Alternative Medicine: Essential Oils

Question

In the unit we discussed many different types of medicine and treatments including alternative medicines and how many people are beginning to explore and use natural options in place of or in conjunction with more traditional medicines.

Essential Oils have been used for hundreds of years and have recently seen a surge in popularity. If you search for essential oils online you will find many sites dedicated to these oils, as well as a wide variety of different brand options. Essential oils have many health claims, such as improving moods, flushing away a cold, reducing arthritis pain, and much, much more. Do you think these oils can really do all of these things?

For this lab, you will start by reading Essential Oils: A Look At The Studies. When you’re finished, spend a little bit of time further researching and exploring essential oils online. Use the information from the unit, the information in the article link given, and your own online research to answer the following questions:

Discuss why you think essential oils are gaining popularity?
From your research, discuss a health claim regarding essential oils that you learned about that surprised you the most. Explain why you believe or don’t believe the claims being made and why.
Why do you think physicians don’t promote alternative medicines such as essential oils in their offices?
Describe another natural remedy you came across in your research or that your family has used besides essential oils?
Imagine that you are an independent essential oils sales representative and you wholeheartedly believe in the value of using oils for different reasons. Your sister is considering using oils for a few health issues like dry skin and asthma complications, as well as for air purification and cleaning. However, she isn’t totally sold on their effectiveness. What would you say to her? How would you convince her of the usefulness of oils? Use specific examples/information from your research and the article.
Similar to the conversation that you considered regarding the effectiveness of oils, imagine that the roles are reversed and your sister is the essential oils enthusiast and you are the skeptic. You are concerned that your sister is relying too heavily on essential oils when you feel she should be seeking medical and pharmaceutical help for her skin irritation and asthma complications. What would you say to her to try and convince her to seek medical help as opposed to relying solely on essential oils? Use specific examples/information from your research and the article.
Do a bit of additional research on essential oils. Find two additional articles – one in favor of oils and one against oils. Compare and contrast both, discussing and highlighting several aspects of each that you believe to be pertinent. Determine which article makes the most convincing points. Be sure to include a link for each article along with your response.

Answer 1

Discussion on Essential Oils

Popularity of Essential Oils

Essential oils are gaining popularity for several reasons. Firstly, there is a growing trend toward holistic health practices as people become more aware of and concerned about the side effects of conventional medications. Additionally, social media and wellness influencers have helped promote the use of essential oils by showcasing personal experiences and benefits. The appeal of a natural remedy, along with the diverse applications—from aromatherapy to household cleaning—also makes essential oils attractive to many individuals seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical products.

Surprising Health Claims

One health claim that surprised me was the assertion that essential oils could effectively boost the immune system and combat infections, including respiratory ailments. While there are anecdotal reports and some preliminary studies suggesting that oils like eucalyptus and tea tree may have anti-bacterial or antiviral properties, I remain skeptical about their efficacy in treating serious infections. I believe that while essential oils can be a complementary approach to wellness, they should not be relied upon exclusively, especially for conditions requiring medical intervention.

Physician Attitudes Towards Alternative Medicines

Many physicians may hesitate to endorse alternative medicines such as essential oils due to a lack of rigorous scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. The medical community generally prioritizes treatments that have undergone extensive clinical trials and received approval from regulatory bodies. Additionally, some physicians may have concerns about patients potentially substituting essential oils for necessary medical treatments, which could exacerbate health issues.

Another Natural Remedy

In my research, I came across the use of herbal teas as a natural remedy. For example, chamomile tea is frequently used for its soothing properties and may aid sleep and digestion. Many families, including mine, have utilized herbal teas for a variety of ailments, finding them beneficial, and often without the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.

Convincing a Skeptic Sister

If I were an independent essential oils sales representative speaking to my skeptical sister, I would highlight the potential benefits of essential oils for her specific issues. For her dry skin, I would suggest oils like lavender or tea tree, known for their moisturizing properties and skin health benefits. For her asthma complications, I could mention studies where eucalyptus oil was found to help clear airways due to its strong aroma and soothing effects. I'd also explain that many people have successfully incorporated oils into their lives as part of a larger wellness routine, emphasizing the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals about safe and appropriate use.

Advising a Sister Who Relies on Oils

If the roles were reversed and my sister was an enthusiast while I remained skeptical, I would express my concerns about relying solely on essential oils for her asthma and skin irritation. I'd stress the importance of seeking professional medical help, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma, which can endanger her health if not managed properly. I would reference studies showing the limits of essential oils in controlling severe asthma symptoms and suggest that while oils can be complementary, they should not replace conventional treatments or guidance provided by healthcare providers.

Comparing Articles

I found two articles for comparison:

1. In Favor of Essential Oils: "The Health Benefits of Essential Oils" (Link: Health Benefits of Essential Oils). This article discusses various health benefits such as stress relief, pain management, and respiratory support, citing numerous studies and expert opinions.

2. Against Essential Oils: "Essential Oils: What the Research Says" (Link: What the Research Says About Essential Oils). This article critiques the lack of regulation and scientific support for many essential oil claims, emphasizing the need for more research and caution about using these oils as substitutes for medical treatments.

Comparison and Conclusion

The first article presents a more positive view of essential oils, outlining numerous potential benefits alongside research citations. Conversely, the second article focuses on the need for caution, highlighting safety concerns and the importance of scientific backing. The second article makes the most convincing points because it addresses the necessity of evidence-based practice in healthcare and the potential risks of self-treatment. While essential oils can have complementary benefits, they should not overshadow the need for traditional medical advice and treatment.

In conclusion, essential oils are a fascinating area of alternative medicine, and while there may be valid applications, it's essential to approach them with caution and rely on medical advice for serious health issues.