All About Essential Oils
Essential oils have been getting a lot of buzz recently for helping with everything from headaches to sleep to sore throats. But do these concentrated plant-based oils work?
Essential oils can make a positive impact on your health and well-being as long as you use them in a safe way.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are basically plant extracts. They're made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant (flowers, bark, leaves or fruit) to capture the compounds that produce fragrance. It can take several pounds of a plant to produce a single bottle of essential oil. In addition to creating scent, essential oils perform other functions in plants, too.
Ancient Medicine: History of Essential Oils
Essential oils are the oldest known form of medicine. They date back to Egyptian & biblical times of use. Egyptians used oils not only for medical issues, but also for embalming King Tut’s tomb. The hieroglyphics found on the walls of the pyramids contain recipes for their essential oils. Within the bible, there are over 187 references to essential oils including but not limited to Myrrh and Frankincense. There are also references or essential oils in Chinese medicine, Greece, Rome, and Arabia.
Essential oils are distilled oils from plant parts: seeds, bark, leaves, roots, and flowers. The oil is put through an extensive process of steam distillation and cold pressing. This pools out the oil for use. Essential oils contain chemical constituents that are greatly determined by how they are grown and harvested. This determines the purity of the oil. This determines the purity of the oil. This is a very important factor when using oils to help your patients.
The chemical makeup of various essential oils have the potential to be an antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infective, antimicrobial, antitumor, antiparasitic, antiviral, and antiseptic properties
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries and is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.
Essential oils can also be absorbed by the skin. A massage therapist might add a drop or two of wintergreen to oil to help relax tight muscles during a rubdown. A skincare company may add lavender to bath salts to create a soothing soak.
What Are Essential Oils Good For?
Although people claim essential oils are natural remedies for a number of ailments, there's not enough research to determine their effectiveness in human health. Results of lab studies are promising — one at Johns Hopkins found that certain essential oils could kill a type of Lyme bacteria better than antibiotics — but results in human clinical trials are mixed.
Some studies indicate that there's a benefit to using essential oils while others show no improvement in symptoms. Clinical trials have looked at whether essential oils can alleviate conditions such as:
Agitation: possibly including agitation related to dementia
Low appetite
Dry mouth
Pain: studies have found that people with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer (using topical chamomile), and headaches (using topical peppermint) require fewer pain medications when they use aromatherapy
Constipation (with abdominal massage using essential oils)
Itching
Psoriasis
Skin cancer
Alopecia areata (hair loss)
Kill bacteria, funguses and viruses
How Can You Use Essential Oils Safely?
The quality of essential oils on the market varies greatly, from pure essential oils to those diluted with less expensive ingredients. And because there's no regulation, the label may not even list everything that's in the bottle you're buying. That's why essential oils should not be ingested.
Johns Hopkins also advises against using essential oil diffusers, small household appliances that create scented vapor. Diffusion in a public area or household with multiple members can affect people differently. For example, peppermint is often recommended for headaches. But if you use it around a child who's less than 30 months old, the child can become agitated. It could have a negative effect. Additionally, someone with fast heartbeat can react adversely to peppermint.
The safest ways to use essential oils include:
Aromatherapy accessories: Necklaces, bracelets and keychains made with absorbent materials you apply essential oils to and sniff throughout the day.
Body oil: A mixture of essential oils with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba or coconut oil that can be massaged into skin. Because essential oils are concentrated, they can cause irritation. Avoid using them full-strength on skin.
Aroma stick: Also called an essential oil inhaler, these portable plastic sticks have an absorbent wick that soaks up essential oil. They come with a cover to keep the scent under wraps until you're ready.
Allergic reactions to essential oils
A small number of people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain essential oils. You're more likely to have a bad reaction if you have atopic dermatitis or a history of reactions to topical products. Although you can experience a reaction to any essential oil, some are more likely to be problematic, including:
Oregano oil
Cinnamon bark oil
Jasmine oil
Lemongrass oil
Ylang-ylang oil
Chamomile oil
Bergamot oil
Because pure essential oils are potent, diluting them in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction when applying directly to the skin. If you get a red, itchy rash or hives after applying essential oils, see a doctor. You may be having an allergic reaction.
Which Essential Oils Are Best?
There are dozens of essential oils, all with different fragrances and chemical makeups. Which essential oils are best depends on what symptoms you're looking to ease or fragrances you prefer. Some of the most popular essential oils include:
Lavender oil: Many people find the lavender scent relaxing. It's often used to help relieve stress and anxiety and promote good sleep.
Tea tree oil: Also called melaleuca, this essential oil was used by Australia's aboriginal people for wound healing. Today, it's commonly used for acne, athlete's foot, ring worm, and insect bites.
Peppermint oil: There's some evidence peppermint essential oil helps relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms when taken in an enteric-coated capsule (from a trusted health supplement provider). It may also relieve tension headaches when applied topically. It’s also anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory.
Lemon oil: Many people find the citrusy scent of lemon oil a mood booster. It's also often used in homemade cleaning products.
Frankincense oil: Known as the “king of oils,” frankincense can help with inflammation, mood and sleep. Studies have shown that it can also improve asthma and might prevent gum disease. With its antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties, frankincense protects the skin by assisting in wound healing, reducing inflammation, and neutralising free radical effects. Studies have also shown that it can stop skin cancer cells from growing (apoptosis). Makes sure you dilute frankincense oil before applying it to your skin.
Eucalyptus oil: A great essential oil to have on hand during cold season. It soothes a stuffed-up nose by opening your nasal passages so you can breathe easier. (Peppermint oil can also help with this.) It can also relieve pain and fight against herpes simplex virus thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Take precautions when using eucalyptus oil, making sure to dilute it before applying topically. It should not be ingested and can have dangerous side effects on children and pets.
Lemon oil: Extracted from the peel of lemons, lemon oil can be diffused into the air or applied topically to your skin with a carrier oil. Lemon oil is known to reduce anxiety and depression, reduce pain, ease nausea, and kill bacteria. A study also states that aromatherapy of essential oils like lemon oil might improve the cognitive function of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Lemon oil is safe for aromatherapy and topical use. But there have been some reports that lemon oil can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase your risk of sunburn. Avoid direct sunlight exposure after use. This includes lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, lemongrass and bergamot oils.
Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil has a strong citrus scent and is known to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Its antibacterial properties make it a good natural remedy to heal wounds and kill bacteria. It has been shown to prevent the growth of fungus found in athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch. A study found that using lemongrass oil can help reduce blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. Be sure to use a carrier oil before applying to your skin.
Orange oil
Orange oil is made from the rinds of the citrus fruit. It can be diffused into the air, topically on the skin (with a carrier oil) or even used as a natural cleaner in your home. Orange oil is known to kill bacteria, reduce anxiety and reduce pain. It has the potential to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be careful about using it on your skin and then going outside.
Rosemary oil
You’ve probably reached for rosemary to add flavor to some of your recipes. But using rosemary oil also has some additional benefits like improving brain function, promoting hair growth, reducing pain and stress, lifting your mood and reducing joint inflammation. Rosemary oil is safe to use in aromatherapy and topically on the skin with a carrier oil. If you’re pregnant or have epilepsy or high blood pressure, it’s advised to avoid using rosemary oil.
Bergamot oil
What is bergamot? If you’re a fan of Earl Grey tea, then you have had bergamot. The oil, which has a fruity and floral aroma, can be diffused or applied topically with a carrier oil (but it can make your skin sensitive to the sun). Bergamot oil is known to reduce anxiety, lift mood, and lower blood pressure.
Cedarwood oil
Cedarwood oil, which has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, is a popular ingredient in insect repellent, shampoo and deodorant with its woodsy scent. But you can also use cedarwood oil to help with sleep and anxiety. You can use cedarwood oil as aromatherapy, as well as a topical treatment mixed with a carrier oil.
How to use essential oils
Because essential oils are so strong, be mindful about why and how you’re using them. Only small amounts — typically just a few drops — are used.
It’s also a good idea not to use them routinely, as your body can get used to them, lowering their effectiveness.
Here are some ways you can use essential oils:
Diffuse them…
You can diffuse essential oils, which is a type of aromatherapy.
It’s a great way to change your mood quickly. As you breathe in, the oil’s aroma immediately stimulates your central nervous system, triggering an emotional response. It can reduce anxiety and stress response quickly.
Mix essential oils and water in an essential oil diffuser and turn on the magic. A diffuser is a device that disperses tiny oil particles around the room so you can breathe them in. Follow your diffuser’s directions for the right oil-to-water ratio.
There are several other aromatherapy methods. Whichever method you choose, avoid direct contact with the essential oil and dilute it first.
Other aromatherapy methods include:
The old-fashioned way. Take deep breaths of the aroma after opening the bottle.
Dry evaporation. Put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and smell the aroma as it disperses.
Steam inhalation. Put a few drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Put your head over the bowl, a towel over your head and breathe in the steam.
One caveat is that aromatherapy may not work as well for older adults with dementia or behavior problems. That may be because people tend to experience loss of smell as they get older.
Roll directly on your skin…
You can also reap the benefits by applying essential oils to your skin, where it’s absorbed into your body. Use caution against directly applying most essential oils to your skin without diluting them.
With few exceptions, it’s best to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to avoid skin irritation.
Some people put their essential oil blend into a small rollerball bottle for easier application.
Ingest them…
Some people take essential oils orally in teas, supplements or even via a drop or two on their tongue.
Unless you’re directed by a trained herbalist, I recommend against using them this way. Since they’re so strong, they may be harmful. Even with just a few drops of essential oil, you’re taking a lot of plant material without realizing it. They can even burn the mucosal lining in your mouth.
Some food recipes call for essential oil like orange, but always check dosing and follow directions closely.
Be careful when using essential oils in children, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant people and seniors.
Some essential oils can be harmful to the liver and nervous system when used in excess. Tea tree and eucalyptus oil have also been known to cause seizures. They’re toxic for animals as well.
As always, consult a qualifies practitioner before you start essential oil therapy.