General lavender essential oil (the kind sold for aromatherapy or topical use) should not be ingested directly. It is highly concentrated and can cause significant irritation and toxicity if swallowed.
Here's why and when ingestion might be considered in specific, limited circumstances:
Why you should generally NOT ingest essential oils directly:
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Highly Concentrated: Essential oils are extremely potent. It takes a large amount of plant material to produce even a small bottle of essential oil. Ingesting even a few drops can be equivalent to consuming many cups of lavender tea, leading to an overdose.
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Irritation and Damage: Undiluted essential oils can cause burning and irritation to the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and other internal organs.
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Toxicity: Ingesting too much can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, confusion, lethargy, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. Children are particularly vulnerable to essential oil poisoning, even from small amounts.
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Lack of Regulation: In many countries, including the US, essential oils are not strictly regulated by agencies like the FDA for internal use. Labels like "therapeutic grade" or "food grade" do not guarantee safety for ingestion, especially when consumed in concentrated forms.
When ingestion of lavender might be safe or considered (under strict conditions):
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As a Flavoring in Food (Minute Amounts):
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Lavender is sometimes used as a culinary herb. When used in cooking or baking, it's typically the dried or fresh lavender flowers that are used, or extremely tiny, diluted amounts of a specifically food-grade essential oil (which is produced and tested to much higher purity standards for consumption). The concentration in a final food product would be incredibly low.
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Always be cautious: If using a food-grade essential oil, the amounts are usually measured in fractions of a drop and thoroughly dispersed in a large quantity of food. This is not the same as taking drops of essential oil directly.
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Specific Pharmaceutical Preparations:
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There are some specific oral lavender oil supplements (e.g., Silexan), which are regulated and standardized for internal use, primarily for anxiety. These are formulated as capsules or controlled doses, and their use should only be under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They are not the same as the essential oils sold for diffusers or topical application.
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Under Professional Guidance:
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In rare cases, a highly trained and certified medical professional or clinical aromatherapist might recommend internal use for specific therapeutic purposes, but this would involve very precise dosing, dilution, and monitoring, tailored to the individual's health condition. This is not for self-medication by beginners.
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What to do if someone ingests lavender essential oil:
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Immediately call a Poison Control Center (in the US: 1-800-222-1222). They can provide expert, free, and confidential guidance 24/7.
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Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by poison control or a healthcare provider.
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If the person is experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness, call emergency services (e.g., 911 in the US) immediately.
In summary, for general lavender essential oil as typically sold, no, it should not be ingested. Stick to aromatic diffusion or proper topical dilution for its benefits.