essential oils: scent or science?

Research data shows that the multiplicity of pharmacological properties of essential oils occurs due to the chemical diversity in their composition and their ability to interfere with biological processes at cellular and multicellular levels via interaction with various biological targets. 
PubMed/MEDLINE, 2023

The lipophilic profile of these components contributes to their ability to penetrate cells and tissues to reach biological targets and carry out the pharmacological response. Their constituents cross the biological membranes of infected cells and/or microorganisms with ease and cause their death. ​PubMed/MEDLINE, 2023​​​

The pharmacological profile of essential oils includes antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant activities, among others. Essential oils are composed of approximately 20–60 components at different concentrations, but some of them may contain more than 300 different substances. PubMed/MEDLINE, 2023

The antioxidant activity of some constituents of Essential Oils suggests their possible action in restoring balance in pathological disorders associated with oxidative stress, including inflammatory and tumoral processes. ​PubMed/MEDLINE, 2023​​