TITLE : AROMATHERAPY: HERBAL REMEDY

Author’s names: Sonia Singh1*, Komal Singh2

Institutional affiliations:

1) GLA Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Mathura, U.P

2) Extol College, Bhopal, M.P

 

AROMATHERAPY: HERBAL REMEDY

 WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

                         Aromatherapy is an alternative field of medicine which is gaining popularity, it aim not only on the treatment but also on prevention of diseases. Aromatherapy practice is predominantly based on the use of essential oils. Herbs are also used at times for aromatic and therapeutic effect. The discipline of studying herbs for the purpose of establishing their medicinal value dates back to the prehistoric era. The tradition of using herbs for the creation of medicines – including recreational mood-altering drugs – is in vogue today also1. It involves use of herbal oils. Aromatherapy activates the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain, activate thermal receptors, and kill microbes and fungi2.

                         Aromatherapy is the practice of using naturally extracted essences of aromatic plants to promote the health and well-being of your body, mind and emotions. These essences, called essential oils, contain the vital life force of fragrant botanical plants. Pure essential oils are the key to success with aromatically. They can restore balance and harmony to your body and mind, while adding depth, dimension, and definition to your life3.

                       The history of aromatherapy dates back to more than 3500 years before Christ’s birth, to a time when the use of aromatics was recorded for the first ever instance in human history. The truth is that the history of aromatherapy is deeply linked with the progress of aromatic medicine, which in its initial stages was typically combined with religion, mysticism and magic. In India, around 2000 BC, various writings mention the role of ‘perfumers’ and ‘incense sellers’. The word ‘aromatherapy’ was used for the first time in the 1920s by French chemist Rene-Maurice-Gattefosse, who dedicated his life to researching on the discipline of aromatherapy.

MATERIALS   IN   AROMATHERAPY:

•Essential oils: These are fragrant oils extracted from plants mainly through steam distillation (e.g. eucalyptus oil).

•Absolutes: These are also fragrant oils, but extracted from flowers or delicate plant tissues through solvent extraction (e.g. rose absolute).

•Phytoncides: These are volatile organic compounds obtained from plants that destroy microbes.

•Hydrosols: These are aqueous by-products of distillation (e.g. rosewater). Many herbs are used to make herbal distillates. They have culinary, medicinal as well as skin care uses.

•Infusions: They are aqueous extracts of various plant materials (e.g. infusion of chamomile)

•Carrier oils: These are oily plant based triacylglycerides used to dilute essential oils for use on the skin (e.g. sweet almond oil) so as to avoid irritation4.

PRINCIPLE OF AROMATHERAPY5:

Aromatherapy works by synergistically using the properties of all the chemicals in essential oil for their correct application

Aromatherapy works through-

a)      Inhalation- The vapour formation of an essential oil is very minute and passes through the lungs from where they diffuse across tiny air sacs (alveoli) into the surrounding blood capillaries and eventually find their way into the systemic circulation from where they exert their therapeutic effect.

b)      Skin absorption- The shin is a two-way road capable of both absorption and excretion ; for example, rub a small piece of cut garlic on the sole sof your feet, within 5 minutes you will have garlic breath . The tiny molecules of essential oils pass through the hair follicles, which contain sebum, an oily liquid to which essential oils have an affinity from here, the oils diffuse into the blood stream or are taken up by the lymph or interstitial fluid to other parts of the body.

 MEDICINAL HERBS USED IN AROMATHERAPY:

                        Aromatherapy is used in the treatment of various diseases such as bronchitis, fatigue, migraines, respiratory ailments, acne, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, cystitis, cold and flu. Aromatherapy also encourages emotional peace and calm with a gently calming effect on mind, body and emotions2. Aroma therapy is a holistic treatment that works as a natural stress buster that can be easily fused into your work environment with immediate positive benefits for conditions like lack of concentration, depression, agitation and of course stress. Essential oils that form the basis of this treatment are derived from flowers and have calming effects on the central nervous system, thereby relieving you of stress and increasing concentration levels. Some of the aroma oils that work best to relieve office stress include the following6:

Lavender Oil: It can be used in a diffuser, which heats the oil and allow its molecules to harmonise with the atmosphere to keep you relieved. If a diffuser is not available, then put just a drop or two of lavender oil on a cotton bud or tissue paper and place it near your work station. Soon you’ll find the fragrance working for you. Not just this, studies show that scenting your office with Lavender essential oil can even reduce computer errors by at least 25 per cent.

Quantity: 1-2 drops

Neroli Oil: The best time to use Neroli oil is the moment you lie on your bed. Just put a drop of the oil on your pillow and let it work to give you a soothing sleep.

Quantity: Less than 1 drop

 Geranium oil: The best way to use geranium oil is to create your own spa with it. Add it in a tub full of lukewarm water and soak yourself in it for 20-30 minutes before going to bed.

Quantity: 3-4 drops in bath tub.

 Basil oil: Take a bowl of water and put less than a drop of Basil oil in it. Now, soak a towel in it and then use it to wipe off your body, specially the exposed parts of your body before going to sleep.

Alternately, you can also put one tenth of a drop of this oil behind your ear and feel the fragrance giving you a relaxing effect.

Fennel Sweet Oil: Again, it can be used in a diffuser placed in the room or on a cotton bud.

Quantity: 1-2 drops

 Rosemary oil: It can be used in a bath or in a diffuser.

Apart from these, if you have any other favourite essential oil, you can use it in the following ways in your office:

      1. A few drops of oil on the cardboard tube inside a roll of toilet paper works well to ensure a nice smelling bathroom.

2. Want to spread the scent around? Simply keep cotton ball dipped in essential oil between your business card box and there – you have scented cards!

 Herbs with their therapeutic uses in aromatherapy7:

Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Basil)

Family: Labiatae

Usage: Used for bronchitis, fatigue, migraines, and aches & pains.

Citrus bergamia (Bergamot orange of Europe)

Family: Rutaceae

Usage: Uplifting, refreshing and relaxing. Encourages cheerful emotions, ideal for depression. 

Used to freshen and uplift a room

Juniperus virginiana (Cedarwood )

Family: Cupressaceae

Usage: Ideal for soothing, harmonizing and focusing the mind. Antiseptic and astringent

properties beneficial to oily skin.

Anthemis nobilis Linn. (Chamomile)

Family: Compositae

Usage: Aids sleep and soothes tired muscles, encourages emotional peace and calm with a

gently calming effect on mind, body and emotions.

Eucalyptus globules (Eucalyptus)

Family: Myrtaceae

Usage: A Powerful, penetrating bactericidal and anti-viral oil for sickrooms.

Boswellia carteri (Frankincense)

Family: Burseraceae

Usage: Good for meditation, relieving stress, tension,anxiety; mucus conditions, aging skin. 

Aids in arthritis, rheumatism, joint aches, radiation burn.

Pelargonium graveloens L’Herit. (Geranium)

Family: Geraniaceae

Usage: Relieves anxiety, hot flashes, palpitations, diarrhea, acne, dry, inflamed skin, minor

surface burns.

Jasminum officinale Linn. (Jasmine absolute)

Family: Oleaceae

Usage: Good for easing trapped feelings of sadness, trauma and grief; anxiety, nervousness,

apathy/withdrawal. Eases anger, aphrodisiac. Good for dry skin. Helpful for post-natal recovery

and also a good skin tonic.

Juniperus communis Linn. (Juniper berry)

Family: Cupressaceae

Usage: Purifying, eliminating with a clear woody aroma. This oil clears emotional overload and

helps to cleanse the body of impurities. A great tonic for oily or congested skin.

lavandula officinalis Chaix. (Lavender)

Family: Labiatae

Usage: Helps ease anger, anxiety, nervousness, stress, insomnia, headaches, neuralgia,

wounds, burns, shock, thrush. Good for cravings, decreasing appetite, arthritis, rheumatism,

joint aches and chest aches.

Citrus limon Linn. (Lemon)

Family: Rutaceae

Usage: Refreshes and cools bringing clarity to mind and emotions restoring vitality acting as a

 tonic to the circulatory system. Has beneficial effects on the immune system, is cleansing on

the skin.

Citrus reticulata Blanco (Mandarin)

Family: Rutaceae

Usage: Fruity, tangy citrus perfume with a gently cheering effect, aiding youthful thoughts and

 feelings. Soothing effect upon the digestive system. Can be used in pregnancy with Neroli to

avoid stretch marks.

Origanum marjorana (Marjoram)

Family: Labiatae

Usage: A warm and spicy aroma with warm comforting tones. Eases loneliness and grief,

relaxing for muscles especially after sport or work.

Citrus aurantium (Christm.) (Neroli)

Family: Rutaceae

Usage: Good for aging, dry and sensitive skin and balancing in times of shock and

hysteria ,aphrodisiac; calm and soothing atmosphere. Relieves depression, worry, stress,

insomnia, mature skin, stretch marks.

Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) (Palmarosa)

Family: Gramineae

Usage: Refreshing and uplifting. Gently soothing whilst promoting clear thought. Helps all skin

types especially dry skin.

Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli)

Family: Labiatae

Usage: Deep earthy, sensual, grounding oil which uplifts the spirit whilst clearing the mind.

Moisturizing for dry skin.

Mentha arvensis Linn. (Peppermint)

Family: Labiatae

Usage: Clears the head and soothes the emotions, soothes the digestive system, relieves

tired feet and mind.

Rosa damascena Mill. (Rose)

Family: Rosaceae

Usage: This oil is soothing and uplifting, great when sad or tired. A tonic for the female

reproductive system. A sensual and delightful oil, romantic, creative, gently cheering.

Rosmarinus officinalis Linn. (Rosemary)

Family: Rubiaceae

Usage: A powerful mental stimulant which aids memory and concentration restores vitality and

invigorates.

Santalum album Linn. (Sandalwood)

Family: Santalaceae

Usage:Helps ageing, dry and itchy skin. Good for meditation; aphrodisiac. Aids in cystitis, 

venereal infections, chronic coughs, dry skin; anxiety, tension and nervousness.

Melaleuca alternifolia  (tea tree)

Family: Myrtaceae

Usage: Effective oil with powerful antiseptic properties benefits the immune system disinfects

and de-odorises, strengthens especially during the winter months and convalescence.

Thymus vulgaris Linn. (Thyme)

Family: Labiatae

Usage: A stimulating, protecting oil that has a strengthening effect on the the nerves. Ideal for

the treatment of exhaustion both physical and mental. A help to the immune system.

 Aromatherapy and Herbs that Promote Wound Healing8:

                              As many Diabetics can tell you, suffering from wounds that have poor or slow healing can become unbearable.  If a cut or a wound heals slowly, it will increase the chances of becoming infected and spread.  There are many natural herbs that will promote healing in various wounds and cuts, as well as carry antiseptic and germicidal properties.  These ingredients mixed together are Mother Nature’s natural remedies to cuts and wounds. You can try products that carry one or two of these ingredients, however direct application and Aromatherapy methods will provide direct contact with these herbs therefore providing faster results.  You may create an infusion by using fresh herbs, roughly one ounce of dried herb to one pint of boiling water that may be sipped or added to an Aromatherapy bath.  However, for many cuts and wounds, a salve or poultice may be applied as well.  To prevent infection in slow healing wounds, you can use Aromatherapy to clean and purify your air, thereby decreasing the chance of germs in your immediate environment. 

      Aloe Vera is an incredible medicinal plant that has been used for centuries.  It is making headway in the realm of Aromatherapy by being used as a base for Essential Oils.  To make a wonderful Aloe Vera based healing balm for wounds, add your choice of Essential Oils such as: Black Walnut, Fenugreek, Comfrey, Calendula, Horsetail, Rosemary, and Apricot Seed.  All of these herbs also promote wound healing and help prevent infection in cuts and are a wonderful addition to your Aloe Vera based balm. 

      Black Walnut may be infused with Olive Oil for a wonderful herbal remedy that prevents infection in cuts and wounds.  Black Walnut also treats fungal infections as well.  It has been used for many centuries and is also a great darkener for brunette hair.  You can add a few drops of Black Walnut oil into your bath, but be prepared for a dark ring to be left in the tub.  It can be mixed with Tea Tree Oil for a healing salve that may be applied directly to cuts and wounds.  The leaves, hulls, and bark of the Black Walnut tree have all been used in various herbal remedies and formulas. 

      Fenugreek was used by the Ancient Egyptians to treat everything from coughs and colds to skin infections and irritations.  It was also a main ingredient in many Egyptian beautifying regimes.  The seeds of the Fenugreek plant are known for softening the skin as well as preventing infection. 

      Rosemary is known for its rich aroma that smells like Camphor.  It has many antiseptic properties, which makes it perfect for wound and cut healing.  Rosemary has also been used for treating headaches, coughs, cold, mental confusion and fatigue, to brighten drab hair color, in perfumes, and to improve circulation and fight cellulite. 

                          You can make an infusion of Rosemary for your bath by using one ounce dried Rosemary to one pint of boiling water.  Rosemary is also a stimulant, so make sure that you don’t use Rosemary before going to sleep, or you will find that it will keep you awake.

PRECAUTIONS IN AROMATHERAPY5:

a)      Avoid essential oils deemed hazardous.

b)      Keep flammable oils away from fire.

c)      Always consult your health care professional before starting any therapies with essential oil.

d)      Dilute essential oils as recommended to avoid irritation.

e)      Always test essential oils on a skin patch first.

References:

1)      http://www.beautymakeuptips.org/aromathrapy.

2)      http://www.iloveindia.com/indian – herbs/aromatherapy.

3)      Wilson R. Aromatherapy- essential oils for vibrant health and beauty. 2002: 5

4)      http://www.themedguru.com/articles/aromatherapy_more_than_just_good_smell

5)      Bharkatiya M, Nema RK, Rathore KS and Panchawat S. Aromatherapy: Short overview. International Journal of Green Pharmacy 2008; 2(1):13-16

6)      http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

7)      http://www.circle-of light.com/Aromatherapy/aroma-remedies.html

8)     http://www.bestaromatherapy.co.uk/Aromatherapy_and_Herbs_that_Promote_Wound_Healing.html

 

 

Colour Therapy

Aromas vibrate at the same frequency as colours oils and incense can be mixed to give a blend that is suited to your need for a variety of colour energies.

Chart – Colour / Essential Oils & Incense.

Violet

Frankincense, Sandalwood, Myrrh, Benzoin, Neroli, Lavender, Angelica.

Indigo

Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint, Spruce, Frankincense, Elemi, Clary Sage.

Blue

Blue Chamomile, Sage, Lemongrass, Hyssop.

Turquoise

Helichrysum, Myrtle, Litsea, Rose Geranium.

Green

Rose, Bergamot, Melissa, Jasmine, Rosewood.

Yellow

Juniper, Vetivert, Rosemary, Yarrow, Petitgrain, Palmarosa, Marjoram, Lemon.

Orange

Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Neroli, Rose, Rose Geranium, Orange Sandalwood.

Pink

Rose Geranium, Rose, Rose Otto, Melissa.

Red

Patchouli, Myrrh, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Cedar wood, St. John’s Wort.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using naturally distilled essences of plants to promote the health and well-being of your body, mind, and emotion spirit. These essences, called essential oils, can restore balance and harmony to your body and to your life. Aromatherapy can be experienced through several mediums. Essential Oils are the purest form and most medicinal in their action. Incense is made from the oils and resins of plants.

Sacred Herbs, such as Sage, Cedar, Sandalwood, and Amber resin are known for their cleansing and healing properties and are often used for cleansing negative energy. Essential oil blends are essential oils blended with a carrier oil in order to disperse the healing properties over larger areas of the body and to protect the skin from irritations, burns or sensitive reactions. Aromatherapy is also incorporated in Herbal Candles, in Crystals and Gemstones and in Massage and Body Lotion.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Some of today’s most serious health concerns such as heart disease, anxiety disorders, depression, obesity and immunity disorders, are caused by or are related to stress. Both conventional and non-conventional health professionals agree that lifestyle changes and stress management are essential to improving and maintaining our overall health. Sensory input can stimulate our emotional and physiological responses. In today’s world we are constantly receiving sensory stimuli. On any given day, computer screens, fluorescent light, television images and late-night driving overwork our eyes. Loud machines stimulate our ears, the hum of a computer or refrigerator, television, a blaring radio, telephone conversation, sometimes all in the same room.

The types of foods we eat overwork even our taste buds. Likewise, our noses are bombarded with automobile exhaust, cleaning products and toxic chemicals. Unbelievably, these types of stress affect our nervous system and result in physical disorders. The best way to relieve stresses and bring your body back into balance is through natural therapies such as Aromatherapy. Of the five senses, our sense of smell is the most primitive and most closely associated with our emotions and how our body responds to them. Together with a balanced diet, nutrition, adequate exercise and water, Aromatherapy can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. It can become a part of your daily routine.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are the volatile oils found in the seeds, roots, resins, flowers, trees, stems, bark and fruit of plants. These oils are the life force of the plants and have many beneficial and protective properties. Many oils have antiviral, antibacterial or antifungal properties. Some may also soothe inflammation, relax tense muscles or enhance breathing. Essential oils are being used to treat physical, psychological and energetic imbalances and they have become very popular as interest in self-care and natural products.

In Japan workers exposed to jasmine, lavender and lemon, fragrances seem happier and make fewer keyboard errors. New York medical researchers gave MRI patients vanilla fragrance – a comfort aroma- during their scans. They were feeling significantly less anxious.

In Australia, tea tree oil was used as an effective first aid treatment and used in medical treatments. Blending essential oils is a form of art. The best way to learn is to practice. Choose a few oils that mach your physical and emotional needs and start blending! Many home and beauty products contain harmful chemical that may damage our health when used long-term. You can even make your own natural products using essential oils that are not only fun, but also safer for your health and environment.

Some Applications of Essential Oils

Diffusions – the easiest way to benefit from aromas of essential oils in your home or office. A few drops can also be added to a potpourri of dried flowers.

Mists – uplifting or calming body mist or a refreshing room fragrance.

Massage – diluted with massage oil you can experience the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, which can be made for aches and pains, chest congestion, immune stimulation or simply for relaxation.

Baths – are the most versatile and pleasurable ways to enjoy aromatherapy.

Soaps – indulge yourself with your home made luxurious soap bars or give them as unique gifts.

Body care – benefits for the entire body include weight management, detoxification, improved circulation, enhanced skin care, reduction of the appearance of cellulite.

Facial care, Pedicures, Hair care, Perfumery.

© Trevor Mayes 2008

The term ‘anxiety’ covers multiple forms of abnormal pathological disorders connected to fear, phobia and nervousness of mind. Anxiety may emerge with sudden manifestation or develop gradually over a period of time that may constitute several years.

The individual suffering from anxiety may fail to fulfill the needs of his/her social life and may falter during normal course of daily routine. Both the fear and anxiety are different phenomenal emotional patterns connected to specific scientific disorders. These two words can hence be used interchangeably. A phobia for instance, which is a state of mental anxiety, stands to be defined as a persistent or irrational fear.

Anxiety is a condition or state in which a human simultaneously experiences multiple emotions of terror, agony and worry. Physically, it is characterized by an increased heartbeat rate, breathlessness, headaches and throbbing pain in the chest region. Anxiety has four different parts or components namely behavioral, emotional, cognitive and somatic.

Description

A trademark behavioral aspect of anxiety is that a person suffering from it, willingly or unwillingly looks to evade its causes or sources. Emotionally, anxieties lead to immense fear and subsequently panic attacks, which occur in situations of extreme anxiety. The cognitive mechanism creates anticipation in humans, similar to animals, of a remote and vague peril.

In the somatic sense the human body automatically readies itself (emergency reaction) to face the danger by increasing the heartbeat rate, blood pressure, sweating and flow of blood to muscles. Also the digestive system and immune system undergo restricted functionality. Visible symptoms of such somatic activity are dilation of pupils, cold shivers and paling of skin.

The Fight/Flight Response

Anxiety is the human body’s natural defense mechanism against perceived threat or risk. The scientific term used to describe anxiety is the fight/flight response and is called so as anxiety is always oriented towards either fighting or fleeing the threat.

Nervous Breakdown

Nervous breakdown was called melancholia till the beginning of the 20th century when its name was altered to neurasthenia. The term nervous breakdown was used for the first time around 1930 and is still in usage. Generally, it is indicative of a wide range of mental sickness but more specifically it means breaking,snapping or losing hope in high mental pressure or stress scenarios.

“Nervous breakdown” is not officially a clinical term and doesn’t have anything to do with nerves. The closest clinical term to the colloquially called nervous breakdown, is major depression. Depression is caused by biological and genetic factors but can be triggered by environmental and social state of affairs.

Specific examples of triggers are problems in relationships, death of someone close, deception by others, monetary and ego troubles. People having a nervous breakdown lose interest in most activities including daily hygiene care. They always feel tired, energy less, and low without doing absolutely any physical work.

The Sense of Smell forms the greater part of our Sense of Taste (note how your sense of taste and smell is affected when you have a head cold or blocked up nose. The sense of smell is also affected by pollution, smoking, trauma to the nose itself and a mucous forming diet).

The sense of smell of our ancient ancestors was far superior to ours. They identified one another by smell as well as sight, and could even detect the usefulness of a plant by its smell. They also tracked animals by smell.

The sense of smell helps us to distinguish between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ odours, which tell us if food is fit to be eaten or if there is disease or hygiene present.

ODOURS & DISEASE

A couple of hundred years ago, physicians would use the sense of smell as a diagnostic aid. Arthritis and rheumatism have an acid smell, a good midwife could tell a post-partum haemorrhage by the smell of blood passed, diabetes gives an acetone smell to the breathe and the urine, perspiration can give us clues as to the health of the kidneys and lymphatic system, the smell of faeces also can tell us the type of disease in the digestive tract. Natural medicine still uses this method of diagnosis.

The human nose has the ability to distinguish many thousands of different odours, and the memory of these odours is stored deep in our sub-conscious minds. (See R. Tisserand ‘The Art of Aromatherapy” pages 60-73).

When we inhale air molecules which, are carrying the ‘odoriferous’ molecules of an essential oil, these molecules adhere to our Olfactory nerve endings in the back of the nose, producing stimulation of these nerve endings.

Sensory stimulation of the Olfactory centre is by a relay of nerve impulses from the sensory nerve endings in the nose to the brain.

This is a very rapid and direct pathway to the part of the Brain which directs, controls, interprets and responds to sensory input.

This pathway is very different to sensory stimulation of the sensory nerves in the skin which is more complex, being transmitted from a sensory nerve ending to the spinal cord, to the brain, back down the spinal cord, down a motor nerve ending and then to the appropriate organ. For example when we touch a hot object, the heat affects the sensory nerve ending in say the finger. This nerve relays a message along the sensory nerve fibre to its root in the spinal cord. The impulse is carried to the brain. The brain says “ouch !!! that’s hot, take the finger off now”.

This message is relayed down the spinal cord to the motor nerve root, and then to the appropriate muscle(s) organ(s) etc. to remove the finger from the hot object. As you will know from your own experience of touching something hot, there is often a time lag between touching the hot object and recognition of pain.

With the Olfactory Nerve there is no relay station – stimuli goes straight to the part of Central Nervous System called the LIMBIC SYSTEM, and the response is instant. Furthermore, the message cannot be blocked by the conscious mind.

The interesting and exciting aspect of this use of Essential Oil Therapy is that different essential oils produce different responses. Some affect the higher thought processes in the Cerebral Cortex by altering the electrical activity of different Cortical areas, and some affect the Hormone Producing cells in the Limbic System. These ‘Brain Hormones’ will then either effect the mental and emotional responses of the Brain itself, or will be released into the blood stream from where they may be carried to distant organs to produce the desired effect on the body chemistry.

Aromatherapy and Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to affect the mind, body and spirit of human health and wellbeing.

AROMATHERAPY & THE MIND

ANXIETY:

Benzoin, Chamomile, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang.

DEPRESSION:

Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, peppermint, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang.

ANGER:

Chamomile, Melissa, Rose, Ylang-Ylang.

APATHY:

Jasmine, Juniper, Patchouli, Rosemary.

CONFUSION:

Basil, Cypress, Frankincense, Peppermint, Patchouli.

DWELLING ON THE PAST:

Benzoin, Frankincense.

FEAR:

Basil, Clary, Jasmine, Juniper.

GRIEF:

Hyssop, Marjoram, Rose.

HYPERSENSITIVE:

Chamomile, Jasmine, Melissa,

IMPATIENCE/IRRITABILITY:

Chamomile, Camphor, Marjoram, Frankincense.

JEALOUSY:

Rose, Ylang Ylang.

PANIC:

Chamomile, Clary, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, ylang-ylang.

SHOCK:

Camphor, Melissa, Neroli.

SUSPICION:

Lavender, Rose

EUPHORICS:

These oils stimulate the secretion of ENKEPHALINS from the THALAMUS to produce a euphoric effect and to lift or enhance the mood.Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Rose Otto.

APHRODISIACS:

These oils stimulate the secretion of ENDORPHINS from the PITUITARY GLAND to produce emotional warmth, and sex hormone activity.

Clary Sage, Jasmine, Patchouli, Ylang-Ylang.

REGULATORS:

These oils stimulate the secretion of VARIOUS HORMONAL SUBSTANCES from the HYPOTHALAMUS to regulate ‘moods’ and hormonal secretions.

Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Rosewood.

MEMORY/MENTAL STIMULANTS:

These oils stimulate the AMYGDALA AND HIPPOCAMPUS in the brain which are associated with ‘higher’ brain functions, of thought and memory.

Black Pepper, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary.

SEDATIVES:

These oils aid sleep, relax and lower hyperfunction in the body by stimulating the secretion of SERATONIN from the RAPHE NUCLEUS in the brain.

Chamomile, Lavender, Marjoram, Orange Blossom.

INVIGORATORS:

These oils increase energy and body functions by stimulating the secretion of NORADRENALINE from the LOCUS CERULEUS of the brain Cardamom, Juniper, Lemongrass, Rosemary.

As you can see, essential oils are very potent, useful medicinal substances that have very powerful actions on the mind and emotions.

Approximately 8% of children and 2% of adults suffer from true food allergies. When the culprit food is eaten, most allergic reactions will occur within minutes. Skin symptoms (itching, urticaria, angioedema) are the most common, and occur during most food reactions. Other symptoms can include nasal (sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes), gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea), lung (shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness), and vascular (low blood pressure, light-headedness, rapid heart beat) symptoms. When severe, this reaction is called anaphylaxis, and can be life threatening.

Allergy or Intolerance?

Most reactions to food are probably not allergic in nature, but rather intolerance.

This means that there is no allergic antibody present against the food in the person. Intolerance can be classified as toxic and non-toxic. Toxic reactions would be expected to occur in most people if enough of the food was eaten, examples include alcohol, caffeine or in cases of food-poisoning. Non-toxic food intolerance occurs only in certain people, such as lactose intolerance, which is due to the deficiency of lactase, the enzyme which breaks down the sugar in milk and dairy foods. Patients with lactose intolerance experience bloating, cramping and diarrhea within minutes to hours after eating lactose-containing foods, but do not experience other symptoms of food allergies.

Non-allergic Immunologic Reactions

A less common form of non-allergic reactions to food involves the immune system, but there are no allergic antibodies present. This group includes celiac sprue and FPIES (food protein induced enteropathy syndromes). FPIES typically occurs in infants and young children, with gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and weight loss) as the presenting signs. Milk, soy and cereal grains are the most common triggers in FPIES. Children typically outgrow FPIES by 2 to 3 years of age.

Common Childhood Food Allergies

Milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish compromise more than 90 percent of food allergies in children. Allergy to milk and egg are by far the most common, and are usually outgrown by age 5 years. Peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies are typically the more severe and potentially life-threatening, and frequently persist into adulthood.

Cross-Reactivity and Cross-Contamination

Cross-reactivity refers to a person having allergies to similar foods within a food group. For example, all shellfish are closely related; if a person is allergic to one shellfish, there is a strong chance that person is allergic to other shellfish. The same holds true for tree-nuts, such as almonds, cashews and walnuts.

Cross-contamination refers to a food contaminating another, unrelated food leading to a “hidden allergy”. For example, peanuts and tree nuts are not related foods. Peanuts are legumes, and related to the bean family, while tree nuts are true nuts. There is no cross-reactivity between the two, but both can be found in candy shops and in a can of mixed nuts, for instance.

Diagnosing Food Allergies

The diagnosis is made with an appropriate history of a reaction to a specific food, along with a positive test for the allergic antibody against that food. Testing for the allergic antibody is typically accomplished with skin testing, although can be done with a blood test as well.

The blood test, called a RAST test, is not quite as good of a test as skin testing, but can be helpful in predicting if a person has outgrown a food allergy. This is especially true since in many cases the skin test can still be positive in children who have actually outgrown the food allergy.

If the diagnosis of food allergy is in question despite testing, an allergist may decide to perform an oral food challenge for the patient. This involves having the person eat increasing amounts of food over many hours under medical supervision. Since the potential for life-threatening anaphylaxis exists, this procedure should only be performed by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. An oral food challenge is the only way to truly remove a diagnosis of food allergy in a patient.

Managing Food Allergies

Treat the reaction: If a reaction to the food is present, the person should seek immediate emergency medical care. Most patients with food allergies should carry a self-injectable form of epinephrine, or adrenaline (such as an Epi-pen, with them at all times. These medications can be prescribed by a physician and the patient should know how to use this device before an allergic reaction occurs.

Avoid the food: This is the main way to prevent future reactions to the culprit foods, although can be difficult in cases of common foods such as milk, egg, soy, wheat and peanut. Organizations such as the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network offer help and support to patients and parents of children with food allergies.

Allergy physicians can also offer additional information and advice on avoidance.

Read food labels: Since accidental exposure to the allergic food is common, reading labels on foods and asking questions about ingredients at restaurants is important and recommended.

Be prepared: Patients with food allergies should always be prepared to recognize and treat their reaction, should one occur. Remember, since exposures to the allergic foods are frequently accidental, being prepared to treat the reaction with epinephrine is paramount. Emergency medical care should always be sought if an allergic reaction to food occurs, whether or not epinephrine is used.

Communicate with others:Communication with family members, friends, and school staff about the patient’s medical condition and knowledge of how to administer epinephrine is also important. It is also recommended that the patient wear a medical alert bracelet (such as a Medic-Alert bracelet) detailing their food allergies and use of injectable epinephrine, in the case the patient is unable to communicate during a reaction.

We’ve all heard and understood about how pleasing scents can lift our spirits and make us feel better overall. Most people seem to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, but aromatherapy isn’t just for adults anymore. Children can take advantage of the many advantages aromatherapy has to offer. You can consult an experienced aromatherapist to create a special blend of essential oils for your little boy or girl.

In simple terms, aromatherapy is the art and science of the therapeutic use of pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils to improve the health and balance of the skin, the body, the mind and the soul. Aromatherapy is an “alternative” form of healing and maintaining health that has been practiced for thousands of years. Medical science today acknowledges the effect of scent on parts of the brain, such as the limbic system, that sparks the emotions of sensuality, calmness and serenity, happiness, and contentment. These emotions in turn regulate sleep, appetite, pain reduction, reduction of anxiety and depression, and pleasure.

To be effective, essential oils must be 100% pure therapeutic-grade oils that are sold by companies specializing in aromatherapy; beware of concoctions sold at your local mall that may carry the label of being an essential oil, but in reality are merely “fragrance oils.” Don’t waste your money on this junk. Go to the Internet and find a legitimate essential oil dealer such as Aromaland, First Essentials, or Soma.

Let’s start with a basic “Children’s Blend.” About ten drops of the blend mixed with water and heated with a candle lite in your aromatherapy burner serves to calm and soothe hyperactive toddlers. Choose two of these oils: Lavender, Geranium, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Mandarin, Neroli (orange flower), Rose, Ylang Ylang, and Mimosa. Shake your oils until well blended in a small bottle (available via any aromatherapy dealer). As the calming scent fills the room, your toddler will feel calm and happy. At bedtime, choose Lavender and Chamomile to make a “sleep blend” that will ease your toddler into deep, healing sleep. Be sure to keep the burner out of children’s reach!

Another favorite among parents with toddlers is the Cold and Flu Prevention Blend. This is just as effective for adults! This blend is not as pleasant to smell as blends that use many florals; this is a purely functional blend that does its job. Mix one teaspoon of Lavender, 1 teaspoon of Eucalyptus, a half teaspoon of Ravensara and a half teaspoon of Bay Laurel. Shake the bottle well to blend, and try to keep the blend burning all day during cold and flu season. Aromatherapists have been using Eucalyptus oil for a thousand years to ward off germs and purify the air.

Massage blends are fabulous for toddlers! You don’t have to be a skilled massage therapist to use these blends; simply rub the blend all over your toddler for a soothing and healing effect. For massage blends, you will need a “carrier” oil such as sweet almond, aloe, or olive oil. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth. The only exception to this rule is Lavender; this essential oil can be applied to the skin without a carrier oil.

Try this wonderful toddlers’ massage oil: ten drops of Lavender, four drops of Marjoram, 2 drops of Ylang Ylang, mixed with two ounces of a carrier oil. Shake to blend, and then give your toddler a gentle, soothing massage with the blend. An alternative massage blend is great for toddlers with colds, aches, or pain. Use ten drops of Geranium, five drops of Sandalwood, five drops of Chamomile, and two ounces of carrier oil. Rub the blend gently on the toddler’s chest and back to help relieve congestion.

There are many books on the market these days that contain a wealth of information on aromatherapy. Two books that are highly recommended are The Aromatherapy Companion by Victoria Edwards, and the classic Aromatherapy Workbook by Marcel Lavabre.