Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts that have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. They are not regulated, and they can be dangerous if swallowed or inhaled in high concentrations. They can also interact with certain medications and cause respiratory irritation.
Before using them, you should always consult a health professional. You should also do a patch test to ensure that you are not allergic.
They are made from plants
Essential oils are naturally occurring compounds that are distilled from various parts of plants. These oils have been used in perfumes, medicines, and cosmetics for thousands of years. They are thought to have a wide variety of therapeutic properties and can be inhaled, applied topically, or added to food.
The most common method for extracting these natural plant oils is steam distillation. Water is heated in a boiler, and the steam moves through tightly packed plant material to release volatile compounds. The steam then passes through a condenser, where the essential oil molecules separate and float on top of the water. The resulting liquid is called Hydrosol, and it can be collected for bottling.
When inhaled, these aromatic molecules stimulate areas of the limbic system in the brain that influence emotions, behavior, sense of smell, and memory. Researchers have found that certain aromas can trigger psychological reactions, such as stress relief. In addition, these oils may act as natural antimicrobials, inhibiting the growth of foodborne pathogens such as E coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
They are not regulated
Essential oils are not regulated by federal agencies like the FDA. They are essentially natural products and, in general, they are safe to use if used properly. However, if you have an underlying health condition or are taking medication, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before using them. It is also important to do a patch test on your skin before applying an essential oil.
Many companies make false claims about the medical efficacy of their essential oils. For example, Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd posted on its website that essential oils protect against and cure coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This statement prompted the FDA to send a letter warning the company.
To ensure the quality of an essential oil, look for a label with the Latin name and information on purity or other ingredients added to the oil. Reputable companies will also package the oil in dark-colored glass to prevent the oils from tainting plastic bottles.
They are safe to use
As long as they are properly diluted and applied according to the oil’s guidelines, essential oils can provide therapeutic benefits. However, because every person’s response to essential oils is unique, it’s best to use them with a trusted healthcare professional.
Inhaling or smelling a pure, undiluted oil can irritate the nose and skin of sensitive individuals, especially children and pets. If they are swallowed, they can cause allergic reactions in the digestive system and respiratory tract. The oils can also bind with proteins in the skin and create a type of chemical that the body recognizes as an allergen.
In addition, many people have reported experiencing toxicity when they take an overdose of essential oil. While this is rare, overdosing can be dangerous and can affect the immune and liver systems of vulnerable populations. In extreme cases, ingesting certain oils may even be fatal. Lastly, there is limited research on the effects of essential oil use during pregnancy. However, some expectant mothers have found that using essential oils during labor and delivery can help reduce anxiety and ease pain.
They are expensive
Essential oils are highly concentrated distilled or pressed extracts of different parts of plants, such as flowers, leaves, bark, roots and resin. They can be used in a variety of ways to improve health and well-being, including aromatherapy, which uses the scent of these therapeutic plants to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
They can also be used in massage therapy and other health care practices. These oils are not a substitute for conventional medicine, but they can help reduce stress and pain and improve sleep quality. They can even boost job performance by improving concentration and alertness.
These powerful plant extracts are highly volatile and should be stored in dark glass bottles to preserve their properties. It takes a large amount of plant material to produce an essential oil, and the per-ounce price varies accordingly. To produce one 15-milliliter bottle of rose oil, for example, requires up to 65 pounds of rose petals. This is why it’s important to know the reputation of your essential oil supplier.
