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You may be familiar with myrrh from Biblical stories even if you're not sure what it is.
<p>Myrrh is a reddish-brown dried sap from a thorny tree—<em>Commiphora myrrha, </em>also known as<em> C. molmol</em>—that is native to northeastern Africa and southwest Asia (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28626756" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://biomed.papers.upol.cz/pdfs/bio/2005/01/01.pdf" target="_blank">2</a>).</p><p>A steam distillation process is used to extract myrrh essential oil, which is amber to brown in color and has an earthy scent (<a href="http://www.jocpr.com/articles/commiphora-myrrha-and-commiphora-africana-essential-oils.pdf" target="_blank">3</a>).</p><p>Myrrh has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Scientists are now testing the oil's potential uses, including for pain, infections and skin sores (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12685809" target="_blank">4</a>).</p><p>Here are 11 science-based health benefits and uses of myrrh essential oil.</p>
<p class=""> <em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/myrrh-oil#section2" target="_blank">Healthline</a>.</em><em></em></p>
1. Kills Harmful Bacteria
<p>Ancient Egyptians used myrrh and other essential oils to embalm mummies, as the oils not only provide a nice scent but also slow decay. Scientists now know this is because the oils kill bacteria and other microbes (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11677605">5</a>).</p><p>Additionally, in Biblical times, myrrh incense—often in combination with <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/frankincense" target="_blank">frankincense</a>—was burned in places of worship to help purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including those caused by bacteria.</p><p>One recent study found that burning myrrh and frankincense incense reduced airborne bacterial counts by 68% (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29530608">6</a>).</p><p>Preliminary animal research suggests that myrrh can directly kill bacteria, as well as stimulate the immune system to make more white blood cells, which also kill bacteria (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23961070">7</a>).</p><p>In test-tube studies, myrrh oil has strong effects against several infectious bacteria, including some drug-resistant ones (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.jocpr.com/articles/commiphora-myrrha-and-commiphora-africana-essential-oils.pdf">3</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10865454">8</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20922991">9</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25027570">10</a>).</p><p>In one test-tube study, myrrh oil at a low dilution of 0.1% killed all dormant Lyme disease bacteria, which can persist in some people after antibiotic treatment and continue to cause illness (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30332754">11</a>).</p><p>Still, more studies are needed to determine whether myrrh oil can treat persistent Lyme infections.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Myrrh oil has been used to kill harmful bacteria long before scientists discovered that microbes cause contagious illnesses. It may have an impact on some drug-resistant and Lyme disease bacteria.</p>2. May Support Oral Health
<p>Due to its antimicrobial properties, myrrh has traditionally been used to treat oral infections and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-anti-inflammatory-foods" target="_blank">inflammation</a> (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12781209">12</a>).</p><p>Some natural mouthwashes and toothpaste contain myrrh oil, which is approved as a flavoring by the FDA (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/FoodAdditivesIngredients/ucm091048.htm">13</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.revistadechimie.ro/pdf/23%20LISA%209%2017.pdf">14</a>).</p><p>What's more, when people with Behcet's disease—an inflammatory disorder—used a myrrh mouthwash to treat painful mouth sores four times daily for a week, 50% of them had complete pain relief and 19% had complete healing of their mouth sores (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.usa-journals.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Albishri_Vol51.pdf">15</a>).</p><p>Test-tube studies suggest that mouthwash containing myrrh oil may also help gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums around your teeth due to a buildup of plaque (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12781209">12</a>).</p><p>Yet, more studies are needed to confirm these benefits.</p><p>Keep in mind that you should never swallow myrrh oral-care products, as high doses of myrrh can be toxic (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.usa-journals.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Albishri_Vol51.pdf">15</a>).</p><p>Additionally, if you have oral surgery, it may be best to avoid myrrh mouthwash during healing. A test-tube study found that stitches—especially silk ones—can degrade when exposed to myrrh, though they held up in the doses typically found in mouthwash (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25736257">16</a>).</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Some natural mouthwashes and toothpastes contain myrrh oil, which may help relieve mouth sores and gum inflammation. Never swallow these products.</p>3. Supports Skin Health and May Help Heal Sores
<p>Traditional uses of myrrh include treating skin wounds and infections. Today, scientists are testing these applications (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26427766">17</a>).</p><p>One test-tube study of human skin cells found that an essential oil blend containing myrrh helped heal wounds (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29450150">18</a>).</p><p>Another study noted that myrrh and other essential oils applied via baths helped mothers heal skin wounds from vaginal deliveries (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15314339">19</a>).</p><p>However, multiple oils were used simultaneously in these studies, so the individual effects of myrrh for wound healing are unclear.</p><p>Specific studies on myrrh oil are more telling.</p><p>A test-tube study on 247 different essential oil combinations found that myrrh oil mixed with sandalwood oil was especially effective at killing microbes that infect skin wounds (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30362637">20</a>).</p><p>Additionally, in one test-tube study, myrrh oil alone inhibited 43–61% of the growth of five fungi that cause skin conditions, including ringworm and athlete's foot (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26427766">17</a>).</p><p>Human research is needed to confirm these benefits. However, if you want to try myrrh for general <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-foods-for-healthy-skin" target="_blank">skin health</a>, many natural ointments and soaps contain it. You can also apply diluted myrrh oil directly on your skin.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Applying diluted myrrh oil on your skin may aid wound healing and fight microbes that can cause infections. The oil may also deter the growth of skin fungi, including ringworm and athlete's foot.</p>4. Combats Pain and Swelling
<p>Pain—such as <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/headache-remedies" target="_blank">headaches</a>, joint pain and back pain—is a common complaint.</p><p>Myrrh oil contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors and tell your brain you're not in pain. Myrrh also blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals that can lead to swelling and pain (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28626756">1</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://biomed.papers.upol.cz/pdfs/bio/2005/01/01.pdf">2</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22020140">21</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21167270">22</a>).</p><p>When people prone to headaches took a multi-ingredient supplement containing myrrh's pain-relieving compounds, their headache pain was reduced by about two-thirds during the six-month study (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/gazzetta-medica-italiana/article.php?cod=R22Y2017N04A0149">23</a>).</p><p>Further research is needed to confirm these benefits. The supplement tested isn't available in the US, and ingesting myrrh oil is not recommended.</p><p>You can buy myrrh-containing homeopathic rubbing oils and other essential oils meant to relieve pain when applied directly to sore body parts. However, these haven't been studied.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Myrrh oil contains plant compounds that may temporarily relieve pain by signaling your brain that you're not in pain. It may also block your body's production of inflammatory chemicals that lead to swelling and pain.</p>5. May Be a Powerful Antioxidant
<p>Myrrh may be a powerful <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-antioxidants" target="_blank">antioxidant</a>, a compound that combats oxidative damage.</p><p>Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to aging and some diseases.</p><p>A test-tube study found that myrrh oil was more effective than <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-vitamin-e" target="_blank">vitamin E</a>, a powerful antioxidant, at fighting free radicals (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15890469">24</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/">25</a>).</p><p>Additionally, in an animal study, myrrh oil helped protect the liver against lead-induced oxidative damage in direct proportion to the amount of myrrh given prior to lead exposure (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19818824">26</a>).</p><p>It isn't known whether inhaling myrrh oil or applying it topically—which are two safe uses of myrrh oil for people—helps protect your body against oxidative damage.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Test-tube and animal studies show that myrrh oil is a powerful antioxidant and even more effective than vitamin E. However, human studies are needed.</p>6. Kills Some Parasites
<p>You can become infected with parasites from many sources, including pets, sexual activity and contaminated food or water (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/transmission/index.html">27</a>).</p><p>Two common parasitic infections in the US are trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease, and giardiasis, an intestinal infection (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/npi/index.html">28</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15023017">29</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/STDFact-Trichomoniasis.htm">30</a>).</p><p>In a preliminary study, women who failed to respond to standard drug treatment for trichomoniasis were given an oral drug, Mirazid, made of myrrh sap and its essential oil. About 85% of them were cured of the infection (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22737515">31</a>).</p><p>Additionally, an animal study found that the same myrrh drug effectively treated giardiasis (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21634251">32</a>).</p><p>Some human research suggests that this myrrh drug also may be effective against the parasite <em>Fasciola gigantica</em>, which can cause liver and bile duct diseases. However, other studies failed to see a benefit (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.scielo.br/pdf/ag/v47n4/v47n4a14.pdf">33</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23730566">34</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20503592">35</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-16-2010/volume-16-issue-9/article-03.html">36</a>).</p><p>Mirazid is not widely prescribed at this time.</p><p>Though more research is needed, myrrh and its oil may prove helpful for treating parasites, especially in cases of drug resistance. Ingesting myrrh oil is not advised, and long-term safety must be assessed (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23569864">37</a>).</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Preliminary studies suggest that a myrrh-containing medicine may help treat some common parasites, but more research on its effectiveness and safety is needed.</p>7–10. Other Potential Benefits
<p>Scientists are testing other potential uses for myrrh oil and its beneficial compounds. The following applications are under study:</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>7. Sunscreen: </strong>One test-tube study found that SPF 15 sunscreen with added myrrh oil was significantly more effective at blocking ultraviolet rays than the sunscreen alone. By itself, myrrh oil wasn't as effective as the sunscreen (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30124732">38</a>).</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>8. Cancer: </strong>Test-tube studies suggest that myrrh oil may help kill or slow the growth of <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cancer-fighting-foods" target="_blank">cancer cells</a> from the liver, prostate, breast, and skin. However, this hasn't been tested in people (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29533080">39</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21372825">40</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24137478">41</a>).</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>8. Gut health:</strong> One animal study indicates that myrrh compounds may help treat intestinal spasms related to irritable bowel syndrome. Another animal study suggests that myrrh may help treat <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stomach-ulcer-remedies" target="_blank">stomach ulcers</a> (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25590370">42</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://file.scirp.org/Html/5-1900346_71702.htm">43</a>).</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>10. Mold: </strong>Test-tube studies note that myrrh oil may help kill mold, including <em>Aspergillus niger</em>, which commonly appears as mildew on damp walls, and <em>A. flavus</em>, which causes spoilage and mold contamination of food (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.jocpr.com/articles/commiphora-myrrha-and-commiphora-africana-essential-oils.pdf">3</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jnus.org/pdf/1/2007/1/256.pdf">44</a>).</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Scientists are investigating other potential benefits of myrrh oil, including sunscreen effectiveness, cancer treatment, digestive health, and mold elimination.</p>11. Simple to Use
<p>Myrrh oil can be inhaled, applied topically, or used for oral care. It should not be swallowed.</p><p>Here are some general guidelines:</p><h3>Topical Use</h3><p>Due to the risk of skin irritation, it's best to dilute myrrh oil in a carrier oil, such as jojoba, almond, grapeseed, or <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil" target="_blank">coconut oil</a>. This also helps prevent the myrrh oil from evaporating too quickly (<a target="_blank" href="https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/">45</a>).</p><p>In general, use 3–6 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil for adults. This is considered a 2–4% dilution. For children, use 1 drop of essential oil per 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil, which is a 1% dilution.</p><p>You can also add a drop or two of myrrh oil to unscented lotion or moisturizer before you apply it to your skin. Some people add myrrh oil to products used for massage.</p><p>Avoid applying the oil to sensitive areas, including your eyes and inner ears. Wash your hands with soapy water after handling essential oils to avoid accidental exposure to delicate areas.</p><h3>Inhaling</h3><p>You can add 3–4 drops of myrrh oil to a diffuser to distribute the oil as a fine mist into the surrounding air.</p><p>If you don't have a diffuser, you can simply place a few drops of the oil on a tissue or cloth and inhale periodically or add a few drops to hot water and inhale the steam.</p><p>One simple trick is to apply a few drops of myrrh oil to the cardboard tube inside a roll of toilet paper. When someone uses it, a bit of the aroma will be released.</p><h3>Combinations</h3><p>The earthy aroma of myrrh oil blends well with spicy, citrus, and floral <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-essential-oils" target="_blank">essential oils</a>, such as frankincense, lemon, and lavender, respectively.</p><p>The combination of myrrh and frankincense is especially popular — not only because of their complementary scents but also because of their synergy, or interaction that produces even greater benefits.</p><p>In test-tube studies, combined myrrh and frankincense oils improved their effectiveness against infectious bacteria and other microbes. About 11% of this improvement was due to synergistic interactions of the oils (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22288378">46</a>).</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>You can apply diluted myrrh oil to your skin, diffuse it, or use it orally. The oil can be used alone or in combination with complementary oils, such as frankincense and lemon.</p>Potential Risks
<p>Like other essential oils, myrrh oil is very concentrated, so you only need a few drops at a time. Avoid diffusing it close to babies and young children, as it's uncertain how much they'll inhale and how much is safe.</p><p>Additionally, no one should swallow myrrh oil, as it can be toxic (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.usa-journals.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Albishri_Vol51.pdf">15</a>).</p><p>Some people should be especially cautious with myrrh oil and may need to avoid it entirely. Bear this in mind if any of the following conditions apply to you (<a target="_blank" href="https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/">45</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23671711">47</a>):</p><ul> <li><strong>Pregnancy and breastfeeding:</strong> Avoid myrrh oil if you're <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/supplements-during-pregnancy" target="_blank">pregnant</a>, as it can cause uterine contractions and may trigger miscarriage. Also avoid myrrh oil if you're breastfeeding, as its safety to your baby isn't known.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Blood-thinning drugs:</strong> Don't use myrrh if you're taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, as myrrh could decrease their effectiveness.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Heart problems:</strong> Large amounts of myrrh may affect your heart rate, so use myrrh oil with caution if you have a heart condition.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Diabetes: </strong>If you're taking diabetes medication, keep in mind that myrrh may lower <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/15-ways-to-lower-blood-sugar" target="_blank">blood sugar</a>. Therefore, this combination could potentially result in blood sugar that's too low.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Surgery:</strong> Myrrh may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Discontinue using myrrh products two weeks before surgery or as advised by your surgeon.</li></ul><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>If you're pregnant, have heart problems, are planning surgery, or take blood thinners or diabetes medications, you may want to limit or avoid myrrh oil.</p>The Bottom Line
<p>In addition to its pleasant, warm, and earthy scent, myrrh oil may also have several health benefits.</p><p>Studies suggest that it may help kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and other microbes. It may also support oral health, help heal skin sores, and ease pain and swelling.</p><p>However, the majority of these studies are in test tubes, animals, or small groups of people, so it's difficult to make any firm conclusions about its benefits.</p><p>If you want to try myrrh oil, dilute it in a carrier oil and apply it to your skin, or diffuse it to inhale the aroma. You can also buy products, such as mouthwash and ointments, that contain the oil.</p>From Your Site Articles
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By Brian Barth
Synthetic fragrances are out, aromatherapy is in. From beauty products to insect repellent to room diffusers, folks are gravitating toward fragrances made by nature—not the lab. But what exactly are these quasi-mystical substances called essential oils? Are they farmed or foraged? What part of the plant do they come from? Can I produce my own? Here, we answer the seven most common questions we get about essential oils.
<p><strong>1. What are essential oils?</strong></p><p style="">Essential oils are aromatic compounds found in many plants. In chemistry jargon, they're considered "volatile organic compounds." Volatility, in this case, meaning that they readily convert from a liquid to a vapor form at room temperature. In other words, what we're smelling are tiny molecules of vaporized oil that are lighter than air, which allows them to drift into our nose and lodge in our olfactory receptors.</p><p>It's been found that the smell of different essential oils can alter brain chemistry in ways that impacts our emotional and mental state, hence their therapeutic potential. Essential oils are also readily absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin or stomach, creating a physiological effect with potential medical applications.</p><p><em>NOTE: It is generally unsafe to ingest pure essential oils or apply them directly to the skin. They must first be highly diluted. Never use pure essential oils in any way other than that which is indicated on the product label. If you have any questions or concerns, it's best to discuss with your doctor prior to use.</em></p><p><strong>2. What is the purpose of an essential oil in nature?</strong></p><p style="">Plants produce essential oils for a variety of reason: to attract pollinators, make themselves unpalatable to insects and animals, ward off disease or even make the soil around them toxic to other plants with which they would compete for sunlight, moisture and nutrients. Depending on their biological purpose, essential oils may be concentrated in flowers, leaves, roots or bark.</p><p><strong>3. How are essential oils extracted from plants?</strong></p><p>There are several methods. One of the oldest, and still the most common, is steam distillation. In this method, hot steam is forced through the plant material and then collected in a condensation device that causes the vapor to return to a liquid. In ancient times, a technique called enfleurage was also used, particularly for delicate floral oils like rose: the petals were covered in animal fat, which absorbed the essential oil; alcohol was then used to as a solvent to extract the essential oils from the fat. In modern times, essential oils are often extracted in a high-pressure system using liquid carbon dioxide, or with chemical solvents, such as hexane and acetone.</p><p> <strong>4. Where are they produced?</strong></p><p>The U.S., India, China, France and Brazil are the world's <a href="https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/hs92/3301/" target="_blank">top five</a> essential oil producers. However, there are some individual oils that are typically produced in only a handful of countries, depending on where the species grows best and other factors, such as local labor costs.</p><p>For example, frankincense and myrrh oil, which both come from the bark of desert trees, are produced in the Middle Eastern and North African countries where the trees grow wild. Ylang ylang comes from the flowers of a tropical tree found in the islands of the South Pacific. Southern France traditionally produced much of the world's rose oil, but the high cost of land and labor in this region has shifted the majority of rose oil production to Turkey and Bulgaria. Essential oils produced on a commercial scale in the U.S. include peppermint (Pacific Northwest), cedar (Texas) and various citrus oils (Florida).</p><p><strong>5. Should I consider growing crops for essential oil production?</strong></p><p>Probably not, unless you're willing to do it on an industrial scale or live in a country with cheap labor—it takes enormous quantities of plant material, often picked by hand, to make a small quantity of oil and profit margins are notoriously thin. One exception is if you are going to produce value-added products using essential oils, such as soaps and beauty products. In that case, only small quantities of oil are needed, requiring perhaps just a few acres of land. A number of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/environmental-impact-essential-oils-2465879288.html">lavender farms</a> in North America have found success with this model.</p><p><strong>6. Can I make my own essential oils at home?</strong></p><p>Yes, but you will need an essential oil "still" for distillation—similar, but not quite the same, as a still for alcohol—which are not widely available. A few manufacturers offer them online, starting at about <a href="http://www.heartmagic.com/EssentialDistiller.html" target="_blank">$400</a>, or you should try watching eBay for a deal. Many of the essential oils found in stores come from common garden plants, including lavender, oregano, peppermint, basil, clary sage, lemon balm, geranium, lemongrass, rosemary, thyme, yarrow and chamomile. Depending on the species, you may need anywhere from a single plant to a quarter-acre planting in order to produce a small vial of oil. Plant material for some oils may also be foraged from nearby forests, including Eucalyptus, spruce, cedar, cypress, fir and pine.</p><p><strong>7. As a consumer, how do I identify good quality essential oils?</strong></p><p>Unfortunately, quality claims on essential oil products are not well-regulated and should be treated largely as marketing material. If a pleasant fragrance is all you are after, simply use your own nose as a guide. Therapeutic grade essential oils, however (those used by aromatherapists), are virtually impossible to assess without special training and scientific equipment.</p><p>Why is it so complicated? The same species grown in different soils, at different altitudes, harvested in different ways, and extracted with different methods will produce oils with significantly different chemical compositions, some of which are much more desirable than others for therapeutic use. Reputable essential oil purveyors only sell oils that have been analyzed for optimum chemistry. Many of these companies are <a href="http://naha.org/marketplace" target="_blank">listed</a> on the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy website.</p><p>Testing also assures that the product is not contaminated with pesticide residue or other adulterants, whether from chemical solvents used in the extraction process or low-grade oil that has been used to "cut" an expensive oil to make it cheaper. For example, 10 milliliters of steam-distilled rose oil should cost about $500—because of the enormous number of rose petals required to produce it—but 10 milliliters of rose-scented geranium oil, produced in copious quantities from the leaves of an easily grown plant, retails for around $25. Both smell nice, but have very different aromatherapy applications.</p><p><em><em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://modernfarmer.com/2018/02/essential-oils-explained/" target="_blank">Modern Farmer</a>.</em></em></p>
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By Nikki Yeager
Essential oils have enjoyed a boom in sales over the last decade as Western consumers search for alternatives to chemical-laden products that are toxic both to their bodies and to the planet. Since the first recorded essential oil blend was recorded in Egypt in 1,500 BC, people around the world have been using essential oils for their perceived medicinal properties. A market research study by Grand View Research estimates that the global essential oils market is expected to reach $11.67 billion by 2022. Such a high level of demand raises two vital questions: Where are all these essential oils coming from, and what is their impact on the environment?
<p>To begin with, in order to produce a single pound of essential oil, enormous quantities of plants are required: 10,000 pounds of rose petals, 250 pounds of lavender, 6,000 pounds of melissa plant, 1,500 lemons and so forth. According to Nicole Nelson, marketing coordinator for herbal distribution retailer Mountain Rose Herbs, due to a variety of factors, large amounts of produce are needed to produce oils. For example, some oils are more difficult to extract because instead of being externally secreted by the plant, the oils are stored in tiny cavities or ducts within the plant. Other oils provide small yields in general. For example, Bay Leaf can be expected to provide a 3 percent yield during distillation, whereas Rose Petals typically provide only a .006 percent yield. "Weather can also greatly affect the amount of oil that a plant produces from year to year," Nelson added.</p><p>In light of this, it's important to understand how plants for these resource-intensive products are farmed. The majority of popular essential-oils companies source their raw materials from corporate farms that turn out large quantities of plants. As with the cultivation of products on many large farms, pesticide usage is common. And there are currently no <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/organic">organic</a> certifications specifically for essential oils, which large companies like YoungLiving and DoTerra cite as a reason for foregoing organic certification all together. In the end, consumers are left largely on their own when it comes to discovering which <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/pesticides">pesticides</a> are used on crops that are used for essential oils—especially since most companies aren't voluntarily giving up that information.</p><p>One solution to large, corporate farming is wild harvesting, but this too has its downsides—some plants used for essential oils are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, including sandalwood (<em>Santalum album</em>), which is listed as vulnerable, and rosewood (<em>Aniba rosaeodora</em>), atlas cedarwood (<em>Cedrus atlantica</em>), and rosewood (<em>Dalbergia abrahamii</em>), which are all listed as endangered. The commonly accepted rule by harvesting communities, including guidelines set by the Living Earth School of Herbalism and the San Juan National Forest Service, is that no more than 10 percent of any wild crop should be removed during a single harvesting session. Audits on wild harvesters can be done independently with a witness to the harvest, or by a third party company like Quality Certification Services to ensure wild harvests are done ethically. Still, overharvesting continues due in large part to a lack of information and regulation. And as plants become hard to find, prices rise, and in some cases, oils are adulterated to meet demand. Sandalwood, for example, has become one of the hardest to find essential oils. It also the most adulterated oil on the market.</p><p>However, there is good news to be had. It is possible to produce organic and/or pesticide- and herbicide-free oils, as well as wild harvested oils that do not damage plant species' survival. Companies like Mountain Rose Herbs provide oils that are certified "organic" by Oregon Tilth whenever possible, as well as oils that are wild harvested according to ethical harvesting guidelines.</p><p>Consumers can also check to see if a particular plant species is native to the land it's grown on. Native species typically grow with less intervention, because they are suited to the amount of rainfall, the type of soil, and the climate they are grown in. Non-native plants may need artificial climate control, chemical soil preparation and/or additional water due to the foreign environment they're being grown in. </p><p>Aside from the environmental impacts associated with producing essential oils, essential oils themselves can have an impact. Each pure oil comes with its own set of potential ecological and disposal issues. Each essential oil should have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that provides toxicity information, flammability warnings and disposal directions. While this information is required of all essential oils in the U.S., many essential-oils companies, such as Young Living, DoTerra and Mountain Rose Oils, require consumers to contact the company directly to request MSDS information. By comparison, in the UK most MSDS information is posted directly on the company's website.</p><p>Most essential oils are extremely flammable—particularly <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/are-lavender-and-tea-tree-essential-oils-hormone-disruptors-1882143092.html">tea tree</a>, clove, frankincense, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and peppermint—requiring extra precautions when disposing of them or cleaning up a spill. Flammable oils are considered household hazardous waste in small quantities, and the containers holding those items cannot be recycled unless the oil is washed from the container. Some cities require that containers of flammable liquids be thrown in the trash rather than recycled, as even trace amounts of flammable liquid can pose a danger to recycling plant workers.</p><p>That being said, removing essential oils from a previously used container must be done carefully. Many oils—including the same ones listed above as flammable—are toxic to aquatic life, and can have long-lasting impacts on marine ecosystems according to their MSDS sheets. Most also come with a warning that the oils themselves should not come in contact with a water supply or groundwater, meaning they should never be dumped down the drain or toilet.</p><p>So how should essential oils be cleaned from a container, or disposed of, in case of expiration or contamination? If a bottle of oil has expired and is no longer good for therapeutic use, the best options for disposing of the remaining oil is to use it with a passive diffuser (a porous, nonflammable material that can soak up the oil and allow the scent to linger over a period of time) or to add it to homemade cleaning products for the scent alone.</p><p>If an oil is contaminated or rancid and cannot be used, it must be disposed of through a hazardous-waste collection service. Most cities offer hazardous household waste programs, which can be found through local waste-management programs. For large or bulk quantities of essential oils and carrier oils (oils like Jojoba and Sweet Almond oil that are used to dilute essential oils in oil blends), biodiesel salvage companies like SeQuentialPacific Biodiesel will accept oils for biodiesel production so the waste ends up being used productively.</p><p>Container recycling can also pose challenges. All quality essential-oils products come in glass containers, since pure essential oils can degrade plastic. Glass bottles can be recycled in most cities, though some cities, such as New York, require all glass that previously held flammable or hazardous materials be thrown in the regular trash. With 106 kilotons of essential oils produced in 2014 alone, that's a lot of glass bottles potentially ending up in the trash! Essential oils sold to consumers come with a plastic lid and either a rollerball or drop-dispenser—due to recycling constraints, these typically end up in landfills as well. </p><p>So how can essential oil aficionados best reduce their waste? Some companies allow customers to return bottles for recycling. If that service isn't available, the best way to recycle essential-oils packaging would be to dispose of the oils following the recommendations of your local waste-management company.</p><p>Essential oils are here to stay and can be a more natural solution to common discomforts and ailments than traditional chemical and pharmaceutical cures. However, it's the responsibility of consumers to question companies on farming practices and to commit to proper disposal and recycling habits. Without consumers taking the extra steps to vet their essential-oils companies, it's easy for this resource-intensive industry to fall into harmful ecological practices. </p>
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