ESSENTIAL OILS: what they are and how to use them

We are talking about essential oils , substances produced by plants that can be extracted and used for various functions. But what exactly is an essential oil? Let's try to explain it in this article!

Index

• DESCRIPTION
• ORAL USE
• INHALATION
• TOPICAL USE
• PROPERTY'

Essential oils ( EO ) are ethereal substances that so-called aromatic plants contain in variable quantities, usually in a small percentage compared to the other components. The plant produces these substances for multiple biological factors including protection from insects, herbivorous animals and to attract bees for pollination. They are a real communication system that plants use to "speak" with the outside world.

From a chemical point of view, EOs are complex mixtures of volatile organic substances belonging to different classes such as: aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, terpenes and esters. These components constitute the phytocomplex of the essence.

The essences are extracted from various parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, rhizome, fruits...) with different methodologies: steam distillation, extraction with solvents, by squeezing or by "enfleurage".

Steam distillation is a method that allows you to separate two liquids by exploiting their different boiling points (or their different volatility). In the case of steam distillation, water vapor passes through the plant material which is subsequently condensed through a special condenser (coil or counter-current water). The material produced by distillation is a two-phase solution which is collected in a separator in which the water and EO are arranged in two phases. From distillation, an aqueous fraction (aromatic water) and an oily fraction are obtained which are separated through physical methods. Aromatic waters , which contain small traces of essence, are widely used in the cosmetic or food industries. For example, the aromatic waters of lavender and thyme are very interesting as they contain oxygenated compounds (terpene alcohols, esters) which disperse well even in the aqueous fraction allowing the obtaining of very fragrant products.

Cold pressing is used to extract essential oils from more robust parts of the plant. For example, for EOs of the Rutaceae family (citrus fruits), this process is exploited in which the essence is obtained by squeezing the pericarp (peel) of the fruit.

Solvent extraction is widely used in the perfume industry

to obtain flower essences in which the original aromas of the floral matrix are maintained. Absolutes are aromatic materials obtained with this process without the use of thermo-harming processes.

Enfleurage (infloration) is a very suggestive but now obsolete process with which delicate essences such as those of orange, rose or jasmine flowers are extracted. The technique consists in macerating the flowers in

interior of a fatty substance which, through a diffusion process, allows the essence to be extracted within the fatty matrix. It is then separated with a complex process.

OEs can be used in different ways depending on the type of essence and the intended purpose. Let's see the main methods of use:

INHALATION

Since EOs are volatile substances, they are frequently used for inhalation. They can be conveyed into environments via devices called diffusers which can be of various types (ultrasonic nebulizer, pneumatic or humidifier). An inhalation method known to all is that of fumigation in which 4-5 drops of EO are placed in a container of hot water (preferably around 80-90°C and not boiling) and the user inhales the vapours.

ORAL USE

EOs can also be taken for internal use, although this method carries the greatest risk of toxicity. In fact, by taking an EO by mouth we can encounter irritation phenomena at the level of the mucous membranes due to errors in dosage or delivery. Since EO has a specific weight different from water (generally lighter) and being lipophilic, the two substances cannot be mixed together

Due to the irritating action of some EOs on the mucous membranes, it is advisable to take them orally under the advice of an expert.

TOPICAL USE

Another application widely used to convey OE is the "aromatic" massage. In fact, EOs can be added to a massage oil, a gel or a cream allowing absorption through the skin. Again due to the possible irritating effect of some EOs, these should always be diluted in a massage vehicle and not used pure on the skin.

THE PROPERTY'

What are the properties of EOs?

EOs have been the subject of studies relatively recently and their most interesting properties are antimicrobial, CNS modulation, anti-inflammatory and support for gastrointestinal disorders (bloating, slow digestion, intestinal spasms) and respiratory disorders. (mucolytic and antitussive action).

Since we cannot go into detail about each individual EO, we can list some of the most used essences and their main properties:

• Bergamot ( Citrus bergamia ): antispasmodic, relaxing, antimicrobial

• Eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus globulus and citriodora ): expectorant, balsamic

• Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ): antimicrobial, sedative, stimulant, anti-inflammatory

• Lemon ( Citrus limon ): sedative/relaxing, antimicrobial

• Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ): antimicrobial, balsamic, expectorant

• Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ): stimulant, antimicrobial, rubefacient

• Tea tree oil ( Melaleuca alternifolia ): antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic

DISCLAIMER : the information contained in this newsletter is of an informative nature and does not replace the advice of a doctor. If in any doubt, consult your doctor.