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Could essential oils enhance biopolymers performance for wound healing? A systematic review.
Pérez-Recalde M et al
Phytomedicine. 2018 Jan 1;38:57-65. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.09.024. Epub 2017 Oct 28.

 

There`s quite a bit I disagree with here (terpenoids HAVE been studied extensively, despite what these authors claim), but rather than dissect the review (as that is what it is – a review of literature supporting the use of Essential Oils in wounds), the key point here should be; the manufacture and sale of EOs is unregulated - as with all alternative treatments (AM). In other words, EOs have either not been tested for safety and efficacy or have been tested and found to be harmful.

The majority of essential oils (EO) are terpenoid derivatives, which renders the oil as volatile as well as antimicrobial. However, harm occurs from the peroxides which are always produced when pure EOs are exposed to air and light and applied to skin. These peroxides become stronger (non-selective cytotoxic) with each use and often create contact dermatitis and even burns because it becomes even stronger than household bleach. These by-products can also interfere with hormonal production – see here how prepubertal gynecomastia was seen in boys who applied EOs https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/lavender-tea-tree-oils-may-cause-breast-growth-boys

The cytotoxicity of EO is well-documented in all the in-vitro studies - and is acknowledged in the above metanalysis – but many in-vivo studies have had to be withdrawn during testing due to the high incidence of adverse incidences from the non-selective cytotoxicity of the peroxides. In particular, the destruction of fibroblasts and other endothelial cells have clearly demonstrated delayed healing.

As Regulated Health Professionals, we are obliged to incorporate EBM, not AM, so would advise extreme caution in recommending the use of EOs, unless you are a trained aromatherapist.