Herbs & Essential oils: Is one better?

Herbs and essential oils have been debated over for a long time. Some Herbalist will tell you herbs are the only way to go while some Aromatherapist will tell you essential oils are the only way to go. Both are derived from plants but in different processes that makes them different in many ways, including being safe for one to use.

Herbs are derived from plants and usually contains parts of the plant in dried form. In most circumstances herbs are safe to take internally. There are difference ways to prepare herbs formulas such as a tincture, teas, infusions and even capsules. This can be done by using one herb or combining different herbs to get a complex blend to help with various ailments. All though there are a few herbs that can be poisonous, like Arnica except when it is a homeopathic, most of them are safe to take internally and with out damaging internal tissues.

Essential oils are extracted by steam distillation or cold pressed in most circumstances. Many thousands of plants are taken to make just an ounce of oil therefore the essential oil is very highly concentrated including the chemicals in the oil. These oils can be used in several applications as in inhaling, diffusing, and topical. Unlike the herbs, internal use should not be done without the properly trained professionals.

The formula of herbs and essential oils are both from plants and even the same plants so still what's the difference that makes one better to use than the other? Yes, both use the plants but there is a huge difference in strength and if it is safe to use. While herbs use plants to make the formulas it is only one plant or a few plants to make the formulas. The formulas are also usually in a solution of oil or alcohol thus making the strength in a safe usable dosage.

Essential oils use hundreds of plants to make an ounce of oil. This means the essential oil is 75% to 100% in a concentrated form. In fact because of this concentration this is why taking essential oils can be damaging to mucous membranes, esophagus, stomach, liver, and even kidney. There are actually several essential oils that should never be taken internally such as wintergreen which can be lethal even in very small amounts. Beside the internal application there are other considerations that have to be taken into account when using essential oils because of the concentration. Never us essential oils topically undiluted due to sensitization and/or even burns. Also extra care should be taken around the elderly, pregnant women, children, pets, and existing health conditions too.

To say one is better than other isn't really the right question. When should one be used versus the other might be the better question. As you have read, there is a difference between herbs and essential oils. One of the main points being that essential oils is extremely concentrated versus herbs which makes essential oil more potent. Herbs are safe to take internally and longer for the durations than essential oils. Essential oils need more consideration before using them due to the high concentrated chemicals in the oils. In fact both herbs and essential oils have their own benefits that gives a more natural way to us for our well being.