Essential oils have been getting a lot of buzz for their ability to treat a variety of ailments. These concentrated plant-based oils have powerful healing properties when used appropriately, including in cooking.
When preparing food, only use essential oil that is labeled as “food grade” and has been approved by the FDA for culinary purposes. Always perform a patch test and prioritize safety and proper dilution.
Antioxidants
Essential oils are volatile liquids found in the seeds, barks, stems, roots, flowers, resins and peels of certain plants. They can be used to prevent disease and improve the health of animals and humans. They also function as natural preservatives for foods, beverages and cosmetics.
Thirteen essential oil samples were tested for antioxidant activity using three different assay systems. They showed significant scavenging activity against the DPPH radical, inhibition of polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation in fish oil emulsion (FOE) and reduced oxidative stress in red blood cells. The results indicate that phenolic components such as D-limonene and 1,8-cineol could contribute to the observed antioxidant activities. However, the disc diffusion method may not fully reflect their antimicrobial activity in biological fluid such as blood, which consists of aqueous and lipid phases.
Antimicrobial
As antimicrobial agents, essential oils have the ability to kill pathogens. They contain phenols, which are broad-spectrum disinfectants, as well as terpenes and sesquiterpenes. The terpenes contain 2 groups of 5 carbon building blocks known as isoprene units: mono (C10H16) and sesqui (C15H24).
Test-tube studies have shown that ingesting some essential oils can kill bacteria. But these results do not necessarily reflect how the oils would act in your body.
One study found that ten of the 19 essential oil volatile constituents tested inhibited mycobacterium smegmatis. The highest potency came from rosemary and tea tree oils. The researchers concluded that the antimicrobial properties of the oils might be attributed to oxygenated monoterpene hydrocarbons, such as 1,8-cineole and caryophyllene oxide. The frankincense oil showed similar activity against antibiotic-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Anti-inflammatory
A growing body of research suggests essential oils may have supplemental health benefits. But it’s still important to talk with your healthcare professional before trying them, as they may interact with medications and may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Depending on the chemical composition, essential oils can act as anti-inflammatory agents. One example is eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus). It enhances phagocytosis, a process immune cells use to engulf and “eat” germs, and reduces inflammatory cytokines produced by some innate immune cells.
There is some evidence peppermint oil relieves irritable bowel syndrome symptoms when taken in an enteric-coated capsule or applied topically. And lemon oil has been shown to work as a natural citrus preservative in food because it contains limonene, which inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes.
Antispasmodic
The antispasmodic properties of certain essential oils, like lemon grass oil and eucalyptus oil, can help to relieve symptoms of the common cold. This is because the oils contain compounds that can strengthen the immune system by killing fungi, bacteria and viruses. These compounds include aldehydes and phenols.
Because of their high concentration and volatile nature, it is important to be careful with the use of essential oils. Always dilute them in a carrier oil or other substance before applying to the skin or using as a fragrance. Also, always purchase from a reputable company that can provide you with the Latin name of the plant and a GC/MS (purity) report for each batch of oil. This is especially important for medical applications. It is also important to ask your healthcare professional before trying any new oil.
Inhalant
Many essential oils have antioxidant properties, which can help prevent damage to cells. They can also help boost the immune system and fight off pathogens that cause disease.
Essential oils can be inhaled directly or added to a carrier oil to be applied to the skin. They can have immediate effects on the body, such as soothing a headache or reducing stress.
Because the FDA does not regulate essential oils, it is important to buy from reputable companies. Choose a high-quality oil that has been minimally changed by the extraction process and read labels carefully to ensure the recommended dosage is not too much. Also, remember that everyone has a different reaction to these volatile organic compounds. If you have any questions, talk with your integrative medicine expert.
