Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the plant's natural scent and flavor. Essential oils are typically extracted from plants through steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. Each extraction method has its own benefits and is used depending on the plant material and the properties of the essential oil.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oils
Essential oils are a complex mixture of different compounds that have different properties and therapeutic benefits. The main chemical constituents of essential oils are:
Terpenes: Terpenes are the most common chemical components of essential oils. They are responsible for the distinct aroma of essential oils and many of their therapeutic benefits. Limonene is a terpene that is found in citrus oils and has mood-enhancing and antioxidant properties.
Esters: Esters are compounds that are known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Linalyl acetate, an ester found in lavender oil, is responsible for its relaxing properties.
Aldehydes: Aldehydes are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Citral is an aldehyde that is found in lemon oil and is responsible for its refreshing citrus scent and antibacterial properties.
Ketones: Ketones are known for their calming and tranquilizing effects. Thujone, a ketone found in clary sage oil, is responsible for its ability to enhance cognitive abilities.
Other compounds: Essential oils also contain a variety of other compounds such as phenols, alcohols, and oxides, each with their own therapeutic properties.
How Essential Oils Works?
As the inhaled essential oils move throughout the nasal cavity, the aromatic compounds travel through and activate olfactory receptors. These receptors are made up of sensory neurons that respond to odor molecules and transmit signals to the brain.
Olfactory receptor signals are then processed in the limbic system. The limbic system is part of the brain that is responsible for controlling emotional and physiological responses. It is composed of the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus.
The limbic system is closely involved in regulating emotions. For example, lavender essential oil contains linalool, a compound that activates GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Studies have shown that inhaling lavender essential oil can reduce anxiety levels by up to 25%.
The limbic system also regulates physiological functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and stress response. For example, bergamot essential oil contains limonene, which has been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in a calming effect.
Scientific Research of Essential Oils
There have been lots of studies in the scientific literature on essential oils and their healing properties and how they work. These include both lab and human clinical trials. One study concluded the oils were good at killing one form of Lyme disease bacteria. Another study pointed out, that EOs might have a remarkable boosting of antioxidant / anti-inflammatory effect in different conditions. Here are some specific essential oil studies:
- Lavender oil is widely studied for its calming effects. Research has found that lavender oil can decrease anxiety levels by up to 25% and improve sleep quality. Additional research has shown that one lavender oil product decreased serotonin-1A receptor binding in multiple brain regions, which may be part of the explanation for its calming effects.
- Peppermint oil has been shown to reduce mental fatigue and improve cognitive function by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and activating gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
