Used for centuries, essential oils remain popular today. While clinical research is still emerging, several studies highlight their potential therapeutic value.
In France, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) defined "essential oil" in 2008 recommendations (PDF in French / 18 pages). Essential oils (or plant essences) are fragrant, complex mixtures obtained by steam distillation, dry distillation, or mechanical processes without heat. They are typically separated from the aqueous phase through physical means that preserve their composition.
There are several hundred different essential oils used in aromatherapy, including cypress, black pepper, cannabidiol, rosemary, vetiver, lime, turmeric, patchouli, and star anise. Ravintsara essential oil, from a tree native to China, stands out with its high eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) content—a terpene traditionally regarded as a respiratory tract antiseptic. Often viewed as "grandmother's remedies," these oils are gaining scientific support for treating skin issues, cancers, and hospital-acquired infections. Their effects vary by oil type and target, influencing cells and infectious agents differently.
Annelise Lobstein (1956-2018), a professor at the University of Strasbourg Faculty of Pharmacy, published a 2014 report via the French Society of Ethnopharmacology (SFE). It compiled data on essential oil use in hospitals. Dozens of facilities in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland incorporate them, while France lags with limited adoption at sites like Rennes University Hospital, Pasteur Hospital in Colmar, and St. Nicolas Hospital in Angers.
In 2011, University of Life Sciences Prague researchers demonstrated antimicrobial activity of several essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus. In 2012, MIT scientists found certain oils outperformed standard antibiotics against S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A 2016 study from Shahid Beheshti University in Iran showed enhanced efficacy when oils were diffused as ultra-fine particles, disrupting bacterial cell membrane integrity. Pre-published March 2020 research suggested eucalyptus and noble laurel oils could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Given the vast array of essential oils, diseases, and body targets, comprehensive proof requires thousands of studies. Always consult a health professional first. Aromatherapist Jean-Pierre Willem noted in 2018 that this isn't alternative medicine—self-medication is unwise.
