Alternative medicine enthusiasts have subscribed to the power of essential oils for years. But with their increasing availability (and claimed health benefits), theyre going mainstream.

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Essential oils are fantastic. They have many benefits, says integrative medicine specialist Yufang Lin, MD. The problem lies in how people use them.

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Plants are made of structural materials and phytochemicals. These chemicals have properties that not only benefit the plant but benefit people, too, explains Dr. Lin.

It takes a tremendous amount of plant material to make essential oils. For example:

Because it takes so much of the plant to make an essential oil, its a powerful botanical medicine, she says.

Because essential oils are so strong, Dr. Lin recommends being mindful about why and how youre using them. Only small doses are required. Its also a good idea not to use them routinely, as your body can get used to them, lowering their effectiveness, she says.

There are three ways you can use essential oils:

Aromatherapy involves smelling essential oils to improve health. Its a great way to change your mood quickly. As you breathe in, the oils aroma immediately stimulates your central nervous system, triggering an emotional response, explains Dr. Lin. It can reduce anxiety and stress response quickly.

There are several aromatherapy methods. Whichever method you choose, avoid direct contact with the essential oil and dilute it first, says Dr. Lin.

Aromatherapy methods include:

One caveat is that aromatherapy may not work as well for older adults with dementia or behavior problems, she notes. That may be because people tend to experience loss of smell as they get older.

Some people take essential oils orally in teas, supplements or even via a drop or two on their tongue. Unless youre directed by a trained herbalist, I recommend against using them this way. Since theyre so strong, they may be harmful, advises Dr. Lin. Even with just a few drops of essential oil, youre taking a lot of plant material without realizing it. They can even burn the mucosal lining in your mouth.

You can also reap the benefits by applying essential oils to your skin, where its absorbed into your body. But Dr. Lin cautions against directly applying essential oils to your skin without diluting them. With few exceptions, its best to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to avoid skin irritation, she says.

Some people put their essential oil blend into a small rollerball bottle for easier application.

Studies have shown that essential oils may:

Lavender is Dr. Lins go-to oil. Its gentle and has a lot of benefits. You can also use it in a variety of ways, she says.

Lavender can help with stress, pain and sleep. Before they discovered antiseptics, lavender was also used as a cleaning agent in hospitals, Dr. Lin says.

Dr. Lin says most people use tea tree oil as an antiseptic, antimicrobial or antifungal. You can also use it to help:

One note of caution: Since tea tree oil can be neurotoxic, Dr. Lin says you shouldnt diffuse it if you have small children or animals at home.

Known as the king of oils, frankincense can help with inflammation, mood and sleep.

Peppermint oil is known to:

Peppermint tea can settle your stomach, too if you have irritable bowel syndrome or gastric irritation, adds Dr. Lin. Its very gentle and easy to use.

Eucalyptus is a great essential oil to have on hand during cold season. It soothes a stuffed-up nose by opening your nasal passages so you can breathe easier. (Peppermint oil can also help with this.)

Be careful when using essential oils in children, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and seniors. Some essential oils can be harmful to the liver and nervous system when used in excess. Tea tree and eucalyptus oil have also been known to cause seizures, warns Dr. Lin. Theyre toxic for animals as well.

If you are pregnant, these oils tend to be safe for use if you properly dilute them:

Citrus oils lemon, orange, lime, tangerine, grapefruit and bergamot are also safe, but they cause photosensitivity to light when applied to the skin, Dr. Lin says. If youre not careful, that could lead to a quick sunburn.

Potentially toxic oils include:

Dr. Lin also says to make a note of these very toxic oils:

The essential oil business is booming and mostly unregulated. Thats why Dr. Lin says its important to make sure youre getting the real deal and not some chemical-laden snake oil. Go for organic, minimally processed essential oils, she recommends. You can find good quality oils at natural and organic grocery store chains and health stores.

Look for oils that are:

Originally posted here:
Essential Oils 101: Do They Work + How Do You Use Them? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic