Tree oil refers to any number of essential oils-highly volatile organic compounds, extracted from trees, usually by a steaming process. Usually each essential oil is named for the specific tree it comes from. The oil is called "essential" because they are thought to represent the essence of the tree's scent, flavor, and in some cases, medicinal properties. While some tree oils are used in holistic treatments, insufficient scientific evidence is available to prove tree oil's healing benefits.
Types
Tree oil can be extracted from many parts of the tree including the leaves, bark, roots and sap. For example, tea tree oil, a very popular tree oil, is extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree plant, or Melaleuca alternifolia. Cinnamon oil is extracted from East Indian Cinnamon trees from the Cinnamonum family. Sandalwood oil comes from the roots of the sandalwood tree, Santalum album. Other popular tree oils include eucalyptus oil, frankincense oil, ginger oil and cedarwood oil.
History
Many cultures have used tree oils medicinally, ritually and cosmetically for centuries. For example, sandalwood oil is historically part of the Indian practice of Ayurveda as well as Chinese Medicine. Tea tree oil was first used by Australian aborigines for healing injuries and eventually used after surgery by Australian surgeons before the discovery of penicillin.
Uses
Tree oils are often employed in aromatherapy, an alternative therapy used to treat a variety of both mental and physical conditions, in which essential oils are inhaled or applied to the skin. They are found commercially in perfumes, lotions, bath products and teas. In holistic medicine, they are often taken as pills or tinctures.
Benefits
There are many health benefits purported from tree oils. However, scientifically they have yet to be proven. Some tree oils, like tea tree oil, are considered to be antiseptic germ fighters, and are used to treat a number of ailments including bacterial and fungal infections, acne, lice and respiratory infections. Tree oils are also prized in alternative medicine for their sedative, digestive aiding, immune boosting and anti-parasitic properties.
Cautions
According to the MayoClinic.com, pure tree oils, specifically tea tree oil, "should not be used orally; there are reports of toxicity after consuming tea tree oil by mouth." Also, using pure tree oils on the skin can cause irritation. Essential tree oils should be avoided during pregnancy. There is also potential of complications when used in conjunction with certain medicines, and it is recommended that you consult with your doctor before using essential oils for medicinal purposes.
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