School of Pharmacy

Alternative Medicine (SPH 0033)

Assignment

Aromatherapy

Name : Chua Pei Yong (012009050785)

Oo Pei Ying (012009050117)

Pavithara A/P Muniappan (012009050965)

Premilla A/P Ganapathy Pillai (012009110412)

Zaerina Xavier (012009030093)

Programme: Diploma in Pharmacy

Lecturer : Mrs. Nurul Adilla Hayat Jamaluddin/ Mr. Mohd. Nizam

Date of Submission: 22nd April 2010

 Introduction
Aromatherapy means "treatment using scents". It is a form of alternative
medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic
compounds for the purpose of altering a person's mood, cognitive function or health. It
is a holistic treatment of caring for the body with pleasant smelling botanical oils such
rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint.

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. It is

widely used at home, clinics and hospitals for a variety of applications such as pain
relief for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effects of the
chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients, and rehabilitation of cardiac patients.

Some essential oils such as tea tree have demonstrated anti-microbial effects, it
has been suggested that they may be useful for the treatment of infectious diseases.
The evidence base for the efficacy of aromatherapy used to treat medical conditions
remains poor with a particular paucity of methodologically rigorous studies. The
effectiveness of aromatherapy is.yet to be scientifically proven, however some evidence
exists that essential oils may have therapeutic potential

History
Aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological
and physical well-being. Aromatherapy was used 2500 years ago. Although the term
aromatherapy was not used until the 20th Century, the foundations of aromatherapy
date back thousands of years. The use of essential oils in particular date back nearly
one thousand years.

The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-
being. Their practices involved burning incense to help create harmony and balance.

Later, the Egyptians invented a rudimentary distillation machine that allowed for the
crude extraction of cedarwood oil. It is also thought by some that Persia and India may
have also invented crude distillation machines, but very little is known.

Oils of cedarwood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh were used by the Egyptians to
embalm the dead. When a tomb was opened in the early 20th century, traces of the
herbs were discovered with intact portions of the body. The scent, although faint, was
still apparent. Although the cedarwood the Egyptians used was distilled by a crude
distillation process, the other oils the Egyptians used were most likely infused oils.

The Egyptians also used infused oils and herbal preparations for spiritual, medicinal,
fragrant and cosmetic use. It is thought that the Egyptians coined the term perfume,
from the Latin per fumum which translates as through the smoke. Egyptian men of the
time used fragrance as readily as the women. An interesting method that the men used
to fragrance themselves was to place a solid cone of perfume on their heads. It would
gradually melt and would cover them in fragrance.

The Greeks learned a great deal from the Egyptians, but Greek mythology apparently
credits the gift and knowledge of perfumes to the gods. The Greeks also recognized the
medicinal and aromatic benefits of plants. Hippocrates, commonly called the "father of
medicine" practiced fumigations for both aromatic and medicinal benefit. A Greek
perfumer by the name of Megallus created a perfume called megaleion. Megaleion
included myrrh in a fatty-oil base and served several purposes:

(1) for its aroma,

(2) for its anti-inflammatory properties towards the skin and

(3) to heal wounds.

The Roman Empire built upon the knowledge of the Egyptians and Greeks. Discorides
wrote a book called ‘De Materia Medica’ that described the properties of approximately
500 plants. It is also reported that Discorides studied distillation. Distillation during this
period, however, focused on extracting aromatic floral waters and not essential oils.

A major event for the distillation of essential oils came with the invention of a coiled
cooling pipe in the 11th century. Persian by birth, Avicenna invented a coiled pipe which
allowed the plant vapor and steam to cool down more effectively than previous distillers
that used a straight cooling pipe. Avicenna's contribution lead to more focus on
essential oils and their benefits.

From the late 20th century and on into the 21st century, there is a growing resurgence
to utilize more natural products including essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic and
aromatic benefit. The use of essential oils never ceased, but the scientific revolution
minimized the popularity and use of essential oils in one's everyday life. Today's
heightened awareness regarding the use of synthetics coupled with the increased
availability of aromatherapy information within books and the Internet has refueled the
use of essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, fragrant and spiritual use.

Essential Oils
Essential oil is the volatile part of leaves, roots, cortex, seeds and fruits of various
flowers, plants and trees. Aromatherapists consider the essential oils as the powerful
soul of plants, because they come from the vital parts of agrarian plants, herbs and
scented flowers and thus they have unique therapeutic properties.
The plants, in order to conserve their most volatile substances, should be picked at a
specific hour of the day and in a specific season of the year. The essential oils are
produced with special techniques of infusion, expression and distillation and
are excreted from special glands and pores of the plants. In general, the lower the
distillation temperature and pressure the better the essential oils. They are usually
colourless and should be stored in a cool, dry place tightly stoppered in glass
containers.

Being liquid, essential oils are often adulterated with cheaper substances such as
synthetic ingredients, alcohols and vegetable oils. Inexperienced users cannot detect
the difference because they cannot test the quality of the oil by themselves. The best
thing an inexperienced user can do is to seek for a reliable supplier. The most
trustworthy suppliers are the ones who deal mainly with aromatherapy essential
oils designated only for therapeutic use and not for cosmetics.

Nowadays, aromatherapy essential oils are used for inhalations, massage, compresses,
cosmetics, candles, bathing, spraying, etc. Many alternative therapists consider
essential oils as the best way to look and feel well, to enjoy great health and vitality and
to reduce stress. The essential oils can be used separately or in combination and before
applied must be diluted with water or vegetable oil such as almond, walnut, laurel and
sesame oil. Moreover, people suffering from allergies, high blood pressure, and
epilepsy.women during pregnancy should consult an aromatherapist before using any
essential oil.

USES OF ESSENTIAL OIL

Bath
Just add 3-6 aromatherapy essential oil drops into a shot of 6 ml
vegetable oil bath foam. Dilute the mixture into water and stay in it for
20 minutes allowing the essential oil to infiltrate the skin while you
enjoy the steam perfume. Choose an essential oil according to your
mood: Rosemary or Sage oil in order to have a good start of your
day; Lavender, Citronella or Melissa oil in order to calm and relax in
the evening.

Massage
Add 3 drops of essential oils into 6 ml massage oil (approximately 1
small spoon) or into milky water. Choose an aromatherapy essential
oil accordingly to your mood or condition: Camomile and Lavender oil
after depilation; Savory, Ylang – Ylang and Cedar oil for a sensual
massage.

Perfume
Aromatherapy essential oils are applied as individual perfumes or
in combination. They can be used just for pleasure or in order to
improve the effect of other aromatherapy applications. Add 2-6
drops into 6 ml of basic almond oil, Grape seed oil or Jojoba oil.
For a pleasing perfume try a blend of Geranium and Mandarin oil.
Men can add Vetiver, Cypress or Rosemary essential oil in their
aftershave or tonic lotion.
Room Fragrance
Add 4-8 drops in a bowl of an aromatherapy essential oil burner.
Fill it with water and put it over a candle. It is the ideal natural way
to kill every smell. Sage, Laurel and Eucalyptus are used to clean
microbes in the air, while Lemon, Mandarin, Orange and
Pennyroyal essential oils are used to clean room air from tobacco
smoke and make a pleasant atmosphere.

Hair
Essential oils invigorate the scalp and take care of hair follicles
contributing to better hair health and appearance. Camomile and
Lavender oil are suitable for very dry and weathered hair. Add 3
drops into 6 ml hot massage oil and lightly rub your head. Then after
giving your head a rinse with a shampoo, muffle your head with a
towel for 20 minutes and. You can also add the aromatherapy
essential oil of your choice to the conditioner or to the final rinse. For
grassy hair try Camomile, Cedar wood, Geranium or Mandarin
essential oil. Cedar wood, Rosemary and Laurel oils are used for
hair lose (for men and women), while Rosemary and Cypress are appropriate as a hair
tonic.
Facial and skin care
Aromatherapy essential oils help sebaceous glands to function
properly improving the whole skin health. Add 2 essential oils
drops every 6 ml of cleansing cream, tonic lotion or milky water
and create your unique cosmetics. You can make mixtures that
can last for weeks, but remember that essential oil’s attributes are more effective when
the blend is fresh.

Babies and Children Care

Aromatherapy essential oils are very wholesome and beneficial for
babies and children as far as they are used carefully. Before
applying them to their sensitive skin, essential oils should be
diluted into cleansing cream or water. For babies, it is better to add
only 1 drop of essential oils into 10 ml of cream. Respectively, add
1 drop for every 6 ml of cream, lotion or milky water for children (half of the adult’s
dose). The children’s deep sleep can be facilitated by Lavender essential oil, while
Mandarin calms and soothes.

The most popular essential oils (in alphabetical order) and their natural attributes.
From time to time, we add essential oils that are not listed, in order to provide the
completely full list of aromatherapy essential oils.
• Achillea oil. Anti-inflammatory and haemostatic. Against hypertension, insomnia
and haemorrhoids. For gynecological diseases and neuralgia.
• Angelica oil. Carminative and relaxing. For heart, respiratory and skin problems,
anorexia, asthma, stomach ulcer, arthritis and psoriasis.
• Aniseed oil. Emmenagogu, antispasmodic and tonic. For
menstruation, menopause’s disease, dyspepsia, colitis, asthmatic
bronchitis and tachycardia.
• Bassilicum oil. Tonic, refreshing, memory boosting and
insectifuge. For headaches, insomnia, depression and nervous tension.
• Balsam (Canada) oil. Antiseptic and relaxing. For asthma, bronchitis, dejection
and sore throat.
• Balsam (Peru) oil. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, disinfectant. For wounds and
stomach ulcer.
• Balsam (Tolu) oil. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, excretory and antitussive.
• Benzoin oil. Excretory, calefacient, pulmonic and antiseptic. For acne, eczema,
psoriasis, coughs and bad blood circulation.
• Bergamot oil. Refreshing, tonic and calming. For stress, depression, insomnia,
skin disorders and digestive conditions.
• Bitter Almond oil. Aromatic. Can cause eruption of the skin.
• Bitter Orange oil. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, styptic,
antibacterial, fungicide, stomachic and laxative. For stomachic
problems, enteric fermentation, constipation, acne, greasy skin and
dyspepsia.
• Cajeput oil. Antiseptic, calefacient. For respiratory infections, varicose veins and
haemorrhoids.
• Calendula oil. Anti-bleeding, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, styptic, cicatrizant
and fungicide. For burns, wounds, eczema, greasy skin, skin inflammation and
eruption and against bites of insects.
• Cardamon oil. Antiseptic, diuretic emmenagogue and dilatant for blood vessels.
For digestive system, bronchitis and enteric convulsion.
• Carrot (seed) oil. Antiseptic, diuretic, dilatant for blood vessels and
emmenagogue. For dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatisms, arthritis,
anemia, dyspepsia, anorexia, colics, and menstruation’s problems. It refreshes
mature skin and relieves menstruation’s pain.
• Cedar oil. Insectifuge, antiseptic, calming, aphrodisiac, diuretic, styptic
and fungicide. For acne, greasy skin, dandruff, hair loss, cough,
bronchitis, cystitis, leucorrhoea, nervous tension and genitals’ itching. It
helps hair regrowing and invigorates blood circulation.
• Chamomile (Blue) oil. Calming, refreshing, antiseptic and emollient. For skin
infections and stomach derangement.
• Chamomile (Roman) oil. Calming, relaxant and antiseptic. For asthma and
enteric parasites.
• Clove oil. Anti-infectious, antispasmodic, insectifuge, anti-fungicide and tonic.
For migraine, vertigo, stress, toothache, acne, wounds, burns, sprains, colic, sea
sickness and dyspepsia.
• Cinnamon oil. Antiseptic and antibacterial. For diarrhea, dyspepsia, bad blood
circulation and rheumatisms.
• Citronella oil. Cardiotonic, antispasmodic, calming, insectifuge and anti-louse.
For rheumatisms, insomnia, stress, depression, otitis, arthritis, various colics and
pelvis pain.
• Cistus oil. Styptic, relaxing and calming. For elder skin and wrinkles.
• Coriander oil. Calefacient, tonic and peptic. For stress and
insomnia.
• Cumin oil. Calefacient, tonic, and antiseptic. For dyspepsia, enteric convulsions
and insomnia.
• Cypress oil. Deodorant, styptic, diuretic, calming and refreshing. For asthma,
bronchitis, cellulites, greasy skin, phlebitis, suppuration, gynecological and
circulation problems.
• Elecampane oil. Bactericidal, antifungal and antiparasitic. For mycosis,
bronchitis and anemia.
• Eucalyptus oil. Antiseptic, analgesic, pesticide. For flu, cold, sinusitis, laryngitis,
cough, coxalgia, neuralgia, rheumatisms and mental lucidity.
• Fennel seed oil. Alleviative, anti-parasitic, purge and against enteric
fermentations. For all gynecological problems, water retention and cystitis.
• Fir (Black) oil. Antimicrobial, ejaculatory and tonic. For rheumatisms, respiratory
diseases, flu, cough and stress.
• Fir (Siberian) oil. Antiseptic and refreshing. For acne and bronchitis.
• Frankincense oil. Refreshing, anti-inflammatory and immunizer. For
asthma and bronchitis.
• Ginger oil. Calefacient and peptic. For sea sickness and various
enteric diseases.
• Grape – Fruit oil. Antioxidant and antispasmodic. For cellulites, obesity and
urine retention.
• Geranium oil. Circulation tonic, anti-ageing, styptic, anti-cellulite, haemostatic
and insectifuge. For stress, nervousness, urine retention, cellulites,
haemorrhoids, greasy skin, menopause’s and gynecological problems.
• Helichrysum oil. For wounds, burns, thrombosis, cirrhosis and acne. It helps
circulation and cholesterol problems.
• Hypericum oil. Styptic, calming, cicatrizant and anti-inflammatory. For enteric
inflammation, healing internal and external injuries, various pains (back, neck,
muscle). Also for greasy hair and dandruff.
• Hyssop oil. Antiseptic. For blood dialysis, tonsillitis and pneumonia.
• Jasmine oil. Relaxing, calming and aphrodisiac. For headache, menstrual
period, dejection and nervous fatigue.
• Juniper oil. Anti-rheumatic, anti-toxic, emmenagogue and tonic.
For nervous strain, stress, gynaecological diseases,
arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, cellulites and obesity.
• Laurel oil. Insectifuge, antiseptic, diuretic, bactericide, fungicide, tonic and
refreshing. For rheumatisms, wounds and hematoma.
• Lavender oil. Analgesic, diuretic, styptic, refreshing, relaxing, and calming. For
rheumatisms, muscle’s pain, colics, dyspepsia, depression, headaches,
hypertension, insomnia, stress and skin diseases.
• Lemon oil. Refreshing, stimulating, antimicrobial, febrifuge, diuretic, antitoxic,
haemostatic and antiseptic. For rheumatisms, digestive and hepatic problems,
greasy skin, arthritis, varicose veins, cellulites, obesity, brittle nails, flu, fever,
sniffles and dyspepsia.
• Lemongrass oil. Analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic and insecticidal. For
digestive and hepatic problems.
• Mandarin oil. Calming, antispasmodic and anti-wrinkle. For acne, greasy skin,
urine retention, obesity, dyspepsia, enteric problems and insomnia.
• Manuka oil. Antibacterial, fungicide and relaxant. For skin
diseases, mycosis and psoriasis.
• Marigold oil. For mycosis, respiratory infections and enteric
parasites.
• Marjoram oil. Calefacient, corroborant, antispasmodic and muscle booster. For
arthritis, rheumatisms, lumbago, colics, strains, constipation, cellulites, dyspnoea,
migraine, nervous tension, insomnia and dizziness.
• Mastic oil. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. For skin problems, arthritis, coxalgia,
bronchitis and urethritis.
• May Chang oil. Antiseptic, deodorant, disinfectant, insecticidal stomachic and
calming. For acne, dermatitis, sudation, bloat, dyspepsia, heart arrhythmia,
hypertension and nervous tension.
• Melissa oil. Antispasmodic, refreshing and calming. For chronic cough, asthma,
bronchitis, colics, menopause’s’ problems, stress, migraines, vertigo, insomnia,
hysteria and erethism.
• Myrrh oil. Tonic and anti-ageing. For dysentery, hemorrhoids and
hyperthyroidism.
• Myrtle oil. For skin invigoration, greasy skin, hormone
counterbalance, hemorrhoids and ovary and thyroid problems.
• Neroli oil. Refreshing, calming and nervine. For parasites, hemorrhoids,
exhaustion and depression.
• Niaouli oil. Antiseptic, anti-allergic against viruses. For otitis, laryngitis and
hormone problems.
• Nutmeg oil. Peptic, calefacient, antioxidant and analgesic. For bloat, dyspepsia,
sea sickness and muscle pain.
• Orange oil. Calming, antispasmodic and anti-wrinkle. For skin care, obesity, fluid
retention, obesity, constipation, nervous tension and stress.
• Oregano oil. Antiseptic, deodorant, aphrodisiac, tonic, febrifuge, peptic and
pesticide. For massage (especially to painful articulations), rheumatisms, cough,
asthma, bronchitis and cellulites. Don not use undiluted oregano essential oil to
skin.
• Patchouli oil. Relaxing and refreshing. For dry skin, acne, eczema. It helps
nervous invigoration.
• Pefitgrain oil. Antiseptic, deodorant, peptic and tonic. For acne, sudation, greasy
skin and hair, dyspepsia, insomnia and nervous exhaustion.
• Pennyroyal oil. Tonic, insectifuge and emmenagogue.
• Pepper (Black) oil. Tonic to digestive and respiratory system,
waterworks, toothache, bronchitis, rheumatisms and sexual
impotence.
• Pepper (Red) oil. Antiseptic. It invigorates blood circulation and helps flu
healing.
• Peppermint (or Mentha oil). Antiseptic, tonic and anti-inflammatory. For
coxalgia, dyspepsia, sea sickness, fever, stress and migraine.
• Ravensara oil. Anti-infectious, nervine and excretory. For insomnia and
invigoration of chronic fatigue of the muscles.
• Rose oil. Calming, relaxing, antidepressant and anti-wrinkle. For chronic
bronchitis, asthma and sexual impotence.
• Rosemary oil. Corroborant, emmenagogue, tonic and antiseptic. For memory,
and energy boosting, muscle’s pain, rheumatisms, bad circulation. One of the
best tonic massage oils. It helps hair growing.
• Rosewood oil. Anti-ageing and tonic. For depression, fatigue and respiratory
infections.
• Sage oil. Antiseptic. For cold, fever, stomach’s and peptic problems, cellulites,
obesity, herpes and menstruation’s problems. It is considered decongestant for
blood circulation.
 • Salvia Sclarea oil. Calming and antidepressant. For mental
euphoria, menstruation’s problems, hemorrhoids and nervous
distress.
• Sandalwood oil. Calming, anti-ageing and cardiotonic.
Considered decongestant for vein and lymph.
• Savory oil. Tonic, calefacient, aphrodisiac, antibiotic and anti-parasitic. Don’t
apply it undiluted to skin.
• Tarragon oil. Calefacient and stimulating. For peptic and equilibration of the
nervous system.
• Tea Tree oil. Antiseptic and local anaesthetic. For mycosis, enteric parasites and
various infections.
• Thuya oil. Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bactericidal. It helps blood
circulation.
• Thyme oil. Antiseptic and antibiotic. For bronchitis and otitis.
• Valerian oil. Soporific, hypotensive and calming. For insomnia, migraine,
nervous dyspepsia and dandruff.
• Vanilla oil. Aromatic, balsam and aphrodisiac.
• Vetiver oil. Antiseptic, circulation tonic and antispasmodic. For acne, arthritis
and rheumatism.
• Vitex agnus castus oil. For gynecological and menopause problems, toothache
and prostate. Used in hormonotherapy.
Ylang Ylang oil. Calming, antiseptic, aphrodisiac. For hypertension and skin diseases

CLASSIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Aromatherapy essential oils are classified on the basis of their aroma or scent like floral,
earthy, woodsy, spicy, etc. The classification of oils is given below:

Aromas Essential Oils

Floral Lavender
Neroli
 Jasmine

Oakmoss
Earthy Vetiver
Patchouli

Orange
Citrus Lemon
Lime

Pine
Woodsy
Cedarwood

Marjoram
Herbaceous Rosemary
Basil

Peppermint
Minty
Spearmint

Eucalyptus
Medicinal/Camphorous Cajuput
Tea Tree

Ginger
Oriental
Patchouli

Nutmeg
Spicy Clove
Cinnamon

Classification of Essential Oils based on Notes

Using the analogy of a musical scale, oils that evaporate the quickest, usually within 1-
2 hours, are called “ top notes ”. Oils that evaporate with 2-4 hours are considered “
middle notes ”. Oils that take the longest time to evaporate are referred to as “ base
notes ”. Some base notes can take several days to evaporate! The classification of oils
is given below:

Top Note
Aniseed, Basil, Bay Laurel, Bergamot, Bergamot Mint, Citronella, Eucalyptus,
Galbanum, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lavendin, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Orange,
Peppermint, Petit Grain, Spearmint, Tagetes, Tangerine.

Middle Note
Bay, Bois-de-rose, Cajuput, Carrot Seed, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile,
Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Cypress, Dill, Elemi, Fennel, Fir Needle, Geranium,
Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Linden Blossom, Marjoram, Neroli, Nutmeg,
Palmarosa, Parsley, Black Pepper, Pine (Scotch), Rose, Rose Geranium, Rosemary,
Rosewood, Spruce, Tea Tree, Thyme, Tobacco, Yarrow, Ylang Ylang.

Base Note
Angelica Balsam (Peru), Beeswax, Benzoin, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Ginger,
Helichrysum, Myrrh, Oakmoss, Olibanum, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla Vetiver.

Safety Precaution of Essential Oil

○ Not every essential oil is suited for use in aromatherapy. Wormwood,
wintergreen, pennyroyal, sassafras, onion, horseradish, rue, bitter almond,
camphor etc. are some essential oils that should only be used by qualified
aromatherapy practitioners.

○ Children should not use essential oils by themselves. They should only use
essential oils only with the presence of an adult who is knowledgeable about their
use. Most essential oils smell great, which may tempt one to consume or drink
them, specially children. Keep essential oils out of reach from children. Treat the
oils like medicines that are poison in unknowing hands.

○ Essential oils are to be used externally only. Essential oils should only be taken
internally after consultation from a trained and qualified aromatherapy
practitioner.

○ Do not use Essential oils undiluted on the skin.

 ○ Sources on Aromatherapy say that ‘Lavender’ and ‘tea tree’ essential oils, even if
you want to use them undiluted consult a aromatherapy practitioner or at least do
a patch test on your skin. But, the safest is to never use any essential oil
undiluted.

○ Some oils can be allergic or cause allergic reactions to some people. So it is very
important to test it before using a new oil. Put only small amount of diluted
essential oil (never use pure essential on the skin) on the skin and see if there is
a reaction or not. Wait at least for 24 hrs before deciding that there is no reaction.
This is very important so do not skip this test.

○ Certain essential oils should not be used during pregnancy, or by people with
special conditions like asthma, epilepsy, etc.

○ When using essential oils, use the least amount necessary. If one drop will do
the job, don't use two.

How Aromatherapy Works?

Through Respiration.
Being Volatile, the Essential Oils quickly and easily become gaseous in nature. These
molecules are inhaled and pass through the respiratory system until reaching the
alveoli. This is where gaseous exchange takes place. The alveoli are surrounded by a
network of capillaries and a membrane of simple epithelial cells. The inhaled essential
oil molecules diffuse through this membrane and are transported in tissue fluids. The
essential oil molecules can also dissolve in mucous in the inner nasal cavity or be
transported to the olfactory nerves by electrochemical message.

Essential oils have three distinct modes of action:

-Pharmacological action- the reaction with hormones and enzymes.
-Physiological effect - the physical effect on all systems of the body, including its largest
organ, the skin.
-Psychological effect - how it affects the mind, i.e. sense of well-being, calms the mind.

Scientific Glance
The olfactory epithelium lies within the nasal cavity. The nerve endings are sensitive to
molecules floating about in the air that get stuck on the mucous surface. The contact of
such molecules with the cilia of the olfactory receptors is transduced into neural
messages(see diagram below).

There is little understanding of how transduction occurs and how various molecules are
transduced differently. Most believe that the physical structure (shape) of a molecule
plays a deciding role. It appears that the relevant sensory code for olfactory quality is
probably a pattern of excitation across different receptor groups.
Olfaction tells us how our food tastes. It is also used in identification (e.g., a mother can
identify her infant by smell alone almost immediately after birth).
Olfaction is also used in signaling across distances (e.g. pheromones from female
moths attract male moths).
The most common ways that people lose their sense of smell are through the common
cold (too much mucous), viral infection of olfactory epithelium, or a cracked cribriform
plate caused by an accident.
 Does Aromatherapy Works? (Research)
In April 2008, researchers at Ohio State University published a study that
examined the effects of aromatherapy on immune responses, wound healing, and pain
control and found no improvement among volunteers exposed to lemon and lavender
scents. The study, sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine, included 56 healthy volunteer subjects, some of whom were
proponents of aromatherapy and some of whom had no opinion about it. The
investigators taped cotton balls moistened with lemon oil, lavender oil, or distilled water
below the volunteers' noses. Each of the volunteers took part in three half-day sessions
during which they were exposed to both odors and the placebo. A standard test of
wound healing speed was used: repeatedly applying and removing a piece of tape to a
skin site. Reaction to pain was tested by immersing the volunteers' feet in ice-cold
water. Each volunteer also took three standard psychological tests that evaluated mood
and stress three times during each session. Blood pressure and heart rate were
monitored during all of the tests, and blood samples were collected from all of the
volunteers.

Analysis of the blood samples showed that the scents had no effect on biochemical
markers of immune and endocrine status, stress, pain control, and wound healing.
However, lemon oil (but not lavender oil) improved mood.
Although this was one of the most comprehensive studies to date of aromatherapy's
effects on health, I doubt that it will be the last word on the subject. Indeed, despite the
findings, one of the Ohio State researchers said that if these oils make an individual feel
better, there's no reliable way to disprove that they have a positive impact on that
person's health.

Researchers elsewhere have been looking into the effects of aromatherapy on sleep,
pain, and anxiety, as well as trying to determine whether it can reduce the respiratory
congestion of colds and flu, relieve constipation and post-operative nausea, and even
help grow hair. There is already good evidence that certain scents can help induce
relaxation and improve sleep.
Medical aromatherapy (as opposed to use of essential oils in spa treatments) is much
more developed in France, Italy, and Japan than in the U.S.
Andrew Weil, M.D.

Principles (Method) of Aromatherapy

MASSAGE: with an aromatherapy massage you get the benefit of the essential oil
as well as that of the massage. It is found that the effect of touch can be very
valuable to calm the person and soothe the nerves.
To make therapeutic massage oil you need to blend up to 31% of essential oil into a
base/carrier oil

BATH: the warmth of a bath not only relaxes a person, it also enables the skin to
absorb the essential oil better. The blended oil should be added once the bath has
been run as the heat will encourage evaporation. Only the non irritant essential oils
like lavender & german chamomile can be added directly to a bath, all other oils
need to be first blended either in the required base oil or in a cupful of full fat milk.

BURNERS AND VAPORISERS: these can be used to deodorize, fumigate or

simply create a special atmosphere. Inhaling the vapours can also be
therapeutically beneficial. Put a little water in the top part of the burner and add 7-10
drops of essential oil to it before lighting the candle below.

INHALATION: a stream inhalation is an excellent way of treating coughs, colds,

sore throats and for cleansing the skin. Put very hot water in a bowl and add 3-4
drops of essential oil. Then lean over the bowl, place a large towel over your head
and inhale the vapours.

SPITZ BATH: a spitz bath is an excellent way of treating haemorrhoids thrush

pruritus etc. Half fill a flat bucket of a small bath with warm water add 4-6 drops of
blended essential oils. Swirl the water and sit in it for 10 minutes. Similar treatment
can be used as hand baths & foot baths.

COMPRESSES: depending on the ailment a hot or cold compress is an effective

way of treating many local complaints. To make a hot compress pour hot water into
a bowl & then add the essential oil. Place a cotton towel in the water and squeeze
out the excess water and place immediately on the infected/painful area. A hot
compress is very effective in problems such as skin infections, abcesses & boils,
muscular or joint problems, arthritis, rheumatism, strains, sprains, backache etc. To
make a cold compress add a few ice cubes to cold water in a bowl (& continue like a
hot compress). A cold compress is very effective for certain types of headache and
also if the area feels hot & inflamed.

AROMATHERAPY TREATMENT
The essential oils work on two levels - psychological and physical.
One of the reasons that aromatherapy has been so hugely successful is because it has
a psychological approach too,The aromatherapist takes into account a persons medical
history, emotional condition, general health and lifestyle before planning a course of
treatment. This is a wholesome treatment- not just the symptoms of an illness - and this
is in direct opposition to the modern trend of just treating the presented condition.
Backache, irritable bowel syndrome or headaches, for example, are often the result of
stress and not actually a physical problem. Therefore no amount of pill-popping is really
going to provide a long term solution since it only masks the symptoms without
addressing the problems. By looking at the causes of the stress and providing
treatments to ease and manage it, the aromatherapist will alleviate the condition in a
much more efficient manner.
There are many conditions for which aromatherapy treatments provide relief and leads
to beneficial results, Such as :
• Treating skincare complaints such as dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis,
cellulite, varicose veins and stretch marks.
• Promote emotional healing such as for depression, hysteria, lack of
concentration, panic attacks.
• Calms the mind for insomnia and moodiness.
• Treat burns, bruises, sprains and strains, asthma, bronchitis, flu, muscular aches
and pains, skin inflammation.
• And aids digestive problems such as constipation.

If you are seeking aromatherapy treatments, you must ensure that you are consulting a
qualified aromatherapy practitioner and using essential oils that have a therapeutic
effect / highest quality oils and blend in the right combination. Ensuring all these points
you will surely be impressed by this remarkable natural health guard and treatment.

Common Method of
Essential Oils to Use
Ailments Application

Aches and basil, benzoin, black pepper, chamomile, massage, compress,

 cinamon, clove, cypress, ginger, juniper,
Pains lavender, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, ylang bath
ylang

basil, bergamot, cedarwood, cypress,

Acne geranium, grapefruit, lavender,palmarosa, bath, massage
rose, tea tree

bath, massage,
chamomile, frankincense, myrtle, myrrh,
Asthma vaporization,
pine
inhalation

bath, neat
Athlete's foot lavender, lemon, myrrh, tea tree
application

benzoin, frankincense, myrtle, bath, massage,

Chest
myrrh, niaouli, pine, rosemary, tea tree, vaporization,
Problems
thyme inhalation

benzoin, black pepper, cedarwood, ginger, massage, bath,

Chilblains
juniper, marjoram, thyme compress

basil, benzoin, black pepper, cinnamon,

bath, massage,
eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, lemon,
Colds and Flu vaporization,
myrtle, niaouli, peppermint, pine, tea tree,
inhalation
thyme

black pepper, clary sage, cypress, massage, bath,

Constipation
eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary compress

chamomile, lavender, marjoram, massage, bath,

Cramp
sandalwood, vetiver compress

chamomile, lavender, tea tree, geranium, massage, bath,

Cystitis
pine, sandalwood compress

cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass,

Dandruff scalp message, rinse
sandalwood
 massage, bath,
Diarrhea chamomile, lavender, rose, neroli
compress

benzoin, chamomile, lavender, myrrh,

Eczema massage, bath
sandalwood, vetiver

Fluid
black pepper, cypress, juniper massage, bath
Retention

bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile,

bath, massage,
eucalyptus, geranium, lavender,
Hay Fever vaporization,
lemongrass, myrtle, pine, rose, rosemary,
inhalation
rosewood, ylang ylang

bath, massage,
chamomile, lavender, lemongrass,
Headaches vaporization,
peppermint, rosewood
inhalation

bergamot, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender,

Headlice scalp massage, rinse
lemon, tea tree

bath, massage,
Herpes Chamomile, lavender, myrrh, tea tree compress, neat
application

bergamot, chamomile, fennel, frankincense, massage, bath,

High Blood
lavender, mandarin, marjoram, neroli, rose, vaporization,
Pressure
sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang inhalation

Indigestion dill, fennel, parsley, peppermint, mandarin massage, inhalation

bergamot, black pepper, chamomile, fennel,

bath, inhalation,
Nausea ginger, grapefruit, lavender, mandarin,
vaporization
orange, peppermint, rosewood

chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, massage, bath,

Sinusitis lemongrass, myrtle,niaouli, peppermint, vaporization,
pine, tea tree inhalation
 massage, bath,
Sprains chamomile, lavender
compress

massage, bath,
basil, benzoin, black pepper, cinnamon,
Throat compress,
eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, myrtle, niaouli,
Infections inhalation,
peppermint, pine, sandalwood, tea tree
vaporization

Fragrance oil
Fragrance oils, also known as aroma oils, aromatic oils, and flavor oils, are blended
synthetic aroma compounds or natural essential oils that are diluted with a carrier like
propylene glycol vegetable oil, or mineral oil. They are used in perfumery, cosmetics
flavoring of food, and in aromatherapy. To some people, synthetic fragrance oils are
less desirable than plant-derived essential oils as components of perfume.

Tools used for aromatherapy

Lamp rings : these are terra cotta rings that you will be able to place on a light bulb in
the room in which you want the aromatherapy to be. The unit sits right around the bulb
and the essential oil is placed on a lip around it. When the bulb heats, the essential oil is
brought into the air.

Clay pots : Here are another option. They look just like small terra cotta pots. The
essential oil are adding into the clay pot. Since terra cotta absorbs, it will absorb the
essential oils and as it does the air is filled with the fragrance.
Candles : Here look for a candle such as a tea light that will be used to heat the plate
which holds the essential oils. Candles that come with essential oils in them are oaky
too, but will not give the same quality of aromatherapy as this method.

Fans : a fan diffuser is a great tool to have as well. These are as simple as they sound.
The fan will spin and send the essential oils into the air nice and gently. Usually they
have a pad that has absorbed the oils into it. As the fans blows across this pad, then, it
will send the aroma into the air.

Disadvantages of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine, utilizes aromatic oils to improve health
and wellbeing. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC),
aromatherapy is extremely useful for relieving pain, improving mood and promoting
relaxation. Compared to other healing techniques, aromatherapy is associated with
relatively few risks or drawbacks. However, aromatherapy has several notable
disadvantages. Consult a qualified health care provider before using aromatherapy if
you are pregnant or suffer from a serious medical condition.

Insufficient Evidence
Few large-scale clinical trials have evaluated aromatherapy's efficacy. Anti-alternative
medicine writer Stephen Barrett opposes the use of aromatherapy to treat any disease,
discomfort or condition; Barrett claims that the practice is unscientific and fraudulent.
Opponents of aromatherapy may attribute its apparent success to the placebo effect.
Pregnancy Interactions
The UMMC notes that specially-trained midwives can administer aromatherapy during
pregnancy and childbirth with few risks. However, certain essential oils may increase
the risk of preterm labor or birth defects. Nature's gift, an aromatherapy manufacturer,
recommends that pregnant women avoid sage, clary-sage, rosemary, basil, cedar,
juniper, coriander, jasmine and hyssop.
Allergies and Asthma
The essential oils used in aromatherapy can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing,
wheezing, skin irritation, rash, hives and asthma attack. The UMMC advises people with
severe asthma or allergies to avoid essential oils.
Hormonal Effects
Some aromatherapeutic oils contain compounds similar to estrogen. In theory, these
oils can stimulate breast tissue growth, trigger changes in the uterus, increase the
growth of some forms of cancer and reduce breast milk supply. People who are
pregnant, nursing or taking hormone-affecting drugs should avoid fennel, aniseed, sage
and clary-sage oils. Women with hormone-sensitive cancers--including breast and
ovarian cancer--should use aromatherapy only under the guidance of a qualified health
care provider.
Stimulant Effect
People with hypertension, epilepsy or anxiety disorders should avoid stimulant essential
oils. Cinnamon, peppermint and rosemary can all temporarily elevate blood pressure.
The UMMC notes that hyssop oil can cause seizures in people with epilepsy.

Articles
Sunday August 2, 2009
Scented success
By SANDRA LOW

A business that started out in a garage has gone global in less than five years.
WHILE studying in Oregon in the United States, Pimarn Tovanabootr visited a local fair
where she saw soap being hand-made for the first time. Her interest piqued, she took it
up as a hobby.
Little did she know that it would one day turn into a business venture for her.

Creator and founder of handmade soap

brand Soap-n- Scent, Pimarn Tovanabootr, at her Chiang Mai store in Thailand.
Tovanabootr, who was born in Chiang Mai, Thailand, graduated in environmental
engineering from the Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok in 1993.
“At that time I wanted to learn something cool and thought engineering, which involves
designing, would be a fun,” she says in an e-mail interview from Chiang Mai.
She enjoyed the course and decided to go further. In 1996, she graduated with a
masters in environmental engineering from the Oregon State University.
Two years later, she returned to Bangkok and got a consultancy job which involved
setting up and implementing an environmental management system for factories.
But after six months, she headed back to the US to marry Adison Tovanabootr, whom
she’d met while studying. Sadly, her joy was short-lived as he died in 2000 of
leukaemia.
“It was a very tough time and I wanted to be with my family back home in Thailand. I
thought I’d run a small business while looking for another engineering job.”
Tovanabootr started making soaps in her kitchen and sold them at the night bazaar.
“I guess I was in the right place at the right time as the spa and aromatherapy business
was booming. I kept getting more orders every month, so I didn’t get another job.”
As the orders grew, so did her work area. She ended up converting her garage into a
small factory.
Today, the house where she started out has an office, showroom and stock room, and a
team of 18 workers.
In 2004, Tovanabootr registered Soap-’n’-Scent, which boasts products formulated from
natural ingredients and are free of animal fats.
At the start, she did everything on her own, from doing research through books and the
Internet, to formulating her soaps.
“Everything was challenging, but I think the most difficult was managing people.
Creating a new product was exciting and fun, but I also had to learn how to bring out the
best in people so they would be happy and contribute positively to the business.
“I learnt a lot of things the same way I did research for my engineering classes. The
training helped me run my business in a more systematic way.”
Her master’s degree didn’t go to waste – she created a tiny wastewater treatment
facility for her factory!
“To make soap, we need sodium hydroxide to react with vegetable oils. Sodium
hydroxide (an alkali) is not natural but you cannot make handmade soap without alkali.
After the saponification process (soap reaction), there is no more sodium hydroxide as it
becomes soap and natural glycerin,” she explains.
Tovanabootr, 39, explains that handmade soaps are much milder than machine-made
ones.
“People who are allergic to natural stuff such as wheat or honey can also get an allergic
reaction to wheatgerm or honey soaps. Basically, they would be more allergic to the
natural ingredients in a soap, rather than the base ingredients.”
Tovanabootr says her products do not have preservatives as, basically, soaps do not
have an expiry date.
“In fact, the longer you leave the soap, the milder it becomes. However, the scent can
fade or the oil can become rancid. The soap will start to smell funny but you can still use
it.”
Her range for this summer includes rock and shell soaps, bath salts and massage oils.
Key ingredients are rice bran oil, palm oil, palm kernel, coconut oils and natural
glycerine. For aromatherapy, there are signature scents such as Apple Cinnamon,
Black Rice, Green Seaweed, Lavender, Lemongrass, Mangosteen and Red Jasmine
Rice.
Her best-selling scent is lemongrass. She says that scent and lavender are her
favourites as they are “very refreshing and uplifting. I love the days when we make
lemongrass or lavender soaps as the scents fills up our entire office and house. It’s
such a good feeling.”
With so many easy dispensing methods today, do people still buying soap bars?
“People are going back to nature and learning more about aromatherapy and essential
oils. I believe that more people are starting to use handmade soaps since they are
natural and gentle. They may not be the most convenient to use, but it’s another choice
of living,” she explains.
With a confidence lathered by customer feedback, Tovanabootr is exploring ways to
make shampoo and lotion bars.
Soap-’n’-Scent is distributed locally by Beauty Soap & Scent and is available at its
showroom at No. 27B, Jalan SS22/19, Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya. For more
information, call 012-228 2013 or go to soap-n-scent.com.

Interview
By: Peggy Rowland
With the holiday season approaching, I’ve been trying to think of ways to reduce stress.
Did I mention I’m moving to a new home in December too?
So, who better to talk stress relief with than someone who specializes in aromatherapy?
Smell goods can make you feel good.
Kayla Fioravanti is the VP and Chief Formulator for
Essential Wholesale and Essential Labs – leaders in natural
and organic personal care. She’s also an ARC Registered
and Certified Aromatherapist.
Here’s our interview. (The questions in bold are from
me.):
Kayla, first, thanks for providing your insight to Lively
Women readers as we enter this holiday season.
Could you describe what aromatherapy means?
Kayla: The term aromatherapy simply means literally
“treatment with scent”. It is the use of essential oils for the
treatment of mind and body. The term essential oil comes
from the Latin word “essentia” which means “essence”.
Essential oils are volatile because they are able “to fly”
since they are a liquid that quickly becomes gaseous. “Aroma” refers to the naturally
occurring scent of the essential oils. “Therapy” refers to the physical, psychological and
spiritual treatment imparted from essential oils. Aromatherapy can be used either
topically or from inhalation.
Why is it important to use organic ingredients in aromatherapy?
Kayla: It is important to use organic ingredients in aromatherapy because essential oils
are absorbed into the skin. In aromatherapy, molecules of essential oils applied to the
skin pass through the skin’s epidermis and are carried away by the capillary blood
circulating in the dermis. The molecules of essential oil are then taken into the lymphatic
and extracellular fluids. From there the therapeutic components of the essential oils are
broken down and used by various regions of the body. Because of the lipid solubility
components of essential oils that are applied to the skin, they are able to cross the
blood-brain barrier and come in contact with the fluids surrounding the brain.
In what ways could aromatherapy be used to help relax women feeling stressed?
Kayla: Aromatherapy can be used many ways to relax women. It can be diffused in the
air or used as a perfume spray or it can be in hand crèmes and everyday products that
women use. My favorite way to use aromatherapy when I am stressed is in a hot
bathtub. In our office you can tell when the stress level is up because you can smell
Women’s Balance Spray as you walk through the offices. Aromatherapy can bring an
instant smile to a women’s face. I’ve listed below some of the common essential oils
that work well with women and stress.
Stress: Basil, Cypress, Cedarwood, Geranium, Lavender,
Lemon, Orange, Mandarin, Chamomile, Patchouli, Palmarosa,
Neroli, Tangerine, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Grapefruit.
PMS: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cedarwood, Citronella, Cypress,
Geranium, Clary Sage, Fennel, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon,
Jasmine, Juniper, Neroli, Orange, Pine, Ravensara, Rose,
Sandalwood.
Why do we find certain scents more relaxing than others?
Do you have a favorite?
Kayla: My favorite is the Women’s Balance Spray. It is the perfect combination of
essential oils that reduce stress and balance a women’s hormones. My favorite single
note scents for stress are Lemon, Grapefruit, Lavender and Mandarin.
I carry Lavender with me at all times to use to calm my kids down when they get hurt by
putting it on their band aid. It works on the wound and calms them down. Grapefruit is
one of my favorites because you can’t help but smile when you smell it. And it is
universally liked by everyone. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like the scent.
I noticed there are several DIY recipes for fun things like chocolate bath bombs
available at EW University (part of Essential Wholesale). Could you tell me more
about those? Would you suggest any of these as DIY holiday gifts?
Kayla: The Chocolate Bath Bombs are the best. They make great gifts and combine the
wonders of chocolate therapy with aromatherapy. They are so simple that my 6-year-old
daughter can make them from scratch by herself.
The Glitter products are good seasonal products to make, but nothing compares to the
Chocolate Bath Bombs and Chocolate Orange Bath Bombs. The other products that are
super easy to make and serve as good gifts are the melt & pour products. The 14.5 oz
melt & pour lip balms and lotion bars make super simple gifts. The melt & pour lotion
bars can be poured into soap molds and make nice gifts.
Do you have anything to add?
Kayla: Aromatherapy only refers to the use of essential oils and not fragrance oils.
There is no therapeutic value to fragrance oils.
Aromatherapy Brochure
 Conclusion
It's clear that smell is a powerful sense, and the idea that certain smells could
physiologically effect us doesn't seem to be too farfetched. However, to claim that a
certain scent will have a very specific effect and to give all the credit of that effect to only
the scent rather than taking into account personal belief factors, is to deny part of the
possible factors of any healing effect aromatherapy might have. More research needs to
be done in order to figure out what is physiologically beneficial, but there is probably
some truth in aromatherapy. It is considered a kind of folk medicine, and usually when
something has centuries-long tradition behind it can't be all wrong. Make your decisions
and enjoy your sense of smell.

References
1. www.wikipedia.com/aromatherapy
2. www.answer.com/aromatherapy
3. www.ezinearticles.com
4. http://answer.yahoo.com/aromatherapy
5. www.aromaweb.com/aromatherapy
6. www.aromaweb.com/essential_oil
7. www.naha.org
8. www.aromatherapypoint.com
9. 2004, Patricia Davis, Aromatherapy: An A to Z Revised Ed.,The Bridgewriter
Book Company
10. 1991, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600
Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health - Beauty - a Safe
Home Environment, Macmillan London Ltd.