Essential Oils and Their Use

Essential oils are concentrated liquids obtained from plants. Their medicinal and religious use dates back to 3500 BC in ancient Egypt, China, and India. In the last several years, essential oils have gained tremendous popularity in the US. 

Creating Essential Oils

Uses of Essential Oils

Some view oils with skepticism as a "pseudoscience": They are viewed simply as placebos. In some cases, they may have a placebo effect, particularly when a person's physical or mental state involves a perception. On the other hand, research has shown the importance of using oils in biomedicine: Some actually destroy pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and viruses; others may positively affect mood. An informative research article published by the NIH supports the effectiveness of five oils used in fighting bacterial infections, including E. coli and staph. These oils include tea tree, lavender, thyme, peppermint, and clove (eugenol). This may have implications for other skin infections as well.

Oils are used as perfumes, shampoos, cosmetics, soaps, infusions, topical and air fresheners, flavoring in foods, and as natural pesticides, among other things. Today, they are also used for medicinal purposes—for physical and psychological well-being—particularly to help relieve anxiety and depression and as antiseptics. They are also used to enhance therapies like massage and meditation.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Use?

Many formal studies, numerous personal accounts, endorsements from several independent testing organizations, and agencies from other countries (i.e., the German Commission E) support many herbs and essential oils. Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (the FDA), the United States agency responsible for the oversight and approval of a number of biological products (including ingredients of certain foods, medications, and cosmetics), has not attempted to approve most essential oils. Typically, the FDA reviews research studies to check for safety and to confirm that products actually have the effects that they claim to have. The high cost and subsequent lack of studies are to blame for this - unfortunately, it is not worth the time and money it would take for research into these important substances.  This, in turn, will - hamper a consistent and exacting science for the correct use of herbs, supplements, and oils.

Please keep this in mind: While many essential oils are considered safe, it is never reliable to assume that herbal products are benign, even those labeled "natural". Because there is not a formal agency in the United States that investigates and approves herbal products, it is important for you to do your "homework" and do some research—check other websites, speak to an aromatherapist, a naturopath, and/or your healthcare provider before using herbal products like oils.

Essential oils can be inhaled (as in aromatherapy) or used topically or orally, depending on the oil.

Many of these oils originated from popular herbal remedies mentioned on this website and most have the properties mentioned in the section on herbs.

How Are Essential Oils Made?

Oils can be made through several processes: Steam distillation, cold pressing, and by chemical extraction of the oils of a plant. This way, the "essence" - the herbal properties - are much more concentrated in the oil than they are in the original plant they came from. Because the oils are a lot more concentrated, many need to be diluted for use. Some, if not diluted, can actually be harmful and even potentially toxic.

For those interested in learning more, there are many books and plenty of internet sites about the processes of creating and using essential oils.

How to Use Essential Oil

​If you have not used essential oils before or have had little experience with them, it is very important that you understand how to use them. As mentioned, some may come already diluted but many others are concentrated. Most of these need to be reconstituted in another carrier oil prior to use. The percent of dilution depends on how the oil is going to be used: By infusion (via a diffuser), topically (on the skin) or orally (for food and, sometimes, for various maladies). For example, for topical use (on the skin) an oil is usually diluted at 1%; for general use, a dilution might be at 1-3%. And sometimes, oils have instructions right on the bottle. A well-known supplement company, NOW, has excellent guidelines on dilution and oils in general. They make it easy.

​​Carrier Oils - The oils that you dilute essential oils with are usually derived from plants, nuts, fruits, and seeds.

• Plants: Hemp, primrose, rosehip (good for aging skin, adds antioxidants and vitamins), sunflower (does not damage natural skin barrier), 

• Nuts: Argan (almond nourishing for most skin types and also for dry, itchy skin) 

• Fruits: Coconut (moisturizing, antimicrobial, and antifungal) (fractionated coconut oil is good for massage oils), avocado (hydrates, nourishes, vitamin E and antioxidants-good for sensitive, dry, aging skin).

• Seeds: Grapeseed (lightweight, antioxidants and omega-6-good for facial application), jojoba  (well tolerated, great for oily skin for face), black cumin

Test for Sensitivity Before Using

​​If you use essential oil preparations, be sure to do a "patch test" on your skin with the oil before using it elsewhere. Spread a quarter-sized area of the product to your inner arm and apply a Bandaid. Leave it on (without showering) for 24 hours if possible. If the area becomes inflamed, you may have a sensitivity to the oil or the carrier substance.

Essential Oils and Their Uses: Special Properties and Dilutions of Carrier Oils

​Once you choose the essential oil you want, check to see if it is a concentrate. If so, dilute it with a carrier oil (above) and follow the concentration instructions on the label (or below).

Diffuser: (A diffuser usually has a water line). To prepare an oil for diffusion, the usual concentration is 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 100 milliliters (ml) of tap or distilled water. Some types of oil have a stronger scent than others, so you can add water to your preference

Research has suggested that aromatherapy has some intriguing, potential physical and mental health benefits. You can read more about aromatherapy here.

Mountain Rose Herbs has a great site for calculating herb dilutions.

Face: Sensitive skin 0.5% concentration

        Normal Skin 1.0% concentration

Acne (spot application): 2-10% concentration

​Deodorant: 1.0% concentration

                 0.5 - 1.0% dilution alternative

Hair (Shampoo): 2.0% concentration

                        1-3% dilution alternative

Body Oil/Lotion: 2% concentration

                        1-3% dilution alternative

Perfume: Mix in alcohol to the desired scent (start with lower dilution, then increase as desired and tolerated - no more than 25% oil is recommended)

Wound Care: 2-10% The usual concentration is 4%

Antifungal: 25% concentration

Mouthwash: 5 drops to 1 cup water - best to use are tea tree, clove, peppermint, myrrh, cinnamon. Swish and SPIT-Do not swallow

Joint Pain: Use 10-12 drops in 30 ml (one ounce) of carrier oil - start with lower dilution and increase to effectiveness and tolerability)

Compress: 0.5% concentration

Rinse Off Body Wash: 3%-4%

​Message: 2% - 3% concentration

              2-3% concentration

Insect Repellant: 2% concentration

Flavoring: Oral (swallow/internal) dilution ratio: 1 drop=1 tsp of an herb for flavoring when cooking

Essential Oils for Health and Wellbeing

Popular Oils and Considered Benefits

Below are some of the more popular and useful oils.  Each has its own dedicated page that briefly discusses its proposed properties. If you want to know more, follow that link. There are definitely some oils that claim to do some interesting things.​

• Bergamot: Depression, possibly schizophrenia joint pain, cognition, cholesterol

  
  

• Black Spruce Oil: Respiratory problems, skin irritation.

  
  

• Black Pepper/Pepper: Smoking cessation, musculoskeletal pain, nerve pain

  
  

• CBD Oil: Many different claims as a remedy.   

  
  

• Chamomile: Topical - Pain-especially varicosities, hemorrhoids, eye compresses  

  
  

• Cinnamon Oil: Mouthwashes   

  
  

• ​Citronella: Antifungal, antibacterial   

• Citrus: Grapefruit, lemon, orange: Stress, anxiety, PMS, mood, antioxidant          

• Clove Oil (Eugenol): Respiratory, throat, mouth, stomach, antifungal, mouthwash/tooth problems 

  
  

• Coconut Oil: Skin product (moisturizer), eczema, hair, muscle aches ,and pains, often used as a diluent for essential oils.

  
  

• Eucalyptus Oil: Sore throat, flu, cough, decongestant, acute and chronic bronchitis, is contained in many over the counter respiratory products, insect repellant. Approved by the German Commission e for rheumatism (joint, muscle pain, RA, anti-fungal)

  
  

• Garlic Oil: Cholesterol, blood pressure lowering, colds

  
  

• Geranium oil: Skin-acne, may decrease anxiety, may promote relaxation - esp in Alzheimer's, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

  
  

• Ginger Oil: Stomach, nausea, arthritis, memory   

• Grapefruit : Stimulates lymphatics topically/message. May help muscle inflammation, and possibly stimulate weight loss

  
  

• Lavender: Anxiety, stress, skin, antifungal, wound healing, pain (anti-inflammatory)

  
  

• Holy Basil Leaf Oil: Anti-inflammatory for skin irritation including acne, cold and flu, fever, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, stress-reducing/calming, blood pressure, immune booster, upset stomach, ringworm, neuro- and cardio-protective, and mosquito repellant.​

  
  

• Hyssop Oil: Respiratory, sore throat, stomach, wounds

  
  

• Horehound: Antimicrobial (possibly staph), antifungal

  
  

• Lavender Oil: Cough, Skin, emotions, headaches , insomnia promotes relaxation, anxiety, wound healing, bites and stings

  
  

• Lemon Balm Oil (Melissa): Mood, inflammation, diabetes, may promote relaxation in Alzheimer's, antifungal

  
  

• Lemongrass: Inflammation, muscle pain and stiffness -topical, antifungal

  
  

• Lemon Oil: May help decrease toxins in a person's body through suggested antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.  High vitamin C content is believed to help boost immune function,  acne, mood, skin (athlete's foot, warts), increased salivation, sore throat, possible helpful in weight loss and even varicose veins. Stimulates lymphatics

  
  

• Myrrh Oil: Respiratory, sore throat, flu, stomach, antifungal

  
  

• ​Orange Essential Oil: Athletes foot (topical), may lower blood pressure.

  
  

• Oregano Oil: Decongestant, skin infections, fungal infections, viral gastroenteritis

  
  

• Pelargonium Sidoides Oil: Respiratory, cold, flu

  
  

• Peppermint Oil: Respiratory/cough, decongestant, sore throat, headaches, nausea, lung congestion, IBS, sinus symptoms, antifungal, GI/IBS, mouthwash

• Rosemary Oil: Memory, hair growth, joint pain and inflammation, mood, cough

  
  

• Sage Oil: Decongestant, memory, blood sugar, cholesterol, menopause, stomachache, sweating 

  
  

• Sandalwood Oil: Respiratory - colds, coughs, urinary tract infections, acne, eczema, psoriasis

  
  

• Tea Tree Oil: Respiratory - flu, decongestant, skin infections, athletes foot/tea tree, fibromyalgia, head lice, mouthwash

  
  

• Thyme Oil: Respiratory, cough, sore throat, stomach, skin, antifungal

A Drop of an Essential Oil

BLENDS

There are numerous essential oil blends that are considered remedies for specific things. For example, Thieves Oil is known for its role in support of respiratory/flu symptoms. Breathe contains laurel leaf, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tea, lemon, cardamom, Ravintsara, and laurel leaf. DigestZen is another blend containing tarragon, fennel, caraway, coriander, and anise, which some use for bloating, gas, and indigestion. (Not an advertisement)​

​Successfully blending oil is an art. If you are a "beginner" using essential oils, you can buy pre-blended oils. Otherwise, some interesting blends are sold on sites like DoTerra, Aura Cacia, Young Living, NOW and others. If you decide to blend them yourself, there are plenty of "recipes" and guidelines exist online. Some oils go together, and some simply do not.

CHOOSING AN ESSENTIAL OIL

How can a person tell which essential oils are good or bad??

In general, few oils are safe for consumption. If you are trying to decide whether or not to take an oil by mouth, read the label first. While the FDA may not check oils used for infusions or topical application, it does address the safety of these products for oral use. If the FDA approves it for oral use, it will often have a "GRAS" classification written on it - that is generally regarded as safe/edible. Also, if unsafe, it may have a warning "not for internal use."  If it says this, do NOT use it orally: Even a tiny drop of certain oils, when ingested, can cause harm.

Side Effects: It is important to note that oils can have side effects: Topical oils can cause dermatitis (skin irritation); ingested oils can make you very sick. Infused oils can cause inflammation of the mucus membranes of your respiratory system and sometimes irritate your eyes. Although it does not do this often, a diffused oil can sometimes worsen asthma. It is important to note that some more popular oils can harm our pets - orally, topically, or diffused. It is VERY IMPORTANT to do your homework before using these products and before spending lots of money on something that may be useless or harmful. I have included a list of reputable resources on this website.

The information on the label can sometimes determine the quality of an oil. Look for some of the following:

1) The Latin name of the plant on the label is very useful because there are different species, and you want to know you are getting the right one.

2) The country it comes from can also be important (different geographical areas may produce different quality herbs)

3) The part of the plant from which the oil is made is also important: Different plant parts may have different active ingredients.

4) "Nature Identical" is another term for synthetic, so beware if you are looking for authentic natural products.

5) You should also try to identify the extraction method (e.g., steam distilled, cold pressed, and several others.) on the label. Steam distillation is often the extraction method of choice.

6) It should be labeled 100% pure (if it does not say that and identifies carrier oils, as those above, then it is not "pure")

4) It should be labeled "100% essential oil;" otherwise, it may be altered or mixed with other substances.

5) Apparently, the terms " therapeutic grade" and "certified pure therapeutic grade " mean little, and some studies have been done but no organization can assure this with certainty. 

Read labels carefully!

Determining the Quality of an Essential Oil

• Oils are tested for purity using Gas Chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS). While these tests are not always conclusive, they are generally effective at recognizing impurities. So, look for GC/MS testing to assure quality.

  
  

• ​Is the cost comparable with other brands of the same essential oil? If it's cheap, unfortunately, it probably isn't the real thing: It is expensive to produce these.

• Is there information about organic growing or wildcrafting (gathering wild plants)? Most essential oils sold in the U.S. are not certified organic, but some European brands are.

• Use a reputable producer/seller. Some schools of herbal and aromatic studies recommend that you seek a smaller supplier owned by an herbalist or an oil specialist who is well-versed in the supplier's skills. However, finding someone like this may be not easy, especially one that has third-party tested oils. Several websites do essential oil product reviews. They gather information about the origin of the oils and GC/MS (see above). Some discuss third-party testing. So, if you are looking for reputable sellers, this may be one way to find them​​

• Several oils are adulterated and have not met purity and safety standards. Before you spend all that money on oils, do your homework. One independent research organization, has tested a few products that may still be worth checking out: ConsumerLab.com (subscription fee but usually has a trial offer to check out)

STORAGE OF OILS - Keep in a cool, dark place in a closed container to avoid contamination. May refrigerate

PRECAUTIONS

​WARNING FOR USE AROUND PETS: My dog doesn't like aerosols very much. But when you think about it, that makes sense. A dog's sense of smell is much greater than a human's (about 1,000 to 10,000 times that of a human). So when the scent is just a pleasant aroma - enough for you to enjoy, imagine what that pet is going through (cats can be affected). Be careful! Some of these can be toxic to pets and cause respiratory problems. Keep oils out of the hands of children.

SEVERE ALLERGIES OR ASTHMA: For those with allergies or asthma use these with caution - occasionally, some inhaled oils can set off allergy and asthma symptoms.

ESTROGEN-DEPENDENT TUMORS: Those with estrogen related tumors (i.e., breast and ovarian cancers) or other estrogen-related problems need to avoid some essential oils such as anise, sage, and fennel because they can exert unwanted estrogenic effects on the tumors. 

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS: Some oils interact with various medications (i.e. phenobarbital, amphetamines, blood thinners, sedatives, chemotherapeutic agents, diabetic medications and some psychiatric medications, can be altered by certain oils like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, citrus oils and others). BE SURE TO READ ABOUT CONTRAINDICATIONS IF YOU ARE ON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.​​​

Again, essential oils are very potent, so be very careful about what you ingest. One drop of essential oil can be equivalent to drinking 75 cups of tea of the same herb. For internal use, it is best to consult a certified aromatherapist. If you have any underlying problems, such as allergies or heart disease, discuss the use of essential oils with your healthcare provider.

Note: Do not use in or near eyes (there are rare exceptions to this).

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.