Aromatic Bliss: Understanding Aroma Oils And Their Power

Aroma oils, also known as essential oils, are natural, volatile compounds that are usually extracted from plants. They are called essential because they capture the plant's essence, or its scent and flavour. The extraction methods used to obtain these oils include distillation, cold pressing, and solvent extraction. These highly concentrated plant extracts are often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that aims to improve health and well-being. While essential oils are typically inhaled or applied to the skin after dilution, they also have a variety of other applications, such as in food flavouring, perfumes, and household products.

How are aroma oils extracted?

Aroma oils, or essential oils, are compounds extracted from plants. They capture the plant's scent and flavour, or "essence".

There are three common methods for extracting essential oils: steam distillation, solvent extraction, and cold-pressed extraction.

Steam distillation involves placing plant material in a still and heating it with steam to release the essential oil, which rises and is condensed into liquid form. This method produces 100% pure, high-quality oils that are ideal for aromatherapy, cosmetics, and perfumes. However, some plants require higher temperatures for oil extraction, so alternative methods may be needed. Steam distillation suits non-woody plants like flowers, herbs, citrus fruits, grasses, and leaves. It is safer than solvent extraction as it doesn't require solvents or chemicals. However, it can be time-consuming and energy-intensive.

Solvent extraction doesn't produce an essential oil but an "absolute", a more concentrated substance from the plant. This technique is used for delicate flowers or woody plants like sandalwood that cannot withstand steam distillation. The plant material is macerated and combined with a volatile solvent to extract the oil. Solvent extraction has advantages like reduced time and energy usage and higher yields, but it requires careful handling of flammable solvents, which can leave an unpleasant odour. This method cannot be used to obtain organic-certified essential oils.

Cold-pressed extraction is a chemical-free method that involves crushing and pressing plant material to extract the essential oils. It is well-suited for citrus fruits as it preserves the freshness and aroma of the oils. This process is more natural and produces higher-quality oil with a more intense aroma. However, it requires a large amount of plant material and can be time-consuming.

While steam distillation and cold-pressing are the most natural extraction methods, solvent extraction is necessary for certain types of plants and can result in more concentrated substances.

What are the benefits of aroma oils?

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds to support health and well-being. Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants, capturing their scent and flavour, or "essence".

Aromatherapy is believed to have various benefits, including:

Improving Sleep Quality

Essential oils such as lavender have been shown to improve sleep quality, especially for women after childbirth and patients with heart disease.

Reducing Stress, Agitation, and Anxiety

Aromatherapy is often used to reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety. Essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, bergamot, chamomile, and rose are known to have calming and relaxing properties.

Treating Headaches and Migraines

Some essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and chamomile, have been found to help alleviate headaches and migraines when applied topically or inhaled.

Alleviating Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Aromatherapy has been found to ease the side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea and pain.

Improving Hospice and Palliative Care

The use of essential oils can improve the quality of life for people with long-term health problems, such as dementia, by providing relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Fighting Bacteria, Viruses, and Fungi

Essential oils are believed to have antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. For example, tea tree oil is commonly used for its antiseptic and disinfectant qualities.

Relieving Menstrual Symptoms

Essential oils such as Clary Sage can help with mood swings during pre-menstrual syndrome, while jasmine, lavender, and rose oils can reduce temper tantrums.

Enhancing Skin Hydration and Healing

Oils like rose, Palma rose, and sweet orange are known to hydrate the skin and heal chapped and cracked skin. Essential oils such as tea tree, grapefruit, rosewood, and thyme are also effective in treating acne.

Boosting Confidence and Uplifting Mood

Ginger oil is believed to boost confidence, while chamomile, clary sage, geranium, and other essential oils can help uplift one's mood.

While aromatherapy offers these potential benefits, it is important to note that essential oils should be used with caution. They should always be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin, and ingestion of essential oils is not recommended as it can be harmful. Always consult a healthcare professional or a trained aromatherapist for guidance on the safe and effective use of essential oils.

How are aroma oils used?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries. 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 through the skin.

Aromatherapy is normally used through inhalation or as a topical application.

Inhalation

The oils evaporate into the air using a diffuser container, spray, or oil droplets, or are breathed in, for example in a steam bath. Inhalation of essential oils can provide respiratory disinfection, decongestant, and psychological benefits.

Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, the part of the brain connected to smell, including the nose and the brain. As the molecules reach the brain, they affect the limbic system, which is linked to emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, and hormone balance.

Topical applications

Massage oils, and bath and skincare products are absorbed through the skin. Massaging the area where the oil is to be applied can boost circulation and increase absorption. Essential oils are never applied directly to the skin. They must always be diluted with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or olive oil.

Aromatherapy accessories

Necklaces, bracelets, and keychains made with absorbent materials that you apply essential oils to and sniff throughout the day are also available.

Body oil

A mixture of essential oils with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, or coconut oil can be massaged into the skin. Because essential oils are concentrated, they can cause irritation. Avoid using them full-strength on the skin.

Aroma stick

Also called an essential oil inhaler, these portable plastic sticks have an absorbent wick that soaks up essential oil. They come with a cover to keep the scent under wraps until you're ready.

Are there different types of aroma oils?

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds to improve a person's health and mood. Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants, capturing their scent and flavour, or "essence".

There are more than 90 types of essential oils, each with its own unique smell and potential health benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of aroma oils:

• Lavender oil is often used to relieve stress and anxiety and promote good sleep.
• Tea tree oil is commonly used for acne, athlete's foot and insect bites. It is said to have antimicrobial, antiseptic, and disinfectant qualities.
• Peppermint oil may help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and tension headaches.
• Lemon oil is a mood booster and is often used in homemade cleaning products.
• Basil oil is used to sharpen concentration and alleviate symptoms of depression.
• Bergamot oil is useful for the urinary tract and digestive tract and may help relieve skin problems.
• Rosemary oil may benefit the nervous and circulatory systems, boost memory, and prevent muscle spasms.
• Chamomile oil is used to treat eczema.
• Citronella oil acts as an insect repellent.
• Clove oil is a topical analgesic commonly used for toothaches and to prevent vomiting and nausea.
• Eucalyptus oil helps to relieve the airways during a cold or flu but many people are allergic to it.
• Geranium oil is used for skin problems, to reduce stress, and as a mosquito repellent.
• Jasmine oil is described as an aphrodisiac and may increase alertness.
• Sandalwood oil is believed to have aphrodisiac qualities and is used as a fragrance.

Are aroma oils safe?

Aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils, has gained traction in recent years, with people claiming that it helps with various ailments, from headaches to sore throats. While the use of aroma oils can be beneficial for health and well-being, it is important to use them safely. Here are some guidelines to ensure the safe use of aroma oils:

Safety Guidelines for Topical Use

Topical oils are often used for their pain-relieving properties. However, improper use can lead to rashes and other side effects. Some essential oils, such as cinnamon bark or leaf, can be poisonous if absorbed directly through the skin. Other oils, like orange, lime, and lemon, can cause phototoxicity if applied before sun exposure. To avoid adverse reactions, essential oils should be diluted, with concentration levels kept below 5%. Patch tests are recommended to check for skin sensitivity before full application.

Safety Guidelines for Internal Use

The internal use of essential oils is not advised unless under the guidance of a trained professional. Oral ingestion and internal application, such as in the mouth, vagina, or other mucous membranes, are generally not recommended due to potential health risks.

Safety Guidelines for Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils or diffusing them into the air. Inhalation is particularly effective for treating respiratory issues, while diffusion is better for mood management. When diffusing oils, it is important to follow proper ventilation and dilution guidelines and to avoid prolonged exposure. Certain oils, like cinnamon bark or leaf, should be used with caution as they can irritate mucous membranes.

Precautions for Specific Populations

The use of essential oils during pregnancy is controversial, especially during the first three months. While some oils are considered safe for prenatal massages or diffusion, others may negatively impact the developing fetus. For infants and young children, extreme caution is necessary due to their thinner skin and less developed livers and immune systems. After the age of two, essential oils can be used topically and through aromatherapy at weaker concentrations. However, certain oils, like peppermint and eucalyptus, should be avoided for children under six and ten years old, respectively.

General Side Effects and Risks

Long-term effects of aromatherapy are not yet fully understood, and there are potential dangers associated with specific oils. For example, anise can interfere with antidepressant medications, while cinnamon, if ingested or applied undiluted, can cause mucus membrane irritation and other adverse effects. Lemon verbena can cause photosensitivity, leading to skin burning if applied before sun exposure. Nutmeg can cause hallucinations and even comas when ingested in high concentrations.

General Precautions

Essential oils should be treated with the same caution as medications or supplements. They should be stored out of reach of children and pets, and diffused in well-ventilated areas for limited durations. Direct contact with eyes and ears should be avoided, and hands should be washed after handling essential oils.

Frequently asked questions