Essential & Carrier Oils. Can they be taken orally, ingested ?

About Our Essential & Carrier Oils

At eOil.co.za, we offer a wide selection of organic essential and carrier oils, carefully sourced for their purity and quality.

While many essential and carrier oils can be used in foods, drinks, or recipes, we are first and foremost an aromatherapy and herbalist resource. We do not specifically promote our oils for ingestion. Always use caution:

 

Essential oils are extremely potent and should never be ingested without proper understanding and care. Always consult a certified practitioner before considering any essential oil for internal use.

It’s important to understand that "food-grade" is a quality standard based on safety for consumption, whereas "organic" refers to how the plant source was grown and processed.

food-grade vs organic?

  • Organic means the oil comes from plants grown without synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or GMOs, and processed in an environmentally-friendly way. Not all organic oils can be ingested

  • Food-grade means the oil is considered safe for use in food by regulatory standards, but it may not necessarily be organic. Not all Food-grade oils are organic

Internal Use: A Note on Safety

Examples of Edible Essential & Carrier Oils

When used responsibly, and in carefully controlled quantities, the following oils are sometimes incorporated in culinary or food applications:

  • Lemon Oil (commonly used for flavoring in drinks and desserts)

  • Peppermint Oil (used in sweets, teas, and chocolates)

  • Sweet Orange Oil (for baking and beverages)

  • Coconut Oil (a popular carrier oil, widely used in cooking)

  • Olive Oil (another safe carrier, regularly used in food preparation)

Important: The above are only examples. Not all essential or carrier oils are suitable for ingestion, and many can be toxic or irritant internally.

Our Focus: Aromatherapy & Herbal Wellness

  • Aromatherapy & Herbalist Specialization: Our website is an educational and retail platform, focusing on the external and holistic uses of oils, such as topical application, aromatherapy diffusion, massage, and herbal remedies.

  • Organic Quality: All our oils are sourced from certified organic and natural origins.

Clear Safety Warning

Essential oils are NOT benign. They are highly concentrated plant extracts and can pose serious risks if misused, including allergic reactions, toxicity, and serious adverse effects when ingested incorrectly.

We do not take responsibility for any misuse, side effects, or adverse outcomes from the internal use of essential oils. Always consult an expert if you are uncertain.

Never use an oil internally if you are unsure about how to use it.

Essential & Carrier Oils: Uses

How they are used:

  • Aromatherapy diffusion (e.g., in a diffuser or vaporizer)

  • Topical application (diluted with a carrier oil, on skin)

  • Massage therapy (as part of a blend)

  • Bathing (diluted, for relaxation)

  • Compresses or inhalations (only as directed)

Always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin and do a patch test. Some essential oils can irritate or sensitize the skin.

Essential Oils That Are Never Safe to Swallow

Some essential oils should never be taken internally under any circumstances—even small amounts can be very dangerous. Examples include:

  • Wintergreen Oil: Contains methyl salicylate, toxic even in small doses.

  • Eucalyptus Oil: Ingestion can cause serious poisoning, especially in children.

  • Pennyroyal Oil: Can cause fatal liver and organ damage if swallowed.

  • Camphor Oil: Swallowing even a small amount can result in seizures, coma, or death.

  • Tea Tree Oil: Toxic internally, can affect the central nervous system.

This is not a complete list. If unsure, do NOT ingest any oil!