AEGiS-CATIE: Essential oils

Essential oils

TreatmentUpdate83 - Vol. 9, No. 9 - pp. 2-3; November 1997
Sean Hosein

Essential oils have been known to have healing and infection-fighting properties for centuries. Only recently have the oils been analysed to understand these effects. Naturopaths have available about 300 essential oils with which they can treat their patients, although the average person would probably use only up to 10 of them. These oils are able to fight the following:

* viruses

* bacteria

* fungi

* inflammation

* pain.

When taken orally, these oils are broken up by the digestive system so the most efficient way to use them is to apply them to the skin or inhale their scent. Many oils are a delight for the senses and are often used in massage or aroma therapies. Essential oils do not remain in the body for long after absorption and are generally released into the urine or faeces between 6 and 14 hours after having been rubbed on. Garlic, "even if applied to the skin will be passed out of the body through [the lungs into the breath]." On the other hand, geranium "will be detected in perspiration."

Essential oils concentrate in different parts of plants. Ginger oil comes from the roots, lemon and mandarin oils are made from the "peel of the fruits"; pine oil comes from pine needles; tea tree oil comes from the leaves. To extract the oil a number of techniques are used. Oils can be collected in much the same way alcohol is made, by distillation. They can also be soaked in alcohol or the seeds may be punctured. Essential oils, when analysed, contain many components--"terpenes, alcohols, esters and ketones" among others. Since pure essential oils are "too highly concentrated to be use directly on the skin", they are often diluted with a small amount of another oil, usually a vegetable oil. Vegetable oils that have been "cold-pressed" have been extracted without the use of chemicals. According to aromatherapist Valerie Worwood, author of the Fragrant Pharmacy, here are some basic essential oils and their potential uses:

Lavender

The oil from this herb is apparently useful when treating minor burns and scalds. As well, it can reduce scarring and has antibiotic activity. The oil is supposed to interact with the nervous system, in some cases providing a calming effect.

Tea Tree oil

The effect of tea tree oil, particularly against fungi, is impressive. The use of this oil has been partially reviewed in TreatmentUpdate 80.

Peppermint

This oil also has antiseptic properties and is good for indigestion.

Chamomile

One type of chamomile oil called camomile Roman is a mild anti-insomnia treatment. This oil also has anti-inflammatory properties and so may be useful in treating mild cases of psoriasis and eczema.

Eucalyptus

This oil can be rubbed on the chest and throat to help ease breathing during coughs and colds, and is supposed to have antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Clove

The oil from this plant has antibacterial activity and can also help reduce pain and nausea. This oil should not be used undiluted on the skin.

Thyme

There are many varieties of thyme, some with different properties, all of which "should be used with great care." Like clove oil, thyme oil should not be placed undiluted on the skin. It is supposed to have antiviral activity against the flu and may stimulate the nervous system, thereby reducing feelings of tiredness.

REFERENCES:

1. Worwood Valerie A. The Fragrant Pharmacy: a complete guide to aromatherapy and essential oils. 1996 Bantam books, London.

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ÆGIS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users l This article first appeard in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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