Essential Oils...Do they Work?

Essential Oils...Do they Work?

 

Essential Oils Research

• Are they really effective?

• How do they work?

• Are they just a fad or a scam?

• Why haven’t more studies been done on them?

• What about the safety issues?

 

 

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are extracted from plants using a variety of methods, usually with distillation or expression. An essential oil has the “essential” aromatic and chemical properties of that plant.

• Oxides – expectorant, antiseptic, anesthetic

• Alcohols – antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, stimulate immunes system

• Phenols – fragrance, antiseptic, anti-acterial, possibly anti-cancerious

• Ketones – stimulate cell regeneration, loosen mucous

• Aldehydes – anti-infectious, sedative, topical irritants, calming when inhaled

• Terpenes – inhibit toxin accumulation and discharge them from liver and kidneys

• Esters – anti-fungal, calming, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacteria

How Do Essential Oils Work?

Essential oils are made up of minute molecules that are very easily absorbed. Each oil has a unique chemical composition. Studies have shown linalyl acetate to be anti-inflammatory, sedative, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. So then it would make sense to take advantage of these properties by using lavender essential oils for sleep and firition of terpenes, esters, oxides, alcohols, phenols, ketones, and aldehydes. These components interact with bodily systems and, depending on the essential oil, can stimulate the immune system, aid cell growth, help eliminate toxins, kill bacteria and viruses, and so on.

 

How Are Essential Oils Used

 

Essential oils are used by topical application, inhalation, or ingestion. How an essential oil should be used depends on the goal of use, the properties of the oil, and safety concerns. Depending on the desired effect of the oil, people will often use a combination of delivery methods. With all of these applications, it’s important to research into proper use for each essential oil, especially for children and pregnant and nursing mothers.

 

Absorption:  When essential oils are absorbed through the skin or lungs, they enter fluids and are distributed throughout the body, where their chemical constituents can interact with other bodily systems. Example: Lavender essential oil has 40% linalyl acetate, which is an ester.  When you smell an essential oil, cilia and receptor cells in the olfactory organ receive the aroma and send signals to the limbic system of the brain, which is the center of memory and emotion. It also is connected to areas of the brain that control blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, hormone balance, and more.

Topical Application:  Essential oils can be applied to the skin, which is somewhat permeable, to be absorbed into the blood stream. Some areas of skin (under arms, head, palms, soles of feet, etc.) are more permeable than others. Warming or massaging the skin may also increase absorbency. Essential oils are most often applied to the skin along with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, or as an ingredient in lotions and other beauty products.