Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that have healing properties. There are more than 90 varieties of them, and each variety has its own distinctive aroma and health benefits.
Inhaled or applied correctly, essential oils are safe and can be used to treat a wide range of problems, from stress and insomnia to pain and nausea. Just be sure to dilute them properly.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are gaining popularity as natural health remedies for sleep, headaches and more. But before you apply any of these concentrated plant extracts to your skin or inhale them, it’s important to know how and where they work.
You can use aromatherapy by putting drops of oil in a diffuser that turns them into a mist and disperses the scent into the air. You can also rub the oil on your temples or wrists to ease a headache or put it in a bath. But before you do, mix it with a mild oil like jojoba or a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy has guidelines on proper dilution. And never apply undiluted oils directly to your body, since they can irritate or burn it. You should also tell your aromatherapist if you have any nut allergies, as many carrier oils come from nuts and seeds. Then, they can avoid any oils that contain a component known as phenol, which may trigger a certain type of allergic reaction in some people.
Cooking with Essential Oils
In the culinary world, essential oils can take your cooking to new heights! They can add a rich, aromatic flavor and help promote a healthy lifestyle.* Experimenting with different oils within safe guidelines and using a few basic tips can elevate your dishes to the next level.
These highly concentrated, volatile and hydrophobic liquids are extracted from the seed, bark, roots, flowers, leaves, or fruits of plants (Vianna, Marinho, Junior, Ibrahim & De Souza Sant’Ana, 2023). The name essential oil is derived from its distinctive aroma which captures the “essence” of the plant from which it was distilled.
You should always dilute your essential oils before adding them to hot food, and you must wait until the dish has finished cooking. Heat destroys the delicate oils, and it will diminish any medicinal properties they have. They also evaporate very quickly in the air, so it is important to stir them in after your recipe has finished cooking and to use only a few drops.
Health Benefits
Essential oils, which contain a plant’s signature scent, are concentrated extracts that can be used in multiple ways. They can be applied to the skin, diffused or ingested in foods and beverages. They may also have therapeutic properties.
Some studies suggest that certain essential oil combinations may ease symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment, such as stress, anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting. But it’s important to remember that essential oils are not a magic cure and should be used with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Many essential oils can irritate the respiratory system when inhaled at high concentrations and should be avoided by individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s also important to check that they don’t interact with medications you are taking. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on your health history.
Safety
Using essential oils can help boost the health of your skin, but they can be harmful if they are not used properly. It is important to use the right dilution for your age group when applying them to the skin, or you could experience burning, skin irritation and photosensitivity.
It is also important to know that you should never put essential oils directly in your eyes or nostrils. If you do this, it can cause immediate damage and should be avoided. It is best to dilute the oil first in a carrier oil or use it in a diffuser.
Another thing to keep in mind is that many of the commercially available essential oils on the market do not go through proper testing, and they may contain synthetic ingredients that can alter their health benefits. This is why it is important to only buy high-quality, pure essential oils that have been tested. These oils should have a high potency and smell fresh, not old or stale.
