Cedarwood
Cypress
Douglas Fir
There is a lot to consider when it comes to internal usage. First, you must consider your own personal health status, health history, and health conditions before using essential oils internally. If you have any special conditions or any concerns regarding how essential oils might affect your current health status, it is always a good idea to consult with your physician before using essential oils internally.
After you’ve considered your own personal health status, you must also practice appropriate dosage, consider sensitivity, and be aware of the potential for toxicity. We will discuss each of these areas in more detail.
As mentioned, there are some essential oils that are never safe for internal use. Arborvitae, Cedarwood, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, Spikenard, White Fir, and Wintergreen essential oils should never be taken internally, in any amount.
Eucalyptus
Spikenard
Wintergreen

7. Internal Dosage and Dilution
Start with 1–2 drops
Recommended dose: 1–5 drops
No more than 20 drops within a 24 hour period
Always dilute before internal use:
Cassia
Cinnamon
Clove
The key to safe internal usage is to always pay attention to dosage. The appropriate dose will depend on your individual health status, your age, size, and the particular oil that you are using, however, there are a few general guidelines that will help you stay within the parameters of safe use.
When you are first starting out with internal usage, it is always a good idea to start with the smallest possible dose: one to two drops. This will allow you to see how the oil interacts with your body, and you can always increase the dose as needed once you see how your body reacts.
Again, it depends on the particular oil you are using, but the typical recommended dose for internal usage is one to five drops. Beyond this point, increasing the dose will no longer add benefit, and taking too much can be potentially harmful. Instead of increasing the dosage amount, it is better to take smaller doses throughout the day, repeating every four to six hours as needed.
It is typically recommended that the user doesn’t exceed 20 drops of essential oils internally within a 24-hour time period. When you are using an essential oil daily over an extended period of time, it is best to stick with lower dosage amounts.
Dilution: Some essential oils must always be diluted before they are used internally because of their strong chemical makeup and how it can affect the body. Make sure to always dilute Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Oregano, and Thyme essential oils in at least four ounces of liquid before taking internally. You can also dilute these oils by adding one to two drops to a recipe or beverage before consuming. (Note: these essential oils do not need to be diluted if taken by way of capsules.)
Oregano
Thyme
Cumin

8. Sensitivity Essential oils cannot cause true allergic reactions
How to know if you are sensitive to a particular oil
Handling oil sensitivity
Because each essential oil has a different chemical makeup, and each person has a different health status and different levels of sensitivity, it is important to think about internal use of oils on an oil-by-oil basis.
First, it is important to note that essential oils cannot cause allergic reactions. Allergic reactions happen when our bodies are exposed to protein molecules that cause us to experience an abnormal immune reaction. Because essential oils are made up of volatile aromatic compounds, they do not contain any protein molecules, and cannot cause a true allergic reaction. Although essential oils cannot cause an allergic reaction, they can still cause what is called a sensitivity reaction. The symptoms associated with sensitivity reactions are often similar to symptoms that appear during an allergic reaction.
So, how do you know if you are sensitive to a particular oil? If you are sensitive to a particular oil, you might notice sensitivity responses in areas of the body like the skin, respiratory system, or digestive system. You might also experience pain, swelling, or tenderness in the skin, skin irritations, stomach upset, or difficulty breathing. Any of these reactions could mean that your body is sensitive to that particular oil.
When you do experience sensitivity after using an essential oil internally, you simply need to adjust your application methods in order to avoid irritation. Because a sensitivity reaction isn’t the same thing as an allergic reaction, it might still be possible for you to use the essential oil if you change your application method. For example, if you have a sensitivity response to an oil after using it internally, you might still be able to use that oil topically or aromatically. You can also adjust the dosage to see if that caused the sensitivity. Diluting an oil or using it in a smaller amount might help to reduce the sensitivity.
Keep in mind that if you ever experience sensitivity in the digestive system after using an essential oil, you should immediately stop using it. If you only used a small amount of the oil, you can subside the discomfort by drinking fluids. If you consumed a large amount of oil, it is best to contact poison control. When using essential oils internally, if you ever experience a sensitivity reaction that becomes severe or prolonged, you should seek medical attention to ensure your safety.

9. Toxicity
The toxic dose of an essential oil is always far above the recommended dosage.
As mentioned, you can feel safe about using essential oils internally, as long as you observe the proper dosage amounts. In extreme cases, essential oils can cause toxicity if the dosage recommendations are exceeded. Toxicity refers to the point at which a substance becomes damaging or harmful to the body. Remember, any substance, even seemingly harmless things like water, vitamins, or minerals can be toxic for the body when consumed in incorrect amounts. Just like anything else you would put in your body, safely using essential oils is all about following proper dosage recommendations. For an essential oil to reach the toxic range, the user would have to far exceed the dosage recommendation.

10. Using Essential Oils Internally
Water
Supplement capsules
Direct application
Cooking and baking
Now that we have discussed some of the safety guidelines for using essential oils internally, let’s talk about how internal application works. There are several internal application methods that are easy enough for essential oil beginners, and effective enough for the most seasoned essential oil user. Here are some of the most basic application methods for internal usage:
Adding a drop or two of an essential oil to your glass of water is a simple way to enjoy its internal benefits. Aside from being one of the easiest ways to use essential oils internally, this can also add some extra flavor to plain water.
Share with the audience any of your favorite essential oils to add to your water, or perhaps other beverages you add essential oils to.
Supplement capsules provide another easy way to take essential oils internally. All you have to do is add a few drops of the essential oil into the supplement capsule, and swallow. dōTERRA sells vegetarian supplement capsules that don’t contain any animal products or preservatives, and are easy for the body to digest.
Share with the audience any additional tips for using essential oils with supplement capsules, or personal experiences.
You can also take essential oils directly by placing them on or under the tongue and swallowing. Just remember that essential oils are very potent, and even a small drop on the tongue can be extremely powerful. Also, please remember that some essential oils should always be diluted before internal usage. Oils like Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Oregano, and Thyme should be diluted in at least four ounces of water before swallowing. However, there is no need to dilute these oils before adding them to a veggie capsule.
One of the most creative ways to enjoy the internal benefits of essential oils is through cooking and baking. It is easy to add essential oils to your favorite recipes, and not only will it enhance the flavor of your dish, but it will allow you to experience the internal benefits that the oil holds. Essential oils can easily be added to your favorite entrees, baked goods, desserts, meat marinades, salsas and dips, beverages, and more.
Share with the audience any of your favorite uses for essential oils when cooking. This would be a good time to share a recipe with the audience. If you need suggestions, you can find essential oil recipes on the dōTERRA® blog:

11. Ideas for Internal Application
Basil: Add to your favorite Italian dishes for a refreshing, complimentary flavor
Ginger: Add to your favorite sweet and savory dishes for flavor
Lime: Add one drop to drinking water to enhance flavor
Marjoram: Use in recipes that call for dried Marjoram (1 drop of oil = 2 tsp. of dried herbs)
Oregano: Put one drop in place of dried oregano in spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or on a roast
Peppermint: Add two to three drops to your favorite smoothie recipe for a refreshing boost of flavor
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Now that we’ve talked about the few of the easiest ways to use essential oils internally, let me give you a few specific examples of internal usage. Discuss the usage suggestions listed on the slide. Share with the audience any of your favorite essential oils and how you use them internally. You might consider allowing the audience to experience internal usage by providing them with glasses of water or water bottles, and pass around essential oils for them to add to their water. If you need more ideas of internal usage, there are more examples below: Black Pepper: Add to soups, entrées, meats, and salads, to enhance the flavor and aid in digestion* Cardamom: Add to bread, smoothies, salads, and meat for flavor and to soothe occasional stomach discomfort* Cassia: Ward off hunger cravings and aid digestion by adding 1–2 drops of Cassia (with a little Lemon oil) in a glass of water* Cilantro: Add to salads, dips, marinades, and stir fry for flavor Clove: Take in veggie capsules to support cardiovascular health* Coriander: Take a few drops after eating a large meal to help with digestion* Cumin: Add 1–3 drops to soups, stews, and curries for a warm, spicy flavor Dill: Add 1–2 drops to herbal tea before bed to help promote restful sleep* Fennel: Place one drop in tea or water to help fight sweet tooth cravings* Grapefruit: Add 1–2 drops to your water to support a healthy metabolism* Lavender: Take internally to reduce anxious feelings* Lemon: Take internally to help with seasonal respiratory discomfort* Lemongrass: Add to entrées and meat dishes for flavor and to promote healthy digestion* Melaleuca: Add 1–2 drops to water, citrus drinks, or veggie caps to support healthy immune system function* Myrrh: Add 1–2 drops to ¼ cup of water with a little agave or honey to help ease the stomach* Petitgrain: Take internally to help calm the nervous system, ease tense feelings, and promote restful sleep* Roman Chamomile: Add 1–2 drops to hot drinks or herbal teas to soothe the body and mind* Spearmint: Add to any drink, dessert, salad, or entrée to promote digestion and enhance flavor* Tangerine: Add 1–2 drops to smoothies, teas, lemonade, or water for flavor Thyme: Use 1–2 drops in meat and entrée dishes to add a fresh, herbal flavor Vetiver: Add to tea or hot drinks during the winter season to promote immune-supporting properties* Wild Orange: Add a drop to your water for a burst of flavor and to promote overall health* Ylang Ylang: Take internally for antioxidant support* * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

12. dōTERRA® Products Designed for Internal Usage
dōTERRA On Guard®
DigestZen®
Slim & Sassy®
Supplements
To make internal usage even easier, dōTERRA® has created several products that make it simple to take essential oils internally and to experience the internal benefits of essential oils.
One of the most popular dōTERRA products is dōTERRA On Guard®. The dōTERRA On Guard blend combines several different essential oils that help to support proper immune function, protect the body against environmental threats, and support the body’s natural antioxidant defenses.* This is a great product to use internally when you want an immunity boost.* You can use the dōTERRA On Guard blend, or dōTERRA has created dōTERRA On Guard Beadlets, and dōTERRA On Guard Softgels to make it even easier to experience the benefits of this blend.
Share with the audience any experiences you or your family have had with using dōTERRA On Guard internally.
DigestZen® products are also some of dōTERRA’s most popular products because they are designed to provide the user with digestive support and help promote healthy digestion.* Using essential oils that hold cleansing properties for the body, the DigestZen product line includes supplements and products that can help the user maintain a healthy digestive system, reduce occasional gas and bloating, soothe occasional stomach upset, and more.*
Share with the audience any of your favorite DigestZen products and how you use them.
Taking essential oil supplements is another easy way to reap the internal benefits that essential oils hold for the body. dōTERRA has created several proprietary essential oil supplements that are designed to promote vitality, wellness, and help to supplement the body in deficient areas.* These essential oil supplements provide a safe and natural way to provide your body with help.
Share with the audience any of your favorite dōTERRA supplements and how you use them. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Talk with the audience about any other dōTERRA products that can be used internally. If you have a favorite product that you use internally, talk to the audience about what the product does and why you like it. If you have a success story about using dōTERRA products internally, share it with the audience.

13. dōTERRA® eBook: Internal Use of Essential Oils
For a more comprehensive look at the information we have discussed today, check out the free dōTERRA® eBook—Internal Use of Essential Oils on doTERRA.com.
Other additional information:

14. Questions?
Now is a good time to ask the audience if they have any questions. You will also want to give them your contact information, and any important information about ordering dōTERRA® products from you, or joining your dōTERRA team.