Essential oils have been used for over a thousand years, but we are just scratching the surface of their potential. In the past, knowledge of essential oils was solely based off anecdotal experience.
However, scientific research of essential oils has increased exponentially. In the last decade, there have been more studies published about essential oils than in the last 500 years combined. Over millions of years, plants have evolved to survive in almost all types of habitat throughout the world.
Some environments expose plants to harsh climatic conditions and is thought that the essential oils which collect on the leaves of some plants offer protection against water loss.
The antimicrobial use of essential oils has been well documented when studied by man. Plants that produce these essential oils are better equipped to protect themselves against funguses and other microbes.
Each bottle of essential oil contains a unique blend of chemical constituents. These compounds are volatile and organic, meaning they quickly evaporate and their chemical structures are primarily composed of carbon atoms. Constituents can produce therapeutic effects through their interaction with cellular targets.
Some constituents can attach to receptors located on the outside of a cell to influence changes within it, while others can readily pass through the cellular membrane and bind to enzymes, proteins, and even DNA. Understanding how essential oils induce therapeutic effects through chemical interactions can lead to a renewed sense of confidence in their use and inspire new opportunities for application in daily life. Here is a link to help our patients get quality essential oils: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/drsheri.