Unlocking The Power Of Essential Oils: Beyond Aromas

Essential oils are natural plant extracts that are commonly used in aromatherapy to improve health and mood. They are typically inhaled or applied to the skin after being diluted with a carrier oil. While they are often associated with aroma, essential oils are also used to treat a range of health issues, including headaches, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and pain. However, it is important to exercise caution when using essential oils, as some may cause allergic reactions or adverse side effects, especially if ingested.

Essential oils can be used to improve health and mood

Essential oils are more than just nice smells. They are powerful botanical medicines with a wide range of health and mood-enhancing benefits.

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant to capture the compounds that produce fragrance. It takes a lot of plant material to make essential oils, which is why some oils can be expensive. For example, it takes about 250 pounds of lavender flower to make 1 pound of lavender essential oil.

Essential oils can be used in aromatherapy, a kind of complementary medicine that uses scent to improve health and well-being. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain, particularly impacting the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain.

Essential oils can also be applied topically to the skin, usually diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil.

• Improve job performance through reduced stress and increased attentiveness
• Kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses
• Reduce anxiety and pain
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve asthma
• Prevent gum disease
• Relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
• Improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease
• Lower blood pressure
• Improve sleep
• Relieve headaches
• Improve mood and reduce depression
• Boost energy and relieve fatigue

Some popular essential oils and their benefits include:

• Lavender oil: helps relieve stress, anxiety, and promote good sleep
• Tea tree oil: used for acne, athlete's foot, and insect bites
• Peppermint oil: helps relieve IBS symptoms and tension headaches; boosts energy and relieves fatigue
• Lemon oil: boosts mood, aids digestion, and relieves headaches
• Rosemary oil: improves brain function, promotes hair growth, reduces pain, stress, and inflammation
• Bergamot oil: lowers blood pressure
• Cedarwood oil: helps with sleep and anxiety

They can be applied topically to the skin

Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin through a massage, bath, or skincare product. However, it is important to note that most essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without first being diluted. Typically, essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, castor, or avocado oil, to aid absorption, provide additional vitamins, and safeguard the skin against allergic reactions.

The University of Minnesota's Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing recommends diluting essential oils in a carrier oil at a concentration no greater than 1% when used in a massage oil. This equates to one drop of pure essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

It is also important to perform a patch test before applying essential oils to larger areas of the skin. To do this, dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil at twice the concentration you plan to use and rub the mixture into an area the size of a quarter on the inside of your forearm. If there is no allergic response within 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use.

Some essential oils are photosensitive, meaning they react to ultraviolet light and can cause a skin reaction. These oils can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, causing redness, discolouration, or blistering. It is recommended that you avoid direct sunlight for 12 to 24 hours after using these oils on your skin. Examples of photosensitive essential oils include lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, lemongrass, and bergamot.

In addition, while essential oils are generally considered safe, they can cause serious side effects for some people, especially if applied directly to the skin or ingested. It is important to use caution when applying essential oils and to always dilute them with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

They can be ingested, but this is not recommended

While essential oils are typically used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that uses plant extracts to support health and well-being, they can also be ingested orally. However, this practice is not recommended and is fraught with caveats and debate. Ingesting essential oils is outside their intended use, and their potency means that they can become toxic if too much is consumed.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, and even a few drops can be too much for the body to handle. When ingested, they can irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth, oesophagus, gut lining, and other parts of the digestive tract. Nausea, stomach pain, and neurological issues like nerve pain and numbness may also occur. The nerve endings in the mucosa, or the coating that protects the digestive tract, are closer to the surface than they are in the skin, so reactions may be stronger and faster. While the mucosa is inherently protective, continuously secreting mucus to dilute the essential oils, the initial sensation may be more intense than when applying oils topically.

Some essential oils are safer to ingest than others. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States maintains a list of essential oils that are "Generally Recognised as Safe" for consumption. However, the FDA does not regulate essential oils, and even these "safe" oils can have negative effects when ingested. Oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and wintergreen are known to be toxic and should never be swallowed. Cinnamon, thyme, and oregano oils should also be avoided.

If you are considering ingesting essential oils, it is important to consult a trained herbalist or healthcare professional for guidance. They can advise on which oils are safe and help administer correct, non-toxic doses. It is also crucial to use only the highest-quality, pure, and unadulterated essential oils from reputable brands that are transparent about their sourcing and extraction methods.

They can be used in aromatherapy to improve sleep and reduce anxiety

Essential oils are more than just nice smells. They can be used in aromatherapy to improve sleep and reduce anxiety.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain. Essential oils can also be absorbed by the skin.

Lavender oil is often used to relieve stress and anxiety and promote good sleep. A 2019 review evaluated 71 studies that used lavender to ease anxiety. It found that inhaling lavender could significantly lower anxiety levels. Massage with lavender oil was also found to help reduce anxiety levels.

Another popular oil for anxiety is valerian, which has a bold, woody, earthy or musky scent. Valerian is thought to contain compounds that promote sleep and calm nerves. It can have a mild sedative effect on the body.

Bergamot oil is used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema. It has a fruity and floral aroma.

Rose oil is extracted from rose petals and has a sweet, floral scent. It can be used to lower anxiety and improve mood.

Chamomile oil is well known for its relaxing, sedating properties and pleasant scent. It can be used to reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate generalised anxiety disorder.

Ylang-ylang oil can be used in aromatherapy to help lift an individual's mood. It can also have a calming effect and may help lower blood pressure.

While essential oils can be beneficial, it's important to use them safely. They should not be swallowed and should be diluted before being applied to the skin. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

They can be used as a natural alternative to mosquito repellents

Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that uses plant extracts to support health and well-being. However, they can also be used as a natural alternative to mosquito repellents.

Mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance, as they can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika. While commercial bug sprays may contain harsh chemicals, essential oils can be an effective and natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Citronella essential oil, derived from the citronella plant, is one of the most popular choices for repelling mosquitoes. It can be found in candles or incorporated into bug repellent lotions. Citronella oil is also effective against other pests such as fleas, head lice, and ticks.

Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is another effective option, as it contains high amounts of the compound citronellal, which repels insects. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends lemon eucalyptus oil as an active ingredient in insect repellents, especially in areas with mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.

Other essential oils that can help repel mosquitoes include lavender, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, tea tree oil, and chamomile. These oils can be applied topically, used in a diffuser, or diluted and sprayed to keep mosquitoes away.

It is important to note that essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without first being diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil. Additionally, some essential oils may not be suitable for children, so it is important to read the labels and instructions before use.

By using essential oils as mosquito repellents, you can enjoy the outdoors while also benefiting from their natural, plant-based properties.

Frequently asked questions