Essential oils have made a big splash in recent years, with many people praising them for everything from improving sleep to relieving pain and easing anxiety. But do these fragrant plant extracts really work?
These concentrated oils can be used to add flavor and aroma to food. But before adding them to a dish, here are a few things you should know.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses plant extracts to improve mood, relax muscles and promote healing. It’s thought that scents from the oils stimulate receptors in your nose, which communicate with parts of your brain that control emotions and memories. That stimulation may trigger certain chemical responses, such as reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol or increasing feel-good chemicals like serotonin.
Different oils contain unique aromatic compounds that determine their therapeutic properties. For example, linalool, found in the oil of ylang ylang, has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. And limonene, which is found in citrus oils, has been shown to boost your mood.
In general, aromatherapy using essential oils is considered safe when used according to the instructions on the label. But before you try it, talk to your doctor, especially if you have high blood pressure or other health conditions. Also, be sure to use only pure, authentic oils and avoid combining them with other products that might cause an allergic reaction.
Cooking with Essential Oils
Adding a drop of an essential oil to a recipe can bring a burst of flavor while also providing health benefits. When cooking with essential oils, it is important that the oils are properly diluted and used toward the end of the cooking process as heat can change their therapeutic properties.
Using high quality, culinary grade essential oils can elevate your favorite recipes to new heights. Our Taste the Rainbow Culinary Oils are carefully sourced and meticulously tested to ensure purity, potency, and safety. When paired with culinary herbs, spices, and food, they can add depth of flavor to any dish. This is primarily due to their strong concentration of plant extracts that are 50 to 70 times more potent than the herb/fruit itself. They are made up of volatile and aromatic compounds that are extracted from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruit of a plant.
Health Benefits
The scent of lavender, for example, can help calm you and reduce stress. Peppermint oil may relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and lemon oil can boost mood and improve energy.
However, the scientific evidence for many health claims is limited and more research is needed. Plus, the results of some studies can be influenced by expectancy bias, which occurs when people who use an alternative treatment believe it will improve their health.
It’s also important to be careful when using essential oils if you have certain medical conditions or take medications, Dechen says. For example, she doesn’t recommend using frankincense (Boswellia serrata) with blood thinners because of past research suggesting it can interact with them.
It’s also best to avoid putting essential oils directly on your skin and never inhale them undiluted. They can be irritating to the lungs, and prolonged exposure can lead to sinus irritation and respiratory distress, especially in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Safety
Essential oils can be safely used to keep a healthy immune system, promote good sleep and mood, aid in digestion and soothe feelings of discomfort. However, implementing these natural remedies into your everyday lifestyle requires a bit of education and awareness about their proper usage.
It’s important to understand that not all essential oils are created equal. High-quality oils undergo rigorous purity testing to ensure safety for household use. Those that aren’t safe should not be sold or distributed for internal use, as they can cause adverse reactions in some individuals.
For example, anise (Pimpinella anisum) oil contains toxic constituents anethole and phenolic ether. If ingested, it can cause circulatory and nervous system disturbances. Also, if applied topically, it can irritate skin, especially in those with sensitive skin or allergies. Furthermore, if used in excessive amounts, some oils can be irritating, and overuse can lead to sensitization. This is more likely with certain oils that contain furocoumarins.
