An essential fatty acid (EFA) is an oil required for human health. This means the body needs it but cannot manufacture it, so they must be obtained from the diet. The two types of EFAs needed by humans are omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid). They are found in both plant and animal-sourced foods, the highest quantities being found in nuts, seeds, and coldwater fish. Unlike essential oils (EO), EFAs contain no significant aromatic compounds (i.e. they do not have a strong odour, unless they become rancid).
In contrast, essential oils are aromatic (i.e. odourous) compounds derived from plant substances only. These oils serve primarily as part of the plant’s defense system against attack by fungus, bacteria, and pests. When the oils are extracted in quantity from the roots, leaves, bark, seeds and flowers of specific plants and trees they form a highly concentrated, therapeutic substance for humans to enjoy. Examples of these are the essential oils of peppermint, oregano, lemongrass, eucalyptus and wild orange, to name a few.
Some of the general properties of essential oils are listed here:
-Anti-oxidant (cellular protection)
-Anti-microbial (kills infectious agents)
Some essential oils have more specific properties:
-Anti-spasmodic (muscle relaxant)
-Sedative (nervous system tonic)
-Anti-inflammatory (reducing pain, heat, redness and swelling)
Essential oils have many applications and can be used to
pically (on the skin), aromatically (inhaled) or ingested. They are very powerful! Only very small amounts (less than 1 millilitre) are used at a time (compare this to the hundreds of milligrams of EFAs found in a serving of nuts).
Caution: not every plant’s essential oils are safe to ingest (for example, wintergreen and eucalyptus oils should not be taken internally). Follow the manufacturer’s warnings. If the product says ‘not for internal use’, do not use it this way. Remember: Essential oils are ultra-concentrated, with only one drop often sufficient to do the job!
In my work as a Registered Nutritional Therapist, I analyze my clients’ health needs and recommend a combination of nutrients (such as EFAs), herbal extracts and oils to support their digestive systems and immune systems. Together with providing specific dietary modifications, I find this approach highly useful in my practice.