Essential oils are concentrated products derived from plants carrying their characteristic scents. Although essential oils contain an array of chemicals, they are all volatile, able to evaporate into gas at room temperature. Easily noticed (via smell) and quickly absorbed by the skin, they are used in cosmetics, aromatherapy (inhalation or topical application for medicinal use), food (for flavoring), and cleaning products.
Essential Oil Function
Scents can produce changes in human reactions. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the scents inherent in essential oils stimulate smell receptors in the nose, which send new chemical messages to the brain's limbic system, which moderates emotions and behavioral responses. The NCI acknowledges aromatherapy as helpful for treating both symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatment.
Essential Oil Applications
Use essential oils to improve the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems as well as provide stress relief. Because of their high concentration, use sparingly. Never eat essential oils. Although you can apply some essential oils--rosemary and lavender--directly to the skin, you need to mix most (including cinnamon, sage, oregano) with a carrier such as sweet almond or vegetable oil in order to apply them topically. Exercise extreme caution with topical application to avoid skin allergies. You can inhale essential oils by adding drops to laundry, handkerchiefs, potpourri, sachets, candles or diffusers.
Essential Oil Classifications
Essential oils are classified based on their fragrance notes, which refers to the length of the duration of scent, skin absorption by the skin and elimination from the body over time. The scent of top notes fades after one to two hours and they may be quickly absorbed by the skin, as they are the thinnest oil. Top notes may be flushed from the body within half of a day. By contrast, the scent of middle notes may take two to four hours to fade. Middle notes are more gradually absorbed by the skin, and they may take a day to be eliminated by the body. Lastly, base notes may take many hours or even several days for the scent to fade, to be absorbed by the skin, and to be eliminated by the body. By this measurement scale, basil oil is considered a top note, tea tree oil a middle note, and patchouli a base note.
Essential Oil Production
Essential oils are produced through distillation or expression. In distillation, plant material (such as lavender) is placed above heated water, and the vapors are collected via condensation. Extraction (commonly used for citrus) involves crushing plant matter and collecting the resulting oil.
Essential Oil Precautions
In 2002, the International Standards Organization (ISO) set standards for 163 commercially available essential oils. However, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate these oils and users may find they react with medications or present risks for pregnant women and young children. Seek the guidance of a trained professional before using essential oils.
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