Aromatherapy in capsules
Whether in capsule form or for swallowing, the oral route in Aromatherapy reveals its full potential for treating certain pathologies. It is not considered the general route in aromatherapy, nor is it the best method of administration. For this reason, its use should be limited to specific situations.
In fact, the administration of an essential oil per os (orally) should preferably be carried out on medical prescription, as it presents many contraindications and not all essential oils are suitable for this mode of administration, depending on their molecular composition; some oils may be hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, epileptic, abortifacient or dermocaustic.
This method of administration is therefore contraindicated in cases of hepatic problems, pregnancy, breast-feeding, neurological fragility, epilepsy, asthma, renal insufficiency, allergy to components, gastric acidity, children and the elderly.
Gastro-resistant capsules or capsules are particularly suitable for intestinal infections, as they avoid contact between theessential oil and the gastric mucosa and reduce the risk of gastritis or esophagitis.
Capsules:
Capsules consist of a hard or soft ovoid envelope of variable shape and capacity, containing a unit dose of active ingredients. Made of gelatin, they consist of one or more active ingredients with or without added excipients.
Advantages :
- Enables administration of active ingredients with unpleasant odors or flavors
- Easy to transport
- Easy to administer
- Protected from air and light
- Production of long-acting capsules
- Possibility of gastroresistant coatings
- Easy release of active ingredients in the digestive tract
- Capsule form is easy to produce in the pharmacy
- Essential oils can be added using special envelopes
Disadvantages
- Cannot be fractionated
- Sometimes too easy to open, which has an impact on transport through the body
- Storage protected from humidity
- Stick more easily to the esophageal wall (sternal pain and sometimes perforation)
- They should be taken with water in a sitting position
Gastro-resistant capsules:
Filled and closed during the same manufacturing cycle (industrial only), they resist gastric juices and release the active ingredients into the intestinal juices. For essential oils, they are obtained by coating hard or soft capsules with a gastro-resistant envelope.
Advantages :
- Administration of unpleasant-tasting active ingredients
- Improved bioavailability
- Easy administration
- Shock protection, capsule flexibility
Disadvantages
- Capsules must be stored away from heat and humidity
- Industrial process protected by patent
Therefore, essential oils should never be taken orally on an empty stomach.
Golden rules for the oral route
- Never administer essential oils on an empty stomach: this reduces the risk of irritation to the gastric mucosa.
- Always respect recommended doses: overuse can lead to serious side effects.
- Choose the right form: opt for capsules specially designed for oral administration.
- Consult a healthcare professional: make sure the essential oil you choose is appropriate for your situation and needs.
- Avoid self-medication: essential oils are powerful substances requiring expertise for their safe use.
Therapeutic applications
The oral route is particularly effective for :
- Digestive disorders: bloating, intestinal infections, mild liver disorders.
- Immune boosting: certain oils, such as oregano or thyme, are indicated for supporting natural defenses.
- Specific infections: treatment of targeted respiratory or intestinal ailments.
Using essential oils orally is a powerful but demanding therapeutic approach. Reserved for specific situations, it must be carefully supervised to avoid the risks associated with improper administration. By choosing appropriate gastro-resistant capsules or capsules, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils while guaranteeing optimum safety. Before use, consult a healthcare professional to adapt this method of administration to your individual needs.
Precautions and contraindications
Oral administration of essential oils should be approached with caution. It is not suitable for all essential oils or all patients, as some substances may have toxic effects on different organs or systems. Risks include :
- Hepatotoxicity: some oils can overload or damage the liver.
- Nephrotoxicity: kidney damage is possible.
- Neurotoxicity: particularly with neurostimulant or convulsant oils.
- Abortifacient or epileptic effects: particularly contraindicated in cases of pregnancy, breastfeeding or neurological disorders.
For this reason, oral use is formally contraindicated in the following situations:
- Liver or kidney disorders.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding.
- Epilepsy or neurological fragility.
- Allergy to essential oil components.
- Infants and the elderly.
- Gastric conditions such as acidity or ulcers.
What products in the Conseil complexes range can be found on the Soin-et-Nature website?
Soin-et-Nature offers a complete range of Conseil complexes products, designed to meet your specific needs with ready-to-use formulations combining the benefits of essential oils. Here are the available categories:
- For the practical use of essential oils, capsules offer a simple, effective solution for the targeted treatment of a variety of disorders.
- For natural, effective body care, blends of oils for friction and massage relieve tension and promote relaxation and well-being.
- For daily body care, a selection of massage oils combines effectiveness and sensory pleasure.
- For a targeted, practical approach to aromatherapy, Oléocaps offers ready-to-use capsules for specific uses.
- For instant on-the-go use, roll-ons with essential oils allow easy local application to soothe, revitalize or relax.
- To meet your specific needs, custom-made aromatherapy allows you to create personalized blends based on adapted essential oils.
- To enjoy the concentrated benefits of essential oils in capsule form, this practical solution facilitates their ingestion and therapeutic use.
These products from the Conseil complexes range, available on Soin-et-Nature, enable you to take full advantage of the benefits of essential oils in practical formats adapted to your daily needs.