Although essential oils are typically associated with aromatherapy, new research indicates that medicines based on them could also help to heal skin wounds when applied topically. It all comes down to a certain substance in some of the oils, that reduces inflammation.
Known as beta-caryophyllene, the chemical compound is typically found in the oils of natural plants like lavender, rosemary, and ylang-ylang. In a study at Indiana University, researchers have found that applying the essential oil to superficial wounds in mice improves the healing process of the injured areas.
It was observed that doing so increased cell growth and cell migration to the wound site, causing the injuries to heal faster than similar untreated wounds. Additionally, the scientists noted increased gene expression of hair follicle stem cells in the treated injuries. This suggests that there would ultimately be less scarring.
