What Are Essential Oils, and Do They Work?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are made using steam or pressure. Most are made through a process of distillation, although other methods such as mechanical pressing, enfleurage (extraction using fat), and solvent extraction may be used.

Although younger plants yield more essential oil than older ones, older plants produce richer and darker oil. Thus, essential oils from older plants may be more expensive than those isolated from younger ones.

There is lack of sufficient scientific studies on the effectiveness of essential oils as a treatment of disease. Most of the information either is either anecdotal or based on small animal studies. For example, one animal study reported that essential oils may help treatLyme disease. However, human trials did not show the same effect.

根据现有资料,当精油re inhaled through aromatherapy, the scent molecules travel from the olfactory nerve to the amygdala of the brain, which is responsible for processing emotions. This may cause astress-relieving or relaxing effect.

Essential oils can also be absorbed when massaged on the skin. This may create a calming effect and relieve tight muscles.

Some popular essential oils and their proposed uses include:

1. Tea tree:Used to manageacne, reduce inflammation, and soothe minor skin infections,cuts, and wounds
2. Ylang ylang:Helps fight infections, improve sexual desire, and lower stress
3. Rose:Has a relaxing effect, helps managepain, and boosts sex drive
4. Peppermint:Reducespain,nausea, and symptoms ofcoughandcold
5. Lavender:Promotes calm, reduces stress, relievesnausea, fights infections, and helps combatallergies
6. Chamomile:Used to relieve stress and improve mood
7. Lemongrass:Used to manage digestive issues and minor infections, as well as a calming and relaxing agent
8. Cedar:Used for stress,acne, anddandruff
9. Sandalwood:Used to improvesleepquality, reduce stress, aiddigestion, and improve focus
10. Lemon:Used for treating athlete’s foot,warts, sores,flu, and colds
11. Vetiver:Used to treatacne, sores, muscle aches, andjoint pain
12. Frankincense:Used to manageanxiety, stress, andbreathingproblems
13. Balsam fir:Helps with stress, minor wounds, andsore throat
14. Anise:Used to manage colds, flu, and muscle aches
15. Lemon eucalyptus:Used to manage skin infections,insect bites, andfever
16. Holy basil:Used to aid digestion, ease joint pain, and manage bloodsugarlevels
17. Jasmine:Used to help with stress,low libido, anddepression
18. Bergamot:Used to treat conditions such asbad breath,acne,boils, and stress
19. Myrrh:Used forskin care, oral hygiene, and treatingfungal infectionsof the skin
20. Myrtle:Used for treatingfatigue, minor respiratory issues, andinsomnia

Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, which means that you should consult your doctor before trying aromatherapy. Tips that may help you in choosing an essential oil include the following:

• Look for the purity of the oil on the package
• Avoid buying oils with added chemicals or additives
• 从一个有信誉的品牌选择精油
• Remember that cost may not always be an indication of quality
• Select essential oils extracted through distillation or cold pressing

Because essential oils are not regulated as stringently asdrugs, they may be adulterated by harmful substances such as endocrine disruptors or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC). EDCs are natural or synthetic substances that can mimic or interfere with your hormones, which can lead to various issues associated with growth, development, reproductive functions, immunity, and metabolism.

Studies on essential oils such as lavender oil have been linked to breast enlargement in boys (gynecomastia). This was mainly seen on the topical use of lavender oil and not with aromatherapy. Chronic exposure to lavender essential oil may cause abnormal breast growth in girls.

Essential oils can cause skin irritation and inflammation, especially if they are applied topically without being diluted enough.

Inhalationof essential oils can cause nasal irritation,headache, and nausea. Since there is not much data on the safety or effectiveness of essential oils, it is best to use them in limited quantities if at all. Consult your doctor before using them as a treatment for any condition.