Health benefits of essential oils

OLUFUNKE FROM PUNCH

Recently, I ordered some essential oils to add to my homemade deodorant, and it occurred to me that I had never discussed essential oils before.

I’ve also been asked about whole grains. Allow me to address this by explaining the difference between white and brown rice.

A grain is considered ‘whole’ if its three original parts—the bran, germ, and endosperm—remain intact. The bran is the fibrous outer layer, the germ is the embryo with the potential to grow into a new plant, and the endosperm is the germ’s starchy food source.

Brown or unpolished rice retains all these parts, making it a whole grain. On the other hand, white or polished rice is refined, meaning the bran and germ are removed during processing, leaving only the endosperm. Brown rice is the healthier option because the bran and germ, which contain most of the grain’s vitamins and minerals, remain intact.

Since white rice consists only of the endosperm, a digestible starch, it can significantly raise blood glucose levels.

Apart from brown rice, other examples of whole grains include ofada rice, millet, sorghum, acha (fonio), barley, corn, popcorn, quinoa, and buckwheat.

Moving on to essential oils: These are fragrant oils extracted from the roots, flowers, leaves, or seeds of plants through steam distillation or applied pressure. The term “essential” reflects the oil’s essence, which contains the natural chemicals that give the plant its distinct aroma or flavour.

The variety of essential oils is extensive. Some common examples include lavender, peppermint, tea tree, lemon, frankincense, eucalyptus, sandalwood, and rose essential oils.

Essential oils have been used in folk medicine for centuries. The Persian physician Ibn Sina, known as Avicenna in Europe, was the first to extract the fragrance of flowers through distillation. The earliest recorded mention of techniques for producing essential oils is attributed to Ibn al-Baitar (1188–1248), an Arab Al-Andalusian physician, pharmacist, and chemist. Interestingly, when archaeologists opened Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1923, they discovered 50 alabaster jars of essential oils.

Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that attributes healing properties to aromatic compounds. In aromatherapy, diluted oils may be applied to the skin, inhaled, dabbed on pillows or in baths, or heated to disperse their aroma into the air. Some soaps and lotions are also made with essential oils and can be used as part of aromatherapy practices.

 Many people use essential oils to scent their homes or freshen up items like laundry. They are also popular as natural fragrances in homemade cosmetics and high-quality natural products. In the cosmetic and makeup industry, essential oils are used to create perfumes, add fragrance to creams and body washes, and even serve as sources of natural antioxidants in some beauty care products.

It has been suggested that essential oils could provide a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic mosquito repellents. Lab studies show promising results. For instance, research at Johns Hopkins found that certain essential oils could kill a type of Lyme bacteria more effectively than antibiotics. Other proven success stories include the use of tea tree oil for acne treatment and the application of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood oils for managing alopecia areata (hair loss).

Essential oils have been shown to offer numerous health benefits, primarily due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, cinnamon oil works by altering bacterial membranes, modifying lipid profiles, and inhibiting cell division, offering potential protection against colitis.

Additionally, studies have highlighted the following benefits of essential oils:

Cumin essential oil – Significantly improved diastolic pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Coriander essential oil – Particularly when used in seafood like tilapia, demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy in improving health and resistance to bacterial infections.

Parsley essential oil – It acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Orange peel oil – Is antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and pro-oxidative.

Lemon essential oil – It has shown positive effects on mouse intestinal microbiota.

Thyme essential oil – Protects the colon from damage and DNA methylation.

Carnosic acid in rosemary oil – It can reduce prostate cancer cell viability by altering endoplasmic reticulum function.

Studies also indicate that some oils, such as citronella, can repel certain mosquitoes for approximately two hours. Furthermore, the properties of essential oils suggest potential industrial applications, such as extending the shelf life of foods.