Essential Oils Generally Recognized as Safe by FDA: GRAS

Understanding the FDA’s GRAS Status and Safe Use Guidelines for Ingestion: Essential Oils Generally Recognized as Safe by the FDA

Some essential oils are designated as GRAS—Generally Recognized as Safe—by the U.S. FDA for use in food products, but this status applies only to trace, flavoring-level amounts and not to therapeutic ingestion. At BioSource Naturals, we offer pure, undiluted oils for aromatherapy and topical use, and we do not recommend internal use unless supervised by a qualified healthcare professional. This guide explains what GRAS means, outlines critical safety considerations, and reinforces the importance of informed, cautious use if ingestion is chosen. Customers assume full responsibility for internal use decisions.*

Some essential oils are generally recognized as safe by the FDA and are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as GRAS—”Generally Recognized as Safe”—for use as food additives. This designation means they are commonly used in food and beverages for flavoring or preservation, and are generally considered safe when used in small amounts.

However, GRAS status does not imply that essential oils are safe to ingest in large or therapeutic quantities without proper knowledge or professional guidance.

🧠 What Does GRAS Mean?

• GRAS = Generally Recognized as Safe (FDA designation for food additives)

• Many essential oils (such as lemon, peppermint, cinnamon) are on this list due to their common use as flavorings and preservatives, and these are essential oils generally recognized as safe by the FDA.

• Note: GRAS status is based on small, food-grade amounts—not therapeutic dosages

Example: While Wintergreen is considered GRAS, ingesting even a few drops of the pure essential oil could be harmful. The trace amount used in food products like gum is vastly lower than concentrated oil.

⚠️ Our Position on Ingestion of Essential Oils

At BioSource Naturals, we offer pure, undiluted, and natural essential oils suitable for aromatherapy and topical therapeutic use. However:

• We do NOT recommend internal use of essential oils

• Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause harm if ingested improperly

• This position is aligned with the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA)

That said, we recognize some experienced customers may choose to ingest essential oils under personal protocols or professional guidance. In those cases, proceed with extreme care.

🧴 Important Guidelines if Choosing to Ingest Essential Oils

1. Know the oil and its safety profile. Not all essential oils are safe for ingestion.

2. Only use 1–2 drops per dose, typically once or twice per day, and only for short durations

3. Always dilute the oil in a suitable carrier (e.g., warm water, rice milk, or plant-based beverage)

   • Avoid dairy milk, which can bind and inactivate botanical compounds

4. Never ingest ‘neat’ (undiluted) pungent oils like Oregano, Cinnamon, or Ginger—they can burn the mouth and esophagus

5. Do not ingest essential oils if you are:

   • Pregnant or nursing

   • Administering to children

   • Managing a medical condition without qualified supervision

📝 In Summary

• GRAS essential oils may be safe in trace food-level doses, but therapeutic ingestion requires caution

• Most internal protocols recommend 1–2 drops per day—and only for limited time periods

• Internal use should never replace medical care

• Always consult a qualified health professional before beginning any ingestion regimen

BioSource Naturals does not provide ingestion protocols or dosage recommendations. Customers assume full responsibility when choosing to ingest essential oils.

References

FDA GRAS List

Essential oils, oleoresins (CO2’s), and natural extractives (including distillates) that are generally recognized as safe for their intended use, within the meaning of section 409 of the Act, are as follows: