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.

The importance of the extracts is not appreciated by people in the health community compared to people who believe in alternative medicine. It is proven to be very difficult to find any information concerning the use of these substances. The transmission of some pathogen strains is difficult due to drug resistance but it is possible with the use of essential pills.

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.

Many of these oils cannot be used on the skin as they cause dermatitis as well as negatively affecting mucous membranes. There are those that are known to bring a cold feeling proceeded by a burning sensation as a result of their effect on heat-sensing nerve endings such as the menthol. The clove oil was very important to dentist in the past for its anaesthetic and antiseptic properties.

Some of these extracts are claimed to possess an uplifting effect on the mind. However, such claims are not necessarily false but are difficult to quantify. The main solvents for these extracts are pure ethanol and polyethylene glycol due to the fact that they are immiscible with water. The danger of an essential oil is generally associated with its level or grade of purity and not the effect it has on the body.

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.

Many practitioners buy these products as they do not have pesticide traces compared to the ones meant for therapy. The ones to be taken orally are only safe in small amounts and the correct dosage should be taken to avoid problems. Where there is a concern with the pesticide traces, the government standards are used as a guide.




About the Author:



0 comments :