Aromatherpy_ the Power of Scent_ a Review

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Publication Ref No.: IJPRD/2010/PUB/ARTI/VOV-2/ISSUE-8/OCT/006 ISSN 0974 – 9446

International Journal of Pharma Research and Development – Online

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AROMATHERPY: THE POWER OF SCENT: A REVIEW

Shaikh A R *1,Tambe S R 1,Mishra R R 1, Soman V R 1

1 M.G.V.’s Pharmacy College,

Mumbai-Agra Road,Panchvati, Nashik-422003; Maharashtra (India) Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing process for the body and mind with the use of fragrances.The basis of this therapy lies in the essential oils contained in plant materials. These can be found inleaves, flowers, roots, seeds, bark and resin. These oils are highly concentrated and when extracted,can either be used in a pure form or diluted and blended with other oils to produce the requiredstrength. Essential oils are medicinal and fragrant. They travel through the blood stream reacting withhormones and enzymes. When the fragrance is inhaled the nerve endings in the nose transmitpleasurable signals to the brain which reacts to the positive power of the fragrant aroma inducingpleasant memories, restoring emotional balance and encouraging relaxation and energization. Many ofthese fragrant oils have antiseptic and antitoxic qualities and often act as a remedy to viral infections,inflammations, aches and pains. This therapy is used not only for the treatment of physical illnesses butalso used to improve the mental and even the spiritual conditions as well. The article focuses onvarious aspects of aromatherapy and essential oils used in it.

Key Words: Aromatherapy,Essential oils,viral infections.

INTRODUCTION

Term alternative medicine , used in themodern western world, encompasses anyhealing practice "that does not fall within therealm of conventional medicine."(1,21)Commonly cited examples includearomatherapy, naturopathy and naturopathicmedicine, chiropractic, herbalism, traditionalchinese medicine, ayurveda, meditation, yoga,

biofeedback, hypnosis, bodywork, homeopathyand diet-based therapies, in addition to a rangeof other practices.

Alternative medicine practices are diverse intheir foundations and methodologies. Practicesmay incorporate or base themselves ontraditional medicine, folk knowledge, spiritualbeliefs, or newly conceived approaches tohealing. Jurisdictions where alternative medicalpractices are sufficiently widespread may

Shaikh A. R.





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license and regulate them. The claims made byalternative medicine practitioners are generallynot accepted by the medical community

because evidence-based assessment is notavailable for the safety and efficacy of many ofthese practices. If scientific investigationestablishes the safety and effectiveness of analternative medical practice, it may be adoptedby conventional practitioners. Becausealternative techniques tend to lack evidence,some have advocated defining it as non-evidence based medicine.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternativemedicine that uses volatile liquid plant

materials, known as essential oils (EOs), andother aromatic compounds from plants for thepurpose of modifying a person's mood orhealth.(21) Aromatherapy includes two words-'aroma ' means ‘fragrance’ or ‘smell’ and theword ' therapy ' means ‘treatment’. The term‘Aromatherapy’ was not known until 20thcentury, although it is being practiced forcenturies. The Chinese were one of the first topractice aromatherapy, followed by theEgyptians and the Greeks. In early 20th

century, a French chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé introduced aromatherapyas use of essential oils by means of medicinaltreatment. (1)

Essential oils are the purest “essence” ofeach plant comprising more than 90 essentialoils, utilized in the practice of aromatherapy.These essential oils are intended to be breathedinto the lungs for a true physical andpsychological benefit. These aromas stimulatethe brain and senses and can either cause anuplifting feeling or a feeling of total relaxation.Practitioners tend to emphasize the use of oilsin massage, especially in France, aromatherapyis incorporated into mainstream medicine.There, the use of the antiseptic, antiviral,antifungal, and antibacterial properties of oils inthe control of infections is emphasized over theapproaches familiar to North Americans. InFrance some essential oils are regulated as

prescription drugs, and thus administered by aphysician. French doctors use a techniquecalled the aromatogram to guide their decision

on which essential oil to use. First the doctorcultures a sample of infected tissue or secretionfrom the patient. Next the growing culture isdivided among petri dishes supplied with agar.Each petri dish is inoculated with differentessential oils to determine which have the mostactivity against the target strain ofmicroorganism. The antiseptic activity manifestsas a pattern of inhibited growth. (1, 2, 8, 21, 22,23) Mechanism of action

Two basic mechanisms are offered toexplain the purported effects. One is theinfluence of aroma on the brain, especially thelimbic system through the olfactory system. Theother is the direct pharmacological effects of theessential oils. While precise knowledge of thesynergy between the body and aromatic oils isoften claimed by aromatherapists, the efficacyof aromatherapy remains to be proven.However, some preliminary clinical studiesshow positive effects.

1) Essential oils, phytoncides and othernatural volatile oil constituents work in differentways. At the scent level they activate the limbicsystem and emotional centers of the brain.

The term "limbic" comes from Latin limbus,meaning "border" or "belt". The limbic system isactually a link between the two sides of ourbrain. The left side of our brain deals withlogical facts whereas the right side of the braindeals with emotional aspects. Aromatherapy isdefinitely concerned with the right side of ourbrain, as odor perception and processing arecarried out on the right side of the brain.

The limbic system (or Paleomammalianbrain) is a set of brain structures including the





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• hippocampus (required for the formationof long-term memories),

• amygdala (involved in signaling the

cortex of motivationally significant stimuli suchas those related to reward and fear in additionto social functions such as mating),

• anterior thalamic nuclei , and• limbic cortex , which support a variety of

functions including emotion, behavior, long termmemory, and olfaction.

Working : -

When inhaled, the nose detects the scent

and transmits it to the olfactory bulb, whichsends nerve impulses to the limbic system inthe brain, including both the amygdala, whichcontrols emotions, and the hippocampus, whichstores and retrieves memories (as shown infigure 1). Lavandula angustifolia , for example,an essential oil with sedative and pain relievingproperties, is believed to affect the amygdala byincreasing inhibitory neurons containing γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA); if accurate, this isthe same process by which the medication

diazepam produces sedation and reduces theeffect of external stimuli such as pain. Aromaticchemicals trigger the repository of storedmemories in the hippocampus, which can havemeasurable effects on mood; for example, thereare cases of depressed, elderly, institutionalizedindividuals reporting decreased sadness aftersmelling certain fruits and flowers that triggeredchildhood memories.

2) When applied to the skin (commonly in form

of "massage oils" i.e. 1-10 % solutions ofessential oil in carrier oil) they activate thermalreceptors, and kill microbes and fungi.

3) Internal application of essential oilpreparations may stimulate the immunesystem .(9, 24, 25, 26)

Modes of application

The modes of application of aromatherapyinclude:

• Aerial diffusion for environmentalfragrancing or aerial disinfection.

• Direct inhalation for respiratorydisinfection, decongestion, expectorationas well as psychological effects.

• Topical applications for general massage,baths, compresses, therapeutic skin care.

• Oral, rectal, vaginal interfaces for infection,congestion, parasites, an ointment. It is

rarely used, only when health care providerpermits.• Perfumery for body fragrancing.(1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 8, 9)• Bath: Aroma therapy oils can be used for a

fresh bath at the end of a tiring day. Add 4-6drops of essential oil to warm bath tub andsoak for 15 minutes. Then agitate the waterwell before getting into the bath tub. Thefollowing essential oil could be added tobathing tub: rosemary, lavender, tea-treeand thyme.

• Compresses: Compresses are considered tobe an effective method for relieving pain.The hot compress is helpful in relievingchronic pain whereas the cold compressrelieves pain, swellings and headaches. Theprocess involves adding 4-6 drops of the oilinto very hot or cold water and mixingtogether. Place the cloth in the water and letit soak up some of the water. Wring out the

cloth and place it on the affected area.• Massage: Massage is considered to be the

best method of enjoying aromatherapy, asthe oil is absorbed into the bloodstream. Usea blend of essential oils with carrier oil,depending on requirements. For normalskin, add 5 drops of essential oil to carrieroil. Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are





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used to dilute essential oils before they areapplied to the skin. By doing this massage,therapeutic healing can be achieved, as this

massage is done with the help ofaromatherapy essential oils, which areactually plant extracts. We can feel relieffrom daily tensions and attain deeprelaxation of muscles. Aromatherapymassage will help in water preservation,stimulates the lymphatic system andimmune system. Aromatherapy massage isconsidered as the great therapy for fatigue,injury or tension.

• Inhalation: Inhalation is also an effectivemethod to incorporate essential oils intosystem. The inhalation method helps toreduce respiratory tract problems. Add 3 or 4drops of essential oil to a large bowl of warmwater. Lean over the bowl and breathedeeply. (27, 28, 29)

Material used in Aromatherapy

Some of the materials employed include:• Essential oils : Fragrant oils extracted from

plants chiefly through steam distillation (e.g.eucalyptus oil) or expression (grapefruit oil).However, the term is also occasionally usedto describe fragrant oils extracted from plantmaterial by any solvent extraction.

• Absolutes : Fragrant oils extracted primarilyfrom flowers or delicate plant tissues throughsolvent or supercritical fluid extraction (e.g.rose absolute). The term is also used todescribe oils extracted from fragrant butters,concretes, and enfleurage pommades usingethanol.

• Phytoncides : Various volatile organiccompounds from plants that kill microbes.Many terpene-based fragrant oils andsulfuric compounds from plants in the genus"Allium" are phytoncides, though the latterare likely less commonly used inaromatherapy due to their disagreeable

odors.• Herbal distillates or hydrosols : The aqueous

by-products of the distillation process (e.g.rosewater). There are many herbs that makeherbal distillates and they have culinaryuses, medicinal uses and skin care uses.Common herbal distillates are rose, lemonbalm and chamomile.

• Infusions : Aqueous extracts of various plantmaterial (e.g. infusion of chamomile)

• Carrier oils : Typically oily plant basetriacylglycerides that dilute essential oils foruse on the skin (e.g. sweet almond oil) (1, 3,

9, 24, 30, 31, 32)

Essential oil constituentsIn general, essential oil constituents can be

subdivided into two distinct groups;1. The hydrocarbons which are made up

almost exclusively of terpenes (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, andditerpenes), and

2. The oxygenated compounds which aremainly esters , aldehydes , ketones , alcohols ,phenols , and oxides (as shown in table 1).

• Terpenes - The basic building block of manyessential oils is a five-carbon moleculecalled an isoprene. Most essential oils arebuilt from isoprene. This is the building blockthat makes up the terpenoids.

When two isoprene units link together, theycreate a monoterpene; when three join, theycreate a sesquiterpene; and so forth.Triterpenoids are some of the largest moleculesfound in essential oils. They consist of 30carbon atoms or six isoprene units linkedtogether. (1, 3, 24, 33, 34)





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Pharmacological effects of essential oils

There are many therapeutic effects of

essential oil based on the composition of the oil.Some of the therapeutic effects are: (1, 3, 4, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 & 24)

1. Anesthetic effects : Some essential oils likementhol or camphor temporarily dampenpain receptors. Camphor oil is mainly usedto relieve the pain of toothaches.

2. Antiseptic effects : Most of the essential oilsare antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.

3. Antibacterial: In vitro testing has confirmed

antibacterial effects in certain oils includingrosemary, clove, lime, cinnamon, and teatree oil.

4. Antivira l: Supported by in-vitro testing for teatree oil, lemongrass, sandlewood,peppermint, ginger, thyme and hyssop in invitro testing against Herpes.

5. Antifungal : Supported by in-vitro testing forlavender, thyme, clove, juniper, and tea treeoil.

6. Anti-inflammatory : Reported in in-vitro

assays of clove, cinnamon, sage,eucalyptus, black cumin and bay leaf.7. Anxiolytic : Reported in animal models using

oils of lavender, rose and angelica.8. Eucalyptus and menthol are used to treat

congestion and upper respiratory tractinfections. It enhances deep breathing. It isgood for muscle aches and pain.

9. Lavender can be used for pain relief,relaxation, depression, burns, skin infectionsand rheumatism.

10. Rosemary oil can be effective for mentalfatigue and acts as a pain reliever.11. Jasmine oils can be effective for dry,

sensitive and itchy skin.12. Peppermint oil can be used to treat asthma,

colic, headaches, colds, cramps, eliminatesapathy and nervous stress, etc.

13. Aromatherapy essential oil also hascosmetic properties and it can be used as askincare or hair care product.

Examples of skin care and hair carepreparations are:

A) Skin Care Preparations UsingEssential Oils (35)

1) Lavender-flower Lotion

Lavender water : 5 TbspWitch Hazel : 5 Tbsp

Lemon Juice, strained : 5 Tbsplavender essential oil : 2-3 drops

Pour all the ingredients into a bottle, close itwith a cap or cork, and shake it vigorously.Shake well before each use. Wash the faceand neck with water. Dry and apply thelotion gently all over the face.

It helps to tighten and refresh the skin.

2) Purifying Masks This is a purifying, toning, soothing andrejuvenating mask.

The basic ingredients are: Green Clay - 2ounces; Corn flour - 3 teaspoons.Mix together and keep in a jar, ready forcombining in one of the formulas below

a) Normal Skin

Basic Mask Mix : 1 TbspEgg Yolk : 1Water : 1 tspCombine and use 1 drop mixture of:(Geranium essential oil: 2 drops and Bois derose: 1 drop)





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b) Dry Skin

Basic Mask Mix : 1 Tbsp

Egg Yolk : 1Almond / Evening Primrose Oil: 1 tspCarrot Oil : 2 dropsWater : 2 tspCombine and use 1 drop mixture of: 1 dropChamomile essential oil and 1 drop Roseessential oil)

c) Oily Skin

Basic Mask Mix : 1 Tbsp

Brewer's Yeast : 1 TbspWater : 1 TbspCombine and use 1 drop mixture of: (1 dropof Rosemary essential oil and 1 drop ofLavender essential oil)

3) Revitalizing Mask for Dehydrated Skin

Basic Mask Mix : 1 TbspEgg Yolk : 1Brewer's Yeast : 1 tsp

Jojoba Oil : 1 tspWater : 1 TbspCombine and use 1 drop mixture of: (1 dropChamomile essential oil and 2 drops CarrotOil)

4) ACNE

Basic Mask Mix : 1 TbspWater : 1 tspCombine and use 1 drop mixture of: (1 drop

of Chamomile essential oil, 1 drop ofLavender essential oil, 1 drop Juniperessential oil and 1 drop Patchouli essentialoil)

Blend the ingredients together to form asmooth paste. Apply in a thin layer to face,avoiding eye area. Leave on the skin forfifteen minutes. Rinse off and apply a

moisturizer or facial oil. Dab the face with atissue.

B) Hair Care Preparations using EssentialOils (36)

The following recipes are based on 1/2ounce of base oil (jojoba or sweet almond).

• Basic hair oil : This blend is soothing andrefreshing to the scalp. Add 2 dropsrosemary, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops clarysage and 2 drops jasmine absolute to 1/2ounce base oil.•

Ylang-ylang blend : Add 2 drops lavender,2 drops rose geranium, 2 drops ylang-ylangand 2 drops patchouli to 1/2 ounce base oil.• Relaxing, conditioning blend : Add 2drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops lavender,2 drops sandal wood and 1 drop jasmineabsolute to 1/2 ounce base oil.• Earth rose blend : Add 2 drops Romanchamomile, 2 drops lavender, 2 dropssandalwood and 2 drops lavender to 1/2ounce base oil.• Scaly scalp and dandruff-prevention blend : Add 2 drops Atlas cedar wood, 2drops lavender, 2 drops rosemary and 2drops tea tree to 1/2 ounce base oil.

C) Hair Oil Treatment (36)

• 6 to 8 drops undiluted hair care oil blend1/2 ounce sweet almond or jojoba base oil(or 1/4 ounce of each).• Combine base oil and essential oils and

mix well. Double recipe is needed for longhair so oil will cover all of the hair. Apply oilgently throughout hair. Leave oil on hair forat least 1 hour.• To rinse, add shampoo directly to the oiledhair before you rinse or wet it. The shampooemulsifies the oils, resulting in a much morethorough rinse.





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• For scenting a brush or a comb: Add 2 to 3drops of hair care oils directly to a hair brushor comb before using. If you have a wooden

comb, the oil can be rubbed directly into thecomb. Hair absorbs scent quite readily. Theoil also conditions hair as you brush orcomb. This is a good treatment for both menand women.• To massage scalp: Place 3 to 5 drops ofoils on your fingertips and lightly massageinto scalp. In summer, try this while your hairis still damp; sit in sun and enjoy beingsurrounded by aromatic oils as your hairdries. In winter the same effect can be

obtained with a blast or two from the blowdrier.

14. These oils can also be used to reduce thesymptoms of bronchitis, fatigue, migraines,respiratory ailments, acne, arthritis,muscular aches, pains, cystitis, cold and flu.

Safety concerns

Because of their concentrated nature,

essential oils generally should not be applieddirectly to the skin in their undiluted or "neat"form. Some can cause severe irritation, orprovoke an allergic reaction. Instead, essentialoils should be blended with vegetable-based"carrier" oil (a base, or "fixed" oil) before beingapplied. Common carrier oils include olive,almond, hazelnut and grapeseed. Commonratio of essential oil disbursed in a carrier oil is0.5–3 % (most under 10 %), and depends on itsintended purpose. Some essential oils,including many of the citrus peel oils, arephotosensitizers (i.e., increasing the skin'svulnerability to sunlight, making it more likely toburn). Lavender oil, though generallyconsidered the mildest essential oil, is cytotoxicto human skin cells. Some very common oilslike Eucalyptus are extremely toxic when takeninternally. Doses as low as one teaspoon hasbeen reported to cause clinically significant

symptoms and severe poisoning can occur afteringestion of 4 to 5 ml. A few reported cases oftoxic reactions like liver damage and seizures

have occurred after ingestion of sage, hyssop,thuja and cedar.

Oils both ingested and applied to the skincan potentially have negative interaction withconventional medicine. For example, the topicaluse of methyl salicylate heavy oils like SweetBirch and Wintergreen may causehemorrhaging in users taking the anticoagulantWarfarin.Adulterated oils may also poseproblems depending on the type of substanceused.

Industrial users of essential oils shouldconsult the material safety data sheets (MSDS)to determine the hazards and handlingrequirements of particular oils.

• Gynecomastia

Estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity havebeen reported by in vitro study of tea tree oiland lavender essential oils. Case reportssuggest that the oils may be implicated insome cases of gynecomastia, an abnormalbreast tissue growth, in prepubescent boys.• Pesticide residues

There is some concern about pesticideresidues in essential oils, particularly thoseused therapeutically. For this reason, manypractitioners of aromatherapy choose to buyorganically produced oils.• Ingestion

While some advocate the ingestion of

essential oils for therapeutic purposes, thisshould never be done except under thesupervision of a professional who is licensedto prescribe such treatment. Some verycommon essential oils such as Eucalyptusare extremely toxic internally.Pharmacopoeia standards for medicinal oilsshould be heeded. Essential oils shouldalways be kept out of the reach of children.





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Some oils can be toxic to some domesticanimals, cats in particular. Owners mustensure that their pets do not come into

contact with potentially harmful essentialoils.(9) The internal use of essential oilsshould be fully avoided during pregnancywithout consulting with a licensedprofessional, as some can be abortifacientsin dose 0.5–10 ml.• Smoke

The smoke from burning essential oils maycontain potential carcinogens, such aspolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).Essential oils are naturally high in volatileorganic compounds (VOCs).• Flammable Liquid

The flash point of an essential oil is differentfor each oil. Many of the common essentialoils such as tea tree, lavender, and citrusoils are classed as a Class 3 FlammableLiquid as they have a flash point of 50-60°C. Care should be taken when shippingessential oils to ensure the correctprocedures are followed for transportingdangerous goods.• Toxicology

LD50 of most essential oils or their maincomponents are 0.5-10 g/kg (orally or skintest). Some very common oils likeEucalyptus are extremely toxic when takeninternally. Doses as low as one teaspoonhas been reported to cause clinicallysignificant symptoms and severe poisoningcan occur after ingestion of 4 to 5 ml. Toxic

reactions like liver damage and seizureshave occurred after ingestion of sage,hyssop, thuja, and cedar. The topical use ofmethyl salicylate heavy oils like sweet birchand wintergreen may cause hemorrhaging inusers taking the anticoagulant warfarin.(1, 2,7, 20, 37)

Aromatherapy guidelines 1) For Safe Use (1, 8, 9, 30)

1. In some ways, aromatherapy oils must betreated as medicines. Because they are sopungent, they should be handled with care.

2. Never apply an undiluted essential oildirectly to the skin because, essential oilsare very concentrated. Application to bareskin will inevitably result in irritation, if it is tobe rubbed on skin, it should be diluted withcarrier oil (carrier oils are the fattier,vegetable based oils) and first of all try it outon a small patch of skin. Avoid using the

preparation on sensitive body parts.3. These oils should be kept out of the rich of

children. Ingesting many essential oils canprove fatal.

4. Check the suitability of essential oil for homeuse. Essential oils can be dangerous andeven lethal, if not used properly.

5. As all essential oils are inflammable, itshould be stored at place i.e. away from anyopen flame, to avoid hazards.

2) For the Aroma therapist There is no required training or licensing for

aroma therapists. Many types of practitioners,including massage therapists, chiropra ctors andnurses offer aromatherapy. So, here we listedsome useful tips for them.

1. Avoid using essential oils during pregnancy.2. Use citrus oil (lime, orange oils) only after

exposure to sunlight3. Do not use sage, thyme & cypress oils on

subjects suffering hypertension.4. Wait for a minimum of the hour after meal forthe treatment.

5. Your clothing should not obstruct themovements and ensure clean warm handsand nails short.

6. The subject is comfortably positioned, partlydressed or covered with towels.





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7. Unless you are a qualified physiotherapist,do not use deep pressure. Use whole palmwith gentle & firm movement always pushing

towards the direction of the heart.8. The room should be warm with subduedlighting. Avoid disturbances except,optionally, a soft musical background.

9. Chenopodium oil is contraindicated inpregnancy and in patients with impairedkidney or liver.

10. Aromatherapy administered duringradiotherapy was not beneficial.

11. Avoid use of clove bud, clove leaf, nutmegand cinnamon oils unless expert

professional treatment is required.12. Keep all essential oils out of the reach ofchildren.

13. Keep flammable oils away from fire.14. Use small quantities for babies, children and

the elderly.

Future scope

Modern day scientific research has been andcontinues to be performed which verifies notonly the emotional but the physical benefits thataromatherapy provides. We are all seekinganswers for the illnesses that pervade oursociety, and the stresses that this fast pacedmodern life place on us. Conventional medicinehas given us some of those answers in the formof prescription drugs and surgery, but still, weask for more. With growing health care costsand sometimes impersonal quality ofconventional medicine, we have turned tonature to find the answers to our questions. Wehave realized that we must take personalresponsibility for our health and strive toeducate ourselves on living more balancedlives.

Therapies and medicines that were onceviewed as alternative, cloaked in a shroud ofskepticism, have risen from the shadows,providing a complement to conventionalmedicine. Aromatherapy is one such example,

and a very powerful one, of a complementarytherapy widely practiced today. For some of us,we don't even know we're doing it. When you

burned that scented candle last week, you werepracticing Aromatherapy. When you walkthrough a fragrant garden, you are doing itagain! In fact, virtually all of the bath and bodycare products we use contain some form ofessential oils - the basis of Aromatherapy.

This is one of the reasons Aromatherapy is sopopular today. It is easy to practice, readilyavailable, and effective as a therapy. (37, 38,39)

REFERENCES:

1. Treas and Evans. 15th edition (2002)Pharmacognosy, Saunders Comp. London;463.2. Poucher’s. 10th edition (2005) Perfumes,Cosmetics and Soaps, Springer International;7543. Kokate CK, Purohit AP, Gokhale SB.39th edition (2003) Pharmacognosy, Nirali

Prakashan, Pune; 318.4. Wallis TE. (1985) Text book ofPharmacognosy, CBS Publishers andDistributors, Delhi; 125,169,387,389.5. Mohammed Ali. 1st edition (1994) Textbook of Pharmacognosy, CBS Publishers andDistributors, Delhi; 142-184.6. Agarwal OP. Volume 1 (2000) Chemistryof Organic Natural Products, Goel PublishingHouse, Meerut; 404,421, 486.7. Mookherjee BD, Trenkle RW, Wilson RA.

(1990) 62(7) The chemistry of flower, Fruits &Spices: live vs dead a new dimension inFragrance research, Pure & Appl. Chem; 1357-13648. Maury M. (1989), Marguerite Maury’sguide to aromatherapy, C.W. Daniel co. Ltd,Essex, England; 86.9. M Sugumaran, T Vetrichelvan.Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent,





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Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry,Adhiparasakihi College of Pharmacy,Melmaruvathur,T.N -603 319-India.

10. Seenivasan Prabuseenivasan ,Manickkam Jayakumar, SavarimuthuIgnacimuthu (2006). "In vitro antibacterialactivity of some plant essential oils". BMCComplementary and Alternative Medicine 6(39): 39.11. J. Gutierrez, C. Barry-Ryan, P. Bourke.International Journal of Food MicrobiologyVolume 124, Issue 1, (10 May 2008); 91-9712. In vitro antibacterial activity of some plantessential oils" (Nov 30, 2006). BMC

Complement Altern Med. ;6 (39).13. Susceptibility of drug-resistant clinicalherpes simplex virus type 1 strains to essentialoils of ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood"(2007 May). Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 51(5): 1859–62.14. Antiviral activity of sandalwood oilagainst herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2" (1999May). Phytomedicine. 6 (2): 119–23.15. Antifungal activity of Lavandulaangustifolia essential oil against Candida

albicans yeast and mycelial form" (2005 Aug).Med Mycol. 43 (5): 391–6.16. The chemical composition and biologicalactivity of clove essential oil, Eugeniacaryophyllata (Syzigium aromaticum L.Myrtaceae): a short review" (2007 Jun).Phytother Res. 21 (6): 501–6.17. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effectsof essential oils of Eucalyptus" (2003 Dec). JEthnopharmacol. 89 (2-3): 277–83.18. Black cumin seed essential oil, as apotent analgesic and antiinflammatory drug"(2004 Mar). Phytother Res. 18 (3): 195–9..19. Anxiolytic effects of lavender oilinhalation on open-field behaviour in rats" (2007Sep Epub 2007 May 4). Phytomedicine 14 (9):613–20.20. Raghavan RS. (June,2001)Aromatherapy – the fact of Finder, paper

presented to International Seminar on medicinalplants – Quality standardization organized byvoluntary health education and rural

development society, Chennai, 9-10.21.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_medicine22.http://www.florame.co.uk/the-history-of-aromatherapy-i-16.html23.http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/history.asp24.http://www.essentialhealthandwellnesscentre.com/Essential_Oils_Report.html25.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbic_System26.http://www.wellfx.com/InfoBase/ther_Aromat

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_Preparations_using_Essential_Oils.html36.http://www.aromatherapy.co.in/aromatherapy-certification.html37.http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/essential-oils-aromatherapy-at-home-article.html38.http://www.scholarshipsinindia.com/aromatherapy_courses_in_india.html39.http://www.naturesgift.com/physical.html40.http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/6/3941.http://www.ultimatecosmetics.com/aromatherapy/essential-oils-information.html42.http://www.mjbovo.com/AltMed/Oils.html





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TABLES AND FIGURES:

Figure 1: Working of essential oils (25)

Table 1: Key Chemical Constituents in Essential Oils and Their Effects (33, 34)

Constituent Example Effect

Ketones Sage Mucolytic

Aldehydes Lemongrass Calming

Esters Lavender Balancing

Ethers Tarragon Balancing

Alcohols Ravensara Toning

Phenols Savory Stimulant

Terpenes Pine Stimulant




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Table 2: Therapeutic uses of essential oils (1, 7, 8, 9 & 20)

Name Of Essential Oils UsesRosemary, clove ,lime,cinnamon, Tea tree oil

Antibacterial

Tea tree oil, lemongrass,sandalwood, peppermint,thyme, hyssop, & ginger

Antiviral

Lavender, juniper,teatreeoil, thyme & clove

Antifungal

Clove, cinnamon, sage,eucalyptus, black cuminand bay leaf

Antiinflammatory

Lavender, rose andangelica Anxiolytic

Basil oil Antidepressant and torelieve headaches andmigraines.

Bergamot Insect repellent , urinarytract and digestive tractfunction

Citronella oil Insect repellentClove oil Analgesic, antispasmodic,

carminative and antiemetic

Eucalyptus oil andpeppermint oil

To relief the airway in coldand flu

Geranium oilDiuretic ,astringent andantiseptic

Lavender oil Used as an antiseptic, tosoothe minor cuts andburns, to calm and relax,and to soothe headachesand migraines.

Lemon oil Antistress andantidepressant

Jasmine, rose and sandalwood oil, ylang ylang oil

Aphrodisiac

Thyme oil and yarrow oil Reduce joint inflammationand relieve cold andinfluenza symptoms.

Black pepper Stimulating the circulationand for muscular aches andpains. Skin application isuseful for bruises, since itstimulates the circulation.





43

Table 3: Physical Ailments and Suggested Remedies (40, 41, 42, 43, 44)

Allergies: Blue Tansy ( Tanecetum annuum) , Amni Visnaga, German andRoman Chamomile, Helichrysum Lavender, Yarrow

Asthma:

Prevention: Blue Tansy ( Tanecetum annuum) , Amni Visnaga.Treatment: Frankincense CO2, Hyssop, Inula, Litsea, Ravensara,Black Spruce, Blue Tansy ( Tanecetum annuum) , Cedarwood,Cajeput, Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile, Cypress, Fennel,Eucalyptus Radiata, Hyssop decumbens, Lavender, SpikeLavender, Pine, Lemon, Mandarine, Myrtle, Peppermint, Petitgrain,Rosemary

Arthritis

Lavandin, Helichrysum, Black Pepper,Ginger, Marjoram, Lavender,Lemon, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Cajeput, Cinnamon, Clove Bud,Eucalyptus, Angelica Seed, Roman Chamomile, Holy Basil, CloveBud, Cypress Tips, Balsam Fir, Juniper, Nutmeg, Dalmatian Sage,Winter Savory, Seaweed, Thyme Borneol, Wintergreen, St. John'sWort oil as a carrier oil. Back Ease Massage oil

Athletes Footand otherfungalinfections.

Myrrh, Patchouli, Lemongrass, Niaouli, Palma Rosa, Tagetes, TeaTree

Backaches

Helichrysum, Lavandin, Black Pepper, Cajeput, Chamomile,Eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniper Berry, Spike Lavender, Lemon,Peppermint, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Thyme, BackeaseSynergy

Boils: Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree, Thyme, Juniper, Geranium(in hot compresses)

BronchialCongestion:

Hyssop, Inula, Frankincense, Black Spruce, Copaiba Balsam,Balsam Fir, Larch, Pine

Bruises:Helichrysum, Black Pepper, German Chamomile, Hyssop, Fennel,Spike Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, St. Johns Wortinfused oil

Burns: Lavender, Helichrysum, Carrot Seed, Frankincense, Manuka,

Neroli, Tea treeCandida(YeastInfection)

Tea tree, Cajeput, Holy Basil, Melissa, German Chamomile,Lemon Eucalyptus

ChronicFatigue Sweet Basil, Rosemary, Geranium, Lemon, Pink Grapefruit

Chronic Pain

Topical Application: Black Pepper, Clove bud, Frankincense,Ginger CO2, Juniper, Spike Lavender, Lavender, Lemongrass,Sweet Marjoram, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rose, Roemary, Ylangylang.Inhalation: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemongrass, SweetMarjoram, Rosemary, Lemon Verbena







45

Hypotension(Low BloodPressure)

Ginger, lemon, red thyrm, rosemary

Indigestion Cardamon, Black Pepper, Ginger, Peppermint, Anise Seed,Coriander, Fennel, Lemongrass, Litsea, Melissa, Nutmeg,Cinnamon Leaf, Sweet Fennel

Inflammation Helichrysum, Roman or German Chamomile, Coriander, Juniper,Fennel, Nutmeg, Yarrow

Insect BitesCajeput (fire ants), Helichrysum, German Chamomile, Lavender

Insomnia

Red Mandarine, (a recent study indicates that Mandarine is evenmore effective than lavender in dealing with sleepdisturbances.) Bulgarian Lavender, Roman Chamomile,

Clementine Petitgrain, Bergamot, Ledum, Myrtle, Petitgrain,Sandalwood, Spikenard,Valerian, Sleepy Time Synergy Lymphodema Cistus, helichrysum, lavender

MenopauseClary Sage, Geranium, Rose, Vitex, Bergamot, Chamomile,Cypress, Fennel, Jasmine, Neroli, Ylang ylang, PassagesSynergy

MenstrualCramps

Clary Sage, Sweet Marjoram, Geranium, Sweet Fennel, AniseSeed, Sweet Basil, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, CypressNeedle, Yarrow, Moondays Synergy or body oil.

Migraines Lavender, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Marjoram,Valerian, Eucalyptus, Spike Lavender, Neroli

MuscleAches

Lavandin, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Ginger, Black Spruce, SweetBasil, Spike Lavender, Vetiver, Eucalyptus, Muscle Ease MassageOil

MuscleSpasms

Roman Chamomile, Petitgrain, Clary Sage, Fennel, Frankincense,Lavender, Sage.One client reports relief by spritzing St.John's Wort Hydrosol.

Nausea Ginger, Peppermint,Spearmint, Cardamon Seed, Sweet Fennel,Patchouli

Peridontalproblems

Myrrh, Sweet fennel, manuka, peppermint, tea tree.

PMS

Geranium, Clary Sage, Rose, Sweet Fennel, Bergamot,Chamomile, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Neroli, Rosemary, SweetFennel, Palma Rosa, Rose Otto, Vitex, Ylang Ylang Extra,Moondays Synergy, La Rosa Synergy

Pressuresores (BedSores)

German Chamomile, helichrysum, geranium, frankincense,lavender,Calendula infused oil

Rheumatism St. John's Wort Oil, Black Pepper, Ginger, Helichrysum, Lavender,Lavandin, BackEase Synergy

Scabies Tea Tree(5% dilution)Sciatica St. John's Wort Oil, Black Pepper, Ginger, Helichrysum, Lavender,





46

Lavandin, BackEase Synergy

Sinuses

All Eucalyptus species, especially Radiata, Peppermint, Angelica

Root, Sweet Basil, Clove Bud, Hyssop, Inula, Lemon, LemonMyrtle, Pine, Sinease Synergy

Shingles: Ravensara in a base of Calophyllum, Bergamot, EucalyptusGlobulous, Melissa with Rose Otto, Lavender, Tea Tree

Sore Throat: Hyssop, Sandalwood

Sunburn Chamomile with Lavender, Blue Tansy ( Tanecetum annuum) ,German Chamomile, Peppermint, Peppermint Hydrosol

VaricoseVeins:

Calendula infused oil, Cypress, Lemon, Geranium, Juniper,Rosemary

…End…

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Aromatherpy_ the Power of Scent_ a Review