Importance 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.

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.

A good number of these products are not to be taken in large amounts especially by mouth as they can cause a burning feeling or salivation. This can result into belching as it has a carminative effect in the stomach causing the gastric sphincter to close. Eucalyptus oils, camphor, capcaisin, menthol and anise are the worlds most beneficial with others offering insignificant benefits.

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.

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.




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