Essential oils have demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in test-tube studies. They have also shown promise as natural food preservatives.
In order to use them topically, pure essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil or other vegetable or nut oil. A typical dilution is one drop to an ounce of carrier oil.
Antioxidants
Most essential oils contain antioxidants, which help prevent damage caused by free radicals. They can also reduce oxidation of fats in foods, which helps preserve their flavor and nutritional value.
Phenolic rich essential oil (cinnamon, thyme and clove) exhibited high antioxidant activity on scavenging DPPH free radical and inhibiting polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation in fish oil emulsion as well as reducing the oxidative stress in human red blood cells, whereas non-phenolic essential oils such as lavender and peppermint showed low antioxidant activities. The results suggest that the antioxidant activities of the studied essential oils may be attributed to their major compounds exhibiting synergistic effect.
In addition, the reducing power of the essential oils was also determined. The essential oils from Erigeron species exhibited a higher reducing capacity than those from other plants.
Antimicrobial
Essential oils are natural plant compounds that exhibit the ability to hamper the growth of a variety of microbial pathogens. This activity depends on the chemical constituents of the oil.
The antimicrobial effects of MAPs may either inhibit bacterial growth (bacteriostatic) or destroy the bacteria by attacking their cell walls (bactericidal). The antimicrobial activity is typically determined using an agar diffusion assay.
In vitro studies have shown that essential oils from several MAPs possess significant antifungal activity against the fungi Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum. They act by increasing the permeability of the fungus cell membrane, interrupting the cellular metabolism and enzyme kinetics, and causing lysis of the fungus cells. However, more clinical studies are needed to verify these findings. Essential oils may also cause skin irritation if not properly diluted, so it is important to consult with your healthcare professional before applying them to the skin or breathing them in.
Anti-inflammatory
Several factors can cause chronic low-level inflammation in the body, and this may lead to various health problems. Essential oils are revered for their anti-inflammatory properties and can complement a healthy diet to help reduce inflammation.
Studies show that essential oils can inhibit inflammatory pathways by scavenging free radicals or chelating metal ions. These anti-inflammatory effects depend on the chemical composition of the oil.
Inhaling essential oils is not recommended for individuals with respiratory chronic conditions like asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Unless the oil is highly diluted, it can irritate your nasal and bronchial tubes, triggering irritation and exacerbating symptoms of your health condition. Before using any oil, try a patch test to identify possible allergies and sensitivities. This involves applying a small amount of the diluted oil to an innocuous part of your skin and waiting for 24 hours to see if it causes any allergic reactions.
Antispasmodic
The oils contain antispasmodic agents that help relax muscles. For example, a massage therapist may use wintergreen oil to loosen tight muscles during a rubdown. A bath company might add a few drops of lavender to the tub for a soothing soak.
Essential oils can be inhaled or combined with a carrier oil for direct application on the skin. Some can cause irritation and should be avoided by those with sensitive skin. They can also interact with certain medications, so it’s important to check with your healthcare professional if you are taking any drugs.
More research is needed on many of the health benefits associated with essential oils. For instance, there’s limited data on the absorption, distribution and metabolism of these oils in humans.
Aromatic
Essential oils are distilled or extracted from parts of plants to create concentrated plant extracts that have the fragrance of the plant. They are used in lotions, household cleaners, massage oils and in integrative complementary medicine for a wide range of health problems, including calming anxiety and insomnia, easing headaches, taming a queasy stomach and reducing aches and pains. When you inhale an aroma from an essential oil, the scent molecules travel through olfactory nerves to the limbic system of your brain, which regulates emotions and memories.
The phytochemicals in many essential oils demonstrate antioxidant, antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties. But much more research is needed to support the use of these oils as a treatment option.
