The positive impact of essential oils and compounds has been known for a long time. Essential oils are multicomponent mixtures and obtained by steam distillation of leaves or flowers or simply by pressing orange peels for example. Due to the broad-spectrum activity, essential oils can be used for a variety of disorders like sleeping problems, colds or gastrointestinal complaints. The focus of this paper is the use of essential oils against pain in animal studies. The broad use of analgesics like NSAIDs against headaches or menstrual cramps for example, is often associated with unpleasant side effects. Essential oils may help to reduce the analgesic doses.
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