In 2020, residents of the United States spent a billion dollars on essential oils. Some claim that the aromas of the oils help improve sleep, while others use them to combat nausea and weakness. But do essential oils really work?
Essential oils are substances extracted from the roots, flowers, leaves, or seeds of plants using steam or pressure. These oils contain natural chemical compounds that give them their characteristic scent. In aromatherapy, the oils, after dilution, are applied to the skin, inhaled, added to baths, or dripped onto pillows, and are also used in diffusers to disperse the aroma in the air. Some soaps and lotions may also contain essential oils and be used in aromatherapy.
The use of essential oils has cross-cultural roots and spans thousands of years. There is a well-known story about how frankincense was one of the gifts of the Magi. Even if you haven't purchased a stick or diffuser with essential oil, you have likely used them — many cold remedies contain eucalyptus oil, and fir extracts are often added to water for pouring over stones in a bath.
The National Institutes of Health published a review of studies regarding the effectiveness of essential oils. So far, there is no confirmed evidence that essential oils can cure any diseases or replace medical treatment. Results regarding other potential benefits of essential oils, such as mood enhancement or stress reduction, are more conclusive, but final conclusions have not been made.
One scientific study demonstrating positive results from the use of essential oils concerns patients with dementia. Although, contrary to popular myths, daily consumption of a tablespoon of fish oil is unlikely to cure dementia, there is evidence that lemon balm oil may reduce mental agitation in such patients, according to an article in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
There are also other successful examples of using essential oils, such as treating acne with tea tree oil and combating hair loss with various oils, including thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedar. Studies on essential oils found in citrus fruits are of particular interest due to their natural antibacterial properties. For example, citrus oil, especially when combined with Dead Sea salts, has been shown to suppress bacterial growth in mice and has anti-inflammatory effects. Citrus and bergamot essential oils may help combat food poisoning caused by bacteria such as Listeria, E. coli, and Staphylococcus.
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