The Benefits Of Organic Essential Oils

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.

Most of the essential oils are known to cause the feeling of burning or excess saliva production if taken in large quantities by the mouth. This is what leads to belching which can be attributed to the relaxation of the gastric sphincter which is also known as the carminative effect. A few of all these extracts contain beneficial properties including eucalyptus, anise, camphor, menthol and capcaisin.

Many these products also affect the skin and mucous membranes in a negative way; the tree tea oil may cause contact dermatitis. Menthols as well as others cause a feeling of cold followed by a burning sensation that is caused by their effect on heat-sensing nerve endings. Others such as the clove oil were used in the ancient dentistry as anaesthetic and antiseptic.

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.

A majority of the extracts are only meant to be used for their aroma therapeutic ability and should not be directly applied on the skin in their raw form. Some of them are known to bring about allergic reactions, become hepatotoxic over time and cause severe irritation. Those that are sourced from citrus plant are photo sensitizers which increase the skins exposure to sun rays.

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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