I once had someone tell me that she didn’t believe in essential oils because she is a scientist and essential oils aren’t science.
But here’s the thing, essential oils are all about science – botany, chemistry, and biology all play a role in growing, producing, and using essential oils.
Perhaps the most important thing you need to know about using essential oils is that the quality and purity of your essential oils is critical. Only 100 percent pure essential oils will give you the therapeutic benefits associated with essential oils. Recent research studies have shown that synthetic or adulterated essential oils not only won’t have therapeutic benefits, they may actually harm your health.
The quality and purity of an essential oil begins with growing, which should be done without the use of pesticides, and continues through the distillation and bottling processes. Each batch of oils should be rigorously tested to ensure that the essential oil contains all of the chemical constituents of the plant, within the established ranges, and nothing else.
It is estimated that approximately only ten percent of all of the earth’s plants yield essential oils. Essential oils can come from the flowers, leaves, roots, fruit, seeds, or bark of the plant. Some plants can yield more than one essential oil. For example, the orange tree produces three different essential oils: orange oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit; neroli essential oils comes from the flowers of the orange tree; and petitgrain comes from the leaves of the tree. Each of these oils has its own unique aroma, composition and properties.
Essential oils are small, light, volatile molecules. Most essential oils are steam-distilled. Citrus oils are cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit, and some oils, such as jasmine, require an absolute extraction due to the delicacy of the flowers. Essential oils are oil soluble, mixing well with oils but not water.
Each essential oil contains a number of chemical constituents with various properties. Each oil has its own unique composition based on the particular balance of the chemical constituents it contains. As a result, each oil will have many uses and there will be a number of essential oils that may be used for a given purpose. That is one of my favorite things about essential oils – there are always options! Lavender, for instance, is known for its calming properties. However, there are many other essential oils that also have calming properties, such as Roman chamomile and clary sage.
There are hundreds of different chemical compounds found in plants. Following are some key hydrocarbon groups and oxygenated compounds found in essential oils.
The hydrocarbon groups are monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes:
Monterpenes: pinene (a- and B-), camphene, B-myrcene, and limonene are found in most essential oils and are antiseptic and stimulating.
Sesquiterpenes: B-caryophyllene, chamazulene, and farnesene are key components in copaiba, ginger, myrrh, sandalwood, vetiver, and ylang ylang. They have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties.
Oxygenated compounds: alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, oxides, and phenols:
The key monoterpenes found in alcohols include linalool, citronellol, geraniol, and farnesol; these are found in most essential oils. Alcohols have antibacterial, antiviral, stimulating, and uplifting properties.
Aldehydes are comprised of the citral monoterpenes, such as neral, geraniol, and citronellol. Cassia, cinnamon, and lemongrass are examples of essential oils in this category. The tend to be aromatic, calming, and anti-inflammatory.
Birch, bergamot, clary sage, helichyrsum, and lavender are among the essential oils that include esters as key components. The monoterpenes in this group are linalyl acetate, geranyl acetate, and bornyl acetate. Essential oils comprised of esters are calming, soothing, antifungal, and balancing.
The monoterpenes in ketones are thujone, jasmone, fenchone, and menthone. Rosemary, sage, helichrysum, and peppermint have ketones as a main component. Ketones support the cells and the respiratory system.
Oxides contain the monoterpene 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol) and is a key component in eucalyptus essential oil. The general properties associated with oxides are anesthetic, antiseptic, and mucolytic.
Antibacterial, antiseptic, stimulating, and antioxidant are the properties associated with Phenols, which contain the monoterpenes eugenol, thymol, and carvacol. Clove and thyme essential oils are known for being high in eugenol and thymol, respectively. Other essential oils in this category include basil, birch, cinnamon, fennel, tea tree, oregano, peppermint, and wintergreen.
The chemical constituents in essential oils can be distributed throughout the body in minutes. They are primarily eliminated through the kidneys and lungs within hours. They do not accumulate in the body, making consistent use of small amounts (a few drops) more effective than infrequent use of large amounts. If you are taking medications it is critical to discuss essential oil use with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure that there won’t be any harmful interactions or side effects with your medications.
There are three ways to use essential oils – aromatically, internally, and topically. Aromatic and internal use provide a systemic effect, whereas topical use offers a more localized effect. Some are safe for using with all three methods. Some are not safe to be used internally or topically. For internal use of an essential oil you can add a drop or two to a veggie cap, or add a drop or two to a beverage or smoothie.
Some oils (clove, oregano, and cinnamon, to name a few) are considered “hot” and when used topically should always be diluted with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut, almond, or jojoba oil, to avoid skin sensitivity. Even mild essential oils can benefit from being combined with a carrier oil for topical use. A carrier oil will allow for slower absorption of the essential oil and it will “carry” the essential oil, allowing for application to a larger area. Sunlight should be avoided for about 18 hours after topical use of citrus oils as they are photosensitive.
There are many resource books that you can use for information on safe methods for using essential oils. Also, check the label on your essential oil bottle for usage directions. Only essential oils that are 100 percent pure are safe for internal use.
While you can always use a single oil, two or more essential oils can be blended together. Blending oils that are synergistic can enhance the therapeutic benefits of the oils. You can purchase essential oil blends or create your own. There are many do it yourself (DIY) guides for mixing your own custom blends.
Essential oils can be safe and effective when used appropriately. If you are just beginning to bring oils into your life I recommend keeping it simple. Choose a few oils that you like and diffuse them. Also, buy a good resource book to learn more about essential oils. As you become more comfortable and more knowledgeable you can add oils that appeal to you and expand your usage.
Resources
- Modern Essentials: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, 13th edition
- The Essential Basics: A simple Guide to Living the Wellness Lifestyle, 6th edition