Essential oil

{{bronze}}
[[File:Distilation Santal, Alambic.jpg|thumb|right|165px|An essential oil distillery for the distillation of sandalwood oil. Looks natural enough!]]
{{altmed}}
[[File:T-shirt_made_to_promote_essential_oils,_(see_Poe%27s_law).png#file|thumb|right|165px|T-shirt made to promote essential oils, (see [[Poe's_Law|Poe's law]]).]]

An '''essential oil''' is a concentrate of the {{wpl|aroma compound|aroma compound(s)}} of a plant. They are so named because they contain the "essence" of the plant's smell, and not because they are "essential" to human health.

==Usage and efficacy==
===Not woo===
Note that these products are sometimes advertised as having woo effects other than listed below.
*{{wpl|Camphor||,}} {{wpl|eucalyptol||,}} {{wpl|menthol||,}} {{wpl|eugenol||,}} and {{wpl|methyl salicylate}} are a category of chemicals found in essential oils like mint, clove, and wintergreen. They are decent topical analgesics and moderately effective decongestants, because they produce a cold sensation, particularly in the lungs when inhaled, due to their action on ion channels in tissue. They are also used to flavor food and [[tobacco]] products, but they are toxic in large doses.
*{{wpl|Citronella oil||,}} distilled from ''Cymbopogon'' spp. (lemongrass), is a decent insect repellent.
*{{wpl|Thymol}} is found in thyme and many other essential oils. It is used to treat helminth infections and is also a decent pesticide.
*Refined {{wpl|limonene||,}} found in citrus oil, is an excellent degreaser for metal automotive/appliance parts in low concentrations, and a decent paint stripper in high concentrations. Also used as an insecticide because it's very toxic.
*{{wpl|Linalool}} is an important chemical intermediate in the production of vitamin E. It's also an effective pesticide against flies and cockroaches (but not mosquitoes). It's also somewhat poisonous to cats and dogs, so keep it away from pets.
*{{wpl|Witch hazel}} is an essential oil that produces a pleasant astringent sensation when applied topically and has a moderate antiseptic effect.

===Maybe woo===
*{{wpl|Tea tree oil}} contains various various terpenes, pinenes, cineoles and alcohols that give it a fresh, cooling scent. It's a decent decongestant when inhaled and shows some promise as a topical antiseptic, but studies are inconclusive. However, it's toxic in large doses, can cause serious allergic reactions, and it's less effective than options that are a fraction of the cost. But it does smell… really nice… or like a toilet cake (depending on who you ask).

===Mostly/entirely woo===
*[[Alternative medicine]] is big on essential oils for all kinds of nonsense uses, many of which are very dangerous. Have a look at our [[list of medicinal plants]] for examples of specific plants.
*Anything from [[Young Living]] or their bastard stepchild doTerra.
*[[Aromatherapy]] often uses essential oils because they're concentrated (more smell = more health).
*In the ''panchakarma'' practice of the [[Pseudoscience|pseudoscience]] known as [[Ayurvedic medicine]], patients are made to ''ingest'' the (sometimes quite toxic) essential oils.

==Safety and adverse effects==
Essential oils are highly concentrated mixtures of [[Chemistry|chemicals]]. They can potentially cause an allergic reaction or be toxic in large doses. Some essential oils can consist primarily of a single chemical compound. For example, mustard oil can consist of up to 92% allyl isothiocyanate<ref>[http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/mustard.htm Mustard essential oil information]</ref> (>90% is usually considered a technical grade, the lowest commercial purity offered by chemical companies).

Essential oils are applied in one of three ways: the [[English]] school of diluting in vegetable oil and massaging on the body (topical), the French school of ingestion, or the German school of inhalation.<ref name=desk>''Essential Oils Desk Reference'', Essential Science Publishing, 3<sup>rd</sup> ed., 519 pp. 2006. ISBN 0943685397.</ref><ref>[http://www.atlanticinstitute.com/blog/2014/7/14/schools-myth-draft The Truth Behind Aromatherapy Schools of Thought] August 9, 2014. Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy.</ref> From a toxicological perspective, these three routes of administration range from lowest risk (topical) to highest risk (inhalation) for adverse effects for the same compound and dosage. Because essential oils are concentrated, they have an increased risk of adverse effects compared to the herbs from which they were derived.

The big problem is that believers in "alternative medicine" tend to believe that essential oils are devoid of potential for harm because they're [[Appeal to nature|"natural"]]. This has led to some people dying or falling ill as a result of using them.<ref name=posadzki>[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230768825_Adverse_effects_of_aromatherapy_A_systematic_review_of_case_reports_and_case_series Adverse effects of aromatherapy: a systematic review of case reports and case series] by P. Posadzki et al. ''Int. J. Risk Saf. Med.'' 2012 Jan 1;24(3):147-61. doi: 10.3233/JRS-2012-0568.</ref> One woman suffered second- and third-degree burns after applying doTerra essential oil before getting in a tanning bed.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/2017/04/27/woman-with-third-degree-burns-warns-against-essential-oils-its-been-hell.html Woman with third-degree burns warns against essential oils: 'It's been hell']</ref> Essential oils may often be labeled as cosmetic goods, freeing them of the obligation of at least some countries' federal regulations.<ref>http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm127054.htm</ref> This exemption can vary by country and by the claims made by the specific retailer, but at least in the US, anyone can sell an essential oil by itself along with a [[Quack Miranda Warning]], even potentially toxic oils like bitter almond oil.<ref>https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=182.20</ref> Unprocessed bitter almond oil can be >95% benzaldehyde,<ref>[http://www.albertvieille.com/en/products/1-bitter-almond-essential-oil-morocco.html Albert Vieille: Bitter Almond Essential oil Morocco]</ref> but it also contains the poison cyanide.<ref>[http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/data/es1038841.html The Good Scents Company: bitter almond oil]</ref> Other examples of toxic effects from essential oils are:<ref>[https://www.poison.org/articles/2014-jun/essential-oils Essential Oils: Poisonous when Misused]</ref>
*Camphor (''Cinnamomum camphora''): can cause seizures if swallowed, has caused seizures in children when applied topically
*Eucalyptus (''Eucalyptus'' spp.): can cause seizures if swallowed
*Nutmeg (''Myristica fragrans''): can cause hallucinations if swallowed. [https://psychonautwiki.org/wiki/Deliriant And this is not a pleasent trip by any means, for your own physical safety and mental wellbeing do not take deliriants recreationally]
*Pennyroyal (''Mentha pulegium''): a liver toxin
*Sage (''Salvia'' spp.): swallowing more than a small amount can cause seizures, and God help you if you subscribe to the German inhalation school and they improperly distilled Salvia divinorum as their chosen species.
*Turpentine (extracted from the resin of various trees): can cause "irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness, convulsions; skin sensitization; hematuria (blood in the urine), proteinuria; kidney damage; abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; chemical pneumonitis (aspiration liquid)"<ref>[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0648.html Turpentine] 'The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)''</ref>
*Wintergreen (''Gaultheria procumbens''): can be lethal if consumed in amounts larger than is allowed as a food additive

A review of adverse effects from essential oils used in aromatherapy reported a total of 71 adverse events.<ref name=posadzki/> The adverse effects primarily consisted of dermatitis, but included one death (from wintergreen oil).<ref name=posadzki/> Lavender (''Lavandula'' spp.), peppermint (''Mentha × piperita''), tea tree (''Melaleuca alternifolia'') and ylang-ylang (''Cananga odorata'') were the most common oils associated with adverse events.<ref name=posadzki/> Additionally, 5 deaths have been associated with pennyroyal (''Mentha pulegium'') extracts.<ref>Macht, David I. (1913). "The Action of So-Called Emmenagogue Oils on the Isolated Uterus with a Report of a Case of Pennyroyal Poisoning." ''Journal of the American Medical Association'' LXI(2):105-107.</ref><ref>Sullivan, John B. (28 December 1979). "Pennyroyal Oil Poisoning and Hepatotoxicity". ''JAMA'' 242 (26): 2873–2874.</ref><ref>Editorial. (1909). "Medicolegal: Pyemia, "Pennyroyal Pills" and Evidence in Abortion Case. ''JAMA'' LIII(11): 891.</ref><ref>Young, Gordon. (1995). "Lifestyle on Trial." ''Metro: Silicon Valley's Weekly Newspaper''.</ref><ref>{{wpa|Mentha pulegium|''Mentha pulegium''}}</ref>

Some books have recommended treatment of serious diseases with essential oils (e.g., [[cancer]], bacterial pneumonia, arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure).<ref name=desk/><ref>''The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy'' by Valerie Ann Worwood (1991). New World Library. ISBN 0931432820.</ref> This is particularly problematic when the disease sufferer forgoes safe and effective medical treatment (i.e. medical treatment whose risk vs. benefit has been evaluated) for what are likely to be ineffective essential oils that may or may not be safe.

==Crank magnetism==
Essential oil usage can be a focal point for [[crank magnetism]]. For example, the 3<sup>rd</sup> edition of the ''Essential Oils Desk Reference''<ref name=desk/> uses [[testimonials]] and [[appeal to ancient wisdom]] ([[Bible]] quotes, [[Napoleon]] and [[Hildegard of Bingen]]) for justification.<ref name=desk/> The book describes using essential oils in conjunction with foot [[reflexology]], [[acupuncture]], the "lymphatic pump" (an [[osteopath]]ic technique), [[cleansing]], [[immune system boosting]], and [[pH woo|pH balance]], among other straw-grasping attempts at "medicine".<ref name=desk/> The book is against [[water chlorination]]<ref name=desk/> despite it having been shown to be a safe and effective means of disease prevention.<ref>[http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/chlorine-disinfection.htm Disinfection with Chlorine] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</ref> The book also tacitly supports the [[antivax]] movement by describing treatments for commonly preventable childhood diseases, which no child should need unless they weren't getting vaccinated (e.g., diphtheria, whooping cough, [[measles]], {{wpl|mumps||,}} chicken pox, and yes, even polio!).<ref name=desk/> Some of the crankier ideas in the 3<sup>rd</sup> edition were probably removed from later editions of the book after the publisher closed down and sold publishing rights and back stock<ref>[http://archive.ph/URZrs Archived copy of availability of editions 1 and 2 from Life Science Publishing (September 19, 2016).</ref> to Life Science Publishing,<ref>[https://www.discoverlsp.com/ Life Science Publishing]</ref> though the older editions remain popular.<ref>[http://archive.ph/xCH7Q Archived copy of Amazon page for ''Essential Oils Desk Reference''], 3<sup>rd</sup> Edition (September 19, 2016).</ref>

===Mormonism===
[[File:Doterra kit.jpg|thumb|right|dōTERRA essential oils and other products]]
There is some confluence of [[Mormonism]], [[multilevel marketing]] (MLM), and essential oils. This could be based on several factors:
*Olive oil is used for [[anointing]] in the Mormon church.<ref>[https://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings/20.5?lang=eng&_r=1#205 Handbook 2: Administering the Church. 20.5 Consecrating Oil]</ref>
*Herbs are mentioned in the Mormon [[Doctrine and Covenants]] for [[healing]].<ref>[https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/42.43?lang=eng#42 Doctrine and Covenants Section 42] See line 43.</ref>
*The apparent propensity for Mormons to engage in MLM schemes.<ref>[http://notamormon.blogspot.com/2006/08/why-do-so-many-mormons-enter-mlm.html Why Do so many Mormons enter MLM schemes?] August 07, 2006. Notamormon blog</ref>
*Use of essential oils by Mormon women may be a means for them to attain power via healing within the Church, since women are not allowed into the priesthood.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/3f8yh0/could_someone_please_explain_to_me_the_mormon/ Could someone please explain to me the Mormon fascination with 'essential oils', à la 'DoTERRA'?] r/exmormon blog</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/1yieoo/mormons_and_essential_oils/ Mormons and Essential Oils]</ref>

Examples include:
*dōTERRA &mdash; a Mormon MLM essential oil company<ref>[http://doterra.com/US/en/brochures-magazines-essential-leadership-edition-3-michael-and-becky-cox dōTERRA: From Corporate to Consultant, Michael & Becky Cox]</ref>
*[[Young Living]] Essential Oils &mdash; an MLM essential oil company from Lehi, [[Utah]] (a city that is 89% Mormon).<ref>[https://www.youngliving.com/en_US Young Living Essential Oils]</ref><ref>[http://www.bestplaces.net/religion/city/utah/lehi Lehi, Utah: Religion</ref> Young Living got into an odd legal battle with dōTERRA in 2014 over mutual allegations of adulteration with synthetic chemicals.<ref>[http://www.utahstories.com/2014/08/damning-evidence-that-young-living-and-doterras-essential-oils-are-adulterated/ Damning Evidence That Young Living and DoTERRA’s Essential Oils are Adulterated] by Arvid Keeson (August 15, 2014) ''Utah Stories''.</ref><ref>[http://www.utahstories.com/2014/08/report-used-in-young-living-farms-case-against-doterra-suspect/ Report Used in Young Living Farms Case Against DoTERRA Suspect] by Richard Markosian (August 21, 2014) 'Utah Stories''.</ref>
In 2014, dōTERRA and Young Living Essential Oils were warned by the [[FDA]] against making unsubstantiated medical claims for treatment of diseases.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/09/24/fda-warns-three-companies-against-marketing-their-products-as-ebola-treatments-or-cures/ FDA warns three companies against marketing their products as Ebola treatments or cures] by Abby Ohlheiser (September 24, 2014) ''Washington Post''.</ref> dōTERRA was accused of unsubstantiated claims for treatment of "[[viral]] infections (including [[ebola]]), [[bacteria]]l infections, [[cancer]], brain injury, [[autism]], endometriosis, Grave's Disease, {{wpl|Alzheimer's Disease||,}} tumor reduction, [[Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder|ADD/ADHD]], and other conditions that are not amenable to [[self-diagnosis]] and treatment by individuals who are not medical practitioners."<ref>[http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2014/ucm415809.htm dōTERRA International, LLC 9/22/14] September 22, 2014 FDA.</ref> Young Living was accused of unsubstantiated claims for treatment of "viral infections (including ebola), Parkinson’s disease, autism, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, insomnia, heart disease, [[post-traumatic stress disorder]] (PTSD), dementia, and multiple sclerosis…"<ref>[http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2014/ucm416023.htm Young Living 9/22/14] September 22, 2014 FDA.</ref>

==External links==
*{{wpa|Essential oil}}

==See also==
*[[Herbal supplement]]
*[[List of medicinal plants]]

==References==
{{reflist|2|90%}}

{{altmedbox}}
[[Category:Chemistry]]
[[Category:Herbal medicine]]
[[Category:Indian medicine]]
[[Category:Plants]]

Categories: Chemistry, Herbal medicine, Indian medicine, Plants