Essential oils can enhance your health in a variety of ways, including improving sleep and reducing stress, and helping to manage pain and nausea caused by cancer or its treatment. But be careful — these potent plant extracts can cause reactions and interact with some medications.
Always dilute before applying to skin or ingesting. And never use undiluted oils in a diffuser.
Antioxidant properties
Essential oils are volatile liquid secondary plant metabolites consisting of aromatic compounds, called terpenes, with lipophilic and hydrophobic properties. They are characterized by a high number of isoprene units including mono (C10H6), sesqui (C15H24) and diterpenes as well as phenylpropenes such as carvacrol.
The antioxidant capacity of some selected essential oils was investigated using the DPPH assay and the oil emulsion model. The results showed that the scavenging DPPH activity of the essential oils was correlated with the content of their main components.
The phenolic compounds present in essential oils are able to reduce oxidative stress in the body and protect against age-related diseases. The antimicrobial properties of essential oils were also investigated in test-tube experiments and found to be effective against bacteria. In addition, a 2024 review suggests that ingesting certain essential oils may help to treat chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Immune system support
Essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. They can help boost immunity, clean the air, and ease flu-like symptoms. They are also thought to help with autoimmune disease, although this is highly speculative since each person’s immune system is different.
In addition to using essential oils, it’s important to have a healthy diet and get enough sleep. Avoiding smoking and too much alcohol can also help improve immunity. Fish oil for immunity, cod liver oil, and vitamin C are great supplements that can enhance the immune system.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Essential oils are a powerful natural solution to many health concerns. They have antidepressant, stimulating, detoxifying, antibiotic, antiviral and calming properties and can be used as a safe alternative to expensive pharmaceuticals.
The essential oil of oregano is one of the strongest immune boosting and anti-inflammatory oils available. It contains phenolic compounds such as carvacrol and thymol, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
You can use essential oils to combat inflammation by using them in a diffuser or applying topically to the skin. But make sure to dilute the oil before applying it to your skin. Always be cautious with essential oils and keep them out of reach of children, as they are highly concentrated.
Pain relief
The natural properties of essential oils — which are extracted from flowers, bark, roots, stems and leaves — may improve physical and emotional well-being. These concentrated plant extracts can be inhaled, added to a carrier oil for massage or used in household products to clean and sanitize.
Research shows that essential oils can provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits, easing pain and reducing the need for some medications. However, more study is needed to determine how and why these compounds relieve pain.
Try these easy, at-home recipes and blends for pain relief: The neck roller for muscle soreness and tension; the calming foot reflexology blend for muscle relaxation; and the soothing hand rub for joint relief. Remember to dilute the essential oil before applying it to your skin.
Stress relief
Essential oils are a concentrated liquid mixture of chemicals that manufacturers extract from a variety of plant parts. They are known for their soothing, toning and grounding properties.
Many people find that aromatherapy with certain essential oil blends helps reduce stress and anxiety. The calming aroma of rose oil can soothe nervous tension, while bergamot’s citrusy scent can stimulate the brain and increase positive emotions.
Depending on the specific oils and blends you choose, they can be inhaled, applied to the skin or, in very small amounts (under direct supervision from a trained practitioner), taken by mouth. When buying essential oils, look for labels that list the Latin name of the plant and any other information on purity or additives. The oils should also be packaged in dark-colored glass to protect them from light and heat, which can cause oxidation.
