“The French Model, which promotes taking essential oils internally, was originally advocated by three prominent aromatherapists: Jean Valent, Paul Belaiche, and Henri Viaud. Internal use involves consuming essential oils in a vegetable capsule or softgel. They are absorbed into systemic circulation via the digestive tract. (1,2) Generally considered the most potent method of application, internal use of essential oils offers powerful effects to the body. (3-6)”
Essential oils are become increasing more popular and even now hitting the fashion scene. With the popularity of essential oils on a steep rise, application is a hot topic. This is very encouraging as science has stepped up to the plate to answer the queries. I have heard a multitude of lectures, read articles from many researchers and doctors even visited a lab that does testing for the purity of essential oils. Most of the confusion simply comes from a lack of awareness.
What I have found is that a long as the essential oils are properly grown, distilled, bottled and tested, they are safe (and highly beneficial health-wise) for internal use. There are extremely few companies that follow these practices, however it does exist and I use essential oils internally daily either in a gel cap or in my drinking water.
In fact, if you are eating food from your local grocer, you are very often consuming essential oils!
“Essential oils are already a normal part of your diet and the human body is well equipped to safely metabolize them. When you sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal, sip a mug of peppermint tea, or add fresh oregano to your pasta sauce, you are actually consuming small amounts of the volatile compounds found naturally in the plant. Essential oils give plants their aroma and flavor. When concentrated, essential oils can be used as internal supplements for more potent and targeted support.
Today, many essential oils are found on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list (8), which affirms the safe use of essential oils as flavoring agents and preservatives. Every substance found on this list has a well-documented history of internal safety. Although essential oils have health applications that extend far beyond flavoring, this list sets a safety framework that can be applied to the internal use of essential oils.”
There are a few essential oils that are not recommended for internal use, such as Arborvitae, Birch, Cedarwood, Cypress, Eucalyptus, White Fir, and Wintergreen. They are best used aromatically or topically. These oils are a regular part of my topical use.
Although I am not a French model, I do advocate the internal use of essential oils and am grateful to my essential oil company for providing a clean, pure option that is not just safe , but very beneficial for health. Vive essential oils and bon appetit!
Quoted portions from http://doterrascienceblog.com/