You’ve probably heard of essential oils, but may wonder what they are exactly. Unlike synthetic fragrance oils, pure essential oils are extracted from plants and preserve the natural chemical compounds specific to that plant. Whether you know it or not, essential oils are found in products you use everyday, such as mouthwash, soap, perfume and even certain foods and beverages. However, there’s a lot more information to learn about essential oils .
Definition
Essential oils are the concentrated aromatic liquids extracted from botanical sources, which include grasses, flowers, roots, leaves, stems, tree bark, shrubs and fruit peels. Essential oils are also referred to as volatile oils, ethereal oils, or collectively as aetherolea. According to Valerie Ann Worwood, author of “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy,” there are approximately 300 essential oils in use.
Production
Depending on the species, essential oils are released from trichomes, the technical name for specialized storage cells, scales or glandular hairs residing on the surface of the plant. In the case of roots or rhizomes, the storage facilities are called trichoblasts. In a sense, the oils harbored in these locations represent the blueprint of the plant in terms of its chemical makeup. Think of stem cells in humans as an analogy.
The density and distribution of trichomes and trichoblasts varies between species and also differs at different stages of growth. This may explain why it typically takes a very large amount of raw material to produce a relatively small amount of essential oil, which certainly influences its market value. For example, it takes 220 lbs. of lavender, says Worwood, to produce a mere 7 oz. of lavender essential oil.
The majority of essential oils are extracted by steam distillation. Absolutes, on the other hand, are solvent extracted, usually with alcohol. Citrus oils are manually extracted from fruit peels in a process called cold-pressing.
Properties
Essential oils possess different properties that induce varying pharmacological actions. Some oils are antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, while others are attributed with antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, sedative and diuretic properties. According to Julia Lawless, author of “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils,” all essential oils are antiseptic to some degree.
Applications
Essential oils are used as therapeutic agents in complementary and alternative medicine practices, such as aromatherapy. They are also incorporated into massage oils and are commonly used in the cosmetic and perfume industries. Essential oils are also used as flavoring agents in foods and beverages.
Safety and Toxicity
Most essential oils are considered safe for topical use, although some may produce an allergic reaction or irritation in some people. For this reason, essential oils are usually diluted in “carrier” oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. Essential oils should never be used by women during pregnancy or on very young children or pets. Finally, some essential oils, such as tansy and pennyroyal, are toxic and shouldn’t be used without professional supervision. Always consult a certified herbalist or other qualified practitioner before using essential oils for medicinal purposes.
References
- “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy”; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils”; Julia Lawless; 1995
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