Essential oils are most often associated with aromatherapy, but also can be used topically and occasionally internally to alleviate health symptoms. They are not the same thing as perfume or fragrance oils, which are created artificially or contain substances that are artificial. There are more than 100 types of essential oil.
Identification
Essential oils are concentrated extracts that are derived from plants' leaves, roots, leaves, stems or blossoms. Most essential oils are colorless, but some, like orange or lemongrass, can be amber or yellow. Different essential oils contain different active ingredients. Pure essential oils can be costly, as it takes several hundred--or in some cases several thousand--pounds of a plant material to create just one pound of a pure essential oil, advises Abundant Health. Essential oils are extracted via steam distillation or mechanical expression. Oils that are produced with chemical solvents are not considered true essential oils, advises the National Cancer Institute.
Function
The active ingredients of each oil determine which healing properties it has. Some oils have emotional value, such as enhancing relaxation or smelling pleasant, while others can promote physical healing, such as fighting a fungal infection or alleviating swelling. Essential oils are most often used topically, according to the National Cancer Institute, and most often are diluted in combination with carrier oil such as almond oil. They rarely are used internally in the United States.
Significance
Essential oils provide an array of benefits. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, they can lower feelings of anxiety or fear and reduce the need for pain medication during delivery for pregnant women, especially the oils of lavender, rose and frankincense. Essential oils used in conjunction with massage can aid in treating depression. Some essential oils have antifungal and antibacterial properties, some enhance digestion and others improve immune function. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, menopause, constipation, pain, psoriasis, insomnia and other conditions can be alleviated with essential oils. Aromatherapy also is used by many cancer patients to improve well-being, according to the National Cancer Institute.
History
Essential oils were used by the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and Indians. They've been utilized therapeutically for at least 6,000 years for spiritual, hygienic and ritualistic purposes, as well as therapeutic ones. In recent history, René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, discovered lavender oil's healing properties after suffering a burn on his hand during a laboratory explosion, according to the UM Medical Center. He then worked to analyze chemical properties in essential oils and recorded their effectiveness for treating burns, gangrene, skin infections, and soldiers' wounds during World War I. He founded the science of aromatherapy in 1928. Aromatherapy gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s.
Considerations
Many people believe they are gaining the benefits of essential oils when, in fact, they are not. Lotions, beauty products and candles are often sold as "aromatherapy" aids. However, many products contain synthetic fragrances instead of essential oils, thus don't have therapeutic substances, advises UM Medical Center. Essential oils work because when their molecules are inhaled they affect parts of the brain, according to the center. As some oils are toxic, people need to be careful about ingesting them. Some also can cause skin irritation if not diluted. Some essential oils are thought to interact with medications, but more study is needed. Still, it's best to check with a health care professional for possible interactions if you are undergoing cancer treatment or take medication for a health condition.
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