Sunday, October 30, 2011

Do Essential Oils Contain Hormones?

Regarding hormones, oils do not contain any hormones manufactured or needed by human bodies, but the molecules of essential oils can act like hormones in that they can occupy hormonal receptor sites and, thus, trigger beneficial hormonal actions in support of our endocrine system. Also, as in the case of proteins, enzymes, and vitamins, essential oils can stimulate and support our bodies in producing the actual hormones we need. Since hormones are small molecules that can come through the distillation process, it is possible that essential oils do contain traces of plant hormones which can be beneficial to our well being.
Since the presence of hormones in essential oils would only be in very tiny amounts, not detected by a chemical analysis from a laboratory, the "hormonal" properties of oils would be more in the way of support and enhancement of our endocrine systems, assisting in the manufacture and balance of the hormones our body naturally makes. So there you have it. ~David Stuart, Ph.D

NOTE: For additional information on how essential oils work see "The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple," by David Stewart, available at www.RaindropTraining.com or subscribe to the FREE Oils For Wellness newsletter.