The U.S. National Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.gov) is the largest library in the world. It contains nearly 12 million books and research papers. Essential oils are represented in almost 10,000 medical studies.
Italian research on essential oils includes a wide array of topics. Italian researchers studied the neuroprotective effects of Bergamot. In Iceland, researchers tested basil against otitis media (ear infections). Texas Southern University looked at the antioxidant and free radical scavenging power of essential oils. In Germany, a study observed the effects of myrtol (from myrtle), eucalyptus, and orange oil for patients with chronic pulmonary disease.
Some other studies:
Thyme oil washes away 'salmonella enterica' on grape tomatoes instead of chlorine-based washing solution.
Clove Oil - the gastroprotective activity of this oil.
Clinical research during the last several decades indicates that essential oils have enormous potential to treat conditions ranging from acne to obesity.
Peppermint is a pain blocker.
Melaleuca has been used to treat acne.
Lavendar fights travel sickness, reduces athero-sclerosis and protects blood vessels
Basil & Frankincense is shown to have anti-cancer properties
Studies in animals show sedative and stimulant effects of specific essential oils as well as positive effects on behavior and the immune system. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0032645/).
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effectiveness of a topically applied gel containing essential oils (menthol and thymol) and polyphenolic antioxidants (phloretin and ferulic acid) for reducing halitosis in dogs.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
An oral topically applied gel with essential oils and polyphenolic antioxidants applied daily after an initial professional dental cleaning decreased oral malodor in dogs.
The influence of topical unsaturated fatty acids and essential oils on normal and atopic dogs. Adverse effects were not observed. The results of this pilot study indicate that topical fatty acids and essential oils are a useful treatment option for canine atopic dermatitis. (Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21673338)
In summary, we demonstrate here that cassia, Peru balsam, and red thyme essential oils are more effective in eradicating Pseudomonas and S. aureus biofilms than selected important antibiotics, making them interesting candidates for the treatment of biofilms. Important future goals include identifying further active antimicrobial components within the oils, as well as the molecular mechanisms by which these components so effectively breach the biofilm barrier. In this study, we sampled only a small number of different oils, but a plethora of other oils is available in nature, bearing enormous potential for the discovery of alternatives to antibiotics. (Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3346404/)
This website/blog had an excellent article on the medical research on essential oils for emergency purposes. Offering information regarding the different chemical constituents of essential oils and the medicinal benefits they offer.
Come near or far, believer or non believer, or just a passionate follower of essential oils, here is just a smidgeon of the proof of essential oils and the many benefits it can offer to the bodies of ourselves and our beloved pets.
Presented by Diana Wanamaker (parts of article I added on and authored myself)
*If you are aware of author, please notify me and I will attach proper credit to that author.