The entire dose of the essential oil is absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract and into the blood stream and on to the liver. This can result in an accumulation of the toxins as well as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract becoming irritated or damaged. There are a number of safety considerations that one needs to be aware of. The major one is that quantitatively more in this case is not better. Babies, and children can be more sensitive to some oils and hence the quantities used should be even more modest.
Some writers suggest caution when using certain essential oils with pregnant women.
All in all, when used cautiously and correctly, essential oils can naturally assist our body, mind, emotions and spirits in our daily work, rest and play. Bibliography Curtis, Susan, Essential Oils , Aurum, London. 1994 Ryman D, Aromatherapy - the encyclopedia of plants and oils and how they help you . Judy Piatkus, London. 1991 Wildwood, Chrissie, Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy , Bloomsbury, London.