Essential oils are extracted from plants using steam or cold pressing methods. They can be inhaled, added to a carrier oil and applied topically to the skin, or ingested (though this is not recommended).
Research on claims that essential oils help with specific health issues is inconsistent and should only be used under guidance from a healthcare professional.
How to Use
Essential oils are extracted from different parts of plants using steam or pressing to extract the compounds that give them their unique fragrance. They can be inhaled, added to a carrier oil for direct application on the skin or used in household cleaners and sanitizers.
Inhaling the scent of an essential oil can stimulate areas in the limbic system of the brain, which is involved in emotions, behavior, sense of smell and long-term memory. Essential oil makers claim that when the right oil is applied to the skin, it can help reduce pain and stress, enhance sleep, improve digestion, soothe a cough or cold and alleviate headaches.
However, the truth is that not all essential oils are created equal. Many of the oils sold at health food stores and online have been diluted with chemicals and fillers, so they might not deliver on their promises, Lin says. Many also contain volatile organic compounds that can irritate the skin and lungs, and may react with certain medications or trigger allergies, asthma and other health conditions.
Safety
Essential oils are extracted from parts of a plant that contain a lot of fragrance compounds. They can be inhaled, added to a carrier oil for direct application on the skin, consumed orally (some, not all), and used in household products to clean and sanitize.
While some research supports the use of essential oils for emotional and physical well-being, there is no scientific evidence to support most of the claims that are made about them. It is important to use only high-quality oils and avoid using them on infants, children, or people with sensitive skin.
Since essential oils are highly concentrated, it is important to follow recommended dilution guidelines. People should never apply them directly to the skin without diluting them first. People should also be careful not to ingest them, as this can be dangerous. A safer option is to steep actual plant material, such as a rosemary sprig or lemon slices, in water instead.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of using essential oils are allergic reactions. Some oils can also have phototoxic or other toxic effects. Eucalyptus and certain tea tree oils are not safe to be applied to or diffused around children under the age of 10. Ingesting essential oil can lead to a variety of toxic effects, including gastrointestinal distress and liver toxicity. Research on the safety of ingesting essential oils is limited. Ingesting essential oils can be especially dangerous in babies and toddlers.
If a child has an allergic reaction to an essential oil, it is best to consult a medical professional for advice. An anaphylactic reaction to an essential oil can be life threatening. If an essential oil gets into the eyes, use a cotton swab soaked in a food-grade fatty oil and flush with cool water. If you have COPD, you should avoid strong odors as they can trigger exacerbations of respiratory symptoms. Some people take essential oils orally in supplemental form, but this should be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
Recipes
When used correctly, essential oils can enhance relaxation and mood, reduce headaches, ease stress and support breathing and skin health. But be careful: some oils are so potent that they can irritate the skin and even harm your health. Only use pure, high-quality oil. Look for the Latin name on the label, information on purity and any unnatural additives, and choose dark-colored glass bottles to protect their quality.
Try this essential oil blend recipe to clear the air of winter colds and encourage respiratory function: Combine 2 drops each of eucalyptus, lemon and sweet orange essential oils. You can also diffuse the mixture in your home or office to freshen the scent and promote relaxation and mental clarity. It is important to remember that scent molecules travel from the nose through the olfactory nerves and directly to the brain, impacting the amygdala – which affects our emotions. This is why the effect of aromatherapy on the brain and body may be so powerful.
