Expert Analyzes Young Living Regular Oils vs. Vitality Essential Oils

The use of essential oils for health and wellness has exploded in popularity in recent years.

With so many options on the market, there can be confusion around different product lines even within the same brand.

Young Living offers both regular essential oils and their Vitality line intended for internal use.

We asked Sweet Torte for her unbiased view on how Young Living’s Vitality oils differ from regular essential oils.Sweet Torte also shared her expert tips on safely using essential oils, especially regarding ingestion.

Key Differences Between Vitality and Regular Oils

According to Torte, there are a few key differences between the Vitality and regular Young Living oils:

labeling and usage guidelines

The key difference is in labeling and usage guidelines. Vitality and regular oils contain the same ingredients sourced identically. But Vitality oils are labeled for dietary use, while regular oils are for aromatic and topical use only.

This labeling complies with FDA regulations requiring separate designations for ingestible products. It allows consumers to easily identify which oils are safe for internal consumption.

The oils themselves are identical—the labeling and usage recommendations are what set them apart.

Price

The Vitality oils are typically priced higher than the regular oils for the same scent due to the additional processing and handling required. For example, a 15mL bottle of Vitality Lemon oil costs $20, while the comparable regular oil is $14.

Sizes

Vitality oils come in smaller 5mL and 15mL bottles since they are used in much lower doses, while regular oils are sold in larger 15mL and 5mL sizes.

Potential Benefits of Vitality Oils

According to aromatherapy expert Torte, some potential benefits of ingesting the Vitality oils versus regular oils include:

• Safe Ingestion: The Vitality oils are specifically formulated to be taken internally in small doses, unlike the regular oils which should not be swallowed.
• Enhanced Bioavailability: Compounds may be more readily absorbed from Vitality oils when ingested versus regular oils applied topically.
• Versatility: The Vitality oils are easier to incorporate into water, tea, smoothies, soups and supplements for health purposes.
• Dietary Supplements: Vitality oils can be used as flavorings and supplements for capsules, elixirs, lozenges, etc. Regular oils should not be ingested this way.

Vitality oils like lemon and peppermint can be safely added to water for flavor and wellness benefits.

Potential Drawbacks of Ingesting Essential Oils

While the Vitality oils are formulated for ingestion, Torte cautions that internal use of any essential oil carries some risks:

• Toxicity: Taking too much can lead to negative effects and overdose. Only very small doses are considered safe.
• Medication Interactions: Oils high in compounds like menthol may interact with drugs for pain, hypertension, etc.
• Allergies: Ingesting oils can cause sensitivity reactions in some people if they have allergies to certain compounds.
• Lack of Regulation: The FDA does not monitor essential oils, so quality can vary greatly between brands.

Expert Tips for Safe Internal Use of Oils

Torte provided the following tips for safely using the Young Living Vitality or any ingestible essential oils:

• Follow the dosage guidance from your aromatherapist or healthcare provider. Observe caution with oils like wintergreen, clove and oregano which require lower doses.
• Only use high quality therapeutic grade essential oils like Young Living that have stringent purity testing.
• Monitor yourself for any reactions or side effects when trying a new oil, and discontinue use if any occur.
• Avoid internal use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a medical condition without your doctor’s approval.
• Combine with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil to enhance absorption and mitigate risk.

Peppermint Vitality oil is a popular one to take internally for digestive and respiratory benefits. Torte recommends no more than 1-2 drops per day.

Recipes and Rituals with Vitality Oils

The versatility of the Young Living Vitality oils allows for a wide range of recipes and wellness rituals:

Smoothies

Add 1-2 drops of citrus, peppermint or lavender Vitality oil to fruit smoothies for flavor and functional benefits. Lemon Vitality brightens up a green smoothie while Lavender Vitality promotes relaxation.

DIY Capsules

Fill gel capsules with a few drops of an essential oil blend diluted into a carrier oil like coconut oil to create custom supplements. Peppermint and Ginger Vitality oils help ease stomach upset.

Wellness Water

Infuse your water with drops of Young Living’s delicious Citrus Vitality oils like orange, grapefruit, tangerine and lime for a refreshing beverage full of antioxidants.

Comparable Products to Consider

Torte suggests considering these alternatives for essential oils intended for ingestion:

• doterra offers a line of CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils that includes select ingestible options like Peppermint, Lemon, and Lavender.
• Plant Therapy has a KidSafe collection of essential oils considered safe for children which can be taken internally when diluted.
• Always look for oils with published third party testing results to verify purity and safety. Avoid cheap oils which may contain synthetic ingredients or contaminants.

Read: Plant Therapy vs. Young Living: How to Make the Switch

Key Takeaways from Aromatherapy Expert

To summarize Torte’s expert advice comparing the Young Living Vitality and regular essential oil lines:

• Vitality oils are specially formulated for dietary usage, while regular oils should be limited to aromatic and topical use.
• When used properly, Vitality oils may offer enhanced delivery of functional compounds through ingestion.
• All essential oils are highly concentrated and should only be taken internally in very small amounts under guidance.
• It’s important to source therapeutic grade essential oils from reputable companies like Young Living that verify purity.

As Torte emphasizes, it’s wise to exercise caution when ingesting any essential oils, carefully follow usage guidelines, and discontinue use if any adverse effects occur. Her impartial insights help shed light on how Young Living’s Vitality line compares to their regular oils to inform and advise consumers.

Conclusion

While many people enjoy essential oils through diffusing and topical use, Young Living’s Vitality line provides the option to safely ingest select oils for added wellness benefits without compromising quality.

As aromatherapy expert Torte explains, Vitality oils differ from regular essential oils in their production methods, price points, sizes and recommended usage.

With proper education on internal dosage, potential benefits like increased bioavailability can be realized while mitigating possible drawbacks like toxicity or medication interactions.

Torte makes clear that professional guidance should inform your decision on whether Vitality or regular essential oils suit your individual wellness needs and intentions.