1. Essential oils – Introduction

Essential oils, most of them extracted from Mediterranean aromatic plants, represent today an important part of the traditional pharmacopeia. Some essential oils are an alternative antimicrobial and pharmaceutical agents and has attracted a considerable interest.

Essential oils have a significant value in different cultures around the world for centuries, used for different purposes according to each culture, serving diverse functions in medicine, spirituality, beauty, and also, in cooking. These oils are derived from aromatic plants, capturing their essence and fragrance in highly concentrated extracts.

Some essential oils or their constituents can inhibit several human pathogens, or insects. In some cases the essential oils are considered as natural alternatives for many chemical drugs, but still need more specific research for a wide application especially in food and pharmaceutical industries. Also, the essential oils are used in perfumery, cosmetics, food, and also has a curative effects in aromatherapy.

Essential oils have a diverse cultural significance throughout history, from religious ceremonies to traditional medicine and rituals, their role in shaping cultural practices is profound.

2. Essential Oil – Background

Essential oils have a rich historical background that can be traced back to ancient civilisations like Egypt, China, India, and Greece.

In Ancient Egypt, from earlier 4500 BC, the essential oils have been used in different herbal mixtures as aniseed, cedar, onion, myrrh, and grapes in perfume or medicine. The essential oils are known as myrrh and have been utilised in embalming rituals and for its fragrance in religious ceremonies.

In China and India, between 3000 and 2000 BC, has been recorded the first use of essential oils. China and India listed more than 700 substances including cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, and sandalwood as being effective for healing.

In addition, in the Greek history, the essential oil has been documented as first used between 500 and 400 BC, including thyme, saffron, marjoram, cumin, and peppermint.

During the Middle Ages, essential oils continued to be highly valued for their medicinal properties. The knowledge of essential oil extraction and usage spread through trade routes and influence of various cultures. In the Renaissance period, advancements in distillation techniques further enhanced the extraction of essential oils, contributing to their popularity in perfumes, cosmetics, and medicinal applications.

European cultures integrated these aromatic extracts into perfumes and daily life. The global trade network facilitated the exchange of essential oils, further enriching their cultural significance.

In 18th and 19th century it is marked a significant progress in distillation technology, making essential oils more accessible. In that period of time, chemists documented active components of medicinal plants and identified many substances such as caffeine, quinine, morphine, and atropine, which are playing an important role in their biological effects.

Some essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or myrrh are still being used in pharmaceutical field and can be used in the upcoming future as a suitable alternatives for many synthetically medications.

The french chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé is pioneering in the early 20th century introducing the term “aromatherapy,” emphasising the therapeutic potential of essential oils for mental and physical well-being.

The advance in science and technology, the 20th century led to a better understanding of essential oil constituents and their effects. Essential oils gained recognition in mainstream medicine, skincare, and alternative therapies. The wellness and natural health movements of recent decades have further propelled the popularity of essential oils.

3. Essential Oil – Lavender

The essential oil from lavender has a strong antibacterial, anti-fungal properties, treats sinus infections, digestive disturbances including colic. It is used in treatments for abrasions, burns, stress, headaches, skin problems, muscular pain. It gives a boosting to the immune system but also has sedative properties. The essential oil from lavender has great properties for skin during massages.

4. Essential Oil – Thymusr

The essential oil extract from Thymus has antimicrobial properties against several phytopathogens. Also, it is used as food plants for larvae of butterflies and other insect species,

5. Essential Oil – Peppermint

Essential oil extract from Peppermint include carvacrol, menthol, carvone, methyl acetate, limonene, and menthone which make it an anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, It has fungicidal effect as well as. Also it is an antiseptic and has digestive properties. It can be inhaled as vapour for antiviral infections,

6. Essential Oil – Eucalyptus

The essential oil from Eucalyptus is produced from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus. Steam and distilled eucalyptus oil is used throughout Asia, Africa, Latin America and South America as a primary cleaning/disinfecting agent added to soaped mop and counter top cleaning solutions; it also possesses insect and limited vermin control properties.

7. Essential Oil – Rose

Rose oil is produced from the petals of Rosa damascena and Rosa centifolia. Steam-distilled rose oil is known as “rose otto”, while the solvent extracted product is known as “rose absolute”.

8. Essential Oil – Evolution

The diverse range of essential oils from lavender and tea tree to peppermint and eucalyptus, highlighting their unique properties and applications in aromatherapy, skincare, and holistic health.

An evolution of the essential oil is in extraction techniques, from traditional methods like steam distillation to modern processes such as cold pressing and CO2 extraction. These methods impact the quality and composition of essential oils.

The scientific exploration of essential oils, from early chemical analyses to contemporary research validating their therapeutic properties. Studies support the use of essential oils in various fields, including antimicrobial activity, stress reduction, and pain management.

9. Essential Oil – Today

In present-day, the applications of essential oils are in aromatherapy, skincare, holistic health, and even culinary pursuits. The essential oils have become integral to modern wellness practices and natural lifestyles.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine, were is used for healing, aromatic compounds in essential oils and other plant extracts. Aromatherapy is used to induce relaxation, Scientific research indicates that essential oils cannot treat or cure any chronic disease or other illnesses. 

The history of essential oils is a captivating journey that spans centuries and cultures. From ancient rituals to modern-day applications, these aromatic extracts have proven to be versatile and enduring, enriching human experiences in health, beauty, and spirituality. The scientific research continues to uncover the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, their legacy in human history persists, ensuring their place in our lives for years to come.

Reference:

“An Overview of the Biological Effects of Some Mediterranean Essential Oils on Human Health” by Hazem S. Elshafie and Ippolito Camele.