Essential oils can enhance the flavor of many recipes. They can also have therapeutic properties, but safety considerations must be made.
Inhaling undiluted oil can irritate the nose and throat and cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath in some people. Undiluted essential oil can also burn the skin or cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that prevent the oxidation of other compounds. They can be natural or synthetic and can act by donating electrons, reducing reactive oxygen species, complexing transition metal ions or regenerating other antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E).
Essential oils are rich in antioxidant compounds including phenolic and non-phenolic terpenes. They exhibit strong scavenging activity in DPPH chemical assays and inhibit lipid oxidation (KHAYYAT & ROSELIN, 2018).
Antimicrobial properties of essential oils are attributed to their phenolic content. The limonin compound of coriander oil, for example, has been shown to boost intestinal microbial diversity and promote gut health by optimizing macronutrient metabolism.
Calming
The aroma of some essential oils stimulates the smell receptors in your nose and sends signals to your brain. Your brain then releases chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which help improve your mood. Several essential oils have relaxing properties, including lavender and peppermint.
Essential oils can be used as a natural way to calm your mind and body by placing them in the air through an oil diffuser or rubbing them on your skin, such as your neck or wrists. You can also add a few drops to your bath.
However, before using any kind of essential oils, you should talk to a health care professional and research the quality of a specific brand. The FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate these oils, so they can vary in quality and may contain contaminants. Also, it’s important to dilute the essential oils with carrier oils before applying them to your skin or putting them in your mouth.
Cleansing
Oils can be used to cleanse the body in a variety of ways. They can be inhaled, diluted and applied to the skin, or used to make natural cleaners. Some essential oils have antibacterial properties. Others help eliminate toxins by supporting the detoxification process and cleansing the liver and colon.
The scent of an essential oil is the result of a complex mix of volatile chemical components that are determined by the specific plant species, growing conditions, time of harvest and extraction method. These factors can significantly influence the therapeutic effects of the oil.
Test-tube studies have shown that essential oils can have antimicrobial properties. However, little is known about how these compounds are absorbed, distributed, and metabolized in the human body or if they have any effects on the microbiome.
Cooking
Essential oils can replace some of the chemicals used in cooking and add an amazing flavor while still being healthy. There is also an infinite number of aromas to choose from!
Cooking with essential oils can be easy, fun and very tasty. Essential oils can be added during the cooking process or after, depending on your recipe and desired outcome.
Just be sure to use a good quality edible oil, look for a label that states EDIBLE and also check that the company uses steam distillation not hexane extraction. Look for a brand that is fully integrated with farmers and supports traditional practices and sustainable agriculture.
Remember, essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be used in small amounts – start with a toothpick or a drop and increase as needed. It’s also a good idea to be aware that some oils (like cinnamon) are quite strong and should only be used with caution.
