The Many Benefits of Essential Oils
The many benefits of essential oils extracted from aromatic plants and their use represents an important part of the traditional pharmacopeia. Essential oils (EOs) are interesting natural products that contain a tremendously broad variety of phytochemicals (naturally–occurring organic compounds made by plants). The use of some essential oils as alternative antimicrobial and pharmaceutical agents, although the practice has existed for millennia and was ultimately replaced by “modern” Western medicine, has attracted considerable interest recently.
Most of the essential oils and their single constituents have been reported to inhibit several phytopathogens, human pathogens and insects, as well as their effective uses in food and pharmaceutical industries. This review discusses the chemical composition and bioactivity of some important essential oils extracted from certain Mediterranean plants and their principal bioactive single constituents.
Information has been furnished on the mechanism (MOA), mode of action (MoA), and factors affecting the bioactivity of some single constituents from different Mediterranean plant essential oils. This review provides insight into some common plant essential oils belonging to Lamiaceae (the mint family), Apiaceae (or Umbelliferae, a family of aromatic flowering plants), Rutaceae (flowering shrubs), and Verbenaceae (verbena or vervain, a family of mainly tropical flowering plants) families commonly growing in Mediterranean region.
Further information is provided about the medical uses of some essential oils for human diseases covering their pharmacological effects (anti–inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic), as well as their antimicrobial effects. Although plant essential oils are considered promising natural alternatives for many chemical drugs, they still need more specific research before their wide application, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
An Overview of Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts distilled into oil. Popular in complementary and alternative medicine, these oils, derived from flowers, leaves, roots, and other parts of plants, have been used for medicinal purposes in some cultures for millennia. Continuing scientific research has found that certain essential oils do indeed have health benefits; in fact, many modern medications are derived from essential oils.
However, while some oils are beneficial in small doses, others can be dangerous. And because essential oils are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most should be used with caution, ideally with the guidance of a certified health practitioner or medical doctor.
Therapeutic Benefits of Essential Oils
Uses
Essential oils are often used to ease stress, boost mood, relieve pain from headaches and migraines, improve sleep, quell nausea, and even repel insects. Most essential oils have antiseptic properties as well. The beneficial compounds in oils are delivered in any one of three ways: inhalation, topical application to the skin and oral ingestion.
Inhalation
Essential oils typically are extracted using steam distillation, a process that involves applying steam to a plant until only oil remains. Essential oils contain volatile organic compounds, which make up the strong characteristic scent of a plant and are the source of their therapeutic effects.
In aromatherapy, these volatile organic compounds are inhaled using either a drop of oil on a piece of cloth, jewelry or other item, or diffused into the air with an aromatherapy diffuser. Inhalation is the safest method for using essential oils.
When inhaled, molecules in essential oils are believed to influence the functions of the central nervous system (CNS), metabolism and the limbic area of the brain, as well as the production and release of hormones and neurotransmitters.
Comedogenic Rating
A comedogenic rating is a rating given to different natural substances to inform consumers of whether the substance will react poorly to their skin, either causing irritation, clogging their pores, or worsening conditions like acne. Comedogenic ratings are given on a scale of 0–5, the lowest representing a substance least likely to cause a negative reaction or irritation.
A low comedogenic rating means the oil should be safe for most skin types, even sensitive or problematic. Some oils with a low comedogenic rating could even help treat irritations and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea. Some oils with a low comedogenic rating might even help people with oily skin experience a purging effect.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils before use, and they come in a variety of forms. Some of the most popular carrier oils include jojoba, sweet almond and grapeseed. To learn more about these versatile ingredients, check out this detailed carrier oil guide.
Common Essential Oils
There are hundreds of essential oils, each with a unique scent, and medicinal and beauty benefits.
- Basil: Distilled from the edible, fragrant leafy cooking herb, basil essential oil is believed to ease coughs and congestion, enhance mood, improve digestion, increase alertness, and soothe muscle aches.
- Bergamot: This citrus essential oil gives Earl Grey tea (a black tea blend) its distinctive flavor and is used to relieve anxiety. Bergamot essential oil also is being studied for its potential to lower cholesterol.
- Calendula: A relative of the marigold, calendula may soothe rashes, wounds, yeast infections, and other skin irritations.
- Carrot Seed: Used in cosmetics, this oil has antibacterial and anti–inflammatory properties.
- Cedarwood: Used to treat hair loss, cedar or cedarwood oil may also ease stress and improve sleep.
- Cinnamon: Research suggests the oil in this popular spice may improve circulation, relieve stress, ease pain, fight off infections, and improve digestion.
- Citronella: A natural insect repellant, citronella (lemongrass) also may relieve stress and fatigue.
- Clove: Spicy clove oil can be used to treat toothaches and other types of pain.
- Eucalyptus: The active ingredient in “VapoRub”, eucalyptus is commonly used to treat colds, congestion, and coughs, and is being studied for antibacterial benefits.
- Frankincense: This Biblical oil can help treat dry skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, scars, and stretch marks. It is also being investigated as an anti–cancer agent.
- Geranium: Commonly used in skincare, research shows this floral oil has antimicrobial properties.
- Grapefruit: This citrus oil is said to relieve hangovers and jet lag and is used to reduce stress, stimulate circulation, increase energy, enhance mood, and improve digestion.
- Helichrysum: This oil has a medicinal scent and is often used to reduce inflammation, promote healing of wounds and burns, stimulate digestion, boost the immune system, and soothe body and mind.
- Jasmine: A sweet–smelling floral oil, jasmine is touted as a stress–reliever with the potential to help treat dry skin and signs of aging, inflammation, and psoriasis.
- Lavender: One of the most widely used essential oils, lavender is used for relaxation and to relieve insomnia.
- Lemon: Said to boost mood and energy, this citrus oil relieves anxiety and may help promote weight loss.
- Lemongrass: Used for stress–relief and to help boost immunity, studies suggest this oil can treat dandruff and fungal infections, and ease anxiety, headaches, and upset stomach.
- Myrrh: Myrrh is believed to ease coughs and colds, soothe digestive discomfort, and boost immunity.
- Neem: Neem is used to treat nail fungus and acne. It also is an effective insect repellent.
- Neroli: This sweet oil is used to relieve anxiety and may lower blood pressure.
- Orange: The bright citrus scent of orange can boost energy and improve mood. There’s also research to suggest it can ease anxiety.
- Patchouli: This musky scent, popular in incense, has been found to improve sleep in studies.
- Peppermint: Peppermint is popular essential oil that is used for headaches, pain, and stomach issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
- Rose: One of the more expensive essential oils, this highly prized soothing floral scent may ease stress and menstrual cramps.
- Rosemary: Distilled from the cooking herb, rosemary essential oil is believed to enhance mental focus and is being studied for the prevention of dementia.
- Sandalwood: Popular in meditation centers and spas, this fragrant earthy scent is thought to relieve anxiety and improve sleep.
- Tea Tree: This distinctively–scented oil is used to treat fungal skin infections and as a spot treatment for acne.
- Ylang Ylang: Used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve mood, and enhance libido, research shows this oil also may lower blood pressure.
How To Use Essential Oils
Consult with a medical professional if you plan to use essential oils. Especially if you are taking any prescribed medications. Essential oils are not recommended to eat or drink.
Caution: never apply essential oils to your skin without first diluting in appropriate ratios with a carrier oil.
First, you must get a carrier oil for these essential oils. Some of these carriers include argan, coconut, olive, grapeseed, apricot kernel, avocado, sweet almond, rosehip seed, and jojoba. These carrier oils on their own can also enhance cellular regeneration preventing the formation of wrinkles. The best way to use any of these essential oils is through topical application and massaging into the skin.
Remember these before using essential oils:
- Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil.
- Perform a 24–hour skin patch test.
- Use in small amounts because these oils are highly concentrated.
- Take care to avoid mucous membranes and protect your eyes when applying to skin around the eyes.
Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.
Essential Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. There are some oils they should steer clear of altogether, according to the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IPFA) these are: acorus calamus, ajwain, allspice, amyris, anise (aniseed), angelica, apricot kernel, asafoetida, babchi, bergamot, cinnamon, clove, cumin, fennel, hyssop, oregano, Peru balsam, thyme, sage, star anise, sweet birch and wintergreen.
Buying and Storage
Look for oils sold in dark amber or cobalt blue glass bottles labeled with the Latin name of the plant. Never buy essential oil products packaged in plastic bottles, as the oils can dissolve plastic and become contaminated with it.
When purchasing oils to use in a diffuser, opt for undiluted oils labeled “therapeutic grade”. These are typically sold in bottles that are 15ml (0.5 fluid oz.) or smaller. For topical application over large areas of skin, such as in massage or ointments, diluting the oils with a carrier oil such as jojoba, olive, argan or coconut is the best practice.
Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent spoiling or degrading. With proper storage and handling, they can have a shelf life of 1+ years.
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Sources:
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/category/essential-oils/
An Overview of the Biological Effects of Some Mediterranean Essential Oils on Human Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694587/
by Hazem S. Elshafie and Ippolito Camele, Nov 5, 2017
An Overview of Essential Oils
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-essential-oils-88807
By Cathy Wong, Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND on April 20, 2020