E.O.

What are essential oils? Many people, including healthcare workers, are unaware of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.  With advancements in pharmaceutical technology, essential oils have been disregarded until recently.  With antibiotic resistance, people have begun to look to alternatives to mainstream medications.  Essential oils are derived from plants: stems, flowers, bark, leaves, and roots. It takes pounds of plant material to make just a drop of essential oil.  Essential oils are volatile as they can quickly evaporate when exposed to air.

The chemical components of essential oils are similar to that of human cell tissues.  This similarity allows the body to accept them and the ability to penetrate into the cell membranes and diffuse through the blood and tissues.  Due to their small molecular makeup, they can be processed by the body very quickly and can travel through the entire body within minutes.  Bacteria, fungus, and viruses are smart and can change making antibiotics ineffective.  Essential oils are different.  With each distillation process, the end product looks different, not allowing bacteria to adapt for resistance.  Each essential oil varies depending on the amount of sun exposure, rain fall, and climate in which the plant was grown.  Because of this process, harmful organisms have a difficult time combating the effects of essential oils. 

Be aware, that not all essential oils are the same.  Price varies depending on the amount of material needed to produce the oil and also the scarcity of the plant.  Not all essential oils are equal as there are pure and adulterated oils.  Pure essential oils are just that…pure with no additives and is imperative to achieve therapeutic benefits.  Many of the essential oils on the market today, however, have been mixed with other compounds to extend their life, thus, making their impact on health minimal.  Adulterated oils can have negative side effects resulting in burns, skin irritation and rashes.  At this time there are no federal regulations on the making of essential oils.  Some things to keep in mind when purchasing essential oils are:  where were the plants grown, method of distillation used, and if there are any statements about purity to verify that no synthetic solvents or chemicals were used. 

There are different ways to deliver essential oils: topically, internally, and through inhalation.  

• Topically, oil is placed directly onto the skin, often with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, grapeseed, or almond oil.  Using a carrier oil helps to extend the oil, soften the skin, and facilitate the absorption of the oil.  
• Internally, oils can be consumed by placing drops either under the tongue, in a capsule form, or by adding to beverages or food. Inhalation can occur either through a diffuser, direct, or through a humidifier or vaporizer. 
• The diffuser is the most popular form of inhalation.  Diffusers work by atomizing a fine mist of the desired oil into the air where they will remain suspended for several hours.  Direct inhalation can be achieved by placing a drop or two of oil in the palm of the hands then cupping both hands over the nose and mouth while breathing in deeply.  

Essential oils have been shown to be safe with no side effects, which is also a desirable benefit when compared to pharmaceuticals.  Because of their potent concentration, only a small amount of essential oil should be used to experience therapeutic effects.  People should start gradually with a desired oil, read the labels, and check with their health-care professional if there are any conditions that may contraindicate the use of essential oils.  Should any irritation occur, flush with oil rather than water as essential oils are not water soluble.  The acceptance of essential oils in medical practices is on the increase as a better understanding of their benefits are coming into light.