Clinical Applications of Essential Oils

Laxmi Tripathi

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Agra Public Pharmacy College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Praveen Kumar

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India

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Kalpana Swain,

Kalpana Swain

Division of Advanced Drug Delivery, Talla Padmavathi College of Pharmacy, Warangal, India

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Satyanarayan Pattnaik,

Satyanarayan Pattnaik

Division of Advanced Drug Delivery, Talla Padmavathi College of Pharmacy, Warangal, India

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Laxmi Tripathi,

Laxmi Tripathi

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Agra Public Pharmacy College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

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Praveen Kumar,

Praveen Kumar

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India

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Kalpana Swain,

Kalpana Swain

Division of Advanced Drug Delivery, Talla Padmavathi College of Pharmacy, Warangal, India

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Satyanarayan Pattnaik,

Satyanarayan Pattnaik

Division of Advanced Drug Delivery, Talla Padmavathi College of Pharmacy, Warangal, India

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Book Editor(s): Inamuddin,

Inamuddin

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First published: 28 June 2023

https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119829614.ch40

Summary

Essential oil-based therapy (EOBT) also known as Aromatherapy is a pseudoscience established on the utilization of aromatic materials, together with essential oils (EOs) affirming improvement of physical and psychological well-being. It is proposed as a complementary therapy and a form of alternative medicine. It is a natural method of alleviating a person's body, mind, and soul. The global EOBT market size was approximated at USD 1.6 billion in 2020 and is anticipated to inflate at a compound annual growth rate of 11.6% from 2021 to 2028. Bioactive constituents present in essential oils selectively bind to specific targets in cells and tissues, mainly proteins or cell membranes. By modifying their functional properties, they directly affect physiological processes in the human body. Pharmacological mechanisms of EOBT are substance-specific and dose-dependent. Aromatherapy is classified as cosmetic, massage, medical, olfactory, and psycho-aromatherapy. EOs from various parts of the plant like the seed, stem, flowers, rind, fruits, leaves, etc. can be used for aromatherapy. Sufficient scientific evidence is available for use of EOBT for treatment and management of pain and inflammation, psychological disorders, nausea & vomiting, menopausal symptoms, dermatological issues related to skin and hair, and even COVID-19 symptoms. But, EOs may be toxic and extremely dangerous if not used safely under the supervision of trained professionals. Hence sufficient care should be taken during their use. The chapter compiles the various approaches of EOBT along with their application to the management of different disorders for which sufficient scientific evidence is available.

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Essential Oils: Extraction Methods and Applications