You may have been hearing some of the buzz surrounding essential oils.
Are they just what you need or is it all just hype?
What Are Essential Oils?
BSIP / UIG / Universal Images Group / Getty Images
Essential oils are liquids that contain distilled plant compounds.
These plant compounds are theorized to contain the chemicals that protect and enhance growth within the plants themselves.
The theoretic use of essential oils for humans is that we will reap these same health-enhancing benefits.
Supplier of essential oils sell products that either contain compounds from a single plant, e.g.
peppermint essential oil, or a blend of various plant compounds.
Depending on manufacturing processes, the purity if essential oil products can vary.
Oils that are more “pure” are thought to contain higher amounts of the requisite plant chemicals.
Here are some of the more commonly recommended oils:
What Does Research Say?
Perhaps that research will spur some human research, but for now, such research is quite limited.
The shining star in the world of research-supported essential oils ispeppermint oil.
They did this by testing the ability of various essential oils to inhibit the growth of E. coli.
Onesmall, non-placebo trialevaluated the effectiveness ofcuminessential oil on IBS symptoms.
Of note, 5 of the 28 patients dropped out due to side effects.
However, with careful and appropriate use, such risks can be minimized.
Care should be taken in terms of choosing a high quality, organic and sustainably grown and processed oil.
Before using an oil, you should do your research regarding safe use, e.g.
is the oil safe for internal use, external app or diffusion.
Some oils should never be taken internally, or contain the risk for skin irritation if applied topically.
Other oils may cause photo-sensitivity.
Most oils will require dilution for topical or internal use.
In general, essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil.
Note: The author has a Wellness Advocate account with an essential oils manufacturer.
2013;5(4):217222.
