Top Food-Grade Essential Oils and Their Medicinal Properties

Many essential oils have been the basis of aromatherapy for ages, however, they have also been used internally in cooking, ingested, or used in carrier oils for transdermal absorption. The following list is small, but contains the most potent essential oils among their activities, and although there are many specific oils for specific conditions, these are staples of the herbalist toolkit.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are fragrant extracts produced by a variety of plants, including their flowers, leaves, and fruits. These oils are stored in specialized plant tissues like glandular hairs, oil cells, oil receptacles, and oil ducts. Each essential oil is a complex, aromatic mixture composed of numerous low molecular weight compounds with diverse chemical structures. The primary components of essential oils are monoterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and their oxidized forms, including alcohols, aldehydes, ethers, ketones, and phenols. They also contain homologues of phenylpropanoids along with smaller amounts of diterpenoids and various volatile organic compounds. Essential oils are generally identified by their plant sources and, in some cases, by their dominant chemical constituents.

Mechanisms of Action

The biological activities of essential oils result from the interplay of many active and inactive components. Inactive substances can affect absorption, skin penetration, reaction rates, and bioavailability of the active compounds. Active compounds may work synergistically to enhance effectiveness. Various factors related to the medicinal plant, such as genotype, chemotype, and geographical origin, as well as environmental and agricultural conditions, can also influence the biological activity of essential oils.

Methods of Absorption

The method of application for essential oils varies depending on the condition being treated, the desired outcome, safety considerations, toxicity data, and cultural practices. For respiratory symptoms and nervous disorders, inhalation is often the preferred method. Topical application is favored for treating skin conditions. Although oral administration is less common, it is sometimes used to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Oral

Ingestion of essential oils should be taken with caution because of their ability to cause damage if taken undiluted.

Transdermal

The percutaneous absorption of essential oils is of significant interest. The local effects depend largely on the amount of the substance that remains on the skin's surface. Many EO compounds can penetrate through the various layers of the skin and enter the bloodstream, which can lead to systemic bioavailability (2).

What are the Top Essentail Oils?

Cinnamon

Even though it has a sweet tastes, Cinnamon is one of the most antimicrobial essential oils.  

• Antibacterial: Highly effective against a wide range of bacteria.

• Antiviral: Helps to combat viral infections.

• Antifungal: Inhibits the growth of fungi and molds.

Cardamom

• Antibacterial: Effective against several types of bacteria.

• Antifungal: Helps to inhibit fungal growth.

• Digestive Aid: Supports digestive health by reducing nausea and bloating.

Cumin

• Digestive Aid: Promotes digestion and relieves bloating.

• Anticancer: Contains compounds that may help fight cancer cells.

• Skin Health: When mixed with a carrier oil, it can improve skin health and appearance.

• Skin Care: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the skin to improve its health and texture.

• Digestive Health: Add a drop to herbal tea

Peppermint

• Antibacterial: Effective against bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Digestive Aid: Helps relieve symptoms of digestive issues such as indigestion and gas.

• Digestive Health: Add a drop to a glass of water or herbal tea to soothe digestive upsets.

• Topical Application: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the temples or abdomen for digestive and headache relief.

Clove

• Antibacterial: One of the most potent antibacterial essential oils.

• Antiparasitic: Effective against parasites.

• Pain Relief: Commonly used for dental infections and pain relief from abscesses.

• Dental Care: Apply a diluted solution to a toothache to relieve pain within minutes.

• Topical Use: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the skin to fight infections and parasites.

Thyme

• Antibacterial: Highly effective against bacteria.

• Antifungal: Inhibits the growth of fungi.

• Immune Boosting: Supports overall immune health.

• Immune Support: Diffuse to purify the air and boost the immune system.

• Skin Health: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically to treat skin infections.

Ginger

• Antibacterial: Effective against bacteria.

• Digestive Aid: Helps reduce nausea and promote digestion.

• Hair Growth: Stimulates hair growth and repairs scalp and hair follicles.

• Hair Care: Mix with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and repair follicles.

• Digestive Health: Add a few drops to herbal tea to alleviate nausea and support digestion.

Lavender

• Antibacterial: Helps to combat bacterial infections.

• Antifungal: Inhibits the growth of fungi.

• Calming: Known for its relaxing and stress-relieving properties.

• Relaxation: Diffuse in the air or add a few drops to a bath to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

• Skin Care: Apply a diluted solution to the skin to treat minor burns, cuts, and acne.

Conclusion 

Essential oils are renowned for their wide range of therapeutic properties. They exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antitussive, antiviral, expectorant, immunomodulatory, sedative, and blood-circulation-enhancing effects. Additionally, they can enhance the fragrance of cosmetic products and impact cognitive functions, memory, and mood.