essential oil

Introduction

highly concentrated oils extracted from flowers, fruits, seeds, & plants

Classification

• citrus
  • lemon
  • citronella
• floral
  • jasmine
  • lavender
  • rose
• herb
  • chamomile
  • eucalyptus
  • tea tree
• camphor
  • camphor
  • eucalyptus
  • laurel leaf
• mint
  • spearmint
  • wintergreen
  • peppermint
• spice
  • basil
  • cinnamon
  • ginger

Uses

• memory enhancement:
  • overnight exposure to essential oils improved memory in older adults
    • memory improvement accompanied by MRI diffusivity changes in the left uncinate fasciculus*
• aromatherapy
• massage therapy
• lavender or peppermint applied to temples to relieve headaches, migraine
• relief from common cold: eucalyptus & peppermint to open up sinuses
• ginger & peppermint oil to relieve nausea
• insect repellant: spraying citronella oil onto clothes
• household cleaner:
  • lemon oil or tea tree oil as a natural alternative to chemical-based household cleaners

* The uncinate fasciculus has been found to be modified by dance

Contraindications

allergy to any component

never apply undiluted oils directly to skin

when mixing a carrier oil (lotion, cream, butter, shampoo ...) with an essential oil, avoid using dilutions above 5% for adults & 2% for children

Cautions

• use in well-ventilated spaces
• do not ingest
• avoid contact of oils with pets

Adverse effects

• allergic contact dermatitis

More general terms

• pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement