Essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from flowers, leaves, stalks, roots and other parts of plants. They contain aromatic compounds that may produce characteristic odors.
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that aromatherapy with essential oils may help treat stress, sleep problems and pain. However, safety and proper dilution are key to avoid adverse reactions.
How to Use
As the name suggests, essential oils are not like your everyday vegetable and cooking oil. They’re much more concentrated and have a stronger scent. That means you must use them sparingly and follow the directions carefully.
Some of the most common uses of essential oils include aromatherapy, skin care and cooking. You can apply the oils to your skin, but always use a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba) first to dilute the power of the oil.
You can also inhale an oil’s scent, using the aroma to stimulate your senses or energize you. Some people use them in baths or to add a calming fragrance to their linens and pillows.
If you want to try essential oils for a health benefit, consult a trained aromatherapist, nurse, doctor, physical therapist or massage therapist for proper instructions and dilution. Also, keep all essential oils locked away and out of reach of children. The oils can be very strong and could cause irritation if used in the wrong way.
Safety
While they have antibacterial, antiviral and other properties, essential oils are not without risk. When used improperly, they can irritate or burn skin, cause allergic reactions, and inhalation of certain oils can affect your lungs and respiratory system.
Oils can also be toxic if ingested, so they should only be used in well-ventilated areas and kept away from children and pets. According to the Western Australian Poison Information Centre, ingestion can lead to vomiting, sweating, dizziness and difficulty breathing.
It’s also important to purchase a high-quality oil from a trusted source that clearly labels all ingredients and includes a customer service phone number for any questions. Look for a bottle that doesn’t have any added vegetable oil or other chemicals, which can change the chemical composition and effect of the oil. Always do a patch test, by rubbing a few drops of the diluted oil on a small area of your skin and waiting 24 hours for a reaction.
Precautions
Using essential oils can cause adverse reactions when used improperly. This is why it is important to consult a qualified integrative medicine professional for specific advice and guidance.
The most common problem with essential oils is skin irritation. It is important to dilute the oils before applying them to the skin. Using the wrong dilution can cause serious harm. It is also important to use a patch test before applying a new oil to the body. This is done by rubbing a small amount of diluted oil on an innocuous part of the body (usually the inner forearm) and waiting 24 hours to see if there are any signs of irritation.
Inhaling undiluted oils can irritate the respiratory tract. This can cause coughing, nasal and throat congestion, and shortness of breath in people who have conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also important to avoid getting essential oils in the eyes or on mucous membranes.
Ingredients
Essential oils are hydrophobic volatile liquids containing a variety of chemical compounds from plants. They are used to protect the plant from pests and to attract pollinating insects. They are distilled from flowers, stems, roots, leaves, bark, twigs and fruits of aromatic plants or cold pressed from citrus fruits. They are known for having relaxing, stimulating, antiseptic, bactericidal, decongestant, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties and are also effective skin care ingredients.
They contain numerous chemical components with various activities, including phenolics, terpenes, aldehydes, ketones and acids. They can be very strong and can have a strong aroma. They have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, and most are recognized by the USFDA as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compounds.
Some are reported to act as a natural mosquito repellent, but further research is needed. Pure essential oils are very concentrated and must be diluted before being added to products or consumed. They can contain chemicals that are phototoxic or endocrine disruptors, and may have other adverse effects when used at high concentrations.
