by History and Origins
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years across many ancient cultures. Some of the earliest recorded uses of them come from ancient Egypt, India, China, and Mesopotamia. Egyptian manuscripts from around 1500 BC contain many recipes that included them. Ayurvedic medicine from India, which dates back over 5,000 years, made extensive use of plants and their essential oils. Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporated oils as early as 2700 BC.
The earliest known distillation of them was practiced in the great laboratories of the Persian alchemists. It was mainly with the Arabs, however, that the art of distillation was perfected. They introduced the alembic still, which allowed for more efficient separation of them from plants. This helped bring the therapeutic uses of them to more widespread practice across Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Today, Essential Oils are extracted through various processes worldwide and widely used in aromatherapy, herbalism, natural medicine, and various commercial products like soaps, cleaners, and perfumes. Modern research continues to uncover new potential health benefits of properly applied essential oils.
Common Extraction Methods
There are a few main methods used to extract them from plants:
– Steam distillation involves using steam to boil plant materials like leaves, roots, flowers, or bark. The steam carries the essential oils away from the plant material, where they cool and condense. This is one of the most common techniques.
– Expression uses physical pressure to extract citrus peels. The peels are typically rolled, squeezing out the oils.
– Absolution involves soaking plant materials in solvents like ethanol to dissolve the oils. The solvent is later evaporated, leaving behind the extracted oils.
– Enfleurage involves gently pressing fragrant plant material between glass plates coated with saturated, odorless fats. The fats absorb the aromatic compounds.
– Cold pressing utilizes physical force to extract oils from citrus peels without heating them. The peels are crushed to release the oils.
Research on Therapeutic Effects
Scientific research over the past few decades has started to validate some of the traditional uses of essential oils. Here are a few notes on recent findings:
– Anti-microbial activity: Oils high in phenolic compounds like oregano, cinnamon, and clove oils have been shown to help kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites both in vitro and in some clinical applications. This includes pathogens resistant to certain antibiotics.
– Anti-inflammatory effects: Several oils including frankincense, lavender, and German chamomile have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in animal and test tube studies. Some appear able to reduce markers of inflammation.
– Antispasmodic potential: Peppermint, oregano, marjoram, and basil oils may help relieve muscle spasms or cramps due to their ability to relax smooth muscle tissue. This could benefit conditions involving intestinal or respiratory spasms.
– Antidepressant-like effects: Aromatherapy using them such as German chamomile, bergamot, and lavender have shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels in human trials. Animal studies also support antidepressant potential. However, more research is still needed.
– Cardiovascular support: Some are high in monoterpenes, including lavender, rosemary and peppermint, appear able to enhance circulation, lower blood pressure, and protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation based on preliminary evidence. Ongoing studies continue exploring these effects.
Safety Considerations
While they can provide therapeutic benefits when properly applied, there are safety factors consumers should be aware of:
– Toxicity: Some oils should not be used undiluted on skin and require very low dilutions if used internally. Oils like wintergreen, pennyroyal, and cinnamon bark are potentially toxic if overused.
– Allergic reactions: As with any substance, oil constituents can potentially cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in susceptible individuals. Skin testing is recommended before wide application.
– Drug interactions: Essential oils that are quite potent, like grapefruit and St. John’s Wort, can interact or interfere with certain prescription medications if taken internally.
– Photosensitivity: Some oils including bergamot, lime and grapefruit should not be applied to skin before sun exposure due to photosensitizing effects.
– Vulnerable groups: Children, pregnant/nursing women, and those with health conditions require extra precaution with them use and typically only under professional supervision.
Overall, they offer great wellness benefits when properly administered. However, safety should always be the highest priority to avoid potential adverse effects. Dilution, patch testing, drug interaction checks, and avoiding certain vulnerable populations are wise precautions for using them. With cautious and well-informed use, they can truly contribute positively to natural health and wellness.
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*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Priya Pandey
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