/oss/taxonomy/term/2474/all en /oss/article/covid-19-health/essential-knowledge-about-essential-oils-and-covid-19 <p>If only it were that simple. If all one would have to do to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus from infecting the respiratory tract is to inhale some vapour from eucalyptus essential oil, our worries would be over.</p> Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 8216 at /oss /oss/article/health-you-asked/are-all-oils-essential-are-essential-oils-even-oils <p><span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil">Oils</a></span><span> are defined as any net uncharged chemical substance that is a thick liquid at room temperature and is both hydrophobic (does not mix with water) and lipophilic (does mix with fats, or lipids). When we think of them, our minds tend to focus on the kitchen: olive, canola or peanut oil. But there are also oils in your garage (motor oil), bathroom (conditioner) and your art collection (oil paints).</span></p> Thu, 28 Jun 2018 16:02:47 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 7152 at /oss /oss/article/health-and-nutrition-quackery/aromatherapy-fragrant-medicine-or-stinky-pseudoscience <p>You may believe that essential oils possess curative powers. Many websites praise the numerous healing properties of these concentrated smelly compounds, from the immune-boosting potential of oregano to the stress-reducing scent of sweet orange oil. These same websites will often provide you with a convenient way of purchasing these elixirs, of course. Why simply inform when you can sell as well?</p> Thu, 28 Sep 2017 14:18:23 +0000 Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. 2648 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know-history/aromatherapy <p>The term “aromatherapy” was first coined in 1937 by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, whose badly burned arm was supposedly miraculously cured by the use of lavender oil. Jean Valnet decided to further investigate the medicinal benefits of essential oils by applying them to soldiers’ wounds during World War II. Today, essential oils are still used for their healing properties and as a form of therapy with claims such as eucalyptus aiding in the prevention of colds and flu while a blend of ylang ylang with grapefruit relieving stress.</p> Wed, 31 May 2017 14:40:15 +0000 OSS 2514 at /oss /oss/article/health-you-asked/what-himalayan-salt <p>In Roman times slaves were used to mine salt. It was not a pleasant chore. But today in the Ukraine some people willingly spend several hours a day in a salt mine. They are not there, though, to mine salt. They are there to treat their asthma or other pulmonary problem. “Speleotherapy” is based on the supposed therapeutic effects of breathing air laden with negative ions which supposedly originate from salt and fill the air in the subterranean cavern. A couple of “supposedlies” there. There actually are some studies that show the air purification capabilities of negative ions.</p> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 02:41:05 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1786 at /oss