Is doTERRA Safe? That’s the question a lot of people are asking. I get asked a lot if doTERRA essential oils are safe. What are the warnings that essential oils aren’t safe, motivated by?
According to the chemist, aromatherapist, and author Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, “Most warnings [about essential oil usage] are derived from industry-funded dermatological tests with limited relevance for aromatherapy.” These studies don’t really apply to our world but apply to dermatological use on the skin.
Further, when tests are done they often take out just one component of the essential oil and test that without considering the perfect balance that exists in nature.
Consider the source of the myth – there is a constant stream of misinformation coming from many sources like the media, doctors, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, legislators, aromatherapists and poor research. Think about the people I just mentioned. All these people stand to lose by the over 1 million doTERRA users.
doTERRA uses research, a partnership with medicine and the latest cutting-edge science. Some resources you can search to find out for yourself if you’re not convinced about the safety of pure essential oils are:
Are doTERRA Essential Oils FDA Approved?
How this really happens is the FDA sets standards and makes a list of “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) products for internal use. This is not a statement of quality. Impure products are actually legal. The FDA does not “approve” any one company’s products. So doTERRA’s essential oils are not FDA approved. How this works is that doTERRA labels according to FDA standards.
We label exactly according to the GRAS list. We don’t have exclusive access to this list but we’re one of the only essential oil companies that label our products according to this list. Why is that? Well, because so many of the other companies don’t want you to know that they have added fillers like, say turpentine, in their oils. So if you see a warning on an essential oil label that says not to take it internally, run. Because it probably means there are additives that are not approved for internal use but even if you put it on topically, your body with absorb those synthetic fillers.
Essential oils are used for a very wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used a single oil at a time or in complex blends, depending on user experience and desired benefit. Essential oils are usually administered by one of three methods: diffused aromatically, applied topically, or taken internally as dietary supplements.
Safety Precautions
- Do a patch test on the skin
- Dilute with a carrier oil for topical and internal use
- The feet are the safest part of the body
- Avoid eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas of the body
- Remember that less more often is more effective
What Sets doTERRA Apart from Its Competitors When it Comes to Safety?
- Responsibly label oils according to FDA GRAS standards
- Responsibly NOT claiming to treat, cure or heal any disease, illness or otherwise
- Providing what is legally permissible by way of literature and online training
- Guiding consumers in supporting optimal wellness and basic structure and function of the body with appropriate labeling and support materials and tools
Is doTERRA Safe for Babies and Children?
Why do some people say that essential oils aren’t safe for infants and small children?
- Most non-doTERRA essential oils/products contain synthetic compounds
- Warnings from literature, research, guidelines and cautions reflect the presence of synthetic compounds
- Government guidelines are minimal and unregulated
It is very common to add synthetic compounds to essential oils by other companies. There are four different ways others adulterate the oils and some of the companies are very good about being sneaky about it but the main objective in all of them is to dilute the oils so they cost less. When you buy essential oils from doTERRA, they are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG), which means they have nothing at all added to them.
Rule of Thumb
Reduce and Dilute – consider the thumb size of your thumb in relation to a child’s thumb. The smaller the thumb, the smaller and more diluted dose for children.
Cautions
- Do a patch test on the skin
- Dilute with a carrier oil for topical and internal use
- The feet are the safest part of the body
- Avoid eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas of the body
- Remember that less more often is more effective
You may be concerned about the safety of essential oils for your infant. Watch this video to see how essentials are safe for babies but should be used with caution, such as diluted, or milder oils should be used when possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFi_k-T8sRU#action=share
Will essential oils like eucalyptus cause seizures?
The following is a discussion about the safety of essential oils for children:
I read an article warning against using certain oils with children under age 10 because the natural chemicals within the oil can cause respiratory issues and may cause seizures. I need to know how careful I need to be around my 11 month old? Right now I’m too afraid to use any oils in the diffuser. And am even Leary of applying it to my own skin because she snuggles against me.
Diana H. – According to the National Institute of Health, eucalyptus oil is safe in small amounts, such as the amounts found in cough drops, mouth wash, food flavoring, etc. The NIH says a poisonous dose would be somewhere around 3.5 ml. That is a lot of oil! I think diluting 1-2 drops in several drops of carrier oil would be perfectly safe. Vicks contains eucalyptus oil, and people have been using it on their children for many years.
Link to NIH info: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/700.html
At the same time, I would never push something on someone that made them uncomfortable. I might suggest a few other oils that could be used in place of eucalyptus, such as lemon, thyme, cypress, frankincense, marjoram. The new cardamom oil is also suggested for respiratory support.
Lisa A. – What i heard was that any of the oils that “can cause respiratory distress” should be fine as long as the child has not had issues in the past. i would use them like you use new baby foods. one at a time.
Libby V. – Most doTERRA oils are absolutely safe for babies. Any oils with sensitive skin warnings can be diluted. There’s even a tear sheet available specifically for use on babies. It’s likely the warning in the article was referring to lesser quality essential oils with additives. Nonetheless, oils are certainly less risky than medications and chemical additives in things like Vicks Vaporub.
Can you put essential oils in water and drink it?
If it’s an ingestible essential oil you can always put it in water and drink it. I also like to use a peppit or dropper to just let it drip into an empty capsule and swallow it like a pill.
Related:
What Causes Skin Eruptions from Essential Oils?
Are Essential Oils Toxic to the Liver?
Do Citrus Essential Oils Cause Photosensitivity?
doTERRA’s CPTG label ensures that the essential oils are safe?
Is It Safe to Take doTERRA Essential Oils Internally?
