Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils: Extraction, Uses & Benefits

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural aroma and beneficial properties of their source. They are commonly used in aromatherapy, a practice that utilizes these oils to promote physical and psychological well-being.HOW ARE ESSENTIAL OILS EXTRACTED?

Essential oils are usually obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil for commercial use.

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS USED FOR?

1. Aromatherapy

Inhaling the aromas from essential oil can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell and long-term memory.

2. Topical application

Applied directly onto skin for their targeted area for wellness.

3. Household uses

Used as natural scent in homemade cosmetics and diffusers

Some popular essential oils are

1. Tea Tree: known for its antimicrobial properties, commonly used in skin care

2. Peppermint: Aid digestion and boost energy

3. Ginger: helps to relieve nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties 

4. Lavender: known for its calming properties, improve sleep quality

5. Lemongrass: normally used as natural insect repellentsFun fact!

Essential oils are not greasy, they evaporate quickly and don’t leave residue thanks to their volatile compound.

WHY ARE ESSENTIAL OILS IMPORTANT?

It is a natural remedy to promote physical well-being, supporting mental and emotional health, boosting immune system and many more benefits. Essential oils are versatile solutions to a wide range of health and lifestyle needs, as they can be used for health, beauty, cleaning and even cooking.

STUDIES SHARING

An animal study in 2011 assesses the turmeric essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. It was found that turmeric essential oil is effective at controlling joint swelling by 95% to 100%. However, this is only applicable for animal use and not human consumption1.

A review by Jeremy Appleton shows that lavender essential oil is effective in anxiety and depression management as lavender has anxiolytic activity. Lavender aromatherapy may alleviate reduction of pain2. 

Thank you for reading this article!

 

References

1. Funk JL et al. (2011), Anti-Arthritic Effects and Toxicity of the Essential Oils of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), J Agric Food Chem, 58(2), 842-849.

2. Appleton J (2014), Lavender Oil for Anxiety and Depression, Natural Medicine Journal <Lavender Oil for Anxiety and Depression | Natural Medicine Journal>, date referred: 26 November 2024.