Known since ancient times, essential oils are used by many people. Nowadays, clinical studies trying to demonstrate their effectiveness are not legion but some works believe that there is indeed a therapeutic interest.
In France, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) defined the term "essential oil" in recommendations dating from 2008 (PDF in French / 18 pages). Essential oils (or plant essences) are fragrant products, generally of complex composition. These are obtainedby distillation with steam , dry distillation or by means of a mechanical process without heating. Most of the time, the essential oil is separated from the aqueous phase via a physical process that does not change its composition significantly.
There areseveral hundred essential oils different types that are used in aromatherapy. Here is a non-exhaustive list:cypress, black pepper, cannabidiol, rosemary, vetiver, lime, turmeric, patchouli or star anise. We should also mention the essential oil of ravintsara, a large tree native to China. It contains a high level of eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), a terpene derivative that is traditionally considered a respiratory tract antiseptic . Generally, essential oils fall roughly into the "grandmother's remedy" category. Nevertheless, some studies tend to prove their effectiveness for various ailments, from simple skin disorders to cancers and nosocomial diseases. Depending on the type of oil and the parts of the body targeted, the biological effects may be different on cells and infectious agents.
Annelise Lobstein (1956-2018) was a professor at the Faculty of the University of Strasbourg. In 2014, the interested party published a report relayed by the French Society of Ethnopharmacology (SFE), in which were compiled numerous statistical data relating to the use of essential oils in hospitals.> Dozens of hospitals in Germany, Belgium and Switzerland would use it. Annelise Lobstein felt that these practices were still quite timid in France, where only a few establishments apply aromatherapy protocols . Examples include Rennes University Hospital, Pasteur Hospital in Colmar and St Nicolas Hospital in Angers.
In 2011, scientists from the University of Life Sciences in Prague (Czech Republic) published work claiming that several essential oils have anti-microbial action against Staphylococcus aureus. A year later, researchers at MIT (United States) show a better effectiveness of certain oils compared to the antibiotics that are usually used against staphylococcus aureus and pyocyanic bacillus (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
We should also mention research conducted in 2016 by Shahid Beheshti University (Iran). These evoke a better efficiency in case of diffusion of oils in the form of ultra-fine particles in the modification of the integrity of the cell membrane bacteria. More studies exist, some of which have only been pre-published. This is particularly the case of work dating from March 2020 claiming that essential oils of eucalyptus and noble laurel make it possible to inhibit replication of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Finally, in view of the many essential oils, the dizzying quantity of existing diseases as well as the many parts of our body that can be targeted, it would take thousands of studies to prove whether essential oils are generally effective or not, or whether distinctions should be made in a very clear. In addition, it is best to seek the opinion of a health specialist before any use. In 2018, aromatherapist Jean-Pierre Willem explained that it is not alternative medicine, so it is not possible to self-medicate.
