Essential oils have been getting a lot of attention for their purported health benefits. However, not all essential oils are created equal.
Some are distilled with chemicals or aren’t pure. It’s important to read the label and select high-quality oils that have been properly diluted. This will help avoid irritation and possible allergic reactions.
Aromatherapy
The aromatherapy market for essential oils is booming, with people seeking ways to calm their minds, improve sleep, boost energy and purify the home naturally. But it’s important to be aware that there is little rigorous scientific research on the benefits of these powerful and concentrated plant extracts.
Also, it’s important to look for quality, since not all oils are created equal. Avoid “fragrance oils” that are made from a mix of oils and chemicals or only contain chemicals — instead look for bottles that identify the oil’s name and source. It should be clear whether the oil is pure or contains carrier oils, which are not essential but help dilute the oil. You should also call your healthcare professional if you or someone you know gets irritation from using essential oils.
Skin Care
Essential oils are volatile liquids extracted from plant parts to capture their unique scent. They contain tens to hundreds of low-molecular weight chemicals called terpenoids. They are usually obtained by steam distillation, although cold pressing and other methods are also used.
Some research suggests that certain oils can have physical effects, such as easing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or relieving a tension headache. But more research is needed, and it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying them, especially if you’re taking any prescription drugs or have a medical condition like diabetes.
When diluted and applied to the skin, most oils are considered safe for most people. But some can be irritating or cause a skin reaction in some people, such as allergic contact dermatitis or asthma.
Bathing
Essential oils are a powerful plant extract that can help alleviate a variety of symptoms. They are popular for their calming scent and mood-boosting properties, but they can also be used in massages and in homemade cleaning products. It is important to know how to use them safely, and to choose high-quality ones that have been correctly distilled.
Swallowing undiluted oil can be poisonous, and direct skin contact with some oils can cause a bad rash. It’s best to inhale diluted oils through a diffuser, or add them to bath water.
Some people have reported that peppermint oil relieves IBS symptoms, lavender oil helps sleep, and lemon oil eases headaches. In addition, certain essential oils have insecticidal properties and can be used to replace man-made mosquito repellents.
Food Preparation
In the culinary field, essential oils can replace synthetic chemical preservatives by releasing their natural bioactive components. They can also act as flavoring agents and enhance product quality (Chang et al., 2019).
Professional chefs are using essential oils more frequently to add fresh flavors to their dishes. They can be used to marinate meat and vegetables, as well as to prepare sauces, soups and other foods.
While these concentrated plant-based oils are widely available in health food stores, it is important to note that they aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It’s best to use them in small amounts and dilute them in a fatty base before adding them to food. Swallowing wintergreen oil, for example, can be deadly, notes the National Capital Poison Center’s website.
Cleaning
Manufacturers use essential oils to enhance the flavor or aroma of many cosmetic products, food additives, soaps, plastic resins and perfumes. They also have insecticidal properties (Table 1). Most of these are due to mono- and sesquiterpenes, which contain 5 – carbon building blocks, such as thymol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol and eugenol.
These highly concentrated, volatile, hydrophobic liquids are distilled or pressed from parts of plants such as flowers, bark, leaves or fruit. When inhaled, the scent molecules travel from the olfactory nerves to the brain and have an impact on specific regions that control emotion, such as the amygdala. They can also cause skin irritation, so it’s important to dilute them before applying them to the body or inhaling them. Some people use them to lift their mood or as part of an aromatherapy treatment.
