Science for the Skeptics | Research about Essential Oils
- Mindful Mama Matters LLC
- Jun 29, 2020
- 10 min read
I am a science person. Both my undergrad and graduate programs focused on mental health and the brain! I love reading studies, pouring over research, conducting some of my own, and finding flaws in studies. When I was first introduced to oils, I thought that only hippies used them. As I began to peruse the studies more and more, speaking with professionals in the field, sharing them with my Pediatrician, and having Fennel Essential Oil recommended by my OBGYN, I decided to take the plunge and start using them myself. I was truly shocked at just how much science is behind the oily world.
As I always say to my community, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH! I tend to not believe things on the internet, and look for biases and flaws in every study. I think that curious, questioning, and inquisitive minds are wonderful, and never discourage others from looking into things on their own.
I did, however, want to compile some of the research I have found on the topic into one place, to share with friends and members of my community that have their doubts! I was there, and as good as natural plant-based cleaning products sound, if they do not really clean and inhibit bacterial growth....whats the point...
I encourage you to check out some of the research below. It all really hit home for me when I was looking up statistically significant studies and I found one of the forefront of Public Health and Immunology research being conducted at Johns Hopkins University. A professor and doctor there had found a cocktail of essential oils that was being used to effectively cure what they call "persistent Lyme Disease", or what my family refers to as chronic Lyme Disease. My sister was bitten by a tick at two years of age, and when she turned 9, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurologic symptoms hit her in full force. No one could figure out what it was, but the Lyme Disease had returned and was ravaging her body. we tried antibiotics, but antibiotics merely push it into Spirochete form, and it basically hibernates in your body when exposed to the antibiotics -- protected by an envelope that is impenetrable. The oils, unlike the antibiotics, do not push the disease into this form, and instead actually kill it! INCREDIBLE. It was such a sign to me, and I hope some of these studies, beyond the anecdotal stories, help you in your decision to allow oils into your life.
I will include links and citation at the end of the article so that you can review the resources I have cited on your own in case you doubt my analysis!
Harpreet Gujral, program director of integrative medicine at Sibley Memorial Hospital states that, “essential oils don't work for everyone, but there's no harm in trying them as long as you use them in a safe way. Even if they just boost your mood, it can make a positive impact on your health and well-being."
"Unfortunately, there are lots of products you might find online or in stores that aren't harvested correctly or may have something in them that isn't listed on the label," warns Gujral.
If you find rock bottom prices on essential oils, they are probably not pure and not harvested or grown well.
Dr. Brent Bauer, a physician researching aromatherapy at Johns Hopkins University touched on the importance of high-quality oils. Bauer noted that, “Essential oils range in price, depending on how involved harvesting and production are.” He then continued on to stress the importance of analyzing the companies' harvesting and growing practicing, emphasizing that a company advertising oils for fragrance or that you can diffuse to smell nice in the local grocery story or health food market, probably have chemical additives. "Fragrance" is just another word for added chemicals that usually enter our body as toxins or carcinogens.
Their choice of packaging is also important. Bauer notes that many companies sell cheap plastic containers or light-colored containers. The dark, thick glass of quality companies shows their care for the oils they are producing, as many oils are photosensitive and do not react well to light -- hence the darker thicker glass for protection.
Bauer then touched on the way that oils work in our body. It is of utmost importance that you understand the quality of the oil going into or onto your body, as the distillation process will amplify chemicals used during growing or harvesting and processing.
Aromatherapy is thought to work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system — the part of the brain that controls emotions. As someone that studied and wrote a thesis in the field of olfactory neuroscience (the science of smell), I understand all too well, the importance of the chemicals around us and just how quickly they bind to our osmoreceptors in our nose and head to our brains!
The information below provides lots of fun research behind commonly used essential oils. After extensive research, I felt that there were two companies at the top of the quality spectrum, and my physicians agreed. One company, the company I ended up purchasing my own oils from, had greater regulations and standards on their growing practices and uses of herbicides and pesticides, so I ended up going with them over the other option.
If you would like to purchase these oils after reviewing this research, do not hesitate to reach out.
Efficacy of Thieves Household Cleaner against natural and heavy duty formulas:
The tests below show bacterial growth on Agar plates testing the efficacy of the Young Living Thieves household cleaners. Agar is a growth medium for bacteria and mold to eat and thrive upon. You can see in the left dish, the dirty control, is the agar plate that had a swab of uncleaned countertop wiped across it. The second dish is a clean control plate. The third dish has bleach! You can see several natural cleaning options and their bacterial growth, and the bottom right dish with Thieves showing the same efficacy against bacterial and mold growth as the BLEACH.
Dr. Annie Pryor has conducted various other experiments including the diffusion of Thieves in rooms to reduce mold in damp rooms, as well as other household cleaners and tests of various Young Living oils products!
LYME DISEASE TESTING -
“We found that these essential oils were even better at killing the ‘persister’ forms of Lyme bacteria than standard Lyme antibiotics.” - Dr. Ying Zhang
Also, five of these oils were effective against dormant forms of Lyme bacteria in a concentration of only 1 part per 1,000. Specifically, essential oils from garlic bulbs, allspice berries, myrrh trees, spiked ginger lily, and may chang trees “completely eradicated” all Lyme disease bacteria in 7 days, and no regrowth occurred in 21 days.
Thyme leaves, cumin seeds, Amyris wood, and cinnamon bark oil were also highly effective against stationary phase B. burgdorferi as well as oils derived from garlic cloves, myrrh trees, thyme leaves, cinnamon bark, allspice berries, cumin seeds, and eucalyptus, among others.
LEMON OIL - balm from lemon oil reduces agitation in patients with dementia according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. A recently conducted double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial study on aromatherapy has suggested that citrus oil is good in relieving the first stage labor pain. It is effective in controlling the nausea and vomiting along with its mood elevating properties [58], [59], [60].
BERGAMOT - The citrus essential oil bergamot could help fight the growth of common causes of food poisoning like listeria, e coli, and staphylococcus.
TEA TREE OIL - The tea tree itself possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, and immune stimulant properties.
It has been used for tuberculosis, cough, bronchitis, asthma, catarrh and whooping cough; also it is used in females for vaginitis, cystitis and pruritus treatment. Cold, fever, flu and chickenpox have called for its use [71], [72]. Well defined studies have been carried out on Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) on herpes through clinical trial efforts with a promising result of this plant [73].
ROSEMARY - treatment of alopecia areata or hair loss with oils. Its oil has a marked action on the digestive system, with relieving the symptoms of indigestion, constipation and colitis.
It regularizes the blood pressure and retards the hardening of arteries. In winter, it used to relieve the rheumatic pain.
In latest human trials, aromatherapy is an efficacious non-pharmacological therapy for dementia and may have some potential for improving cognitive function, especially in Alzheimer's disease patients, due to its free radical scavenging activity [12], [65]. Excellent skin tonic properties, a soothing, positive effect on menstrual cramps, for hair growth
LAVENDER - Linalool and linalyl acetate, the active components of lavender essential oil have maximum and great absorbing properties from skin during massage with a depression of central nervous system. Linalool shows sedative effects and linalyl acetate shows marked narcotic actions. These two actions may be responsible for its use in lavender pillow anxiety patients with sleep disturbance pattern, improving the feeling of well being, supporting mental alertness and suppressing aggression and anxiety [53].
This oil is used in the treatment of primary dysmenorrheal and has shown some promising results in one of the randomized, double-blind clinical trials [55], [56].
CLARY SAGE - this oil is found to be very effective in controlling cortisol levels in women along with its antimicrobial activity [41], [42].
EUCALYPTUS - Eucalyptus oil has demonstrated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antibacterial activities and researchers have proved its efficacy beyond doubt in treatment of various metabolic and infectious diseases. Leucorrhea and cystitis of genitourinary system. regulate and activate the various systems like nervous system for neuralgia, headache skin problems like wounds, cuts, burns, herpes, lice, insect repellent and insect bites can be treated with it. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, muscle and joint pains and aches is well reported from the essential oils of this plant [36], [44], [45].
GERANIUM - generally used to control the emotions in aroma therapy. It is used in dermatitis, eczema, aging skin, some fungal infections, along with anxiety and stress related problems. The oil has some anti-bacterial action and is an important ingredient for endometriosis treatment. This oil is further used for its sedative properties, nerve tonic, in throat infection
PEPPERMINT - Peppermint oil is studied and documented for its antiinflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive, carminative, fungicidal effects, nervine stimulant, vasoconstrictor, decongestant and stomachic properties.
The antispasmodic properties of oil make it a better choice during pain associated with the menstrual cycle and are also used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. When superficially applied around the head and temple, it has very good action on headache. Further, itching due to various reasons like herpes blisters, ringworm infestation, scabies, poison oak, and ivy can also be relieved. It is observed that it can relieve many bacterial, fungal, and viral infections when inhaled or applied in the form of a vapor balm.
ROMAN CHAMOMILE - Its antianxiety, stress relieving properties ease out depression, worry, and overactive mind. Its use before sleep for bath can relax both mind and body and brings on sleep, with a peaceful and spiritual awareness. Headache, insomnia and menstrual disorders are known to be treated with this oil. In aromatherapy, it is extensively used to relieve the pain from physical conditions, menstrual cramps and tension with its application on lower abdomen. Psoriasis, eczema, boils, sunburn and cold sores have been treated with it along with its role in decreasing the pain associated with joints, arthritis, sprains and stings [47].
YLANG YLANG - A pilot study involving 34 professionals from a nursing group was carried out in Portugal to verify the use of ylang ylang essential oil in relieving the anxiety and increasing the self esteem along with alteration of blood pressure and temperature. The results showed clear evidence that use of this plant led to a significant alteration in self esteem [74]. Further, its aphrodisiac properties are due to its exotic fragrance advantageous for both dry and oily skins. It is also indicated in depression, anxiety, hypertension, frigidity, stress and palpitations [75
REFERENCE LIST
A.E. Sadlon, D.W. Lamson. Immune modifying and antimicrobial effects of eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Altern Med Rev, 15 (2010), pp. 33-47
S. Aazza, B. Lyoussi, C. Megías, I. Cortés-Giraldo, J. Vioque, A.C. Figueiredo, et al. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities of Moroccan commercial essential oils. Nat Prod Commun, 9 (4) (2014), pp. 587-594
J. Lawless. The illustrated encyclopedia of essential oils: the complete guide to the use of oils in aromatherapy & herbalism. Element Books Ltd, Rockport (1995)
R. Tisserand, T. Balacs. Essential oil safety: a guide for health professionals. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh (1995)
A. Ben Slima, M.B. Ali, M. Barkallah, A.I. Traore, T. Boudawara, N. Allouche, et al. Antioxidant properties of Pelargonium graveolens L'Her essential oil on the reproductive damage induced by deltamethrin in mice as compared to alpha-tocopherol. Lipids Health Dis, 12 (2013), p. 30
A. Ben Hsouna, N. Hamdi. Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils and organic extracts from Pelargonium graveolens growing in Tunisia. Lipids Health Dis, 11 (2012), p. 167
A. Ghannadi, M. Bagherinejad, D. Abedi, M. Jalali, B. Absalan, N. Sadeghi. Antibacterial activity and composition of essential oils from Pelargonium graveolens L'Her and Vitex agnus-castus L. Iran J Microbiol, 4 (4) (2012), pp. 171-176
Gurjal, H. (n.d.). Aromatherapy: Do Essential Oils Really Work? Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
Nierenberg, C. (2015, September 03). The Science of Essential Oils: Does Using Scents Make Sense? Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.livescience.com/52080-essential-oils-science-health-effects.html
Ali, B., Al-Wabel, N., Shams, S., Ahamad, A., Khan, S., & Anwar, F. (2015, July 10). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
Cortisol. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/cortisol
These 10 essential oils can kill persistent Lyme disease. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323881
Report, H. (2018, December 04). Essential oils from garlic, herbs kill persistent Lyme disease bacteria. Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://hub.jhu.edu/2018/12/04/lyme-disease-treatment-essential-oils/
Feng, J., Shi, W., Miklossy, J., Tauxe, G., McMeniman, C., & Zhang, Y. (2018, October 16). Identification of Essential Oils with Strong Activity against Stationary Phase Borrelia burgdorferi. Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316231/
M. Boukhris, M. Bouaziz, I. Feki, H. Jemai, A. El Feki, S. Sayadi
Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of leaf essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Lipids Health Dis, 11 (2012), p. 81
P.H. Koulivand, M.K. Ghadiri, A. GorjiLavender and the nervous system. Evid Based Complement Altern Med (2013), 10.1155/2013/681304
S. Kim, H.J. Kim, J.S. Yeo, S.J. Hong, J.M. Lee, Y. JeonThe effect of lavender oil on stress, bispectral index values, and needle insertion pain in volunteers. J Altern Complement Med, 17 (2011), pp. 823-826
M.C. Ou, T.F. Hsu, A.C. Lai, Y.T. Lin, C.C. LinPain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial
J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 38 (5) (2012), pp. 817-822
S.H. Han, M.H. Hur, J. Buckle, J. Choi, M.S. LeeEffect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med, 12 (6) (2006), pp. 535-541
Comments