The Bare Essentials of Essential Oils (Part 3)
In this final installment on the essentials of essential oils, we look at 10 commonly used essential oils. Using the facts from parts 1 and 2 on distillation, quality and chemical constituents, we explore why these essential oils do what they do, what the different variants are (if any) and briefly discuss the concept of "safe."
1. Lavender
One of the first and most prevalent essential oils, lavender is also one of the most varied. Because it's so popular with consumers due to its relative safety and multitude of uses, lavender is grown all over the world and its essential oil produced everywhere, using many different production methods. The correct essential oil to be using for clinical purposes is Lavandula officinalis or Lavandula angustifolia, and it should be steam distilled from the flowering tops. Quality essential oils are crafted in France, England and some parts of the U.S., but the oil deemed to be the highest quality comes from plants grown high up in the French Alps. Essential oils are distilled from other species of lavender, especially spike lavender, or Lavandula latifolia. What is the difference between the two?
A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) report of L. officinalis should reveal an oil high in the ester linalyl acetate and the alcohol linalool, along with much lower percentages of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and esters. Linalyl acetate and linalool provide the calming properties most often associated with lavender, as well as antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory action, and the ability to fight off certain types of fungal infections. This, combined with the non-irritating and easily metabolized properties of these chemical constituents, makes L. officinalis a great choice for cuts, scrapes, wounds and burns.
Spike lavender, on the other hand, provides a whole other set of chemical constituents. L. latifolia does contain linalool, but it also contains 1,8-cineole, camphor and small amounts of monoterpenols not found in L. officinalis. 1,8-cineole is also known as eucalyptol, and it -- along with camphor -- give L. latifolia its cooling scent and ability to clear up congested lungs and bronchial problems. 1,8-cineole is an expectorant (making you cough and spit up any phlegm in your lungs), and camphor dries up mucus. Spike lavender is a good essential oil to turn to when you have a chest cold. But the camphor content (sometimes 10-15%) means caution is in order. Camphor is a ketone and must be used sparingly, if at all, with children, including just as an inhalant.
2. Chamomile
Here again, all chamomiles are not the same. Two different essential oils use the name "chamomile," and they aren't even distilled from the same species of plant. Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile (also called Anthemis nobilis), is a pale yellow essential oil with the scent of apples. German chamomile, Matricaria recutita (sometimes called Blue chamomile), is deep blue or dark turquoise and smells nothing like apples. C. nobile is fairly expensive -- $160 per ounce -- while M. recutita is half the price at around $80 per ounce. The interesting thing about the two chamomiles is that -- while distilled from different species of plant and containing completely different sets of constituents -- they can be used for similar purpose.
A GC/MS report on C. nobile should reveal an essential oil that is over 80% esters, which is why we associate chamomile so strongly with sleep and relaxation. Esters are also great at killing fungus and reducing inflammation, and they are generally safe enough to use with children.* M. recutita, on the other hand, is almost all sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols, but these constituents also provide sedative and anti-inflammatory action. This means both varieties of chamomile essential oil are appropriate for cuts, bug bites and scrapes. For a headache blend, I would turn to the sweet-smelling C. nobile, but for a nasty outbreak of eczema, M. recutita would be a slightly better choice.
3. Rosemary
Like lavender, rosemary is easy to grow, and its aromatic shrubs are found all over the world. Its pale-colored essential oil is distilled from the tiny blue and purple flowers of the plant and sometimes its stick-like leaves also. Depending on where the plant material comes from, how it is grown, and how the essential oil is distilled, you can find several chemotypes of Rosmarinus officinalis. All chemotypes bear the same latin nomenclature, but if the chemotype is called out (and they often aren't), the oil will be titled "Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor" or "Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole," meaning the essential oil contains more cineole than camphor or vice-versa. Whereas the different types of lavender came from different varieties of the same plant species, and the two types of chamomile actually came from different species altogether, R. officinalis' chemotypes can be created in the distillation process. Because the chemical constituent molecules each have unique structures, length and temperature of steam distillation can guide what the chemical makeup of the essential oil will be. You can see how important it is to have a knowledgeable distiller.
Most R. officinalis essential oils are the camphor chemotype, and while only a GC/MS report will tell you for certain, assume it's higher in camphor than cineole if not marked. Camphor, of course, is a ketone, and while its menthol-like aroma is well-known for clearing congestion and drying up runny noses, high doses of camphor can be neurotoxic. Use rosemary with caution (no more than 3 drops a day for two weeks). If you are making a blend for children, find and use the cineole chemotype -- why take chances when there is a "safer" R. officinalis? Cineole can also help with restricted breathing and wet coughs, and while cineole comes with its own cautions, it is safer than camphor.*
4. Lemon, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lime, bitter orange, mandarin, bergamot
All of these essential oils are cold expressed from the fruit peel, meaning the not-yet-ripe fruit is lightly poked with needles and then squeezed to get all of the oil out of the skin. Other citrus oils, like petitgrain and neroli, use the leaves or flowers of the citrus tree. These citrus peel oils are being grouped together, because -- with the exception of bergamot -- they all have similar chemical structure and all contain significant percentages of limonene (70-90%), a monoterpene. Citrus oils are all excellent choices for oily skin and scalp blends, as well as any situation needing antiseptic cleansing. Their ability to act as an astringent, though, might also cause contact dermatitis in some people, so citrus oils should always be skin patch tested (actually, all oils should be skin patch tested). In addition to their usefulness on the skin, the monoterpenes in citrus oils can have a sedative effect that makes them a good addition to blends for stomach problems.
Bergamot presents a slightly different case than the other citrus peel oils. It does contain limonene, but about half the amount of the other citrus peel oils. More importantly, it contains a significant percentage of linalyl acetate and linalool, the constituents associated with lavender. This gives bergamot a deeper aroma that is longer lasting than an oil such as grapefruit, which is 90% limonene. These constituents also make bergamot a great oil in a calming diffuser blend. But bergamot also contains bergaptene, a furanocoumarin; coumarins and furanocoumarins (or furocoumarins) are not prevalent in essential oils, and bergaptene is the coumarin you will most likely come in contact with. The important thing to remember about bergaptene is its high phototoxicity: all of the citrus peel oils present the problem of phototoxicity, but bergamot is the biggest offender, if you will. The take-home message is to never use bergamot (or any citrus peel oil, to be safe) on your skin if you will be in the sun within 12-15 hours after using.
5. Fennel
This blog has covered Foeniculum vulgare in detail, discussing fennel's special use for digestive problems and lung congestion. When purchasing fennel, always get a GC/MS readout first, because the chemical makeup can vary widely from distiller to distiller. The main components are estragole, anethole and fenchone, and ideally you want an oil high in estragole content and low in fenchone content. Fenchone is a ketone, and while it contributes to fennel's affinity for respiratory issues, ketones can build up to toxic levels quickly, as they are difficult for the body to metabolize and excrete. Estragole and anethole come with their own warnings as well. Estragole is a phytoestrogen, a plant-derived chemical that mimics the body's own estrogen. This presents the possibility of essential oils like F. vulgare being used in the future to treat estrogen-related disorders, like estrogen-based cancers, endometriosis, and menopause-related problems. It also means the presence of estragole in fennel can be dangerous to anyone suffering from estrogen-related disorders, as well as developing adolescents. Anethole is an anti-coagulant and its use is not recommended with people on anticoagulant medications or those suffering from blood-clotting problems.
Fennel is the ideal example of why concepts of "safe" and "dangerous" are fuzzy in the world of essential oils (and herbal remedies and pharmaceuticals). On its own, sitting in a bottle, fennel is no more dangerous than water. Taken in appropriate amounts, with the correct precautions, fennel can be used safely with no problems. Taken incorrectly, without any respect for its chemical makeup, F. vulgare can lead to serious harm. Similarly, aspirin, if taken every now and then, following the directions and precautions on the bottle, poses no serious health threat. But overdosing can lead to stomach ulcers, liver failure and -- in extreme circumstances -- death. This does not make F. vulgare -- or aspirin -- dangerous; these are simply reminders that anything we use to enhance wellness, be it holistic or not, deserves our respect for both its beneficial and not so beneficial aspects.
6. Tea Tree
Again, Australian Tea Tree (Melaleucal alternifolia) has been covered in this blog, but it is a stand-out essential oil for its antiseptic abilities, and these are tied directly into its major chemical components: terpinen-4-ol, terpinenes and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). This combination is, literally, a powerhouse of antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent action and why tea tree is so prevalent. The significant percentage of 1,8-cineole gives M. alternifolia ability to help with lung congestion. Combining that with its antibacterial and antifungal activity make M. alternifolia a must-have in the first-aid kit, along with lavender. Tea tree is an ideal essential oil for cleaning, taking the place of pine-scented chemical-based cleaners. Studies are also beginning to show Tea Tree's effectivity not only with bacteria we come across daily, like E. coli and salmonella, but also with the strains of Staphylococcus aureus that have developed partial or full resistance to methycillin and related antibiotics (per Edwards-Jones, Buck, Shawcross, Dawson, and Dunn, to cite just one recent report).
Why would tea tree work where antibiotics are failing? Bacteria are living creatures, focused on survival. They surround themselves with a protective protein coat, and it's that coat that antibiotics target. But no antibiotic can eliminate 100% of bacteria present, so the few bacteria that survive the onslaught can "remember" what the antibiotic was like and pass that information on to the next generation. This new bacteria generation makes a slightly different protein coat, which renders the antibiotic ineffective. Tea tree oil, like all essential oils, is different from plant to plant, from distiller to distiller, even from bottle to bottle. And every year brings new conditions that cause the M. alternifolia plant to produce new variations of its essential oil. In other words, the inconsistencies existing in the essential oils themselves that make clinical aromatherapy a challenge at times are exactly what make essential oils like Tea Tree so effective at fighting off these new and very dangerous bacteria.
7. Clary Sage
Salvia sclarea is included here specifically for its constituent makeup. Like Lavandula officinalis, its two major components are linalyl acetate and linalool, but clary sage generally has a much higher percentage (up to 50% more) of linalyl acetate, making it an interesting alternative to L. officinalis. As a blend, it works well with both lavender and bergamot.
8. Peppermint
Mentha piperita is a general-purpose, fairly safe* essential oil that can be used in blends for oily skin and scalp, for stomachs that are acting up, and for head and chest colds. Its cooling aroma is soothing in the dead of winter, and its spiciness is a natural pick-me-up. Its main constituents are menthol (monoterpenol) and menthone (ketone). When we say "fairly safe," this is in comparison to Mentha spicata, spearmint, which can contain up to 70% ketones in the form of carvone, whereas peppermint's ketone content tends to be around 20%. That said, this is an oil that should be used with caution, and not with infants or pregnant/nursing mothers. Spearmint, on the other hand, should be avoided altogether when using with any children, seriously ill people or the elderly. Menthol, the other main constituent in peppermint, should be used with caution also. Its fumes can burn your eyes, and it makes M. piperita an oil that should never be used in cuts.
Again, as with fennel, we must look at the chemical constituents and their properties and figure out for ourselves whether or not to use peppermint. It can be used sparingly (as in a one-time dosage) for stomach rubs, stuffy noses and migraines -- always blended with other oils and always in a carrier oil. In my opinion, the monoterpenol menthol is beneficial enough to include M. piperita in blends for adults and post-toddler children, but this is an individual, case-by-case decision.
9. Eucalyptus
If you've ever had a cough drop or used a menthol chest rub, you already know how powerful eucalyptus can be in opening up congested airways and soothing coughs. There are several species of eucalyptus that are steam-distilled for clinical aromatherapeutic use: Eucalyptus globulus, E. citriodora, E. dives, E. radiata, E. smithii. All contain 1,8-cineole, except the citriodora variant, which is high in citronellal. Why are there so many versions of eucalyptus? E. globulus is the most common, and it is safe to assume that a bottle marked only "eucalyptus" is E. globulus. Radiata and smithii versions contain significantly lower percentages of 1,8-cineole, making these variants better suited for use with children, the elderly, and asthma sufferers (1,8-cineole can worsen asthma attacks in those people who have allergy-triggered asthma). Eucalyptus dives, on the other hand, has a much higher concentration of 1,8-cineole, like a "heavy duty" eucalyptus for thick mucus and heavy sinus congestion. E. citriodora, or Lemon Eucalyptus, contains a significant amount of the aldehyde citronellal, meaning it is effective as a bug repellant, but can irritate mucus membranes.
No variety of eucalyptus essential oil should ever be ingested.
10. Sandalwood
Santalum album is one of the most loved essential oils. Warm and earthy, it has long been associated with meditative and aphrodisiac qualities. Unfortunately, the oil is distilled only from the heart of a specific species of the sandalwood tree, meaning thousands of trees are cut down and much of the tree is then wasted. The Indian government is taking steps to stem the tide of this destruction, and the essential oil company, Aura Cacia, is funding an interesting experiment focused on growing farms of these sandalwood trees in Australia. What is it that makes sandalwood a unique oil such that people would destroy forests to get it?
75% of sandalwood is sesquiterpenols, specifically santalols. A sesquiterpenol is a fairly large molecule in the world of essential oil constituents, and large molecules tend to "stick around," meaning they take a long time to evaporate. The scent of oils with high percentages of sesquiterpenols is always described as deep or warm or earthy: patchouli, cedarwood, sandalwood. Sesquiterpenols are calming and often associated with aphrodisiac effects. S. album specifically has been studied for anti-viral action, and it exhibits anti-inflammatory qualities. Sesquiterpenes are astringent, but without the skin irritation associated with the monoterpenes in citrus peel oils. Due to its price ($200/ounce), however, and -- from a personal perspective -- because the harvesting of the raw material is unbalanced, S. album is an oil to be used sparingly. It lends itself well as the base note in a perfume, a blend with rose oil for a romantic massage, or one drop in a diffuser for meditation.
As you look over the three parts of this Essentials of Essential Oils series, you can see how important the quality of your oil is. You can also see that where the plant is grown, how it is grown, and how it is harvested not only affect oil quality but also can contribute to the various chemotypes an oil might have. Further, the way an oil is distilled and then how it is stored and shipped play an enormous role in chemical structure, and therefore the therapeutic actions of your oil. At every step of the way, the quality and effectiveness of an essential oil are dependent upon skilled and knowledgeable growers and harvesters, experienced distillers and bottlers, and finally retailers who understand truly what an essential oil should be. As a consumer and user of essential oils, you have a role as well. Ask for GC/MS reports on all oils you purchase. Ask questions and find out where your essential oil comes from, how the plant was grown. Ask about the distiller, find out when the oil was distilled and how it was stored. Now that essential oils are available everywhere and now that every candle and bar of soap has "aromatherapy" stamped on its label, the chances you might be purchasing a low-quality product are high. Only through diligent research and using reputable suppliers who know the difference between a scented candle and essential oils for clinical aromatherapeutic use will you be able to successfully use essential oils clinically.
Wishing you much health!
* Any mention of safety is relative. People with allergies can have dramatic reactions to even those oils recognized as "safest." Skin sensitization can also be a problem, which is why all oils should first be patch tested with anyone using them. Further, it is imperative to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and even the safest oils must only be used one or two drops at a time, and it is strongly advisable to blend essential oils with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba.
1. Lavender
One of the first and most prevalent essential oils, lavender is also one of the most varied. Because it's so popular with consumers due to its relative safety and multitude of uses, lavender is grown all over the world and its essential oil produced everywhere, using many different production methods. The correct essential oil to be using for clinical purposes is Lavandula officinalis or Lavandula angustifolia, and it should be steam distilled from the flowering tops. Quality essential oils are crafted in France, England and some parts of the U.S., but the oil deemed to be the highest quality comes from plants grown high up in the French Alps. Essential oils are distilled from other species of lavender, especially spike lavender, or Lavandula latifolia. What is the difference between the two?
A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) report of L. officinalis should reveal an oil high in the ester linalyl acetate and the alcohol linalool, along with much lower percentages of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and esters. Linalyl acetate and linalool provide the calming properties most often associated with lavender, as well as antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory action, and the ability to fight off certain types of fungal infections. This, combined with the non-irritating and easily metabolized properties of these chemical constituents, makes L. officinalis a great choice for cuts, scrapes, wounds and burns.
Spike lavender, on the other hand, provides a whole other set of chemical constituents. L. latifolia does contain linalool, but it also contains 1,8-cineole, camphor and small amounts of monoterpenols not found in L. officinalis. 1,8-cineole is also known as eucalyptol, and it -- along with camphor -- give L. latifolia its cooling scent and ability to clear up congested lungs and bronchial problems. 1,8-cineole is an expectorant (making you cough and spit up any phlegm in your lungs), and camphor dries up mucus. Spike lavender is a good essential oil to turn to when you have a chest cold. But the camphor content (sometimes 10-15%) means caution is in order. Camphor is a ketone and must be used sparingly, if at all, with children, including just as an inhalant.
2. Chamomile
Here again, all chamomiles are not the same. Two different essential oils use the name "chamomile," and they aren't even distilled from the same species of plant. Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile (also called Anthemis nobilis), is a pale yellow essential oil with the scent of apples. German chamomile, Matricaria recutita (sometimes called Blue chamomile), is deep blue or dark turquoise and smells nothing like apples. C. nobile is fairly expensive -- $160 per ounce -- while M. recutita is half the price at around $80 per ounce. The interesting thing about the two chamomiles is that -- while distilled from different species of plant and containing completely different sets of constituents -- they can be used for similar purpose.
A GC/MS report on C. nobile should reveal an essential oil that is over 80% esters, which is why we associate chamomile so strongly with sleep and relaxation. Esters are also great at killing fungus and reducing inflammation, and they are generally safe enough to use with children.* M. recutita, on the other hand, is almost all sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols, but these constituents also provide sedative and anti-inflammatory action. This means both varieties of chamomile essential oil are appropriate for cuts, bug bites and scrapes. For a headache blend, I would turn to the sweet-smelling C. nobile, but for a nasty outbreak of eczema, M. recutita would be a slightly better choice.
3. Rosemary
Like lavender, rosemary is easy to grow, and its aromatic shrubs are found all over the world. Its pale-colored essential oil is distilled from the tiny blue and purple flowers of the plant and sometimes its stick-like leaves also. Depending on where the plant material comes from, how it is grown, and how the essential oil is distilled, you can find several chemotypes of Rosmarinus officinalis. All chemotypes bear the same latin nomenclature, but if the chemotype is called out (and they often aren't), the oil will be titled "Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor" or "Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole," meaning the essential oil contains more cineole than camphor or vice-versa. Whereas the different types of lavender came from different varieties of the same plant species, and the two types of chamomile actually came from different species altogether, R. officinalis' chemotypes can be created in the distillation process. Because the chemical constituent molecules each have unique structures, length and temperature of steam distillation can guide what the chemical makeup of the essential oil will be. You can see how important it is to have a knowledgeable distiller.
Most R. officinalis essential oils are the camphor chemotype, and while only a GC/MS report will tell you for certain, assume it's higher in camphor than cineole if not marked. Camphor, of course, is a ketone, and while its menthol-like aroma is well-known for clearing congestion and drying up runny noses, high doses of camphor can be neurotoxic. Use rosemary with caution (no more than 3 drops a day for two weeks). If you are making a blend for children, find and use the cineole chemotype -- why take chances when there is a "safer" R. officinalis? Cineole can also help with restricted breathing and wet coughs, and while cineole comes with its own cautions, it is safer than camphor.*
4. Lemon, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lime, bitter orange, mandarin, bergamot
All of these essential oils are cold expressed from the fruit peel, meaning the not-yet-ripe fruit is lightly poked with needles and then squeezed to get all of the oil out of the skin. Other citrus oils, like petitgrain and neroli, use the leaves or flowers of the citrus tree. These citrus peel oils are being grouped together, because -- with the exception of bergamot -- they all have similar chemical structure and all contain significant percentages of limonene (70-90%), a monoterpene. Citrus oils are all excellent choices for oily skin and scalp blends, as well as any situation needing antiseptic cleansing. Their ability to act as an astringent, though, might also cause contact dermatitis in some people, so citrus oils should always be skin patch tested (actually, all oils should be skin patch tested). In addition to their usefulness on the skin, the monoterpenes in citrus oils can have a sedative effect that makes them a good addition to blends for stomach problems.
Bergamot presents a slightly different case than the other citrus peel oils. It does contain limonene, but about half the amount of the other citrus peel oils. More importantly, it contains a significant percentage of linalyl acetate and linalool, the constituents associated with lavender. This gives bergamot a deeper aroma that is longer lasting than an oil such as grapefruit, which is 90% limonene. These constituents also make bergamot a great oil in a calming diffuser blend. But bergamot also contains bergaptene, a furanocoumarin; coumarins and furanocoumarins (or furocoumarins) are not prevalent in essential oils, and bergaptene is the coumarin you will most likely come in contact with. The important thing to remember about bergaptene is its high phototoxicity: all of the citrus peel oils present the problem of phototoxicity, but bergamot is the biggest offender, if you will. The take-home message is to never use bergamot (or any citrus peel oil, to be safe) on your skin if you will be in the sun within 12-15 hours after using.
5. Fennel
This blog has covered Foeniculum vulgare in detail, discussing fennel's special use for digestive problems and lung congestion. When purchasing fennel, always get a GC/MS readout first, because the chemical makeup can vary widely from distiller to distiller. The main components are estragole, anethole and fenchone, and ideally you want an oil high in estragole content and low in fenchone content. Fenchone is a ketone, and while it contributes to fennel's affinity for respiratory issues, ketones can build up to toxic levels quickly, as they are difficult for the body to metabolize and excrete. Estragole and anethole come with their own warnings as well. Estragole is a phytoestrogen, a plant-derived chemical that mimics the body's own estrogen. This presents the possibility of essential oils like F. vulgare being used in the future to treat estrogen-related disorders, like estrogen-based cancers, endometriosis, and menopause-related problems. It also means the presence of estragole in fennel can be dangerous to anyone suffering from estrogen-related disorders, as well as developing adolescents. Anethole is an anti-coagulant and its use is not recommended with people on anticoagulant medications or those suffering from blood-clotting problems.
Fennel is the ideal example of why concepts of "safe" and "dangerous" are fuzzy in the world of essential oils (and herbal remedies and pharmaceuticals). On its own, sitting in a bottle, fennel is no more dangerous than water. Taken in appropriate amounts, with the correct precautions, fennel can be used safely with no problems. Taken incorrectly, without any respect for its chemical makeup, F. vulgare can lead to serious harm. Similarly, aspirin, if taken every now and then, following the directions and precautions on the bottle, poses no serious health threat. But overdosing can lead to stomach ulcers, liver failure and -- in extreme circumstances -- death. This does not make F. vulgare -- or aspirin -- dangerous; these are simply reminders that anything we use to enhance wellness, be it holistic or not, deserves our respect for both its beneficial and not so beneficial aspects.
6. Tea Tree
Again, Australian Tea Tree (Melaleucal alternifolia) has been covered in this blog, but it is a stand-out essential oil for its antiseptic abilities, and these are tied directly into its major chemical components: terpinen-4-ol, terpinenes and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). This combination is, literally, a powerhouse of antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent action and why tea tree is so prevalent. The significant percentage of 1,8-cineole gives M. alternifolia ability to help with lung congestion. Combining that with its antibacterial and antifungal activity make M. alternifolia a must-have in the first-aid kit, along with lavender. Tea tree is an ideal essential oil for cleaning, taking the place of pine-scented chemical-based cleaners. Studies are also beginning to show Tea Tree's effectivity not only with bacteria we come across daily, like E. coli and salmonella, but also with the strains of Staphylococcus aureus that have developed partial or full resistance to methycillin and related antibiotics (per Edwards-Jones, Buck, Shawcross, Dawson, and Dunn, to cite just one recent report).
Why would tea tree work where antibiotics are failing? Bacteria are living creatures, focused on survival. They surround themselves with a protective protein coat, and it's that coat that antibiotics target. But no antibiotic can eliminate 100% of bacteria present, so the few bacteria that survive the onslaught can "remember" what the antibiotic was like and pass that information on to the next generation. This new bacteria generation makes a slightly different protein coat, which renders the antibiotic ineffective. Tea tree oil, like all essential oils, is different from plant to plant, from distiller to distiller, even from bottle to bottle. And every year brings new conditions that cause the M. alternifolia plant to produce new variations of its essential oil. In other words, the inconsistencies existing in the essential oils themselves that make clinical aromatherapy a challenge at times are exactly what make essential oils like Tea Tree so effective at fighting off these new and very dangerous bacteria.
7. Clary Sage
Salvia sclarea is included here specifically for its constituent makeup. Like Lavandula officinalis, its two major components are linalyl acetate and linalool, but clary sage generally has a much higher percentage (up to 50% more) of linalyl acetate, making it an interesting alternative to L. officinalis. As a blend, it works well with both lavender and bergamot.
8. Peppermint
Mentha piperita is a general-purpose, fairly safe* essential oil that can be used in blends for oily skin and scalp, for stomachs that are acting up, and for head and chest colds. Its cooling aroma is soothing in the dead of winter, and its spiciness is a natural pick-me-up. Its main constituents are menthol (monoterpenol) and menthone (ketone). When we say "fairly safe," this is in comparison to Mentha spicata, spearmint, which can contain up to 70% ketones in the form of carvone, whereas peppermint's ketone content tends to be around 20%. That said, this is an oil that should be used with caution, and not with infants or pregnant/nursing mothers. Spearmint, on the other hand, should be avoided altogether when using with any children, seriously ill people or the elderly. Menthol, the other main constituent in peppermint, should be used with caution also. Its fumes can burn your eyes, and it makes M. piperita an oil that should never be used in cuts.
Again, as with fennel, we must look at the chemical constituents and their properties and figure out for ourselves whether or not to use peppermint. It can be used sparingly (as in a one-time dosage) for stomach rubs, stuffy noses and migraines -- always blended with other oils and always in a carrier oil. In my opinion, the monoterpenol menthol is beneficial enough to include M. piperita in blends for adults and post-toddler children, but this is an individual, case-by-case decision.
9. Eucalyptus
If you've ever had a cough drop or used a menthol chest rub, you already know how powerful eucalyptus can be in opening up congested airways and soothing coughs. There are several species of eucalyptus that are steam-distilled for clinical aromatherapeutic use: Eucalyptus globulus, E. citriodora, E. dives, E. radiata, E. smithii. All contain 1,8-cineole, except the citriodora variant, which is high in citronellal. Why are there so many versions of eucalyptus? E. globulus is the most common, and it is safe to assume that a bottle marked only "eucalyptus" is E. globulus. Radiata and smithii versions contain significantly lower percentages of 1,8-cineole, making these variants better suited for use with children, the elderly, and asthma sufferers (1,8-cineole can worsen asthma attacks in those people who have allergy-triggered asthma). Eucalyptus dives, on the other hand, has a much higher concentration of 1,8-cineole, like a "heavy duty" eucalyptus for thick mucus and heavy sinus congestion. E. citriodora, or Lemon Eucalyptus, contains a significant amount of the aldehyde citronellal, meaning it is effective as a bug repellant, but can irritate mucus membranes.
No variety of eucalyptus essential oil should ever be ingested.
10. Sandalwood
Santalum album is one of the most loved essential oils. Warm and earthy, it has long been associated with meditative and aphrodisiac qualities. Unfortunately, the oil is distilled only from the heart of a specific species of the sandalwood tree, meaning thousands of trees are cut down and much of the tree is then wasted. The Indian government is taking steps to stem the tide of this destruction, and the essential oil company, Aura Cacia, is funding an interesting experiment focused on growing farms of these sandalwood trees in Australia. What is it that makes sandalwood a unique oil such that people would destroy forests to get it?
75% of sandalwood is sesquiterpenols, specifically santalols. A sesquiterpenol is a fairly large molecule in the world of essential oil constituents, and large molecules tend to "stick around," meaning they take a long time to evaporate. The scent of oils with high percentages of sesquiterpenols is always described as deep or warm or earthy: patchouli, cedarwood, sandalwood. Sesquiterpenols are calming and often associated with aphrodisiac effects. S. album specifically has been studied for anti-viral action, and it exhibits anti-inflammatory qualities. Sesquiterpenes are astringent, but without the skin irritation associated with the monoterpenes in citrus peel oils. Due to its price ($200/ounce), however, and -- from a personal perspective -- because the harvesting of the raw material is unbalanced, S. album is an oil to be used sparingly. It lends itself well as the base note in a perfume, a blend with rose oil for a romantic massage, or one drop in a diffuser for meditation.
As you look over the three parts of this Essentials of Essential Oils series, you can see how important the quality of your oil is. You can also see that where the plant is grown, how it is grown, and how it is harvested not only affect oil quality but also can contribute to the various chemotypes an oil might have. Further, the way an oil is distilled and then how it is stored and shipped play an enormous role in chemical structure, and therefore the therapeutic actions of your oil. At every step of the way, the quality and effectiveness of an essential oil are dependent upon skilled and knowledgeable growers and harvesters, experienced distillers and bottlers, and finally retailers who understand truly what an essential oil should be. As a consumer and user of essential oils, you have a role as well. Ask for GC/MS reports on all oils you purchase. Ask questions and find out where your essential oil comes from, how the plant was grown. Ask about the distiller, find out when the oil was distilled and how it was stored. Now that essential oils are available everywhere and now that every candle and bar of soap has "aromatherapy" stamped on its label, the chances you might be purchasing a low-quality product are high. Only through diligent research and using reputable suppliers who know the difference between a scented candle and essential oils for clinical aromatherapeutic use will you be able to successfully use essential oils clinically.
Wishing you much health!
* Any mention of safety is relative. People with allergies can have dramatic reactions to even those oils recognized as "safest." Skin sensitization can also be a problem, which is why all oils should first be patch tested with anyone using them. Further, it is imperative to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and even the safest oils must only be used one or two drops at a time, and it is strongly advisable to blend essential oils with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba.
Labels: clinical discussion
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