Essential oils have been studied extensively in human and animal models. In fact, there are currently over 24,400 essential oil-related articles published on the National Library of Medicine’s website. Here are some PubMed study numbers if you want to take a closer look.
Peppermint
- Aroma of peppermint oil shown to enhance memory and increase alertness. (See: PubMed 18041606)
- Some edible herbs (including peppermint) shown to enhance relevant aspects of cognitive function and alertness. (See: PubMed 30671903)
- A clicnical trial with nasal application of peppermint oil to reduce intensity and frequency of headaches. (See: PubMed 31404204)
- An extensive overview of a number of oils (including peppermint) for their antimicrobial properties. (See: PubMed 31195752)
- A study looking at the use of menthol to assist with strenuous performance in hot environments. (See: PubMed 29629974 and 27858306)
- Drawing on 31 studies, this paper discusses the role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products. (See: PubMed 29524352)
- A look at the insecticidal properties of some essential oils, including peppermint. (See: PubMed 31837609)
For more, head to PubMed.gov and search for “peppermint”, “mentha piperita” or “menthol”.
Safety note: oils that are rich in menthol should not be used on the chest and head area in children under 3.
Frankincense
- Frankincense facilitates the acquisition and retention of motor memory in a specific group study. (See: PubMed 31317694)
- This study suggests frankincense can be beneficial in improvement of memory. (See: PubMed 29306113)
- Frankincense may enhance the cognitive outcome of patients with brain injury (24088189) and in animal models (18414499).
- Therapeutic effect of frankincense on Alzheimer’s disease in animal models. (See: PubMed 27516988)
- Frankincense improves spatial memory retrieval (29966740) and cognitive function (28392957) in animal models.
- Fascinating study detailing the analgesic, tranquilising, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects of frankincense. (See: PubMedCentral 27117114)
- A key constituent of frankincense is alpha-pinene, which has been found to provide protection against UVA-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in human skin cells. (See: PubMed 30292828)
- Limonene is another key constituent of frankincense essential oil. There has been a lot of research around limonene in the past few decades, so definitely search that term on the PubMed database to find a study that fascinates you. Here are a few to get you started. (See: PubMed 20492298, 11142088, 7948106)
Copaiba
- An extensive overview of the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of beta-caryophyllene. (See: PubMedCentral 3612440)
- A look at the ways in which beta-caryophyllene enhances wound healing. (See: PubMed 31841509)
- A study looking at the way copaiba essential oil reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in animal models. (See: PubMed 30132972)
- A review analysing the antimicrobial action of copaiba oil against oral pathogens. (See: PubMed 29193389)
For more, head to PubMed.gov and search for “copaiba”, “copaifera officinalis”, “copaifera reticulata” or “beta-caryophyllene”.
Lemon (and other citrus oils)
- Anti-bacterial activities of several plant essential oils (including lemon) against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in apple juices. (See: PubMed 15366861)
- A study suggesting that lemon oil reliably enhances positive mood. (See: PubMed 18178322)
- Studies looking at the anti-tumor activity of limonene. (See: PubMed 29670359 and 7948106)
- Antidepressant-like effect of limonene in animal models. (See: PubMed 30905156)
- This study suggests that bergamot essential oil can be used as an effective adjunct treatment to improve individuals’ mental health and well-being. (See: PubMed 28337799)
- A review of the anxiolytic effect of essential oils and their constituents. (See: PubMed 31148444)
- Bergamot essential oil attenuates anxiety-like behaviour in animal models. (See: PubMed 28398260 and 21105176)
For more, head to PubMed.gov and search for “lemon”, “citrus limon”, or “limonene”.
Lavender
- Fascinating insights into lavender’s effect on the central nervous system in humans, including its capacity to help improve quality of sleep, reduce discomfort and ease tension. (See: PubMedCentral 3612440)
- An extensive overview of a number of oils (including lavender) for their antimicrobial properties. (See: PubMed 31195752)
- A study looking at the effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender and chamomile oil on anxiety and sleep quality of patients with burns. (See: PubMed 31859096)
- Two of the key constituents of lavender essential oil are linalyl acetate and linalool, both of which have been investigated in studies on sedation and anxiety in animal models. (See: PubMed 1817516 and 18824339)
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Lavender has been found to reduce anxiety in pre-operative (PubMed 31505191) and dental patients (PubMed 19968674).
For more, head to PubMed.gov and search for “lavender” or “lavandula angustifolia”.
