Essential oils are volatile, aromatic liquids that carry distinctive fragrance compounds from plants. They can cause respiratory irritation when inhaled and may interact with certain medications, so individuals should consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice prior to use.
While preliminary studies show some benefits of aromatherapy with essential oils, they are not FDA-approved for treating or preventing disease. Before using, read up on safe dosages and how to properly store them.
Versatility
Essential oils are gaining popularity as natural remedies for a variety of health concerns, from stress to headaches. But how do they work, and what are the best ones to use?
They’re oily liquids that contain aromatic, volatile plant chemicals. They’re typically extracted from a plant by steam or water distillation, or through cold pressing. They’re then combined with a carrier oil, such as olive or vegetable, to create a ready-to-use product.
This process captures the plant’s aroma and therapeutic properties. For example, lemon oil carries powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties. And chamomile oil is known for its soothing and calming effects. Eucalyptus oil has been shown to reduce irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and peppermint oil helps relieve tension headaches. Some studies indicate that certain essential oils may also combat specific types of cancer. For example, studies have shown that melaleuca (tea tree) and lavender oils can help fight cancer by stimulating the immune system.
Antioxidants
The organic compounds in essential oils (EOs) scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, mitigating degenerative diseases such as aging and neurodegeneration [52]. EOs can prevent lipid oxidation on a variety of fatty acid substrates including vegetable oils and low-density lipoproteins.
In addition to their antimicrobial properties, EOs can also act as antioxidants. One of the mechanisms is that phenols in EOs can donate hydrogen to lipids, which neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox cycling reactions in cells.
Chemically, the composition of EOs varies from plant to plant and can be affected by growth stage, method of extraction, time, and location. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can be used to identify their chemical compositions. However, these analyses are not suitable for determining a precise characterization of the phenolic constituents of essential oils. Therefore, a more sensitive antioxidant test based on DPPH assays may be more suitable for evaluating the antioxidant performance of EOs.
Safety
Essential oils can be very safe when they are used under the guidance of a trained aromatherapist. But they must be handled and stored carefully to avoid any complications. If an undiluted oil is applied to sensitive skin, it may cause an allergic reaction. Before applying any oil to the skin, always do a patch test on a small area to see how you react.
If an oil is ingested, it can be harmful to the digestive system and even poisonous in extreme cases. Oils should never be swallowed undiluted or directly from the bottle. They should also be kept away from children, as they can open the caps and suck out the oil. Young children and the elderly are especially sensitive to the potency of essential oils and need highly diluted oil or a lower percentage in a professionally-formulated oil blend. Some oils should be avoided altogether, such as birch and wintergreen which contain high levels of methyl salicylate, or used sparingly with caution such as Eucalyptus which contains 1,8 cineole.
Dosage
In general, essential oils should be diluted before applying them to the skin. This helps to prevent allergic reactions and keeps the concentrations of the oils in check. Optimal dilution ratios vary by age and health condition.
For example, eucalyptus oil can help ease anxiety and stress, while tea tree oil may aid in pain reduction, soothe an upset stomach, and kill bacteria. Additionally, lavender oil has been shown to boost the immune system and fight infection.
Using alternative treatments like essential oils can help ease cancer treatment side effects. However, patients should consult with their oncology provider to make sure these treatments don’t interfere with chemotherapies or other medications. It’s also recommended to perform a patch test before applying any new oils, which involves placing one or two drops of the oil on an innocuous area of the body and covering it for 24 hours. Generally, more isn’t better when it comes to essential oil use, so less really is more.
