Essential oils aren’t regulated by the government, so quality varies widely. Some contain nothing but chemicals, which can’t have the same health effects as true plant-derived oils.
Inhaling essential oils can irritate the respiratory tract, and some may interfere with medications or trigger allergies. For these reasons, prioritizing safety and proper dilution is essential.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves using aromatic plant oils to promote health and well-being. Plant oils are diluted and applied to the skin or inhaled. Aromatherapy may ease pain, promote sleep, relax muscles and reduce anxiety and depression. It may also help a person cope with a stressful situation, such as surgery or childbirth. However, research is limited.
In laboratory tests, chemical compounds in some essential oils have shown antibacterial and antifungal properties. Other chemicals in these oils may boost a person’s immune system or relieve symptoms of PMS and menopause, such as headaches.
Inhaled or ingested aromatherapy oils can irritate the throat and nose, and some may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. People should avoid ingesting undiluted essential oils or using them on infants.
Food Preparation
Aside from being aromatic, essential oils are a versatile ingredient for culinary purposes. Their high concentration makes them potent, so a little goes a long way. Using them as a substitute for fresh herbs, citrus zest and juice, spices, or any other flavor enhancer can make cooking easier and more flavorful.
Adding antimicrobial properties to foods through the use of essential oils is also possible. However, further research on the mode of action of essential oil constituents and the underlying factors that govern synergy is needed.
It is important to note that not all essential oils are safe to ingest and should be used with caution. Ingestion of wintergreen oil, for example, can be dangerous and even fatal if a large enough dose is swallowed. To avoid this, only use essential oils that are labeled as “food-grade” or those that have been “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA’s OPSS (Operational Supplement Safety Standards). Also, keep in mind that quality of an essential oil can vary greatly due to how and where it is produced, as well as how it is stored.
Health Care
Essential oils have been promoted as having medicinal properties for centuries. They are concentrated plant extracts that can be used to make a fragrant mist, inhaled or applied directly to the skin for aromatherapy purposes. Modern scientific research is untangling the complex chemical compositions and bioactivity of these natural substances.
While some studies support claims of therapeutic benefits, much more clinical evidence is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety. Inhaling essential oils may irritate the respiratory system and cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Because they are so concentrated, essential oils should not be swallowed or applied to the mucous membranes, like the nose and throat. Essential oils should also be kept away from children, pets and people with weakened immune systems. If a person accidentally ingests an oil or gets it into the eyes or ears, they should call a poison control center. Some oils, such as those containing high levels of phenols (natural chemicals), can increase the risk of skin irritation or burns.
Cosmetics
Inside many plants — hidden in roots, seeds, flowers, bark and leaves — are concentrated, potent chemical compounds called essential oils. Manufacturers use these oils as flavor and fragrance enhancers in products such as food additives, soaps, plastic resins and perfumes.
When inhaled, scent molecules travel from the nose down the olfactory nerves to the limbic system of the brain, where they can influence mood and memory. Lavender oil, for example, can calm a nervous stomach; peppermint and tea tree oils are used to relieve headaches; and thyme oil has been shown to have anti-proliferative activity in cancer cells.
However, since they are unregulated and there is little research to support claims of therapeutic benefits, it’s best to use them in moderation. When choosing essential oils, look for a product that has been processed minimally using steam or cold pressing. You may also want to buy a brand that has a reputation for quality and purity.
