Another Blog Article by David E. Smalley, M.D.
This article is on a principle of pain relief that is covered much more in depth in the book, The Miracle of Pain. The content is educational and should not be used as medical advice.
The original photos below emphasize the wonders of nature around us, which reflect the miracles within us.
February 21, 2020 — What are essential oils?
The oils in an orange peel spray us as we peel an orange. The oils in fish are helpful for a balanced diet. The oils in nuts and avocados are also part of a healthy diet. There are oils in many other plants, such as rose, aloe vera and geranium, as well as trees, such as eucalyptus and camphor. Some smell good; some feel good on the skin. Some oils from cut grass or poison ivy create allergic reactions on our skin.
Large Navel Oranges in a Basket
Many essential oils marketed today are not essential, whether ingested or inhaled. The marketing from these companies misleads consumers because they refer to their products as essential, not because they are essential, but only because they are marketing an essence of the plant oil. They have bastardized the term “essential,” and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so far, has allowed them to get away with misusing the term.
It is confusing because there are, however, real essential oils because our bodies need them. They are some specific oils we need in our diet. Our bodies cannot make them, so we rely on our diet to provide them. Our bodies do not make two essential fatty acids or oils, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA). Without them in our diet, we develop severe deficiencies with real consequences.
Haas Avocados in Bucket
Can we get too much of them? Yes, of course. Just like vitamins, there are overdose syndromes that are real and have been known for many decades. Different cultures in different parts of the world have different diets, different needs and different habits. We can learn from each to make sure we get the nutrients we need in different places we might live. Local, clean fruit and vegetables are usually a reliable source of the nutrients we need. Eat the whole food, not the processed oils from them.
In summary, the following is from chapter 29, page 293 of the book, The Miracle of Pain. “The term ‘essential oils’ for aromatherapy and health issues is a misnomer because they are not essential for our diet or health. ‘Alternative’ therapy advocates use the term ‘essential’ because they use the ‘essence’ of plant oils. Nothing about them is essential… Their products are only an essence of plant oils. The marketing is therefore clearly deceptive.”
* * * * *
Freshly Cut Bluegrass
Mixed Nuts, including Cashews and Almonds
Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Leaves