| Numerous natural cleaning solution recipes call for the | | | | tree oil was as effective as some traditional drug |
| use of essential oils. What exactly are essential oils? | | | | therapies in treating MRSA (Methicillin-resistant |
| You may ask. This document answers that question | | | | Staphylococcus aureus) infections. The oil also treats |
| and explores some specific oils. | | | | dandruff and head lice. Caution: If you choose to add |
| An oil is a hydrophobic liquid. "Hydro" relates to water. | | | | tea tree oil to homemade cleaners, you must take |
| "Phobic" means a fear or dislike of. Thus, oils do not | | | | care not to ingest it, because it is toxic. |
| dissolve in water - as is illustrated by the common | | | | Pine oil is also used as a disinfectant. It can be found |
| expression "oil and water do not mix." The "essential" | | | | in many commonly available cleaning products. |
| part of "essential oils" mean that they are derived | | | | Lavender and lemon oils are also used in natural |
| directly from the plant and carry the scent of the | | | | cleaning solutions because of their disinfectant |
| plant. | | | | properties. |
| Many essential oils are extracted from plants by | | | | It is paradoxical that essential oils are newly being |
| distillation, in a process not unlike how crude oil is | | | | "discovered" for their uses in cleaning products. |
| separated into its various parts (or how alcohol is | | | | Though the term "essential oil" may not come up in |
| made: the prohibition-era "still" was short for "distill"). | | | | everyday conversation, almost everyone living in a |
| Plant materials are heated, usually with steam. As the | | | | developed country makes use of them on a daily |
| steam contacts the plant materials, it heats them so | | | | basis: |
| much that the oil in the plants turn into vapor and | | | | - Perfumes are mixtures of essential oils. |
| rise. This steam and gaseous oil mixture is then | | | | - Cannabis flower oil is used to flavor candy and |
| channeled through coils, where it cools. As the oil | | | | beverages. |
| vapor cools, it returns to its liquid state and gets | | | | - Caraway oil is used to flavor toothpaste and |
| collected. This is the essential oil. A miniscule amount | | | | mouthwash. |
| of the oil remains in the steam; when the steam | | | | - Star anise oil is used in the manufacturing of the |
| liquefies, the result is water that has tiny oil droplets | | | | influenza drug, Tamiflu. |
| suspended in it. This liquid is called an "herbal distillate," | | | | - Spearmint oil is used in mouthwash and gum. |
| a hydrosol, or a plant water essence. Rose water | | | | - Parsley oil is used in soaps and detergents |
| and orange blossom water are 2 common herbal | | | | In summary, we have discussed what an essential oil |
| distillates that are commercially available. | | | | is, and how it is derived. We have identified several |
| Oil of thyme, once extracted, if further processed to | | | | that can be used in cleaning products. We have also |
| derive a chemical compound called Thymol. Because | | | | identified instances where essential oils are routinely |
| of its antiseptic properties, it is used as an ingredient | | | | encountered in daily life. |
| in some disinfectants, such as those made by | | | | Finally, this article must conclude with a note of |
| Seventh Generation. Thymol was used by some | | | | caution: Essential oils are highly concentrated, and you |
| Native American tribes to treat skin infections; it was | | | | should investigate them thoroughly prior to using |
| also used by the Ancient Egyptians to preserve | | | | them in your cleaning regimen. |
| mummies. | | | | Some essential oils are toxic. Some are skin irritants. |
| Tea tree oil is another essential oil with antiseptic | | | | In all cases, keep essential oils away from children |
| properties. In a 2004 study conducted by Matthew | | | | and pregnant women until you have discussed their |
| Dryden and others at the Royal Hampshire County | | | | use with your doctor. |
| Hospital [ J Hosp Infect. 2004 Apr; 56(4):283-6.], tea | | | | |