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.

Aromatherapy offers various routes of administration to take advantage of the properties of essential oils. Among these, the oral route can be used in the form of capsules. Although this method is of definite therapeutic interest for specific pathologies, its use remains limited and requires strict precautions.

Capsules:

Capsules are hard or soft ovoid capsules 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

Essential oils should never be taken orally on an empty stomach.

The oral route in aromatherapy: general precautions

In aromatherapy, the oral administration of essential oils is considered a one-off and not a systematic process. It is reserved for specific situations and requires a medical prescription or the advice of a qualified health professional. This is due to the toxicological risks associated with certain essential oils, which may have :

Hepatotoxic: Risks to the liver in cases of difficult metabolism.
Nephrotoxic: Risks to the kidneys, especially in cases of metabolic overload.
Neurotoxic and epileptic: Neurological disturbances, particularly in frail individuals.
Abortifacients: contraindicated during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Dermocaustic: may cause severe irritation or burns of the digestive mucosa.

Major contraindications

Oral administration is not recommended for the following groups:

People with liver, kidney or gastrointestinal disorders (such as gastritis or esophagitis).
Pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Young children.
Elderly people with metabolic or neurological frailties.
Patients with epilepsy, asthma or allergies to certain essential oil components.

Therapeutic applications of the oral route

The oral route is particularly indicated for conditions requiring systemic or localized digestive action, such as :

Intestinal infections: gastro-resistant capsules are ideal for treating disorders such as gastroenteritis or bacterial infections.
Digestive disorders: The use of certain essential oils (peppermint, caraway) can help relieve intestinal spasms or bloating.
Immune support: As part of specific treatments to boost the body's defenses.

Oral administration of essential oils, although powerful and effective for certain pathologies, must be used with great caution. Capsules, particularly those with gastro-resistant coatings, offer a suitable solution for maximizing the efficacy of essential oils while limiting their side effects. However, this method of administration requires medical supervision to ensure safe and appropriate use.

What products in the Conseil complexes range can be found on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers a complete range of ready-to-use aromatherapy complexes to meet your health and well-being needs. Here are the available categories:

For convenient, targeted intake of essential oils, essential oil capsules offer a simple solution for safe internal use.
For localized aromatherapy treatments, oil blends for friction and massage soothe and revitalize the body.
For optimum relaxation and natural care, our massage oils, enriched with essential oils, promote relaxation and well-being.
For concentrated, effective action, Oléocaps combine essential oils in capsule form to meet specific needs.
For fast, targeted application, Roll On with essential oils offer a mobile solution for managing stress, pain or discomfort.
For formulations tailored to your unique needs, customized aromatherapy allows you to compose personalized blends.
For practical, effective use, our essential oils in capsule form guarantee precise dosage and optimal absorption.

These products from the Conseil complexes range available on Soin-et-Nature are designed to offer you the benefits of essential oils in a practical, targeted and personalized way, while respecting a natural and responsible approach.