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Tuesday, August 25, 2015

By Nancy Gardner


A high concentrated liquid that is hydrophobic and consists of volatile aroma compounds that is derived from plants is referred to as an essential oil. The most common form of extraction is the distillation mostly using steam with others being solvent extraction and expression. They are also used in the manufacture of products such as soap, perfumes, flavouring and cleaning agents. Organic essential oils are therefore sourced from the natural environment.

In the healthcare community, the use of these extracts is not common but they are of very big importance to people who believe in alternative medicine. For this reason, it is difficult to get helpful references concerning their medicinal advantages. Studies have shown that some essential oils can be used to prevent the transmission of some drug-resistant strains of pathogen which is more than the some of the modern medication can do.

Many of these extracts can be dangerous in high concentrations if taken orally causing effects such as a burning feeling and salivation. This also has a carminative effect in the stomach which causes the gastric sphincter to relax thus encouraging belching. The most effective ones include eucalyptus oils, camphor, capcaisin, menthol and anise while others offer no significant benefit.

The tea tree oil is an example of an extract that can cause dermatitis with many affecting the skin and mucous membranes in a negative way. Menthols on the other hand are famous for bringing a cold feeling followed by a sense of burning caused by their effect on heat-sensing nerves. Dentists in the ancient times used clove oil as an antiseptic and anaesthetic.

Some oils are claimed to cause immense relaxation to the mind. Although such claims are difficult to quantify, it does not mean that they are false. The extracts are hydrophobic and are therefore dissolved in organic solvents such as pure ethanol and polyethylene glycol. Their negative effects can only be linked to their level of purity and not the effects it has on the body itself.

Many of them are meant only for their aroma-therapeutic quality and should therefore not be directly used on the skin in their undiluted form. Some are known to trigger allergic reactions, cause severe irritation and over time, become hepatotoxic. Some act as photo sensitizers, increasing the skins sensitivity to sunlight especially those derived from citrus plants.

Industries that deal with essential oils are expected to consult the safety data sheets in order to identify its hazards and how to handle them. The grade oils meant for therapy do have a negative effect on pregnant women and individuals who are epileptic. They are known to react with some material such as rubber and plastic hence the correct equipment should be selected.

These oils are free of pesticide residues that are present in those that are used therapeutically. The correct dosage should be adhered to when it comes to the ingestible ones which are generally safe for human consumption in small amounts. Where there is a concern about pesticide residues in food essential oils, it should meet the government standards.




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