The phenomenon of ingestion of essential oils and its harmful effects on health

In recent years, essential oils have gained popularity for a number of health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting immunity, and relieving stress. While essential oils have been promoted for their supposed therapeutic properties, there is growing concern among medical experts and health professionals about the safety and long-term effects of taking them. Research has shown several risks associated with taking these oils, particularly regarding their effects on gut health, mucous membranes, and vital organs. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Disrupting the Balance of the Gut Microbiome

Essential oils, especially those with antibacterial properties, can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in digestion, immune function, and even mental health. Many essential oils, such as oregano oil, thyme oil, and cinnamon oil, contain compounds that have antibiotic-like effects. While these compounds may kill harmful bacteria, they can also target beneficial bacteria, leading to bacterial imbalances.

Research has shown that broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, including essential oils, can significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiome. For example:

- Oregano oil (rich in carvacrol) and thyme oil (rich in thymol) have shown negative effects on the diversity of bacteria in the gut, compromising the protective functions of the microbiome (Almeida et al., 2016, *Frontiers in Microbiology*).

- Cinnamon oil, a popular essential oil, can also affect the gut flora by inhibiting the growth of beneficial microorganisms such as **Lactobacillus** and **Bifidobacteria** (Díaz-Reval et al., 2018, *Microorganisms*).

An imbalance of beneficial bacteria can lead to digestive problems, impaired immune response, and even mood disorders due to the gut-brain axis. Over time, chronic use of these oils can worsen conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even leaky gut syndrome.

2. Damage to mucous membranes

Mucous membranes, especially those in the digestive tract, are very sensitive to irritants. Essential oils, especially when taken in concentrated form, can irritate or damage these membranes. Many essential oils (such as eugenol in clove oil, and carvacrol in oregano oil) contain phenolic compounds that can be harsh and disrupt the integrity of mucosal barriers.

When these oils come into contact with mucosal membranes in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines, they can cause:

- A burning sensation or irritation in the throat and esophagus.

- Gastric discomfort or even ulcers if taken in large quantities.

- Inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to conditions such as gastritis.

Studies have also shown that essential oils can increase the permeability of the intestinal lining, contributing to leaky gut syndrome, where toxins and undigested food particles leak into the bloodstream, potentially triggering systemic inflammation and autoimmune responses (Jiang et al., 2020, *Journal of Medicinal Food*).

3. Vital organ toxicity

Long-term intake of essential oils, especially in large amounts, can pose a risk to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, and many contain compounds that can be toxic to the liver if taken orally in large amounts. For example:

- Camphor, found in essential oils such as rosemary and sage, is known to be hepatotoxic and can cause liver damage (Bauman et al., 2015, *Toxicology Reports*).

- Eucalyptus oil, another popular essential oil, contains **euliptol**, which can accumulate in the liver and cause adverse effects when taken in large amounts (Zhou et al., 2017, *Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology*).

Furthermore, long-term intake of essential oils can lead to kidney toxicity, especially if the oils are metabolized in large amounts over time. These organs are responsible for detoxifying harmful compounds, and loading them with concentrated plant extracts can cause significant damage.

Ayurvedic Herbal Arrack (Hydrosol) as a Safer Alternative

A new alternative to essential oil intake has emerged on the market: Ayurvedic Arrack, or **Hydrosol**, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurveda. Arrack is the liquid left over after the steam distillation of plants, and contains water-soluble plant compounds that are much less concentrated than essential oils.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Argan:

1. Gentle on the Gut Microbiome

Unlike essential oils, which are highly concentrated and contain powerful antibacterial compounds, Ayurvedic Argan is gentler and has a balanced formula. Argan contains water-soluble plant compounds such as **flavonoids**, **alkaloids**, and **tannins** that can support gut health without the strong antibacterial effects of essential oils.

Some argans, such as rose argan and tulsi argan, have been shown to be beneficial for digestion and can support gut health by soothing the mucosal lining and promoting bacterial balance. For example, rose water has been traditionally used to soothe inflammation in the digestive tract and reduce acidity (Dembitsky, 2017, *Natural Product Research*).

2. Non-irritating and safe for mucous membranes

Since Ayurvedic Argan is formulated Essentially made from hydrosols that contain low levels of volatile oils, it is much gentler on mucous membranes than essential oils. These hydrosols can be ingested or applied topically without causing irritation or damage to the intestinal lining. For example, **ginger ark** is a popular choice in Ayurvedic medicine to improve digestion, relieve nausea, and reduce stomach inflammation without the harsh effects that come with taking ginger essential oil.

3. Rich in nutrients and supports detoxification

Ayurvedic ark is not only a body moisturizer but also contains a range of nutrients such as minerals and vitamins that support detoxification processes. Ark is also an adaptogen, helping to balance the body’s response to stress and promote overall health.

For example, tulsi ark (made from holy basil) contains antioxidants and has been shown to help reduce oxidative stress, boost immunity, and maintain gut microbiome balance (Jain et al., 2018, *Phytomedicine*).

4. Reduced Risk of Toxicity

Since Ayurvedic ark contains a low percentage of volatile oils, it carries a lower risk of toxicity when consumed. While it is potent in its therapeutic properties, the dilution process ensures that it is safer for long-term use. There have been no significant reports of organ toxicity or intestinal damage associated with the use of Ayurvedic ark, making it a safer and gentler option for long-term users.

Conclusion: A Safer Approach to Health

Essential oils are associated with a number of health risks, including intestinal bacterial imbalance, mucosal irritation, and potential long-term damage to vital organs. Their concentrated nature and antibiotic-like properties can disrupt the body’s natural balance, especially when used for long periods.

On the other hand, Ayurvedic herbal bottled water offers a safer and milder alternative with many benefits for digestion, detoxification, and overall well-being. With their lower concentration of active compounds, they provide a more balanced approach to supporting health without the harsh side effects associated with essential oils. For those seeking natural remedies, Ayurvedic herbal bottled water may be a better option for long-term use, providing therapeutic properties without the risk of intestinal damage or organ toxicity.