Lavender - Typepad

Beyond Aroma:
The Remarkable Therapeutic
Potential of Essential Oils.
Science, Clinical Evidence,
and Practical Applications.
By Izabella Tabarovsky, MA/HTCP
www.HolisticHealthDC.com
www.Facebook.com/Holistic.Health.DC
izabella@HolisticHealthDC.com, 202-378-3041
Mind-Body Week DC, October 15, 2011
Topics Covered:
What are essential oils?
Essential oils chemistry
Essential oils quality
Individual oils, their properties and usage
What to get and how to get it?
Further reading
Research citations
What Are Essential Oils?
Volatile aromatic liquids distilled from
plants
Usually extracted through steam
distillation
Complex chemistry
“Life blood of a plant”
What Do EOs Do in Plants?
Carry
nutrition into cells
Carry waste products out
Act as plant hormones
Regulate plant functions
Orchestrate production of enzymes
Act as messengers
Do the same thing in humans
Highly Concentrated
Highly concentrated:
Takes 10,000 pounds of jasmine
blossoms to produce 1 pound of oil
5,000 pounds of rose petals to produce
2.2 pounds of oil
1 drop of peppermint oil=26 cups of tea
Distilling the Oils
Distilling Essential Oils (cont.)
History of Essential Oils
“Mankind’s First Medicine” – records from 4500
BC
Egyptians used for embalming; Hieroglyphics
depict blending of oils
Hundreds of references in the Bible
Frankincense and Myrrh – most frequently
mentioned
Used historically to kill bacterial, fungi and
viruses; to combat insects, bug and snake bites,
to stimulate tissue and nerve regeneration
Romans purified temples and used in steam
baths
Frankincense
Frankincense
Extensive use in rituals by ancient Israelites
Known as “holy anointing,” precious oil
Used in religious ceremonies for thousands of
years
Antitumoral, immuno-stimulant,
antidepressant, muscle relaxing
Increases spiritual awareness, promotes
meditation, uplifts spirit
Sesquiterpenes stimulate the limbic system of
the brain, hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary
glands
Inhale, diffuse, apply 2-4 drops topically,
Injest in a veggie capsule
Aromatherapy Renaissance
Lavender rediscovered in early 20th
century by Rene Gatefosse.
“Just one rinse with lavender stopped
the gasification of the tissue.”
Jean Valnet, MD used lavender in
WWII to heal wounds and fight
infection
Among the fastest-growing CAM
fields
Highly popular among nurses in the
UK and, increasingly, in the U.S.
Dr. Weil and Dr. Oz
“The most exciting of all complementary
therapies” – Andrew Weil, MD
“Essential oils offer extraordinary potential
from a purely medicinal standpoint, and
the recent studies on MRSA and human
subjects show just how powerful they can
be…. We are witnessing clinical results –
not just the “feel-good” factor.” – Mehmet
Oz, MD
Hospitals Use Essential Oils
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
The Cleveland Clinic
VA Hospital
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Harris Methodist Forth Worth Hospital
Aromatherapy – a Misnomer
Essential oils are much more
than a fragrance
Act not just on an aromatic but
also on the biochemical level
Essential Oils Can:
Help
fight infection and
chronic illness
Reduce inflammation
Reduce pain
Assist in relaxation
Essential Oils Can (cont):
Have
a mood-elevating effect
Sharpen focus
Improve circulation
Help deliver nutrients into
cells
Help remove waste from cells
Clinical Aromatherapy:
The Use of Essential Oils
For Therapeutic and
Medicinal Purposes
How Do They Work?
Enter
blood stream via:
Inhalation (lungs)
Transdermally (via skin)
Ingestion (via stomach)
Other orifices (mouth)
Essential Oils: Other Effects
Essential oils possess homeostatic
intelligence
Always work toward restoring and
maintaining balance and homeostasis –
both in plants and in humans
Assist in health-creation
Molecular Structure
Unique, lipid-soluble structure – similar to
the makeup of our cell membranes.
Small molecules – Have unique ability to
penetrate cell membranes and diffuse
throughout the blood and tissues
Other Effects:
Restore natural function
No adverse interactions
Improve intercellular communication
Correct and restore proper cellular memory
(DNA)
Cleanse receptor sites
Build immune system
Emotionally balancing
Side effects beneficial
Lead toward independence and wellness
How Much EO to Cleanse a Receptor
Site?
1 drop of EO = 40 quintillion molecules
(4 with 19 zeros after it)
40,000,000,000,000,000,000
100 trillion cells in the body
1 drop of oil = cover every cell in your
body with 40,000 molecules
1 molecule is enough to trip a receptor
site
Powerful Antioxidants
Higher
in antioxidants than any
food on the planet
2 Drops of Clove Oil =
Antioxidant capacity of
10 oranges
5 lbs of carrots
2.5 cups raspberries
1.3 cups blueberries
Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC)*
Fruits/veggies
Essential Oils
Carrots:
210
Raspberries: 1,220
Spinach:
1,260
Kale:
1,770
Blueberries: 2,400
Wolfberries: 25,300
Lemon:
Peppermint:
Cumin:
Geranium:
Myrrh:
Clove:
660
37,300
82,400
101,000
379,800
1,078,700
*ORAC: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, developed
by Tufts University Scientists.
*Measured in micromoles Trolox equivalents (TE) per
100 gram
Air Purification/Neutralizing Odors
When diffused, essential oils can increase
atmospheric oxygen and provide negative
ions – inhibit bacterial growth
Ionizing action means essential oils can
break down potentially harmful chemicals
and render them nontoxic
In the Human Body Essential Oils…
Stimulate the secretion of antibodies,
neurotransmitters, endorphins, hormones, and
enzymes
Oils containing d-limonene (lemon and orange)
have been shown to prevent and slow
progression of cancer
Others oils (e.g. lavender) promote growth of
hair and increase the rate of wound healing.
Example: Anxiety and Better Mood
Inhaling the odors of orange and
lavender essential oils in a dental
office reduced anxiety and
improved mood.
Example: Pain and Depression
Applying the essential oils of
bergamot, lavender and
frankincense in sweet almond
carrier oil in hand massage had
positive effect on pain and
depression in hospice patients
with terminal care
Example: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Patients in a Taiwan hospital with
symptoms of irritable bowel
disease improved significantly after
ingesting enteric-coated
Peppermint oil capsules compared
to those who received a placebo.
Example: Mental Concentration
Research in Japan: Diffusing certain
aromas in an office dramatically improved
mental accuracy and concentration.
Diffusing Lemon resulted in 54 percent fewer
errors,
Jasmine 33 percent fewer errors,
Lavender 20 percent fewer errors.
Diffused aromas during test taking
improved scores by as much as 50
percent.
Producing the Right Quality of Oil
Same Name – Different
Therapeutic Properties
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia:
calming, sedative, good
for burns, analgesic,
antibacterial, immunesystem enhancer,
hypotenser
Lavandula latifolia:
expectorant, stimulant
Chamomile
German chamomile: Dark blue oil,
useful for skin complaints and
inflammation
Roman chamomile: Pale blue or
yellow oil, sedative, useful for spasms
Moroccan chamomile: Mainly used for
perfume industry, some antibacterial
activity.
Different Parts of the Plant
– Different Oils
Bitter Orange Plant
Stems and leaves –
petitgrain essential
oil
Petals – neroli
essential oil
Fruit – bitter orange
essential oil
Essential Oils Chemistry
Hundreds
of chemical constituents
Lavender
– 200 constituents
Power
of an oil – in its chemical
compounds and their synergy
Aromatic Rings
Small molecules built from
rings and short chains
MW 136-240
Non-greasy and low in
viscosity
Size makes them volatile
and allows to penetrate
tissues and cell membranes
Fatty (Vegetable) Oils
Molecules built from long
chains (larger molecular size)
M.W.=144-282
Greasy, viscous, non-volatile,
and non-aromatic
Can’t penetrate below skin
level
Oils Work Aromatically
Oils affect limbic part of brain – seat of
amygdala
Amygdala process rage and fear – both
contribute to heart disease
Oils Affect Us Biochemically
One Oil – Multiple
Therapeutic Actions
Essential Oils are Adaptogens
Do
not disturb the body’s
natural balance or
homeostasis
Act
in harmony with the body
Essential Oils Constituents
13 categories or families of
essential oils constituents
Essential Oils Constituents (cont.)
Phenols: antiseptic and antibacterial,
stimulant
Thymol (thyme, mountain savory)
Eugenol (clove, cinnamon, basil)
Ketones: decongestant, analgesic,
stimulate cell regeneration, cleanse
receptor sites (rosemary, jasmine, myrrh,
peppermint, vetiver)
Terpenes
Most common in essential oils – 1,000 monoterpenes and
3,000 sesquiterpenes
Multiple therapeutic effects
Monoterpenes: d-limonene, l-limonene – pine, orange,
balsam fir, ginger, frankincense. (Anti-cancerous)
Sesquiterpenes: cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, and
myrrh.
Soothing to inflamed tissues
Profound effects on emotions and hormonal balance
increase oxygenation around pineal and pituitary glands when
inhaled
Other Constituents
Alcohols: Energizing, cleansing,
antiseptic, and antiviral (lavender, rose,
rosewood, melaleuca)
Aldehydes: Antimicrobial and antiinflammatory (cumin, melissa, cassia,
eucalyptus dives)
Other Constituents (cont.)
Esters: Soothing, balancing, antifungal,
and stress and emotional releasing.
(birch, wintergreen, geranium,
peppermint, Roman chamomile)
Constituents Determine
Purity and Strength of
Essential Oils
What Affects Constituents?
Constituents can be affected by multiple
variables:
Soil condition
Fertilizer
Geography
Climate
Altitude
Harvesting methods
Distillation process
Quality is Paramount
Complexity: A Weapon Against
Bacterial Resistance
Bacteria have a hard time mutating in the
presence of so many different antiseptic
compounds.
Thyme and eucalyptus found “to possess
degrees of antibacterial activity against
Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria… These
results support previous studies on these
oils and suggest an additional option to
treat MRSA infection.”
Fighting Salmonella Enterica
2010 study at the University of
Delaware:
Washed Salmonella-contaminated
grape tomatoes with thyme oil,
thymol and carvacrol instead of a
chlorine-based washing solution.
Thymol most effective, without
affecting color or taste of the
tomatoes.
Cinnamon and Oregano
Test data compared the
antimicrobial ability of
cinnamon and oregano
essential oils vs. synthetic
antibiotics of penicillin and
ampicillin.
Cinnamon and oregano
comparable with penicillin and
ampicillin in inhibitory activity
against E.coli and
Staphylococcus aureus.
Intelligence in Oils
Antibacterial,
AND:
Get rid of unfriendly bacteria
Leave friendly bacteria intact
Creating a Therapeutic-Grade Profile
Right blend of constituents
Gas Chromatography and Mass
Spectrometry
Independent testing (AFNOR, ISO)
Using Essential Oils
Given the right quality, essential oils can
be used:
Topically on the skin
Internally in a capsule or in a spoonful of milk
or honey
Aromatically, via inhalation
Certain safety precautions should be
observed
British School of Aromatherapy
Primarily
massage applications –
mostly fragrance-grade oils
Extreme dilutions (up to 98%)
Study individual components of oils
Animal studies
Allergic reacitons vs. detox reactions
German School of Aromatherapy
Primarily
aromatic use
Inhalation
puts oils
into blood stream
through the alveoli of
the lungs and brain
through olfactory
nerve
French School of Aromatherapy
Given
high quality oils, can use
aromatically (through lungs),
topically (skin), and
internally (digestive tract),
and absorbent tissues of body orifices
Undiluted
use
Look at whole oils
Believe aromatherapy is safe and can
be practiced by anyone
Quality is Key
Abundance of low-grade oil in the market
98% of essential oils produced today are
perfume grade
Only 2 % are produced for therapeutic
and medicinal applications
Therapeutic Grade Oils
Cultivated organically
Extracted by steam distillation at
minimum temperatures and pressures
Chemical profile of principal constituents
must preserve natural constituents, with
nothing removed and nothing added
Menthol (Peppermint)
Menthol:
a Natural
Analgesic
Studies of Peppermint
“The data shows that essential oils
in high concentrations can reduce
in-vitro ciliary activity of human
respiratory cells.”
“Performance and vigilance on a
tedious task are enhanced by
peppermint oil.”
“Peppermint oil…resulted in a
significant reduction in EMG
surface activity of the temporal
muscle.”
Peppermint Oil Usage Tips
Add to herbal tea to aid
digestion.
Use before and during
workouts to invigorate the
senses and reduce fatigue.
Place two drops on the
tongue to improve alertness
and focus.
Mix in footbath to relieve
sore feet.
Lavender
“Lavender
odorants have an
anti-stress effect.”
“Anticonflict
effects of plantderived essential
oils.”
Lavender Usage Tips
Combine a few drops
with water and spray to
freshen linens.
Place a few drops on the
paws of overly-active
pets.
Use a few drops to
relieve skin irritations.
Place lavender essential
oil on a pillow to help
with sleep.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree)
Used to:
Treat acne
Kill fungi
Inhibit bacteria growth
Essential Oils and Cancer
Multiple studies demonstrating anticancerous
properties of frankincense and other oils
In 2002: Research published from two universities:
58% of 60 essential oils and 5 essential oil blends
showed general cancer inhibition of 50% or
better.*
*Stevens N. “Natural Synergy: Essential Oils in Cancer Research.” Master’s Thesis, Brigham Young
University/University of Nevada Las Vegas, August 2002
Clinical Applications
Empowering People to Take Charge of
Their Health
Beyond Science
Energetics of the oils:
Vibrating substances
Behave both like particles and waves
Oils as Sets of Probabilities
Benzene ring: 6 C atoms
link in a hexagon with 6 H
atoms attached
Take on properties of
wave, with frequency,
amplitude, spectra and
phase
Matter has become energy
Quantum physics: There
are no certainties, only
probabilities.
Vibrating Molecules
Consciousness in Oils
Possess
a particular organizing
intelligence that’s evident in EOs
Quantum physics:
Results
influenced by thought?
Results influenced by your belief?
Results influenced by your intention?
Attuning
ourselves to spiritual
wisdom contained in the oils
Top Brand: Young Living
www.YoungLiving.com
Top therapeutic grade oils and oilscontaining supplements
World leader in essential oils
15 years history
Unique position in healthcare industry
Ongoing research
Continued search for new discoveries
Unique educational resources
Young Living Therapeutic-Grade
Quality
From Seed to Seal
Quality tested at multiple points
GCMS
AFNOR/ISO
Gold standard for research
Used by hospitals, holistic health practitioners
and individual consumers
Beth Israel Medical Center
Donna Karan
Kris Carr
Rodney Yee
How to Order
Go to www.YoungLiving.com
Establish an account (“Member sign-up”)
Distributor – discounted prices, bonus
eligibility, no obligations
Customer – retail prices
Essential rewards – discounted shipping, bonus
points for 10-20% of order, other bonuses
Use The Mindfulness Center when asked
for sponsor number: 1263902
What’s Next?
Learn more
Experiment, play with the oils
Share them with family and friends
Bring them into your hospital or practice
Have fun and enjoy the healing benefits!
Talk to me! ☺
Izabella@HolisticHealthDC.com
www.HolisticHealthDC.com
www.facebook.com/holistic.health.dc
202-378-3041
Further Reading - Books
“Essential Oils Desk Reference, Fifth Edition,” Life Science
Publishing
“The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple,” by David Stewart,
PhD
“Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Practice,” Jane Buckley,
RN, PhD
“Freedom through Health,” by Terry Shepherd Friedmann, MD
“Natural Home Health Care Using Essential Oils,” by Daniel Penel,
MD, and Rose-Marie Penoel
“L’Aromatherapie Exactement,” by Pierre Franchomme and Daniel
Penoel, MD
“The Practice of Aromatherapy, by Jean Valnet, MD
“Healing Oils of the Bible,” by David Stewart
Research: Antitumoral Properties
Frank MB, Yang Q, Osban J, Azzarello JT, Saban MR, Saban R, Ashley RA, Welter JC, Fung KM, Lin
HK, “Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity.” BMC
Complementary Alternative Medicine, 2009 Mar 18;9:6.
Kunnumakkara AB, Nair AS, Sung B, Pandey MK, Aggarwal BB, “Boswellic acid blocks signal
transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling, proliferation, and survival of multiple myeloma
via the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1.” Molecular Cancer Research. 2009, January 7 (1):11828.
Akihisa T, Tabata K, Banno N, Tokuda H, Nishimura R, Nakamura Y, Kimura Y, Yasukawa K, Suzuki
T., “Cancer chemopreventive effects and cytotoxic activities of the triterpene acids from the resin of
Boswellia carteri,” Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Sep;29(9):1976-9. Erratum in: Biol Pharm Bull. 2006
Dec;29(12):2536. Nishihara, Reiko [corrected to Nishimura, Reiko].
Zhao W, Entschladen F, Liu H, Niggemann B, Fang Q, Zaenker KS, Han R. “Boswellic acid acetate
induces differentiation and apoptosis in highly metastatic melanoma and fibrosarcoma cells.” Cancer
Detect Prev. 2003;27(1):67-75
Huang MT, Badmaev V, Ding Y, Liu Y, Xie JG, Ho CT. “Anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic activities of
triterpenoid, beta-boswellic acid.” Biofactors. 2000;13(1-4):225-30.
Shao Y, Ho CT, Chin CK, Badmaev V, Ma W, Huang MT. Inhibitory activity of boswellic acids from
Boswellia serrata against human leukemia HL-60 cells in culture, Planta Med. 1998 May;64(4):32831.
Greay SJ, Ireland DJ, Kissick HT, Heenan PJ, Carson CF, Riley TV, Beilharz MW, “Inhibition of
established subcutaneous murine tumour growth with topical Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil.
Cancer Chemother Pharmac. 2010 Nov;66(6):1095-102. Epub 2010 Feb 21.”
Research: Antibacterial Properties
Tohidpour A, et al. “Antibacterial effect of essential oils from two medicinal plants against
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Phytomedicine. 2010 Feb; 17(2):142-5
Y. Lu, C. Wu, “Reducation of Salmonella enterica contamination on grape tomatoes by washing with
thyme oil, thymol, and carvacrol as compared with chlorine treatment.” Journal of Food Protection,
Dec 2010
Warnke PH, et al. “The battle against multi-resistant strains: Renaissance of antimicrobial essential
oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections,” J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2008 Oct;
37(7):392-7
Mickienė R, Bakutis B, Baliukonienė V, “Antimicrobial activity of two essential oils.” Ann Agric
Environ Med. 2011 Jun;18(1):139-44,
Mulyaningsih S,Sporer F, Reichling J, Wink M. “Antibacterial activity of essential oils from
Eucalyptus and of selected components against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens.” Pharm
Biol. 2011 Sep; 49(9); 893-9, Epub 2011 May 19.
Solórzano-Santos F, Miranda-Novales MG. “Essential oils from aromatic herbs as antimicrobial
agents.” Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2011 Sep 6 [Epub ahead of print]
Lima B, López S, Luna L, Agüero MB, Aragón L, Tapia A, Zacchino S, López ML, Zygadlo J, Feresin
GE. “Essential oils of medicinal plants from the central Andes of Argentina: chemical composition,
and antifungal, antibacterial, and insect-repellent activities.” Chem Biodivers. 2011 May;8(5):92436. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201000230.
Moon SE, Kim HY, Cha JD, “Synergistic effect between clove oil and its major compounds and
antibiotics against oral bacteria,” Arch Oral Biol. 2011 Sep;56(9):907-16. Epub 2011 Mar 12.
Research: Anti-Depression/AntiAnxiety Properties
Yim VW, Ng AK, Tsang HW, Leung AY, “A review on the effects of aromatherapy for patients with
depressive symptoms,” J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Feb;15(2):187-95
Perry N, Perry E. “Aromatherapy in the management of psychiatric disorders: clinical and
neuropharmacological perspectives.” NS Drugs. 2006;20(4):257-80.
Hongratanaworakit T, Buchbauer G, “Relaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal
absorption.,” Phytother Res.2006 Sep;20(9):758-63,
Komiya M, Takeuchi T, Harada E, “Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the
5-HT and DA activities in mice.” Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture,
Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan, Behav Brain Res. 2006 Sep 25;172(2):240-9.
Epub 2006 Jun 15.
Kim MJ, Nam ES, Paik SI.”The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of
arthritis patients], [Article in Korean,” Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2005 Feb;35(1):186-94,
Chang SY, “Effects of aroma hand massage on pain, state anxiety, and depression in hospice
patients with terminal cancer.” Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2008 Aug; 38(4):493-502
Lehrner J, et al. “Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a
dental office.” Pysiol Behav. 2005 Sept 15; 86(1-2):92-5
Research: Antiviral Properties
Wu S, Patel KB. Booth LJ, Metcalf JP, Lin HK, Wu W, “Protective essential oil
attenuates influenza virus infection: an in vitro study in MDCK cells.” BMC
Complement Altern Med. 2010 Nov 15;10:69.
García CC, Acosta EG, Carro AC, Fernández Belmonte MC, Bomben R, Duschatzky
CB, Perotti M, Schuff C, Damonte EB, “Virucidal activity and chemical composition of
essential oils from aromatic plants of central west Argentina.” Nat Prod Commun.
2010 Aug;5(8):1307-10.
Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P., “Screening for Antiviral Activities of Isolated
Compounds from Essential Oils.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.[Epub ahead
of print]
Garozzo A, Timpanaro R, Bisignano B, Furneri PM, Bisignano G, Castro A. “In vitro
antiviral activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil.” Lett Appl Microbiol. 2009
Dec;49(6):806-8. Epub 2009 Sep 18.
Research: Other
Liu JH, et al. “Enteric-coated peppermint-oil capsules in the treatment of irritable
bowel syndrome: a prospective, randomized trial,” J. Gastroeneterol. 1997
Dec;32(6):765-8
Ghelardini, et al. “Local anaesthetic activity of the essential oil of Lavandula
angustifolia.” Planta Med. 1999 Dec;65(8):700-3
Ramadan W, et.al. “Oil of bitter orange: new topical antifungal agent. Int J Dermatol,
1996 June;35(6):448-9
Deans SG, et al. “Natural antioxidants from aromatic and medicinal plants.” Role of
Free Radicals in Biological Systems, pp. 159-165 (1993a) [J Feher, A Blazovics B
Matkovics, and M Mezes, editors]. Budapest: Akaemiai Kiado
Youdim KA, et al. “Effect of thyme oil and thymol dietary supplmenetation on the
antioxidant status and fatty acid composition of ageing rat brain.” Br J Nutr. 2000
Jan;83(1):87-93
Stevens N. “Natural Synergy: Essential Oils in Cancer Research.” Master’s Thesis,
Brigham Young University/University of Nevada Las Vegas, August 2002.
Jimbo D, Kimura Y, Taniguchi M, Inoue M, Urakami K. “Effect of aromatherapy on
patients with Alzheimer's disease.” Psychogeriatrics. 2009 Dec;9(4):173-9.