Mucous Membranes and Essential Oils

 

Mucous membranes produce a variety of protective substances, including mucin. Mucin is a glycosylated protein with the unique ability to retain water and form a gel-like structure we often call mucus. Mucus adheres to almost everything. Mucus has three main purposes: protect the body’s cells, stick to dirt and microbes, and mix with food to help it move smoothly through the digestive tract. Mucus is continuously replaced by the cells that produce it. (1-3) Mucus does a great job at protecting the underlying mucous membranes, which themselves consist of rapidly regenerating epithelial cells. (4)

 

A number of research studies have examined how essential oils interact with mucus and mucous membranes. Not surprisingly, essential oils have shown remarkably positive effects on mucous membranes. For example, several different essential oils have been shown to increase digestive tract mucus production*. (1,5-7) In the digestive tract, increased mucus production is a good thing, leading to increased protection for underlying mucous membrane cells. Conversely, mucus production in the respiratory tract must be more balanced to avoid congestion. (8) Some essential oils have been shown to meter the production of mucus by regulating mucin genes. (9,10)

 

When essential oils are ingested, they don’t just sit in the stomach. Research has shown that lipophilic substances bind to certain regions of mucin. (3) Essential oils are lipophilic substances, and likely will also bind to mucin. After binding to mucin, they will travel through the digestive tract until they are absorbed into the blood stream.

 

In short, when taking essential oils aromatically, orally, or internally, you don’t need to worry about them harming mucous membranes, as long as you are staying within appropriate usage guidelines (see Recommended Ideal Amounts). The body has developed great methods for utilizing essential oils in a safe and effective manner.