As a medical doctor/registered nurse practitioner team, we
received conventional medical training at university hospitals while getting
our degrees. Since that time, however, we have explored various alternative
methods of healing; this is not to replace our education, but as a supplement
and as an additional tool in the medical woodshed. Nature may, one day, be our
pharmacy. The knowledge of herbal remedies had been passed down generation
after generation. In a situation where regular medications are no longer
produced, it is imperative to learn the medicinal benefits of plants that you
can grow in your own garden. One class of alternative remedies that are
commonly used is Essential Oils. These substances are called “essential”
because they capture the “essence” of the plant.
Unlike cooking oils, such as
olive or corn, these oils are less fixed and more volatile. That means that they
tend to evaporate easily, unlike the “fixed” oils, which don’t evaporate even
in high temperatures. As such, essential oils are popular in aromatherapy. Essential
oils are distilled from whole plant material, not a single ingredient;
therefore, every oil has multiple uses. Although you might not realize it,
you’ve been using essential oils all your life. You’ve no doubt used them in soaps,
furniture polishes, perfumes and ointments. Previous generations of
conventional physicians commonly included them in their medical bags. Indeed, many
standard medical texts of the past were, essentially, treatises on how to use
these products.
Although it only takes a few leaves of peppermint to make a
tea, it takes 5 pounds of leaves to make 1 ounce of essential oil. One source
states that it takes an entire acre of peppermint to produce just 12 pounds.
The same source says that 12,000 rose blossoms are required to produce a
tablespoon of rose oil! These concentrated versions are the ones you see
marketed in small, dark bottles. As such, they should be used sparingly. A reference
book or two about essential oils would be a great addition to your medical library;
see the medical reference section in the back of this book. You might be
surprised to learn that the Food and Drug Administration only requires 10% essential oil in the
bottle to be considered “Pure Essential Oil”. Beware of claims of FDA certification;
the FDA has no certification or approval process for these products.
Essential
oils are produced by plants to serve as either an attractant to pollinator
insects (hence their strong fragrance) or as a repellant against invading organisms,
from bacteria to animal predators. These substances usually contain multiple
chemical compounds, making each plant’s essential oil unique. Oils may be
produced by leaves, bark, flowers, resin, fruit or roots. For example, Lemon
oil comes from the peel, Lavender oil from flowers, and Cinnamon oil from bark.
Some plants are sources of more than one essential oil, dependent on the part
processed. Some plant materials produce a great deal of oil; others produce
very little. The strength or quality of the oil is dependent on multiple
factors, including soil conditions, time of year, sub-species of plant, and
even the time of day the plant is harvested.
The manufacture of essential oils, known as “extraction”,
can be achieved by various methods:
- Distillation Method: Using a “still” like old-time moonshiners, water is boiled through an amount of plant material to produce a steam that travels through cooled coils. This steam condenses into a “mixture” of oil and water (which doesn’t really mix) from which the oil can be extracted.
- Pressing Method: The oils of citrus fruit can be isolated by a technique which involves putting the peels through a “press”. This works best only with the oiliest of plant materials, such as orange skins. Maceration Method: a fixed oil (sometimes called a “carrier” oil) or lard may be combined with the plant part and exposed to the sun over time, causing the fixed oil to become infused with the plant “essence”. Oftentimes, a heat source is used to move the process along. The plant material may be added several times during the process to manufacture a stronger oil. This is the method by which you obtain products such as “garlic-infused olive oil”. A similar process using flowers is referred to as “Enfleurage”.
- Solvent Method: Alcohol and other solvents may be used on some plant parts, usually flowers, to release the essential oil in a multistep process.
As each essential oil has different chemical compounds in
it, it stands to reason that the medicinal benefits of each are also different.
As such, an entire alternative medical discipline has developed to find the
appropriate oil for the condition that needs treatment. The method of administration
may differ, as well. Common methods are:
Inhalation
Therapy: This method is also known as “aromatherapy”.
Add a few drops of the essential oil in a bowl of steaming water (distilled or
sterilized), and inhale. This method is most effective when placing a towel
over your head to catch the vapors. Many people will place essential oils in
potpourri or use a “diffuser” to spread the aroma throughout the room; this
technique probably dilutes any medicinal effects, however.
Topical
Application: The skin is an amazing absorbent
surface, and using essential oils by direct application is a popular method of administration.
The oil may be used as part of a massage, or directly placed on the skin to achieve
a therapeutic effect on a rash or muscle. Before considering using an essential
oil in this manner, always test for allergic reactions beforehand. Even though
the chemical compounds in the oil are natural, that doesn’t mean that they
couldn’t have an adverse effect on you (case in point: poison ivy). A simple
test involves placing a couple of drops on the inside of your forearm with a cotton
applicator. Within 12-24 hours, you’ll notice a rash developing if you’re
allergic. Mixing some of the essential oil with a fixed or “carrier” oil such
as olive oil before use is a safer option for topical use. Another concern, mostly
with topically-applied citrus oils, is “phototoxicity” (an exaggerated burn
response to sun exposure). I have some reservations about whether applying an
essential oil on the skin over a deep organ, such as the pancreas, will really
have any specific effect on that organ. It is much more likely to work,
however, on the skin itself or underlying muscle tissue.
Ingestion: Direct ingestion is unwise for many essential oils, and
this method should be used with caution. Most internal uses of an essential oil
should be of a very small amount diluted in at least a tablespoon of a fixed
oil such as olive oil. Professional guidance is imperative when considering
this method. You can always consider a tea made with the herb as an alternative.
This is a safer mode of internal use, although the effect may not be as strong.
Essential oils have been used as medical treatment for a very
long time, but it’s difficult to provide definitive evidence of their
effectiveness for several reasons. Essential oils are difficult to standardize,
due to variance in the quality of the product based on soil conditions, time of
year, and other factors that we mentioned above. An essential oil of
Eucalyptus, for example, may be obtained from Eucalyptus Globulus or Eucalyptus
Radiata and have differing properties as a result. These factors combine to
make scientific study problematic.
In most university experiments, a major effort is made to be
certain that the substance tested caused the results obtained. As essential
oils have a number of different chemicals and are often marketed as blends, which
ingredient was the cause of the effect? If the oil is applied with massage, was
the effect related to the oil itself or the therapeutic benefit of the physical
therapy?
The majority of studies on essential oils have been conducted
by the cosmetics and food industries; some have been conducted by individuals
or small companies. Standard studies for medicinal benefit are usually performed
by the pharmaceutical industry, but they generally have little interest in
herbal products. This is because they have few options in patenting these products.
Therefore, serious funding is hard to find because of the
limited profit potential. Despite this, essential oils have various reported
beneficial effects, mainly based on their historical use on many thousands of
patients by alternative healers. Although there are many essential oils, a
number of them are considered mainstays of any herbal medicine cabinet. Here
are just some:
· Lavender Oil
An analgesic (pain reliever),
antiseptic, and immune stimulant. It is thought to be good for skin care and to
promote healing, especially in burns, bruises, scrapes, acne, rashes and bug
bites. Lavender has a calming effect, and is used for insomnia, stress and depression.
It has been reported effective as a decongestant through steam inhalation.
Lavender oil may have use as an antifungal agent, and may be used for Athlete’s
foot or other related conditions.
Eucalyptus Oil
An antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant
(also an excellent insect repellent), Eucalyptus oil has a “cooling” effect on
skin. It also aids with respiratory issues and is thought to boost the immune
system. Consider its use for flus, colds, sore throats, coughs, sinusitis,
bronchitis, and hay fever. When exposure is expected, it has been reported to
have a preventative effect. Eucalyptus may be used in massages, steam
inhalation, and as a bath additive. Although eucalyptus oil has been used in
cough medicine, it is likely greatly diluted and should not be otherwise
ingested in pure form.
Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Oil
Diluted in a carrier oil such as
coconut, Tea Tree oil may be good for athlete’s foot, acne, skin wounds, and
even insect bites. In the garden, Tea Tree oil is a reasonable organic method
of pest control. In inhalation therapy, it is reported to help relieve
respiratory congestion. Studies have been performed which find it effective
against both Staphylococcus and fungal infections. Some even recommend a few
drops in a pint of water for use as a vaginal douche to treat yeast. Tea Tree
oil may be toxic if used in high concentrations, around sensitive areas like the
eyes, or ingested.
Peppermint Oil
This oil is said to have various therapeutic
effects: antiseptic, antibacterial, decongestant, and anti-emetic (stops
vomiting). Peppermint oil is applied directly to the abdomen when used for
digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and abdominal
cramping. Some herbalists prescribe Peppermint for headache; massage a drop or
two to the temples as needed. For sudden abdominal conditions, achy muscles or
painful joints, massage the diluted oil externally onto the affected area. As
mentioned previously, definitive proof of topical application effects on deep
organs is difficult to find.
Lemon Oil
Used for many years as a surface disinfectant,
it is often found in furniture cleaners. Many seem to think that this
disinfecting action makes it good for sterilizing water, but there is no
evidence that it is as effective as any of the standard methods of doing so, such
as boiling. Lemon oil is thought to have a calming effect; some businesses
claim to have better results from their employees when they use it as
aromatherapy. Don’t apply this oil on the skin if you will be exposed to the sun
that day, due to increased likelihood of burns.
Clove Oil
Although thought to have multiple
uses as an antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, analgesic, and sedative, Clove
oil particularly shines as an anesthetic and antimicrobial. It is marketed as
“Eugenol” to dentists throughout the world as a natural pain killer for toothaches.
A toothpaste can be made by combining clove oil and baking soda; when mixed
with zinc oxide powder, it makes an excellent temporary cement for lost fillings
and loose crowns. Use Clove oil with caution, as it may have an irritant effect
on the gums if too much is applied.
Arnica Oil
Arnica oil is used as a topical
agent for muscle injuries and aches. Thought to be analgesic and anti-inflammatory,
it is found in a number of sports ointments. As a personal aside, I have tested
this oil on myself, and found it to be effective though not very long lasting.
Frequent application would be needed for long term relief. Although some
essential oils are excellent as aromatherapy, Arnica oil is toxic if inhaled.
Chamomile Oil
There are at least two versions of Chamomile
oil, Roman and German. Roman Chamomile is a watery oil, while German Chamomile
seems more viscous. Both are used to treat skin conditions such as eczema as
well as irritations due to allergies. Chamomile oil is thought to decrease
gastrointestinal inflammation and irritation, and is thought have a calming
effect as aromatherapy, especially in children.
Geranium Oil
Although variable in its effects
based on the species of plant used, Geranium oil is reported to inhibit the
production of sebum in the skin, and may be helpful in controlling acne. Some
believe that it also may have hemostatic (blood-clotting) properties, and is
often recommended for bleeding from small cuts and bruising. When a small
amount of oil is diluted in shampoo, it may be considered a treatment for head
lice.
Helichrysum Oil
Thought to be a strong analgesic and
anti-inflammatory, Helichrysum is used to treat arthritis, tendonitis, carpal
tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia as part of massage therapy. It has also been offered
as a treatment for chronic skin irritation.
Rosemary Oil
Represented as having multiple uses as
an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic, Rosemary oil is proven to
control spider mites in gardens. Use a few drops with water for a disinfectant mouthwash.
Inhalation, either cold or steamed, may relieve congested or constricted
respiration. Mixed with a carrier oil, it is used to treat tension headaches
and muscle aches.
Clary Sage Oil
One of the various chemical constituents
of Clary Sage has a composition similar to estrogen, and has been used to treat
menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome, and other hormonal issues. It
is also believed to have a mild anticoagulant effect, and may have some use as
a blood thinner. Clary Sage also is thought to have some sedative effect, and
has been used as a calming agent.
Neem Oil
With over 150 chemical ingredients,
the Neem tree is referred as “the village pharmacy” in its native India. The
majority of Ayurvedic alternative remedies have some form of Neem oil in them.
Proven as a natural organic pesticide, we personally use Neem Oil in our
vegetable garden. Reported medicinal benefits are too numerous to list here and
seem to cover just about every organ system. It should be noted, however, that
it may be toxic when the oil is taken internally.
Wintergreen Oil
A source of natural salicylates, Wintergreen
oil is a proven anticoagulant and analgesic. About 1 fluid ounce of Wintergreen
Oil is the equivalent of 171 aspirin tablets if ingested, so use very small amounts.
It may also have beneficial effects on intestinal spasms and might reduce
elevated blood pressures.
Frankincense Oil
One of the earliest documented essential
oils, evidence of its use goes back 5000 years to ancient Egypt. Catholics will
recognize it as the incense used during religious ceremonies. Studies from Johns
Hopkins and Hebrew Universities state that Frankincense relieves anxiety and
depression in mice. Direct application of the oil may have antibacterial and
antifungal properties, and is thought to be helpful for wound healing. As a
cold or steam inhalant, it is sometimes used for lung and nasal congestion.
Blue Tansy Oil
Helpful as a companion plant for organic
pest control, Blue Tansy is sometimes planted along with potatoes and other
vegetables. The oil has been used for years to treat intestinal worms and other
parasites. One of its constituents, Camphor, is used in medicinal chest rubs
and ointments. In the past, it has been used in certain dental procedures as an
antibacterial.
Oregano Oil
An antiseptic, oregano oil has been
used in the past as an antibacterial agent. It should be noted that Oregano oil
is derived from a different species of the plant than the Oregano used in
cooking. One of the minority of essential oils that are safe to ingest, it is thought
to be helpful in calming stomach upset, and may help relieve sore throats. Its
antibacterial action leads some to use the oil in topical applications on skin infections
when diluted with a carrier oil. Oregano Oil may reduce the body’s ability to absorb
iron, so consider an iron supplement if you use this regularly.
Thyme Oil
Reported to have significant
antimicrobial action, diluted Thyme oil is used to cure skin infections, and
may be helpful for ringworm and athlete’s foot. Thyme is sometimes used to
reduce intestinal cramps in massage therapy. As inhalation therapy, it may
loosen congestion from upper respiratory infections.
“Thieves’ Oil”
Some important caveats to the above list should be stated here. Most of the essential oils listed are unsafe to use in pregnancy, and may even cause miscarriage. Also, allergic reactions to essential oils, especially on the skin, are not uncommon; use the allergy test I described earlier before starting regular topical applications.
Even though essential oils are
natural substances, they may interact with medicines that you may regularly take
or have adverse effects on chronic illness such as liver disease, epilepsy or
high blood pressure. Thorough research is required to determine whether a
particular essential oil is safe for you.
Having said that, essential oils are
a viable option for many conditions. Anyone interested in maintaining their family’s
well-being should regard them as just another weapon in the medical arsenal.
Learn about them with an open mind, but maintain a healthy skepticism about “cure-all”
claims.