11 Essential Oils To Support Detoxification
Detoxification is the body’s natural process to eliminate toxins from the body. The human body was made to process naturally occurring toxins, largely through the skin, lungs, lymph system and liver. But in modern society, we are exposed to pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, processed foods, and preservatives in our everyday life.
Exposure to these daily contaminates can lead to brain fog, fatigue, digestive issues, allergic reactions, trouble sleeping, skin problems, joint pain, depression, anxiety, and more!
Luckily, there are herbs and essential oils that can support the body’s natural process of detoxification. Essential oils are naturally occurring compounds found in different parts of a plant. Only around 10% of the world’s plants produce essential oils. It takes massive amounts of plant material to create one bottle of essential oil.
Use your essential oils with caution, as they are extremely potent. One to two drops per sitting is usually plenty! Detoxing methods are not recommended while pregnant or nursing. Essential oils have blood-thinning properties, and should not be used by those with a compromised liver.
The most important way to support detoxification is through drinking plenty of water throughout the day. There are three ways to use essential oils, topically, aromatically, and internally.
Topical use
Applying essential oils topically is a powerful way to support the detoxification system. Approximately 60% of what you apply to the skin ends up in the bloodstream! Try keeping the skin hydrated, and exfoliated with these recipes below!
Massage oil recipe - 4 oz fractionated coconut oil, 30 to 40 drops of essential oils. Store in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
Sugar scrub - 2 tbsp fine ground sugar, 2 tbsp sea salt, 2 tbsp unrefined coconut oil, 10 drops of essential oils. Mix well, store in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
Detoxifying Mask - 1 tbsp bentonite clay, 1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil, 5 drops of essential oils. Mix well, and apply to clean moist skin. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes, wash off gently with warm water and a washcloth.
Aromatic use
Inhaling the aroma of essential oil can promote clear open airways to support the body’s most powerful detoxification organ, the lungs. In addition to providing more oxygen to the cells, full abdominal breathing utilizes the diaphragm and stimulates all the digestive organs. I love to enjoy the aromatic benefits of essential oils with the methods described below.
Diffuser: Fill the room with therapeutic aroma. Follow your diffuser’s instructions to fill with water and add 5 to 10 drops of essential oils.
Spray: Create an aromatic spray with a 4 oz glass spray bottle, distilled water, 30 to 50 drops of essential oils. Shake well before each spray.
Hand diffuser: Add one drop of carrier oil, and one drop of your favorite essential oil to the palms of your hands, and rub together. Cup hands over the nose, and mouth, being careful to avoid the eyes. Inhale the aroma, breathing in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Repeat for 1 to 3 minutes.
Internal use
Consuming essential oils should only be done with caution, as essential oils are extremely potent. One to two drops per sitting is usually plenty! Not all plants are safe to ingest, and neither are their essential oils. Essential oils can counteract with some medications.
Never apply or ingest any essential oil without checking the labels thoroughly. Be aware that the market for essential oils is largely unregulated. Even products labeled as 100% pure have been found to contain harsh solvents and fillers. Do your research before ingesting to be sure your essential oils are created in an ethical, sustainable, and organic way. I always dilute my essential oil with coconut, olive oil, or butter when taking internally.
Tea - Add one drop of edible essential oil into your favorite tea with a splash of coconut milk, and honey to taste. (Avoid “hot” oils such as oregano, ginger, and cinnamon)
Capsules - Add one drop of edible essential oil into a gelatin or veggie capsule and fill with olive oil. Take with a full glass of water near a meal.
Cooking - Add one drop of edible essential oil into 2 tbsp minimum of cooking oil, butter or marinade.
11 Essential oils to support detoxification
Basil
(Ociumum basilicum)
Basil essential oil has been used throughout history for its delicious flavor and medicinal properties. It was used traditionally as a decongestant, and diuretic. Basil’s aroma and flavor has uplifting, energizing, and restorative effects.
Basil essential oil has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use. Can cause skin sensitivity, dilute for topical use, and avoid mucus membranes. Not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Celery seed
(Apium graveolens)
Celery Seed essential oil has long been used to promote healthy digestion. It has been found to have incredible antioxidant activity and detoxification with a large increase in glutathione activity shown in animal studies. Celery seed oil was not found to be irritating or sensitizing. The medicinal aroma is relaxing and celery seed oil is a common ingredient in French perfumes.
Celery seed essential oil has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use.Not recommended for children under 6 years old
Cilantro
(Coriandrum sativum)
Cilantro essential oil and herb have been prized as a spice, and used traditionally to support detoxification and ease anxiety and insomnia. Aromatically this essential oil is spicy, fresh, and energizing.
Cilantro essential oil has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use. Can cause skin sensitivity, dilute for topical use, and avoid mucus membranes. Not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus radiata)
Eucalyptus essential oil is prized for its medicinal aroma and beneficial effects on the respiratory tract. Eucalyptus leaves were used traditionally to wrap wounds, treat inflammation, and fight infections. Aromatically this essential oil is invigorating and fresh, it promotes clear open airways.
Eucalyptus has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use for adults. Not recommended for children under 10 years old in any amount. Only small amounts can be taken safely internally by adults, no more than 600 mg per day recommended. Can cause skin sensitivity, dilute for topical use, and avoid mucus membranes.
Fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel essential oil has been prized for its flavoring and medicinal effects for centuries. Fennel was believed to bestow strength, courage, and longevity in ancient Rome. It has been used traditionally to promote detoxification, ease menstrual pain, digestive issues, and lung infections.
Fennel has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use. Can cause skin sensitivity, dilute for topical use, and avoid mucus membranes. Not recommended for children under 6 years old
Ginger
(Zingiber officinale)
Ginger essential oil is being used medicinally throughout the world. Traditionally it has been recommended for many digestive issues, and detoxification support. Animal studies show incredible antioxidant activity, and detoxification with an increase in glutathione production in the liver.
Ginger essential oil has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use. Can cause skin sensitivity, dilute for topical use, and avoid mucus membranes. Not recommended for children under 6 years old
Grapefruit
(Citrus x)
Grapefruit essential oil has been prized for its uplifting and energizing effects. It has been shown to quell appetite, and ease stress. It is a diuretic, and antioxidant. Animal studies have shown anti-carcinogenic activity. Unlike grapefruit juice, grapefruit oil is not likely to cause drug interactions.
It has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use. This oil causes phototoxicity, avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after use. Not recommended for children under 6 years old
Juniper Berry
(Juniperus communis)
Juniper Berry essential oil has been used for physical and spiritual cleansing. Traditionally it has been recommended for kidney, and liver support to ease water retention, kidney stones, and liver problems. Aromatically this oil is grounding and soothing, and may provoke feelings of well-being.
It has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use. Can cause skin sensitivity, dilute for topical use, and avoid mucus membranes. Not recommended while pregnant or nursing. Not recommended for children under 6 years old. Excessive use may cause kidney irritation.
Lemon
(Citrus limon)
Lemon essential oil is uplifting and cleansing to the mind and body. It has been used for centuries to aid detoxification and support both the digestive, and immune systems. Animal studies have shown incredible antioxidant and radical scavenging activity. Aromatically this oil is cleansing and may promote a sense of clarity and purification.
It has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use. It may cause skin sensitivity, dilute for topical use. Lemon oil causes phototoxicity, avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after use. Not recommended for children under 6 years old
Lemongrass
(Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Lemongrass essential oil has been used for its flavor and medicinal effects for centuries. Traditionally it has been recommended to ease muscle and joint pain, support the immune system,and detoxification. Animal and in vitro studies have shown lemongrass oil has good detoxifying effects by inducing glutithione activity.
It has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use. Can cause skin sensitization, always dilute for topical use. Lemongrass oil causes photo toxicity, avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after use. Lemongrass oil may interact with anti diabetic medication and other drugs metabolized by the CYP2B6 gene.Not recommended for children under 6 years old
Peppermint
(Mentha piperita)
Peppermint essential oil has been cultivated around the world for its medicinal properties, and invigorating aroma and flavor. It is very supportive to both the digestive and respiratory systems. It has been used traditionally to soothe coughs, freshen breath, and relieve digestive difficulties.
It has GRAS status. It is regarded as safe for topical, aromatic, and internal use. Can cause skin sensitivity, dilute for topical use, and avoid mucus membranes. Not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author, and are not reflective of any brand. This work has not been reviewed by a medical doctor. The information shared here is intended for educational purposes. This work is not to be taken in lieu of medical advice. Whatever the reader decides to do with the information shared here is up to them. The author takes no responsibility for damages resulting from actions taken using this information now or in the future.
Sources: Modern Essential Handbook 9th edition. Aromatools, 2017. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, revised edition. Valerie Ann Worwood, 1999, 2016. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd edition. Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young, 2014.
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