Overview of Essential Oils and Their Oily Waters (Hydrosols): Using for Aromatherapy in Türkiye

Abstract

The essence of every plant is hidden in its essential oil. Essential oils; due to their wide range of use, chemical structures and biological activities, they are of interest to many branches of science. They are generally of plant origin. Their smell and healing properties are found in the oil of the plant. Before modern medicine, essential oils were used as medicine. Today, they are used as treatment support materials or functional foods. There are many diseases and methods of use for which essential oils are used. This use varies depending on culture and application experience. The effect of the treatment is closely related to the chemical composition of the oil. Its chemical composition also varies according to the species of the living being, intraspecific variation, ecological environment where it grows, the harvest period of the plant, its organ and partly the processing method of the raw material. Essential oils are more effective in skin application, while oily waters are more effective in internal use. Water plays an important role in the transportation of the active substance and the activity of the cells. There are approximately 500 plants used for medical purposes and have commercial value in Turkey. However, the number of plant species from which essential oils can be produced is much more than 500. This article provides correct definitions of some technical terms and includes the production, purposes of use, and physical and chemical properties of essential oils. The source of the information is our experience and observations based on approximately 40 years. Very important information is provided to practitioners. In addition to the chemical composition of essential oils, method of use and dosage also affect the results. Some aromatic plants are poisonous, their oils are practically not extracted. Some ones are very expensive, they can only be sold as raw materials. When using herbal drugs, it is necessary to know temperament of diseases, patient and  materials to be used in the treatment. Before modern medicine, this information, namely the ‘science of temperament’, was the most important subject for doctors. Today, it has fallen into oblivion. In modern medicine, only the chemical composition of the plant is taken into account. Aromatherapy is essentially a treatment method that increases blood flow, protects the body against infections, and strengthens the immune system by providing mineral supplements. It is being forgotten day by day. Treatment with essential oils has not been abandoned despite modern medicine, and its importance has gradually increased. Because its composition is natural, suitable for the physiology of the living being. Their production are organics. They are not a single compound for a disease. Modern medicine does not seem to have made an effort to produce drugs in proportions suitable for the living being and from organic materials. There are many different methods of use, so it is very easy to apply. For this reason, treatment with essential oils is far superior to modern synthetic drugs. It has very few or no side effects. It cannot be abandoned despite developing technology.