Aroma Oil: Organic Or Synthetic?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts, or essential oils, to promote health and well-being. Essential oils are obtained through distillation or mechanical methods such as cold pressing. They are most commonly used in aromatherapy, where they are inhaled or applied to the skin after being diluted with a carrier oil. While there are many claimed health benefits of essential oils, such as improved sleep quality and reduced stress, scientific evidence for aromatherapy is considered limited in some areas.

Aromatherapy and its benefits

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. It is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that has been used for thousands of years. Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption, using products such as body oils, creams, or lotions for massage or topical application, as well as hot and cold compresses.

Aromatherapy has been found to have a wide range of benefits, including:

• Improved sleep quality
• Reduced stress, agitation, and anxiety
• Treating headaches and migraines
• Alleviating side effects of chemotherapy
• Easing discomforts of labor
• Fighting bacteria, viruses, or fungi
• Improving hospice and palliative care
• Managing pain
• Easing digestion
• Boosting relaxation
• Improving mood
• Relieving menstrual symptoms

Aromatherapy is also used to treat specific conditions, including:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Erectile dysfunction
• Alopecia areata (hair loss)
• Agitation, possibly including agitation related to dementia
• Constipation (with abdominal massage using aromatherapy)
• Pain
• Itching, a common side effect for those receiving dialysis

While aromatherapy has been found to have many benefits, it is important to note that it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. In addition, essential oils should always be diluted before being applied to the skin, and should not be ingested unless under the supervision of a trained professional.

Extraction methods

There are several methods for extracting aromatic compounds from raw materials. The most popular method is steam distillation, which involves passing steam through raw plant materials to vaporize their volatile compounds. The vaporized compounds are then cooled and condensed back into liquid form, separating the essential oil from the water. Other distillation methods include water/steam distillation, hydro-distillation, molecular distillation, and dry/destructive distillation.

Another popular method is solvent extraction, which uses food-grade solvents such as ethanol, benzene, dimethyl ether, or hexane to dissolve and isolate the aromatic compounds. This method is often used for delicate aromatics such as jasmine and rose, which cannot withstand the pressure of steam distillation. The resulting product is called an absolute and is highly concentrated with a vivid colour.

CO2 extraction is a modern technique that uses carbon dioxide as the solvent. Pressurized CO2 becomes a liquid while remaining in a gaseous state ("supercritical"), allowing it to act as a solvent on the plant matter. Once the essential oil content is dissolved into the liquid CO2, the pressure is released, causing the CO2 to evaporate back into a gas, leaving only the resulting oil. This method is gentle, fast, and completely enclosed, preserving the chemical constituents of the plant.

Cold-press extraction, also known as expression or scarification, is commonly used for citrus peels. The whole fruit is pierced to rupture the essential oil sacs, and then pressed to squeeze out the oil and juice. The solids are then separated from the liquids through centrifugation.

One of the oldest methods of essential oil extraction is enfleurage, which uses vegetable or animal fats to absorb the fragrance of flowers. This process can be done "hot" or "cold", with the fat and fragrant oil mixture being washed with alcohol to separate the botanical extract. However, this technique is rarely used today due to its high cost and the availability of more efficient methods.

Carrier oils

When selecting a carrier oil, there are a few things to consider:

• Odor: The scent of the carrier oil may alter the aroma of the essential oil.
• Absorption: Some carrier oils are more easily absorbed by the skin than others.
• Skin type: Depending on your skin type, some oils may irritate the skin or worsen skin conditions such as acne.
• Shelf life: Some carrier oils can be stored for longer periods than others.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a popular carrier oil that has been used as a moisturiser for centuries. It has antimicrobial properties due to its high lauric acid content. It is available in refined or unrefined varieties, with the latter retaining its coconut aroma and flavour.
• Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is technically a wax, but it is often used in massages due to its powerful moisturising properties. It is thought to mimic sebum, the skin's natural oil, and may help reduce oil production in acne-prone skin.
• Apricot kernel oil: This oil is high in fatty acids and vitamin E, and it absorbs easily into the skin. It has a slightly sweet, nutty scent and can be used to soften and calm irritated, itchy skin.
• Sweet almond oil: Sweet almond oil has a strong, nutty aroma and is a great moisturiser for dry skin. However, its strong scent may mask the aroma of the essential oil.
• Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is the preferred variety for aromatherapy and skincare preparations. It is packed with fatty acids and plant sterols, making it great for cleansing and moisturising dry skin.
• Argan oil: Argan oil is rich in vitamins A and E, and monounsaturated fatty acids. It can be used to treat dry skin and hair, wrinkles, and skin inflammation.
• Rosehip oil: Rosehip oil is high in vitamins A and C, which can help fight ageing and reverse the effects of sun exposure on the skin.
• Black seed oil: Black seed oil is lesser-known but is rich in unsaturated and saturated fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to soothe skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
• Grape seed oil: Grape seed oil is lightweight, easily absorbed by the skin, and has a neutral scent. It is rich in vitamin E, which is thought to heal the skin and reduce wrinkles.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil is a heavy, thick oil high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that helps dry, damaged skin. However, it may increase sebum production, so those with acne-prone skin should use it with caution.
• Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil has a neutral odour and acts as a skin barrier against toxins and germs, making it a great choice for irritated skin.

Health claims

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to improve health and mood. Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts from plants, and their use in aromatherapy can be traced back nearly 6,000 years. Aromatherapy can be administered through inhalation or topical application.

Inhalation involves using a diffuser, spray, oil droplets, or steam bath to evaporate the oils into the air. This stimulates the olfactory system, which is connected to the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system is linked to emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, and hormone balance.

Topical applications include massage oils, bath products, and skincare products that are absorbed through the skin. It is important to note that essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin but must always be diluted with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or olive oil.

While aromatherapy is often touted as a natural remedy for various ailments, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited and sometimes inconclusive. Here are some of the health claims associated with aromatherapy:

• Stress and anxiety relief: Research suggests that aromatherapy can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, with some studies showing positive effects on these conditions when used alongside traditional therapy.
• Improved sleep: Aromatherapy has been linked to improved sleep quality, particularly in women after childbirth and patients with heart disease.
• Pain relief: Aromatherapy has been found to reduce pain associated with arthritis, headaches, and migraines.
• Nausea relief: Essential oils such as peppermint and lavender have been observed to reduce nausea.
• Boosted energy and improved digestion: Oils like peppermint are said to boost energy and aid digestion.
• Reduced inflammation: Test-tube studies suggest that essential oils may have anti-inflammatory effects, but human studies are lacking in this area.
• Antibiotic and antimicrobial properties: Test-tube studies have shown that essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil have antimicrobial effects, but their effectiveness in treating bacterial infections in humans is yet to be proven.
• Improved hair growth: Aromatherapy has been linked to encouraging hair growth in people with alopecia.
• Lowered blood pressure: Some studies indicate that aromatherapy can help lower blood pressure.
• Menopause symptom relief: Aromatherapy has been associated with alleviating symptoms associated with menopause.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of aromatherapy can vary among individuals, and it should be used alongside conventional treatment rather than as a replacement. Additionally, essential oils should be used with caution, especially for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with allergies or specific health conditions.

Safety and side effects

Aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils, is generally safe. However, there are some safety precautions and potential side effects to be aware of when using these products.

Firstly, it is important to note that essential oils are not regulated by the FDA. This means that it is crucial to purchase essential oils from reputable sources and to research the quality of the brand. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil, and never ingest essential oils unless advised by a trained professional.

When using essential oils topically, it is important to dilute them with a carrier oil, such as almond or olive oil, to prevent skin irritation. Some essential oils, such as orange, lime, and lemon, can cause phototoxicity if applied before sun exposure. It is also important to keep essential oils out of the reach of children and pets, as they can be toxic if ingested.

Inhalation of essential oils can provide respiratory disinfection, decongestant, and psychological benefits. However, it is important to diffuse oils in a well-ventilated area and avoid exceeding 30- to 60-minute intervals. Some individuals may experience respiratory symptoms or allergic reactions when inhaling essential oils.

Essential oils can have endocrine-disrupting effects, interfering with the natural production of hormones. For example, lavender oil has been associated with early breast development in girls and abnormal breast tissue growth in boys. Pregnant women and individuals with hormone-related medical conditions should consult their doctors before using essential oils.

Some essential oils may interact with medications or supplements and cause adverse reactions. For example, anise can lower the antidepressant effects of certain medications, and sage can cause restlessness, vomiting, vertigo, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and kidney damage when ingested in large amounts.

Overall, while aromatherapy can provide various health benefits, it is important to use essential oils safely and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.

Frequently asked questions