February 2022 Newsletter

A study on hepatotoxicity of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes

Introductory Note: We are not researchers. We have gone to school for both herbal and aromatic medicine and have thousands of hours of education. In the past few weeks we have had people come in regarding the ingestion of essential oils for therapeutic health purposes. Drinking oils daily, even one drop, can be dangerous. We have had clients and customers with liver and kidney issues come to to the store for help because of daily ingestion of both lemon and peppermint oils. Our job first and foremost is education. We are NOT saying that oils can not be used internally. We are saying they shouldn't be used internally in water and ingested daily. Ingestion should be supported with a well versed practitioner for an acute situation. There may be some very substantial science that ingesting essential oils can be detrimental to your liver. 

What is presented here is about monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, these are the chemical constituents that essential oils are comprised of. As clinical aromatherapists, we know that all oils need carriers when used topically and inhalation should follow some simple rules as well. Are you seeking the benefits of  the d-limonene of lemon? Put some actual lemon in your water. Need peppermint for taste? Add some peppermint tea to your water or add a peppermint flavored candy instead. Did you know that one study stated that 26 cups of peppermint tea equal the potency of one drop of essential oil? Would you drink 26 cups a tea a day?