APPLICATIONS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

INTRODUCTION

Plants contain complex and powerful substances known as essential oils. These are aromatic liquids derived from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, herbs, and seeds. These distinctive components defend plants from insects, harsh environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Referred to as the essence of the plant, pure essential oils not only protect the plant, but also determine its aroma. Essential Oils are not really oils. They are the highly concentrated liquid that comes from the plant. For example, rose essential oil has a beautiful, strong floral and sweet fragrance that is intoxicating and highly romantic. It takes thousands of flower petals to create the drops that are in a single bottle of therapeutic grade rose oil, and adding a single drop of peppermint oil to a glass of water has approximately the same concentration as 20 bags of peppermint tea. In ancient times, sweet smelling oils were more respected for both medicinal and their healing properties than scent, while today the opposite is true. Thus, modern society is ignoring the greatest attribute of essential oils, their health-giving properties.

APPLICATIONS
At first look, essential oils appear so simple, but they are not. They contain hundreds to thousands of different chemical constituents, many occurring in minute quantities, but all working together to produce therapeutic effects. Essential Oils are distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. Essential Oils are oxygenated and assist in delivering nutrients to the cells in our body. The oils are highly concentrated containing profound healing properties so only a few drops are necessary per application (1 to 3 drops). The oils diffuse very quickly (within minutes) throughout the blood and tissues by penetrating the pores of the skin and the cell membranes. Containing enormously valuable medicinal healing properties, Essential Oils provide dramatic results when used therapeutically. Essential Oils deliver subtle energetic rebalancing effects that work on the physical body, chakras, meridians, and higher spiritual bodies, as well as the emotions. Essential Oils penetrate the pores of the skin and cell membranes and diffuse throughout the blood

and tissues. Essential Oils can enhance circulation and immune function. There are so many wonderful benefits that occur when using the oils such as:

1) Essential Oils in Health & Wellness

Pain: Often applied through massage oils, lotions, liniments, or compresses, essential oils reduce pain by different mechanisms: Numbing: Some oils - such as clove bud, frankincense chamomile, lavender, and lemongrass - dull pain by numbing nerve endings Anti-inflammatory: Oils such as chamomile, geranium, juniper, lavender, marjoram, myrrh, rose, and tea tree diminish pain through anti-inflammatory actions. Heat: Some oils e.g., as bay laurel, bay rum, black pepper, cinnamon, clove bud, ginger, juniper, peppermint, and thyme - relieve pain by producing heat and increasing circulation. Brain: Some oils - such as frankincense, ginger, and lemongrass - interfere with the brains processing of pain signals. Neurotransmitters: Oils such as birch (containing aspirin-like compounds), cayenne, and ginger hinder the production of neurotransmitters that carry pain messages from nerve endings to the central nervous system. Relaxation: Using chamomile, clary sage, lavender, lemon, lemon eucalyptus, lemon verbena, marjoram, melissa (lemon balm), myrtle, and petitgrain (a citrus-related plant) may help relieve pain through relaxation. Insomnia: Sleep-promoting oils - including bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, melissa, mandarin, neroli (orange blossom), rose, sandalwood, and tangerine can be inhaled, rubbed on the skin with massage oil or lotion, or used in bath water.

Headaches: When inhaled, a variety of oils - including lavender, melissa, peppermint, basil, chamomile, lemongrass and marjoram - can relieve headaches of different origins. Stress: Some oils - including bergamot, chamomile, lavender, lemon melissa, marjoram, neroli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, and valerian relieve stress (even slowing brain waves). Depression: Antidepressant qualities are found in some oils such as angelica, bergamot, cardamom, chamomile cinnamon, clary sage, clove, cypress, lavender, lemon verbena, lemon, melissa, orange, neroli, petitgrain, rose, and ylang-ylang (a tropical Asian tree). Stimulation: Many oils - including angelica, basil, benzoin (from a southeast Asian tree), black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, cypress, ginger, jasmine, peppermint, rosemary, and sage will stimulate and keep you alert. High Blood Pressure: Oils have been shown to lower blood pressure, including neroli, orange, melissa, tangerine, rose, ylang ylang, geranium, and clary sage. Bacterial Infections: Oils isolated from bay laurel, cinnamon, clove bud, garlic, oregano, savory, and thyme are powerful antibacterial agents (albeit potential skin irritants). More gentle antibacterial oils include bay rum, benzoin, cardamom, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium lavender, lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, myrrh, myrtle, pine rose, sage, and tea tree. These oils can treat infections of the skin, bladder, bowel, ear, gum, sinus, skin, and throat. The nature of the infection will determine whether the oils are inhaled or rubbed on the skin. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be treated with baths, sitzbaths, and massages using certain essential oils. For example, a massage oil containing niaouli, cajeput (both a type of tea tree oil) or sandalwood can be rubbed into the abdomen and kidney region of the lower back. Cuts and wounds can be treated with sprays or salves that contain essential oils isolated from eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, tea tree, or basil. Viral Infections: Often ingredients in cough drops and cold and flu medications, many oils also have antiviral properties. These oils include bay, bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon

bark, clove bud, eucalyptus, garlic, geranium, holy basil, juniper, lavender, melissa, lemongrass, lemon, marjoram, myrrh, oregano, rose, rosemary sage, tea tree, and thyme. Menstrual Cramps and Premenstrual Syndrome Relief (PMS): PMS is believed to be caused by fluctuations of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.The symptoms classified under PMS are menstrual cramp (when the uterus contracts), headache, acne, bloating, depression, insomnia, mood swings, diarrhea, backache, gingivitis, breast tenderness and lumpiness, fatigue, hot flashes, rashes and the list goes on. Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Black Currant Seed Oil work in women to reduce prostaglandins. Dandelion leaf which is a non toxic diuretic and pepper mint oil helps in water retention and reduce pain. Essential fatty acids promote the production of the prostaglandins that help the uterus contract without causing cramping. Calendula (also known as marigold) tea can help reduce tension in the uterine muscles and relieve menstrual cramps. 2) Therapeutic Aromatherapy A popular alternative medicine therapy, aromatherapy or essential oil therapy is a natural, gentle treatment that can be used as an adjunct and sometimes as an alternative to the many conventional pharmaceutical medications that people with physical disabilities, including spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS), frequently rely upon. Smells can trigger vivid memories, involving sights, sounds and emotional impressions of events in our distant past. A whiff of oatmeal cookies evokes in-depth childhood memories of my grandmother baking her culinary morsels of affection in a wood stove in her Northern Minnesota kitchen. In addition to such memories, smells can initiate a cascade of physiological responses affecting our entire body and mental outlook.

These responses form the basis for an ancient healing tradition now called aromatherapy -a term coined by Rene Gatfosee 3) For Mental Health Therapeutic properties contained in essential oils play a significant role in offering psychological effects that improve mental health. Sedative cedarwood, melissa, chamomile, valerian, neroli, and petitgrain. Antidepressant mandarin, sandalwood, lemon, ylang ylang, jasmine, geranium, and orange. Calming properties peppermint, rosemary, and basil. Rejuvenating properties bergamot, lime, lavender, cypress, marjoram, petitgrain, violet leaf, and rose. For Anxiety People suffering from anxiety are often bothered by thoughts and worries such that s/he is unable to relax. Their active mind often results to inability to sleep or get quality sleep at night. Therefore, a person struggles to find an emotional balance due to the presence of mental anxiety. Essential oil of basil, lavender, and neroli can be used. For Nervous Tension Nervous tension could happen for several reasons including stress, mental worries, and other external factors that could contribute to the intensity of the feeling. You can then prepare a simple essential oil recipe to ease tension, relax your nervous system, and create a balance in your emotional equilibrium. Blend of petitgrain, lavender, and roman chamomile can be used as massage oil, bath, or inhalant to introduce the healing essences into your nervous system. For Depression

Depression is a common type of mental condition that is caused by a series of factors. Due to the serious nature of this condition, even psychological and medical experts have difficulty pinpointing the right treatment for this condition. Stress can be a cause or effect of depression, which makes studying this condition a lot more tricky.

Aromatherapy is an effective way to reduce or relieve one from depression. Essential oils that contain sedative and antidepressant properties are ideal for battling depression. Some of the essential oils suggested for depressive behaviors include neroli, jasmine or lavender. When the healing components of the oil reach the limbic system, it alters the functions of your brain and reverse those negative behaviors into positive vibrations. For Stress Like depression, stress can have physical or mental manifestations. However, the latter is more capable of producing an impact on one's health condition. Common factors that can contribute to the formation of mental or physical stress is pressure from work and anxiety associated with it. When choosing essential oils to combat stress, you need something that will help both your mind and body to relax. Clary sage is an example, which is more ideal for stress caused by emotional conditions. Lavender is another type of essential oil that you can use for stress that result in sleeping disorders. Improve Mental Performance One of the biggest benefits produced by the use of essential oils is improving mind clarity and agility. For mental conditions caused by stress from work, improving mental performance is crucial in boosting your job performance. With a sharper mind, you are better able to focus and concentrate on the task at hand. The benefit of essential oils in terms of improving mental performance begins by balancing your mood. Eventually, mental stimulation will follow with the use of essential oils including eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary. These essential oils create strong but not too overwhelming scents that will effectively liven up your senses. The mental stimulation process happens as the

healing essences of the oil reach your limbic system and produce vitality of mind. This explains why several offices use aromatherapy candles since the scent help reinvigorate their mind and body during times when work tends to become tedious. 4) For Post harvest Disease Control.

Naturally occurring biologically active compounds from plants are an examples of GRAS (generally regarded as safe)compounds. These plant extracts are generally assumed to be more acceptable and less hazardous than synthetic compounds. This means that essential oils that are registered food grade materials, could be used as alternative anti-fungal and anti-bacterial treatments for fresh produce. The potential for these types of plant extracts is considerable. It is a resource that has not been fully explored. Botrytis is the main postharvest pathogen of fresh grapes. Essential oils from red thyme (Thymus zygis), clove buds (Eugenia caryophyllata) and cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) prevented the growth of Botrytis cinerea. Other researchers have shown that the essential oil of Monarda citrodora and Melaleuca alternifolia also exhibit antifungal activity against a wide range of common postharvest pathogens. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. cedar, eucalyptus, thyme and camomile oils were antagonistic against the food spoilage pathogens Bacillus cereus, Clostridium botulinum and Listeria monocytongenes. Essential oils which have been registered as Food Additives are much easier to register for postharvest use than new synthetic pesticides. Application of these oils via the vapour phase should also make their use more cost effective than dipping.

5) As diet and nutritional supplements

Essential oils increase circulation to the brain. This better enables the pituitary and other glands to secrete neural transmitters and hormones that support the endocrine and immune systems. The thyroid is one of the most important glands for regulating the body systems. The hypothalamus plays an even more important role, since it not only regulates the thyroid, but the adrenals and the pituitiary gland as well. The following oils support the endocrine system: Fleabane (Conyza canadensis), Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), Lemon verbena (Lipia citriodora), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Rosemary cineol (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata).

Essential oils of the following gives energy and metabolism boost and helps to reduce weight. Orange , Lemon, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Peppermint, Ginger, capsicum and Basil.

6) Essential oils as Antibiotics, Antiseptics and Disinfectants :

Spraying essential oils in micro-fine vapor (within an enclosed atmosphere like a home) effectively destroys infectious pathogens, while at the same time boosting one's immune system. Microscopic photos taken during the tests recorded the massive breakdown of pathogenic life forms. A virus or bacteria will mutate to defend itself against vaccines and antibiotics, but no pathogen has ever been known to mutate when confronted with essential oils. A mixture of Pine, Thyme, Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary, Cloves, and Cinnamon act a a preventative for infectious childhood diseases (whooping cough, coryza of nasal catarra, influenza), and acute or chronic diseases of the respiratory tract in adults (influenza, tuberculosis, and pneumonia). Essential oils, properly

blended, can disinfect, and deodorize your home, your work place, and your own body with no negative side effects.
7) Essential Oils in Beauty Treatment Aging processes, such as browning, thickening and wrinkling; and melanoma and other skin cancers are thought to be accelerated by the accumulation of peroxides in the skin tissues. These peroxides are produced by environmental factors such as heat and ultra-violet radiation from sunlight, a primary cause of sunburn and melanoma. Essential oils acts as antioxidants and slows down the aging process, enhances skin lightening, acne removal, removes dark circles and softens the skin giving a young touch to it. Thus these are preferred by many in the beauty segment.

Perfumes Essential Oils are a beautiful alternative to the chemicals and even animal by products found in commercial perfumes and colognes. The aroma of essential oils and oil blends can even have exciting romantic effects. There are also many other uses for essential oils in beauty, including: Lotions, crmes, lip balms Facial cleansers and toners Massage oils and lotions Shampoos, conditioners and bath soaps Bath soaks and shower gels Natural perfumes and personal scents Uses for Essential Oils in the Household Laundry: Essential Oils may be added to the washing machine, or a few drops put on a cotton cloth and added to the dryer. Lemon will remove greasy/oily smells.

Eucalyptus Globulous kill dust mites in bedding. Lavender EO in the dryer can scent bed linens It is also used in General Cleaning, washing dishes, painting Lemon or Grapefruit EO, possibly with a touch of Tea Tree oil added, in the water is used for cleaning. Water Distillers and Filters To change the taste, to increase the oxygen, and to increase the frequency of the water. Diffuser: The easiest and simplest way of putting the oils into the air for inhalation is to use an aromatic mist diffuser. Diffusers that use a heat source (such as a light bulb ring) will alter the chemical make-up of the oil and its therapeutic qualities. A cold air diffuser uses room-temperature air to blow the oil up against some kind of a nebulizer. This breaks the oils up into a micro-fine mist that is then dispersed into the air, covering hundreds of square feet in seconds. The oils, with their oxygenating molecules, will then remain suspended for several hours to freshen and improve the quality of the air. The anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties of the oils kill bacteria and help to reduce fungus and mold. Essential oils, when diffused, have been found to reduce the amount of airborne chemicals and metallics as well as help to create greater spiritual, physical, and emotional harmony. Bug Repellant It is not necessary for us to kill bugs and insects, instead they can be repelled off. Essential oils form a greater part of products that is used to repell bugs These are not only very effective but also provide us a healthy and harmless environment. For eg: peppermint, spear mint, cedar wood, etc are used against ants, flies, and lice. Many of the conventionally available chemical repellants are very dangerous to both humans as well as pets. But the use of natural repellants has boosted up because of the growing awareness.

8) As Natural Food Preservative Plant essential oils and their components are known to exhibit antimicrobial activities, and many applications for controlling the growth of food borne pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms have been developed using these essential oils as natural food preservatives. Certain plants and their extracts which are used as flavoring agents possess antimicrobial activity and hence offering a potential alternative to synthetic preservatives. Plant essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis and Origanum vulgare were added to food for preserving it for long. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) has been used also for medicine and food preservation for thousands of years. Essential oils sage and rosemary could slow oxidative spoilage of meat better than syntheticantioxidants. multiflora, Carum carvi and Mentha piperita are the other commonly used natural food preservatives. Zataria

CONCLUSION
Essential Oil finds many applications in our day to day life. In the current scenario, everyone is going for safer means of life utilities and essential oils with their immense medicinal and anti bacterial property find greater opportunity to be a part of many products. Natural products are healthy thus prove harmless when used in correct proportions. Also there are many unexplored areas which can be researched on and further innovative solutions can be brought out in essential oil segment which can improve the way humans experience their lives. One example of such innovative solutions would be using essential oils in defense mechanisms. After much research it has been found that turmeric extracts are currently used in detecting inflammable materials that are used in bombs. A further expansion of this application would allow us to use essential oils in many such applications.