Essential oils provide a wealth of health and wellness benefits. In addition to their renowned aromatherapy and topical capabilities, ongoing research suggests that certain essential oils can also improve your physical health by being ingested as well. When orally consumed, the best edible essential oils boast potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them suitable remedies for alleviating everything from gastrointestinal distress to sinus congestion as well as preventing the spread of germs and alleviating feelings of indigestion and upset stomach. Some essential oils also have a detoxifying effect on the body and can even help support healthy immune, neurological and nervous system function.

Beauty

Where to Shop Dior's Luxury Lip Balm Phone Sticker That's Going Viral (And Being Compared to Rhode's Lip Case)

What to know before ingesting essential oils

It’s important to note that not every essential oil is safe for consumption and some can have toxic side effects. More research needs to be conducted, but internal consumption is generally only recommended for certain essential oils and brands with experts stressing the importance of only using high-quality, pure-grade oil brands and not using blends of any kind. Potential side effects might include allergic reactions and symptoms such as nausea, stomach pains, heartburn and vomiting, especially when taken in large quantities and frequently consumed. Always consult with your doctor before ingesting an essential oil.

Peppermint

When ingested, peppermint essential oil has been found to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort by relaxing the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, making it a viable solution for alleviating gastrointestinal conditions like diarrhea and constipation and an after-meal digestion aid. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also make it great for decreasing abdominal pain and regulating the bacteria in your gut. Offering an energizing, refreshing minty taste, peppermint oil is also believed to improve your concentration and focus with research suggesting that it enhances memory and alertness when swallowed. Ingesting peppermint oil has also been found to encourage a healthy respiratory system as well.

Add a drop of a pure peppermint essential oil like Artizen’s Peppermint Essential Oil, which contains 100 percent therapeutic grade Mentha Piperita (mint), into your next glass of water or cup of tea to reap its digestive, cognitive and respiratory benefits.

artizen, best edible essential oils

Artizen Peppermint Essential Oil $8 Buy Now

Oregano

Like peppermint essential oil, oregano oil has been found to promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract. When taken orally, it may help ease symptoms of indigestion and other gastrointestinal conditions in addition to alleviating respiratory illnesses like chest congestion. It can also help alleviate feelings of sinus congestion and possesses potent antibacterial properties, making it a great essential oil to have on deck if you’re feeling sick. Oregano oil might cause an allergic reaction if you’re allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family, which includes basil, mint, rosemary, sage, lavender, thyme, savory, marjoram, hyssop and perilla.

To incorporate oregano essential oil into your wellness routine, add a few drops of a pure essential oil like Plant Therapy’s Oregano Essential Oil, which is made up of 100 percent Origanum Vulgare (oregano) Oil and can also be used topically or in an essential oil diffuser.

plant therapy, best edible essential oils

Plant Therapy Oregano Essential Oil $10 Buy Now

Cinnamon

Another essential oil with impressive antibacterial and antimicrobial capabilities, cinnamon essential oil is an excellent homeopathic remedy for fighting infections like sore throats. To give your immune system a morning boost, you can combine cinnamon oil with lemon water and honey to kill bacteria and up your body’s defense against germs. When taken orally, it has also been found to reduce inflammation, decrease pain, improve metabolic function, balance blood sugar and curb your sugar cravings.

Intrigued by the health benefits of cinnamon essential oil? Incorporate it into your wellness routine with a pure essential oil like Cliganic’s Cinnamon Cassia Essential Oil, which contains 100 percent organic and non-GMO pure Cinnamomum Cassia (cinnamon) oil.

cliganic, best edible essential oils

Cliganic Cinnamon Cassia Essential Oil, $10 Buy Now

Orange

When ingested, orange essential oil can act as an effective remedy for healing gastric distress and relieving symptoms of digestive issues. It’s also been found to support a healthy immune system, adding an extra layer of defense for your body to ward off cold and flu-causing germs and bacteria.

Add a drop of a pure essential oil like DoTerra’s Wild Orange Essential Oil, which contains 100 percent pure limonene, to your water or tea to reap its immune system and gastrointestinal benefits.

doterra, best edible essential oils

DoTerra Wild Orange Essential Oil $15 Buy Now

Anise

When taken orally, anise essential oil can relieve feelings of upset stomach, intestinal gas and constipation while also acting as an expectorant for those experiencing a stuffy nose or sinus congestion, meaning that it helps loosen up mucus. It also acts as a diuretic to increase urine flow and can even be useful in alleviating menstrual discomfort or pain. For some, it can also be a homeopathic remedy for improving the quality of their sleep by helping them get to sleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.

While anise is safe for consumption in small, regulated doses, it can cause allergic reactions in people who have allergies to similar plants like fennel, celery, parsley and dill. If you don’t suspect an allergy, you can add a drop of a pure essential oil like Plant Therapy’s Star Anise Essential Oil, which contains 100 percent pure Pimpinella anisum (star anise) essential oil, into your water and tea to enhance your wellness routine.

Plant Therapy Star Anise Essential Oil $9 Buy Now

Black Pepper

Black pepper essential oil acts as a strong appetite stimulant due to its ability to activate the orbitofrontal cortex and support the reflexive swallowing movement. Rich in digestive, nervous and neurological system-supporting monoterpenes, this multipurpose essential oil also boasts detoxifying properties and helps the body rid itself of toxins, while also possessing congestion-relieving, inflammation-reduction, indigestion-soothing, gastrointestinal pain-easing, circulation-boosting and muscle recovery-enhancing and respiratory condition-curing benefits as well. For some, black pepper essential oil might help curb the urge to smoke cigarettes as well.

Add one drop of a pure essential oil like Majestic Pure’s Black Pepper Essential Oil, which contains 100 percent natural and therapeutic grade Piper Nigrum (black pepper) oil, into your water and tea to enrich your body with its wellness properties.

majestic pure cosmeceuticals, best edible essential oils

Majestic Pure Black Pepper Essential Oil $25 Buy Now

WWD Recommends

Ferran Torres Talks World Cup and That Hat

Character Study: Classic Men’s Looks with Modern Updates

Thom Browne and Teyana Taylor: Designer and Muse

CEO Talks: How Gucci Westman and David Neville Are Building a Luxury Beauty Brand for the Ages

Icebreakers with François Arnaud

Getting Ready for Marc Jacobs 2026 with Nicky Hilton

'Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans' Stars Talk Costumes and Society

Getting Ready with Kerry Washington & Michael Kors

Head to Toe: How to Style Outerwear for Everywhere

A Tour of the New Hermès Madison Avenue Flagship

Adidas Terminates Yeezy Partnership With Ye With Immediate Effect

Louis Vuitton Launches New Exhibition in NYC

Willy Chavarria Takes Us Backstage of His Energetic SS23 Collection Minutes Before Showtime

Head To Toe: Transitioning Your Wardrobe

A closer look at LaQuan Smith's new collection and designing for Beyonce

WWD Report Card: Beyoncé’s Fashion ‘Renaissance’

Men’s Spring 2023 Trend: Skin Show

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Stars Kim Chi and Trixie Mattel Launch Beauty Collaboration

Zoey Deutch Shares Her Red Carpet Favorites and What it's Like Backstage at the Met Gala

A Look at Serena Williams’ Best On-Court Tennis Outfits Over the Years

Megan Fox’s Best Fashion Moments Over the Years

WWD Report Card: Selena Gomez’s Fashion Evolution

The Biggest Fashion Collaborations of 2022 — So Far

5 Things To Know About The Louis Vuitton And Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker Collection

LAUNCH PAD: First Look at the New J. Crew

WWD Report Card: Brad Pitt vs Ryan Gosling

Report Card: Rating the Looks from Paris Couture Week

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 5 | Kenzo, Hermès, Thom Browne

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 4 | Junya Watanabe, Dior, Officine Generale

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Issey Miyake, Amiri

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Lemaire, Givenchy, Reese Cooper

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 1 | John Elliott, EgonLab

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Versace, Fendi, Armani, MSGM

First Impressions: Milan Men's Spring 2023 | Day 1

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Etro, Prada, JW Anderson

Hot Summer Bags

WWD + Beauty Inc. at Cosmoprof 2022

On the Red Carpet at the 2022 Met Gala: All the Looks

'And Just Like That' Costume Designers Talk Process for New HBO Show

Netflix's 'Halston' Costume Designer Talks Working with Ewan McGregor

Video: J Balvin on the Deeper Meaning of the J Balvin x Air Jordan 1 Sneaker

Video: How Princess Diana’s Fashion Choices Hinted at What Was Happening Behind Palace Doors

Video: Do These Outrageous Celebrity Fashion Looks Hold Up?

Video: Sarah Cooper — Writer, Comedian, Trump Impersonator, and More

Video: Bob the Drag Queen Grades Legendary Fashion Looks

Video: Supreme Court Style: Inside the Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Collars

Video: The Origins of French Girl Style à la Chanel

Video: WWD Presents 'Creating Queer'

Video: Model Shaun Ross Talks Diversity in the Fashion Industry

Video: Fashion for All CEO Hannah Stoudemire On Her #BreakingtheSilence Campaign⁣

These Inclusive Face Masks Provide Functional PPE to All Frontline Workers

Most Popular

WWD

Get all the top news stories and alerts straight to your inbox.

Enter your Email

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The 6 Best Edible Essential Oils

Recent Articles by Emily Belfiore

Related Articles