Health Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils

Essential oils, also known as ethereal oils or volatile oils, are chemical compounds that are found in plants. These chemicals contain volatile compounds that are hydrophobic and concentrated in a liquid form. They are absorbed by the human body through the skin and are known to have a range of health benefits. Some of these health benefits include antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to promote physical and emotional well-being. Often people use aromatherapy as a complement to standard medical treatments. Increasingly, allied health professionals and nurses are using aromatherapy to help patients improve their health.

Aromatherapy can be helpful for anxiety and depression. Some studies have also shown it can help people manage the side effects of cancer treatment.

Some studies have also found that aromatherapy can enhance relaxation and reduce pain. It is best to use essential oils under the guidance of a qualified health professional. However, more research is needed before it becomes a widely accepted alternative treatment.

Essential oils are produced by steam distillation, and they have a wide variety of molecular compositions. This affects their aroma and how they are distributed in the body. In addition, their chemical compounds may interact with hormones and enzymes.

Some essential oils have antibacterial properties. Studies have also shown they can help relieve nausea and vomiting.

Disinhibition of gram-negative bacteria

Essential oils (EOs) are rich sources of biologically active compounds. They have a wide range of potential uses. Some essential oils have been found to have insecticidal and antiviral properties. In addition, they are often used in the fragrance industry. These chemicals are also known to inhibit the growth of bacterial and yeasts.

An extensive study was conducted to assess the antibacterial effects of selected EOs against six bacterial species, including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The selected oils were tested using the disk diffusion method. This test typically is the preliminary step to determining which oils are efficient and effective.

A total of 21 EOs were evaluated for their antibacterial activity. Fourteen oils were found to be effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Eight oils showed moderate, whereas two oils showed less potent effects. The MIC was defined as the lowest concentration of the oil that impedes the visible growth of the organisms on the agar plate.

Antioxidant activity

There are a number of essential oils that have been shown to have antioxidant activity. Many essential oils are also considered to be anti-inflammatory agents. However, the effectiveness of these compounds depends on various factors.

Essential oils are a mixture of volatile compounds that are extracted from aromatic plants. They are used as natural preservatives for food materials and as a substitute for synthetic antioxidants.

An extensive literature on the chemistry of essential oils has revealed a wide range of chemical composition. The main constituents of these oils include terpenoids, nonpolar compounds and hydrogen atoms. It is believed that these compounds can donate electrons and may thus provide antioxidant activity.

Most compounds studied have strong antioxidant effects. For example, a-tocopherol has been reported to be a potent antioxidant. But a-terpinene and g.-terpinene have been found to have higher activities in lipid systems.

Among the other compounds, a-thujene and sabinene had moderate antioxidant effects. However, the strongest effects were obtained from the pure compounds.

Safety

Essential oils are used for many purposes, including emotional support and personal hygiene. However, they can also be harmful to your body when they are not applied properly. Keeping these oils out of reach of children and pets, along with storing them correctly, is important.

Whether you are using essential oils for their scent or their health benefits, it is essential to learn about the risks. There are various routes that can lead to toxicity and allergic reactions.

Essential oils should never be inhaled. They can damage the respiratory system and mucous membranes. Some essential oils can even cause liver toxicity. Generally, the LD50 of an essential oil is 1-20 grams per kilogram. The lethal dose of a particular oil depends on its concentration, individual health conditions, and the type of essential oil.

It is advisable to dilute essential oils. A safe dilution range is 0.5 to 2.5%. You should always read the label and follow the instructions carefully.