Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that contain the smell and flavor, or ‘essence’, of the source. They can be used as perfumes, in cooking, and in aromatherapy.
The oils vaporize when you inhale them, and their molecules move quickly to the part of your brain that detects smells. This affects your mood and may help relieve some physical symptoms.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other aromatic plant materials for psychological and physiological health benefits. It is a widely practiced form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and has become an integral part of health care. Essential oils have been shown to alleviate psychologic symptoms such as mood alterations, anxiety and depression and also to relieve physiologic symptoms like fatigue, nausea and neuropathic pain.
It is not known exactly how aromatherapy works, but researchers think that when you inhale an essential oil molecule, it interacts with the smell receptors in your nose and affects parts of your brain associated with emotion and memory. For example, lavender is thought to stimulate the amygdala, which helps regulate emotions and memory.
You can use essential oils for massage by diluting them with a carrier oil and applying them to your skin. Some people choose to use a diffuser to spread the scent through the air, while others apply the oil directly to the skin in a massage.
Cooking
Cooking with essential oils can be a great way to add more fun, flavor and healthy benefits to your culinary adventures. Essential Oils have antimicrobial properties and can help with preserving food for longer periods of time. This is especially true for Oregano, Thyme, and Clove oils. They are also great for keeping yeast and spoilage fungi at bay.
When cooking with essential oils it is important to always use them diluted into a lipid (fat) first. This will ensure that they do not get absorbed into the body in large amounts which can be toxic. It is also a good idea to only add them toward the end of your recipe.
Many people are also discovering that cooking with essential oils is a great alternative to conventional seasonings and spice mixes. Essential Oils provide a variety of ways to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. They also offer a wide array of therapeutic benefits when consumed.
Health
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, with a wide range of therapeutic properties. Depending on their chemical composition and growth conditions, they have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal and other beneficial biological effects.
A single oil can contain a mixture of thousands of different constituents, and it’s the specific ratio of those constituents that gives each oil its wellness-enhancing or therapeutic properties. These chemicals, or phytochemicals, are secreted by the seeds, roots, stems, barks, flowers, leaves, resins and zest of plants.
Many people use essential oils to promote health, but there is little scientific evidence to support broad claims about their medicinal benefits. Inhaling undiluted oils may irritate the respiratory tract and can cause an allergic reaction on sensitive skin. When using essential oils, consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and personalized recommendations.
Safety
Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile, hydrophobic liquids secreted by tiny glands located in the seeds, grasses, roots, barks, flowers, resins, zest and wood of plants. They’re also referred to as volatile oils, ethereal oils or aetherolea. Essential oil production methods vary, but generally include steam or water distillation and cold pressing, a mechanical process that involves squeezing or crushing plant material to release its juices.
When used topically, essential oils can irritate or burn sensitive skin, and they may cause a headache in some people who inhale them. They can also trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate respiratory conditions in some individuals.
Accidentally ingesting essential oils can be dangerous and even life-threatening, with symptoms that can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. When buying essential oils, look for a brand that produces pure oils without anything added. You want the lowest toxicity level possible. Also, be sure to use a safe storage space for your oil and keep it out of the reach of children.
