Essential Oils: Eastern and Western Perspectives

Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is a  popular complementary therapy used to help people relax, rejuvenate their spirits or relieve pain. Although this technique has been used for centuries, modern evidence on its efficacy is not fully clear. While some reports have doubted efficacy or clinical safety, others praise its healing benefits. Countless books, classes, manufacturers and retail companies have an abundance of information regarding the use of essential oils. At this point it is up to every practitioner to experience the effect of essential oils to fully appreciate their power. Regardless of the doubt, these fragrant oils are certainly a popular healing modality all across the world.

Essential oils are concentrations of plant extracts that capture the plant’s flavor, scent and medicinal properties. The oils are obtained through distillation or mechanical methods. In distillation, oils are extracted in a multitude of ways using steam, heat and/or condensation. Other methods include extraction via mechanical pressing (cold expression), pressing with fat (enfleurage), solvent extraction, and carbon dioxide extraction. The parts of plants used include peels, leaves, flowers, needles, resins, roots, seeds, woods, and barks. To manufacture these oils, massive  quantities of plants are required to make just a single pound of oil. These amounts often look like: 10,000 pounds of rose petals, 250 pounds of lavender, 6,000 pounds of melissa plant, 1,500 lemons, and so forth (Yeager, 2017). Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are bottled neat or combined with a carrier oil to create a product that's ready for use. Modes of use include straight inhalation, which is the quickest way to reach the limbic system, bath and dermal application. Some people may ingest oils, but this has been a controversial argument due to the significance of possible misuse when introducing volatile oils to the internal system. 

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for healing and balancing the mind and body. Smell is the only sense with receptor nerve endings in direct contact with the outside world, providing a direct channel to the brain and thus the central nervous system. The olfactory system is stimulated and affects the limbic system, which controls circadian rhythm, emotions, the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, reward/addiction, and hormone balance (Rajmohan & Mohandas, 2007). As essential oils are lipid-soluble, absorption from skin application is quick and easy due to the oiliness of the skin. Once absorbed, the oils enter the bloodstream to affect the nervous and lymphatic systems in as little as 5 minutes (Antonelli & Donelli, 2020). It is also suggested to dilute oils with a carrier oil as essential oils are volatile and could irritate the skin if applied neat.

In the West, Essential Oils have many uses for physical/emotional/mental/spiritual health, home cleaning, first aid, gardening, cooking and in animal care (when used properly). Functions of oils can be understood by observing the physical characteristics of the plants they come from including the texture, shape, part distilled, and scent. Essential oils can be divided into 3 categories or aroma families: top, middle and base notes; where each note has its own set of healing qualities that work singularly or together in a blend. Each note is distinguished by how long the scent lasts when applied. Top notes are generally bright, refreshing, clarifying and energizing. Middle notes are balancing warming and grounding. Base notes are calming, emotionally grounding, and give a richer aroma to blends. Some oils may even have more than one note.  ("Categories of essential oils & their benefits – Families & notes," n.d.)

Below is a basic list of common essential oils and some of their properties.

Lavender (Top) - Antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, helps treat burns, scars and rashes

Tea Tree (Middle) - Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal

Peppermint (Top/Middle) - Anti Inflammatory, antiseptic, helps treat digestive and respiratory systems

Chamomile (Middle) - Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, is known for its calming properties

Rosemary (Top/Middle) - Antiseptic, is known for being physically and mentally stimulating

Thyme - Antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic, diuretic

Lemon (Top) - Antibacterial, antiseptic, stimulates the digestive system

Clove - Antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic, known for relieving toothache

Rose - Antiseptic, relieves stress anxiety and depression,

Eucalyptus (Top/Middle) - Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, diuretic, analgesic, effective against coughs and colds

Cinnamon - Antiviral, antiseptic, analgesic,  improves appetite, counters food poisoning, 

Patchouli (Base) - Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiseptic, insecticide, 

(Keville & Green, 2008; Worwood, 1991)

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, essential oils represent the jing essence of plants, and have a long history of use. These substances are used to reduce physical complaints while assisting in the individual’s mental and spiritual development. Essential oils can be used as a stand alone modality, but they are more effective in support of an acupuncture treatment. The application of these oils in TCM can be based on systems of five elements, Yin and Yang, levels of Qi, TCM functions and channel and point theory. For greater efficacy and accuracy, particular essential oils are used on points with the same function. For example, Lavender and Palmarosa  both calm the shen and open the chest and therefore can be used on Pericardium 6 for the same action. Roman Chamomile can be used on Liver 8 to nourish the blood and Liver 13 to harmonize the spleen and stomach. (Gian, 2019). Practitioners could also use essential oils on primary as well as extraordinary channels to rid the body of evils as these oils can reach different levels of the channel system. See the chart below for a basic set of associated oils used for channel treatments (Kuebel, 2019; Gian, 2017). 

Channel-Associated Essential Oils

Chong - Angelica archangelica

Ren - Ginger root

Du - Cinnamon Bark

Yin Wei - Rose

Yang Wei - Rosemary

Yang Qiao - Cinnamon Leaf

Yin Qiao - Jasmine

Dai - Mugwort

Lung - Peppermint

Large Intestine - Rosemary

Stomach - Bergamot

Spleen - Roman Chamomile

Heart - Ylang-Ylang

Kidney - German Chamomile

Pericardium - Palmarosa

Gallbladder - Lemongrass

Liver - Lavender

Wei Level - Bergamot, Blood Orange, Lemon, Peppermint, Palmarosa, Orange, Eucalyptus G/R, Lavender, Basil, Geranium, Sweet Marjoram, Ravensara, Rosemary

Ying Level - R/G Chamomile, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Lemongrass, Palmarosa, Cardamom, Eucalyptus G., Sweet Fennel, Tea Tree, Basil, Geranium, Sweet Marjoram, Scots Pine, Ravensara, Ginger, Rosemary

Yuan Level - G. Chamomile, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Spikenard, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Cooling - R. Chamomile, G. Chamomile, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Bergamot, Blood Orange, Lemon, Peppermint, Palmarosa, Eucalyptus R., Lavender, Tea Tree, Spikenard, Geranium, Sweet Marjoram, Sandalwood, Ravensara, Vetiver

Warming - Lemongrass, Cardamom, Eucalyptus G., Sweet Fennel, Basil, Sweet Marjoram, Patchouli, Scots Pine, Ginger, Rosemary

In TCM treatment, essential oils can be used for any pattern affecting the body. Like single herbs,  functions of the oils vary from clearing heat, promoting qi movement, tonifying Qi/Yang, nourishing Yin/Blood, invigorating Blood, calming the Shen, and aromatically transforming Dampness. By observing the application of oils through the levels of Qi (Wei, Ying, Yuan-Source levels, comparable to top, middle and low notes in Western application), we can see that oils that affect the Wei level are typically top notes, Ying level are middle notes and Yuan level are base notes. Wei level oils are associated with outer consciousness and experience and are commonly used for colds, uplifting moods. Ying level oils are associated with organ Qi, blood and emotions; they are commonly used in working with the immune, muscular and digestive systems. Yuan Level oils are associated with DNA and potential and usually deal with insomnia, night sweats, the reproductive system, and help with meditation by grounding the spirit. 

An example of a treatment protocol comes from Peter Holmes: “Place two to four drops of an essential oil or oil blend onto the end of a Q-tip and apply directly onto the skin over the point. Holding the Q-tip for a while over the point will make the oil(s) seep down through the skin to the area of the point, which will energetically activate it... The point can be held for anywhere between one and 20 minutes, after which, needling can proceed as usual. Before or even instead of needling, the oil application could be followed with application of a tiger-warmer or moxa-warmer device to enhance oil absorption, which is especially useful in cold and deficiency conditions” (Holmes, 2009). 

Compared to the Eastern styles of treatment, use of essential oils in the West is more geared to indications, whereas a diluted blend can be used in a full body massage for a whole body effect, inhaled in various ways or applied over areas of the body for specific indications. For instance, to help treat strep throat, a few drops of oregano oil can be gargled for a few minutes; ginger may be added to a bath to help sore muscles or a drop of peppermint may be massaged at the temples for a headache. 

Many sources do not approve of ingesting essential oils, however it is possible. There are some sources that have recipes for dishes that include essential oils in low quantities and some that suggest to use a few drops for acute conditions. Overall, essential oils can be very toxic if ingested, especially for children; therefore ingesting oils comes with great caution. Obviously, ingesting oils should be under the guidance of an experienced practitioner to avoid poisoning from improper dosage or toxic oil such as Wintergreen. If a toxic dose of essential oils have been ingested, it is recommended not to stimulate vomiting, but to call poison control. 

While most essential oils can have a beneficial effect on humans, many oils that people enjoy can be toxic to pets. For instance tea tree oil, used for its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties in humans, is very toxic to cats and dogs and if used in certain concentrations. The oil could potentially poison the animal, showing up in signs such as low body temperature, weakness, inability/instability walking, tremors, coma, increased liver enzymes, and even death. Because cats are sensitive to certain compounds within essential oils and lack a particular enzyme in their liver, they would have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils ("Toxic and non-toxic plants," n.d.). The higher the concentration of the essential oil, the greater the risk to the cat. There are safe uses for essential oils on animals which help them relax or have better production of milk or another service. Other creatures that have been seen to use essential oils include dogs, horses, livestock, chickens, goats, sheep, bees, rabbits and hamsters. ("Safe Oils to Use for Farm Animals," 2019). 

While this modality is recognized and used worldwide, there are cautions that the general public should take in using essential oils, and with that, further studies are encouraged to better understand the therapeutic properties of essential oils, especially in the pediatric population for whom available efficacy and safety data are rare and difficult to obtain. In general, essential oils appear safe and well tolerated by patients, as long as they are used in safe parameters by experienced therapists.

References 

8 reasons to use essential oils internally. (2020, June 24). Retrieved from https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/healthy-living-reasons-to-use-oils-internally

Antonelli, M., & Donelli, D. (2020). Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Aroma Massage with Lavender Essential Oil: an Overview. International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 13(1), 32–36.

Categories of essential oils & their benefits – Families & notes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/categories-of-essential-oils-their-benefits.html

Essential oils: Poisonous when misused. (2014, August 20). Retrieved from https://www.poison.org/articles/2014-jun/essential-oils 

Gian, M. J. (2019, May 13). Peppermint: Releasing the exterior and spreading Qi. Retrieved from https://kamwoherbs.com/kamwomg/2019/5/13/peppermint-releasing-the-exterior-and-spreading-qi

Gian, M. J. (2017). Holistic aromatherapy: Practical self-healing with essential oils. CICO Books.

Gian, M. J. (2019, June 1). Essential oils and Chinese medicine. Retrieved from https://kamwoherbs.com/kamwomg/2019/5/30/essential-oils-and-chinese-medicine-by-marc-gian

Holmes, P. (2009, October 1). Essential oils in Chinese medicine. Retrieved from https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=32065

Keville, K., & Green, M. (2008). Aromatherapy: A complete guide to the healing art (2nd ed.). United States: Random House Digital.

Kuebel, M. (2019, September). Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders - Essential Oils [Print].

Rajmohan, V., & Mohandas, E. (2007, April 1). The limbic system, Indian Journal of Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.33264

Safe Oils to Use for Farm Animals. (2019, August 15). Retrieved from https://oraleaders.com/oils-farm-animals/

Toxic and non-toxic plants. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

What are essential oils, and do they work?. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-essential-oils

Worwood, V. A. (1991). The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy. USA, CA: New World Library.

Yeager, N. (2017, July 16). The environmental impact of essential oils. Retrieved from https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/articles/entry/the_environmental_impact_of_essential_oils/