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AROMATHERPY: THE POWER OF SCENT: A REVIEW Shaikh A R*1,Tambe S R1, Mishra R R1, Soman V R1 M.G.V.s Pharmacy College, Mumbai-Agra Road, Panchvati, Nashik-422003; Maharashtra (India) Email: pharmacy_2003@rediffmail.com
1

Shaikh A. R.

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 in leaves, 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 required strength. Essential oils are medicinal and fragrant. They travel through the blood stream reacting with hormones and enzymes. When the fragrance is inhaled the nerve endings in the nose transmit pleasurable signals to the brain which reacts to the positive power of the fragrant aroma inducing pleasant memories, restoring emotional balance and encouraging relaxation and energization. Many of these 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 but also used to improve the mental and even the spiritual conditions as well. The article focuses on various aspects of aromatherapy and essential oils used in it. Key Words: Aromatherapy,Essential oils,viral infections. INTRODUCTION Term alternative medicine, used in the modern western world, encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine."(1,21) Commonly cited examples include aromatherapy, naturopathy and naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, herbalism, traditional chinese medicine, ayurveda, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, bodywork, homeopathy and diet-based therapies, in addition to a range of other practices. Alternative medicine practices are diverse in their foundations and methodologies. Practices may incorporate or base themselves on traditional medicine, folk knowledge, spiritual beliefs, or newly conceived approaches to healing. Jurisdictions where alternative medical practices are sufficiently widespread may 31

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license and regulate them. The claims made by alternative medicine practitioners are generally not accepted by the medical community because evidence-based assessment is not available for the safety and efficacy of many of these practices. If scientific investigation establishes the safety and effectiveness of an alternative medical practice, it may be adopted by conventional practitioners. Because alternative techniques tend to lack evidence, some have advocated defining it as nonevidence based medicine. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils (EOs), and other aromatic compounds from plants for the purpose of modifying a person's mood or health.(21) Aromatherapy includes two words'aroma' means fragrance or smell and the word 'therapy' means treatment. The term Aromatherapy was not known until 20th century, although it is being practiced for centuries. The Chinese were one of the first to practice aromatherapy, followed by the Egyptians and the Greeks. In early 20th century, a French chemist named RenMaurice Gattefoss introduced aromatherapy as use of essential oils by means of medicinal treatment. (1) Essential oils are the purest essence of each plant comprising more than 90 essential oils, utilized in the practice of aromatherapy. These essential oils are intended to be breathed into the lungs for a true physical and psychological benefit. These aromas stimulate the brain and senses and can either cause an uplifting feeling or a feeling of total relaxation. Practitioners tend to emphasize the use of oils in massage, especially in France, aromatherapy is incorporated into mainstream medicine. There, the use of the antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties of oils in the control of infections is emphasized over the approaches familiar to North Americans. In France some essential oils are regulated as

prescription drugs, and thus administered by a physician. French doctors use a technique called the aromatogram to guide their decision on which essential oil to use. First the doctor cultures a sample of infected tissue or secretion from the patient. Next the growing culture is divided among petri dishes supplied with agar. Each petri dish is inoculated with different essential oils to determine which have the most activity against the target strain of microorganism. The antiseptic activity manifests as a pattern of inhibited growth. (1, 2, 8, 21, 22, 23) Mechanism of action Two basic mechanisms are offered to explain the purported effects. One is the influence of aroma on the brain, especially the limbic system through the olfactory system. The other is the direct pharmacological effects of the essential oils. While precise knowledge of the synergy between the body and aromatic oils is often claimed by aromatherapists, the efficacy of aromatherapy remains to be proven. However, some preliminary clinical studies show positive effects. 1) Essential oils, phytoncides and other natural volatile oil constituents work in different ways. At the scent level they activate the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain. The term "limbic" comes from Latin limbus, meaning "border" or "belt". The limbic system is actually a link between the two sides of our brain. The left side of our brain deals with logical facts whereas the right side of the brain deals with emotional aspects. Aromatherapy is definitely concerned with the right side of our brain, as odor perception and processing are carried out on the right side of the brain. The limbic system (or Paleomammalian brain) is a set of brain structures including the

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hippocampus (required for the formation of long-term memories), amygdala (involved in signaling the cortex of motivationally significant stimuli such as those related to reward and fear in addition to social functions such as mating), anterior thalamic nuclei, and limbic cortex, which support a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, long term memory, and olfaction. Working: When inhaled, the nose detects the scent and transmits it to the olfactory bulb, which sends nerve impulses to the limbic system in the brain, including both the amygdala, which controls emotions, and the hippocampus, which stores and retrieves memories (as shown in figure 1). Lavandula angustifolia, for example, an essential oil with sedative and pain relieving properties, is believed to affect the amygdala by increasing inhibitory neurons containing aminobutyric acid (GABA); if accurate, this is the same process by which the medication diazepam produces sedation and reduces the effect of external stimuli such as pain. Aromatic chemicals trigger the repository of stored memories in the hippocampus, which can have measurable effects on mood; for example, there are cases of depressed, elderly, institutionalized individuals reporting decreased sadness after smelling certain fruits and flowers that triggered childhood memories. 2) When applied to the skin (commonly in form of "massage oils" i.e. 1-10 % solutions of essential oil in carrier oil) they activate thermal receptors, and kill microbes and fungi. 3) Internal application of preparations may stimulate system.(9, 24, 25, 26) essential oil the immune

Modes of application The modes of application of aromatherapy include: Aerial diffusion for environmental fragrancing or aerial disinfection. Direct inhalation for respiratory disinfection, decongestion, expectoration as 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 provider permits. 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 4-6 drops of essential oil to warm bath tub and soak for 15 minutes. Then agitate the water well before getting into the bath tub. The following essential oil could be added to bathing tub: rosemary, lavender, tea-tree and thyme. Compresses: Compresses are considered to be an effective method for relieving pain. The hot compress is helpful in relieving chronic pain whereas the cold compress relieves pain, swellings and headaches. The process involves adding 4-6 drops of the oil into very hot or cold water and mixing together. Place the cloth in the water and let it 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, as the oil is absorbed into the bloodstream. Use a blend of essential oils with carrier oil, depending on requirements. For normal skin, add 5 drops of essential oil to carrier oil. Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are

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used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. By doing this massage, therapeutic healing can be achieved, as this massage is done with the help of aromatherapy essential oils, which are actually plant extracts. We can feel relief from daily tensions and attain deep relaxation of muscles. Aromatherapy massage will help in water preservation, stimulates the lymphatic system and immune system. Aromatherapy massage is considered as the great therapy for fatigue, injury or tension. Inhalation: Inhalation is also an effective method to incorporate essential oils into system. The inhalation method helps to reduce respiratory tract problems. Add 3 or 4 drops of essential oil to a large bowl of warm water. Lean over the bowl and breathe deeply. (27, 28, 29) 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 used to describe fragrant oils extracted from plant material by any solvent extraction. Absolutes: Fragrant oils extracted primarily from flowers or delicate plant tissues through solvent or supercritical fluid extraction (e.g. rose absolute). The term is also used to describe oils extracted from fragrant butters, concretes, and enfleurage pommades using ethanol. Phytoncides: Various volatile organic compounds from plants that kill microbes. Many terpene-based fragrant oils and sulfuric compounds from plants in the genus "Allium" are phytoncides, though the latter are likely less commonly used in aromatherapy 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 make herbal distillates and they have culinary uses, medicinal uses and skin care uses. Common herbal distillates are rose, lemon balm and chamomile. Infusions: Aqueous extracts of various plant material (e.g. infusion of chamomile) Carrier oils: Typically oily plant base triacylglycerides that dilute essential oils for use on the skin (e.g. sweet almond oil) (1, 3, 9, 24, 30, 31, 32)

Material used in Aromatherapy

Essential oil constituents In general, essential oil constituents can be subdivided into two distinct groups; 1. The hydrocarbons which are made up almost exclusively of terpenes (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes), and 2. The oxygenated compounds which are mainly esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols, and oxides (as shown in table 1). Terpenes - The basic building block of many essential oils is a five-carbon molecule called an isoprene. Most essential oils are built from isoprene. This is the building block that makes up the terpenoids.

When two isoprene units link together, they create a monoterpene; when three join, they create a sesquiterpene; and so forth. Triterpenoids are some of the largest molecules found in essential oils. They consist of 30 carbon atoms or six isoprene units linked together. (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 like menthol or camphor temporarily dampen pain receptors. Camphor oil is mainly used to relieve the pain of toothaches. 2. Antiseptic effects: Most of the essential oils are antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. 3. Antibacterial: In vitro testing has confirmed antibacterial effects in certain oils including rosemary, clove, lime, cinnamon, and tea tree oil. 4. Antiviral: Supported by in-vitro testing for tea tree oil, lemongrass, sandlewood, peppermint, ginger, thyme and hyssop in in vitro testing against Herpes. 5. Antifungal: Supported by in-vitro testing for lavender, thyme, clove, juniper, and tea tree oil. 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 tract infections. It enhances deep breathing. It is good for muscle aches and pain. 9. Lavender can be used for pain relief, relaxation, depression, burns, skin infections and rheumatism. 10. Rosemary oil can be effective for mental fatigue 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, eliminates apathy and nervous stress, etc.

13. Aromatherapy essential oil also has cosmetic properties and it can be used as a skincare or hair care product. Examples of skin care and hair care preparations are: A) Skin Care Preparations Essential Oils (35) 1) Lavender-flower Lotion Lavender water Witch Hazel Lemon Juice, strained lavender essential oil : 5 Tbsp : 5 Tbsp : 5 Tbsp : 2-3 drops Using

Pour all the ingredients into a bottle, close it with a cap or cork, and shake it vigorously. Shake well before each use. Wash the face and neck with water. Dry and apply the lotion gently all over the face. It helps to tighten and refresh the skin. 2) Purifying Masks This is a purifying, toning, soothing and rejuvenating mask. The basic ingredients are: Green Clay - 2 ounces; Corn flour - 3 teaspoons. Mix together and keep in a jar, ready for combining in one of the formulas below a) Normal Skin Basic Mask Mix : 1 Tbsp Egg Yolk : 1 Water : 1 tsp Combine and use 1 drop mixture of: (Geranium essential oil: 2 drops and Bois de rose: 1 drop)

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b) Dry Skin Basic Mask Mix : 1 Tbsp Egg Yolk :1 Almond / Evening Primrose Oil: 1 tsp Carrot Oil : 2 drops Water : 2 tsp Combine and use 1 drop mixture of: 1 drop Chamomile essential oil and 1 drop Rose essential oil) c) Oily Skin Basic Mask Mix : 1 Tbsp Brewer's Yeast : 1 Tbsp Water : 1 Tbsp Combine and use 1 drop mixture of: (1 drop of Rosemary essential oil and 1 drop of Lavender essential oil) 3) Revitalizing Mask for Dehydrated Skin Basic Mask Mix : 1 Tbsp Egg Yolk :1 Brewer's Yeast : 1 tsp Jojoba Oil : 1 tsp Water : 1 Tbsp Combine and use 1 drop mixture of: (1 drop Chamomile essential oil and 2 drops Carrot Oil) 4) ACNE Basic Mask Mix : 1 Tbsp Water : 1 tsp Combine and use 1 drop mixture of: (1 drop of Chamomile essential oil, 1 drop of Lavender essential oil, 1 drop Juniper essential oil and 1 drop Patchouli essential oil) Blend the ingredients together to form a smooth paste. Apply in a thin layer to face, avoiding eye area. Leave on the skin for fifteen minutes. Rinse off and apply a

moisturizer or facial oil. Dab the face with a tissue. B) Hair Care Preparations using Essential Oils (36) The following recipes are based on 1/2 ounce of base oil (jojoba or sweet almond). Basic hair oil: This blend is soothing and refreshing to the scalp. Add 2 drops rosemary, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops clary sage and 2 drops jasmine absolute to 1/2 ounce base oil. Ylang-ylang blend: Add 2 drops lavender, 2 drops rose geranium, 2 drops ylang-ylang and 2 drops patchouli to 1/2 ounce base oil. Relaxing, conditioning blend: Add 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops sandal wood and 1 drop jasmine absolute to 1/2 ounce base oil. Earth rose blend: Add 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops sandalwood and 2 drops lavender to 1/2 ounce base oil. Scaly scalp and dandruff-prevention blend: Add 2 drops Atlas cedar wood, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops rosemary and 2 drops tea tree to 1/2 ounce base oil. C) Hair Oil Treatment (36) 6 to 8 drops undiluted hair care oil blend 1/2 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 long hair so oil will cover all of the hair. Apply oil gently throughout hair. Leave oil on hair for at least 1 hour. To rinse, add shampoo directly to the oiled hair before you rinse or wet it. The shampoo emulsifies the oils, resulting in a much more thorough rinse.

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For scenting a brush or a comb: Add 2 to 3 drops of hair care oils directly to a hair brush or comb before using. If you have a wooden comb, the oil can be rubbed directly into the comb. Hair absorbs scent quite readily. The oil also conditions hair as you brush or comb. This is a good treatment for both men and women. To massage scalp: Place 3 to 5 drops of oils on your fingertips and lightly massage into scalp. In summer, try this while your hair is still damp; sit in sun and enjoy being surrounded by aromatic oils as your hair dries. In winter the same effect can be obtained with a blast or two from the blow drier. 14. These oils can also be used to reduce the symptoms 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 applied directly to the skin in their undiluted or "neat" form. Some can cause severe irritation, or provoke an allergic reaction. Instead, essential oils should be blended with vegetable-based "carrier" oil (a base, or "fixed" oil) before being applied. Common carrier oils include olive, almond, hazelnut and grapeseed. Common ratio of essential oil disbursed in a carrier oil is 0.53 % (most under 10 %), and depends on its intended purpose. Some essential oils, including many of the citrus peel oils, are photosensitizers (i.e., increasing the skin's vulnerability to sunlight, making it more likely to burn). Lavender oil, though generally considered the mildest essential oil, is cytotoxic to human skin cells. Some very common oils like Eucalyptus are extremely toxic when taken internally. Doses as low as one teaspoon has been reported to cause clinically significant

symptoms and severe poisoning can occur after ingestion of 4 to 5 ml. A few reported cases of toxic reactions like liver damage and seizures have occurred after ingestion of sage, hyssop, thuja and cedar. Oils both ingested and applied to the skin can potentially have negative interaction with conventional medicine. For example, the topical use of methyl salicylate heavy oils like Sweet Birch and Wintergreen may cause hemorrhaging in users taking the anticoagulant Warfarin.Adulterated oils may also pose problems depending on the type of substance used. Industrial users of essential oils should consult the material safety data sheets (MSDS) to determine the hazards and handling requirements of particular oils. Gynecomastia Estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity have been reported by in vitro study of tea tree oil and lavender essential oils. Case reports suggest that the oils may be implicated in some cases of gynecomastia, an abnormal breast tissue growth, in prepubescent boys. Pesticide residues There is some concern about pesticide residues in essential oils, particularly those used therapeutically. For this reason, many practitioners of aromatherapy choose to buy organically produced oils. Ingestion While some advocate the ingestion of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, this should never be done except under the supervision of a professional who is licensed to prescribe such treatment. Some very common essential oils such as Eucalyptus are extremely toxic internally. Pharmacopoeia standards for medicinal oils should be heeded. Essential oils should always be kept out of the reach of children. 37

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Some oils can be toxic to some domestic animals, cats in particular. Owners must ensure that their pets do not come into contact with potentially harmful essential oils.(9) The internal use of essential oils should be fully avoided during pregnancy without consulting with a licensed professional, as some can be abortifacients in dose 0.510 ml. Smoke The smoke from burning essential oils may contain potential carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Essential oils are naturally high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Flammable Liquid The flash point of an essential oil is different for each oil. Many of the common essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, and citrus oils are classed as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid as they have a flash point of 50-60 C. Care should be taken when shipping essential oils to ensure the correct procedures are followed for transporting dangerous goods. Toxicology LD50 of most essential oils or their main components are 0.5-10 g/kg (orally or skin test). Some very common oils like Eucalyptus are extremely toxic when taken internally. Doses as low as one teaspoon has been reported to cause clinically significant symptoms and severe poisoning can occur after ingestion of 4 to 5 ml. Toxic reactions like liver damage and seizures have occurred after ingestion of sage, hyssop, thuja, and cedar. The topical use of methyl salicylate heavy oils like sweet birch and wintergreen may cause hemorrhaging in users 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 be treated as medicines. Because they are so pungent, they should be handled with care. 2. Never apply an undiluted essential oil directly to the skin because, essential oils are very concentrated. Application to bare skin will inevitably result in irritation, if it is to be rubbed on skin, it should be diluted with carrier oil (carrier oils are the fattier, vegetable based oils) and first of all try it out on 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 can prove fatal. 4. Check the suitability of essential oil for home use. Essential oils can be dangerous and even lethal, if not used properly. 5. As all essential oils are inflammable, it should be stored at place i.e. away from any open 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, chiropractors and nurses offer aromatherapy. So, here we listed some useful tips for them. 1. Avoid using essential oils during pregnancy. 2. Use citrus oil (lime, orange oils) only after exposure to sunlight 3. Do not use sage, thyme & cypress oils on subjects suffering hypertension. 4. Wait for a minimum of the hour after meal for the treatment. 5. Your clothing should not obstruct the movements and ensure clean warm hands and nails short. 6. The subject is comfortably positioned, partly dressed or covered with towels.

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7. Unless you are a qualified physiotherapist, do not use deep pressure. Use whole palm with gentle & firm movement always pushing towards the direction of the heart. 8. The room should be warm with subdued lighting. Avoid disturbances except, optionally, a soft musical background. 9. Chenopodium oil is contraindicated in pregnancy and in patients with impaired kidney or liver. 10. Aromatherapy administered during radiotherapy was not beneficial. 11. Avoid use of clove bud, clove leaf, nutmeg and cinnamon oils unless expert professional treatment is required. 12. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children. 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 and continues to be performed which verifies not only the emotional but the physical benefits that aromatherapy provides. We are all seeking answers for the illnesses that pervade our society, and the stresses that this fast paced modern life place on us. Conventional medicine has given us some of those answers in the form of prescription drugs and surgery, but still, we ask for more. With growing health care costs and sometimes impersonal quality of conventional medicine, we have turned to nature to find the answers to our questions. We have realized that we must take personal responsibility for our health and strive to educate ourselves on living more balanced lives. Therapies and medicines that were once viewed as alternative, cloaked in a shroud of skepticism, have risen from the shadows, providing a complement to conventional medicine. Aromatherapy is one such example,

and a very powerful one, of a complementary therapy 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 were practicing Aromatherapy. When you walk through a fragrant garden, you are doing it again! In fact, virtually all of the bath and body care products we use contain some form of essential oils - the basis of Aromatherapy. This is one of the reasons Aromatherapy is so popular today. It is easy to practice, readily available, and effective as a therapy. (37, 38, 39) REFERENCES: 1. Treas and Evans. 15th edition (2002) Pharmacognosy, Saunders Comp. London; 463. 2. Pouchers. 10th edition (2005) Perfumes, Cosmetics and Soaps, Springer International; 754 3. Kokate CK, Purohit AP, Gokhale SB. 39th edition (2003) Pharmacognosy, Nirali Prakashan, Pune; 318. 4. Wallis TE. (1985) Text book of Pharmacognosy, CBS Publishers and Distributors, Delhi; 125,169,387,389. 5. Mohammed Ali. 1st edition (1994) Text book of Pharmacognosy, CBS Publishers and Distributors, Delhi; 142-184. 6. Agarwal OP. Volume 1 (2000) Chemistry of Organic Natural Products, Goel Publishing House, 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 in Fragrance research, Pure & Appl. Chem; 13571364 8. Maury M. (1989), Marguerite Maurys guide to aromatherapy, C.W. Daniel co. Ltd, Essex, England; 86. 9. M Sugumaran, T Vetrichelvan. Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent, 39

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Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Adhiparasakihi College of Pharmacy, Melmaruvathur,T.N -603 319-India. 10. Seenivasan Prabuseenivasan , Manickkam Jayakumar, Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu (2006). "In vitro antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils". BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 6 (39): 39. 11. J. Gutierrez, C. Barry-Ryan, P. Bourke. International Journal of Food Microbiology Volume 124, Issue 1, (10 May 2008); 91-97 12. In vitro antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils" (Nov 30, 2006). BMC Complement Altern Med. ;6 (39). 13. Susceptibility of drug-resistant clinical herpes simplex virus type 1 strains to essential oils of ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood" (2007 May). Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 51 (5): 185962. 14. Antiviral activity of sandalwood oil against herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2" (1999 May). Phytomedicine. 6 (2): 11923. 15. Antifungal activity of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil against Candida albicans yeast and mycelial form" (2005 Aug). Med Mycol. 43 (5): 3916. 16. The chemical composition and biological activity of clove essential oil, Eugenia caryophyllata (Syzigium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): a short review" (2007 Jun). Phytother Res. 21 (6): 5016. 17. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus" (2003 Dec). J Ethnopharmacol. 89 (2-3): 27783. 18. Black cumin seed essential oil, as a potent analgesic and antiinflammatory drug" (2004 Mar). Phytother Res. 18 (3): 1959.. 19. Anxiolytic effects of lavender oil inhalation on open-field behaviour in rats" (2007 Sep Epub 2007 May 4). Phytomedicine 14 (9): 61320. 20. Raghavan RS. (June, 2001)Aromatherapy the fact of Finder, paper

presented to International Seminar on medicinal plants Quality standardization organized by voluntary health education and rural development society, Chennai, 9-10. 21.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_medic ine 22.http://www.florame.co.uk/the-history-ofaromatherapy-i-16.html 23.http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/history.as p 24.http://www.essentialhealthandwellnesscentre .com/Essential_Oils_Report.html 25.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbic_System 26.http://www.wellfx.com/InfoBase/ther_Aromat herapy.doc_.html 27.http://community.marion.ia.us/lynda/aroma/li st-of-oils/content.html 28.http://www.naturesgift.com/methods.html 29.http://home.earthlink.net/~skinesscentuals/T herapy.html 30.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatherapy#M aterials 31.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil 32.http://www.aromatherapy.com/essentialoils.h tml 33.http://www.therapeuticgrade.com/refs/chemistry.html 34.http://www.aromatherapyabc.com/Skin_Care_Preparations_Using_Esse ntial_Oils.html 35.http://www.aromatherapyabc.com/Hair_Care _Preparations_using_Essential_Oils.html 36.http://www.aromatherapy.co.in/aromatherapy -certification.html 37.http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/esse ntial-oils-aromatherapy-at-home-article.html 38.http://www.scholarshipsinindia.com/aromath erapy_courses_in_india.html 39.http://www.naturesgift.com/physical.html 40.http://www.biomedcentral.com/14726882/6/39 41.http://www.ultimatecosmetics.com/aromather apy/essential-oils-information.html 42.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 Ketones Aldehydes Esters Ethers Alcohols Phenols Terpenes Example Sage Lemongrass Lavender Tarragon Ravensara Savory Pine Effect Mucolytic Calming Balancing Balancing Toning Stimulant Stimulant

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Table 2: Therapeutic uses of essential oils (1, 7, 8, 9 & 20) Name Of Essential Oils Rosemary, clove ,lime, cinnamon, Tea tree oil Tea tree oil, lemongrass, sandalwood, peppermint, thyme, hyssop, & ginger Lavender, juniper, teatreeoil, thyme & clove Clove, cinnamon, sage, eucalyptus, black cumin and bay leaf Lavender, rose and angelica Basil oil Uses Antibacterial Antiviral

Antifungal Antiinflammatory

Anxiolytic Antidepressant and to relieve headaches and migraines. Insect repellent , urinary tract and digestive tract function Insect repellent Analgesic, antispasmodic, carminative and antiemetic To relief the airway in cold and flu Diuretic ,astringent and antiseptic Used as an antiseptic, to soothe minor cuts and burns, to calm and relax, and to soothe headaches and migraines. Antistress and antidepressant Aphrodisiac Reduce joint inflammation and relieve cold and influenza symptoms. Stimulating the circulation and for muscular aches and pains. Skin application is useful for bruises, since it stimulates the circulation. 42

Bergamot

Citronella oil Clove oil Eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil Geranium oil Lavender oil

Lemon oil Jasmine, rose and sandal wood oil, ylang ylang oil Thyme oil and yarrow oil

Black pepper

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Table 3: Physical Ailments and Suggested Remedies (40, 41, 42, 43, 44) Blue Tansy (Tanecetum annuum), Amni Visnaga, German and Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum Lavender, Yarrow 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, Spike Lavender, Pine, Lemon, Mandarine, Myrtle, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rosemary Lavandin, Helichrysum, Black Pepper,Ginger, Marjoram, Lavender, Lemon, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Cajeput, Cinnamon, Clove Bud, Eucalyptus, Angelica Seed, Roman Chamomile, Holy Basil, Clove Bud, Cypress Tips, Balsam Fir, Juniper, Nutmeg, Dalmatian Sage, Winter Savory, Seaweed, Thyme Borneol, Wintergreen, St. John's Wort oil as a carrier oil. Back Ease Massage oil Myrrh, Patchouli, Lemongrass, Niaouli, Palma Rosa, Tagetes, Tea Tree Helichrysum, Lavandin, Black Pepper, Cajeput, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniper Berry, Spike Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Thyme, Backease Synergy Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree, Thyme, Juniper, Geranium (in hot compresses) Hyssop, Inula, Frankincense, Black Spruce, Copaiba Balsam, Balsam Fir, Larch, Pine Helichrysum, Black Pepper, German Chamomile, Hyssop, Fennel, Spike Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, St. Johns Wort infused oil Lavender, Helichrysum, Carrot Seed, Frankincense, Manuka, Neroli, Tea tree Tea tree, Cajeput, Holy Basil, Melissa, German Chamomile, Lemon Eucalyptus Sweet Basil, Rosemary, Geranium, Lemon, Pink Grapefruit 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, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary, Lemon Verbena

Allergies:

Asthma:

Arthritis

Athletes Foot and other fungal infections. Backaches

Boils: Bronchial Congestion: Bruises: Burns: Candida (Yeast Infection) Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Pain

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Cold Sores (Herpes simplex): Congestion (chest and bronchial) (For Nasal Suggestion, see sinus suggestions.) Constipation: Coughs Cramps, Muscle spasms Cuts and scrapes Cystitis

Melissa, Rose Otto, Myrrh, Bergamot, Eucalyptus Globulous, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Eucalyptus radiata, Cajeput, Niaouli, Ravensara, Teatree

Eucalyptus Globulous, Sweet Eucalyptus, Frankincense CO2, Inula, Sweet Basil, Black Pepper, Lemon Myrtle, Peppermint, Pine, Black Spruce

Sweet Fennel, Yarrow, Black Pepper, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary, Carrot Seed, Peppermint, pine, sweet orange Hyssop, Cardamon Seed, Balsam Fir, Inula (for dry, unproductive cough), Pine, Greek Sage, Oregano Sweet Marjoram, Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Thyme Lavender, Chamomiles, Tea Tree for disinfecting, Helichrysum Bergamot, Atlas Cedarwood, Juniper, Cypress Recent research published in Aromatherapy Today, the International Aromatherapy Journal, indicates that Tea tree oil, added to shampoo in a 5% dilution, is at least as effective as 2% ketoconazole and 1% terbinafine in the treatment of dandruff. In the test, the subjects used a 5% dilution in a daily shampoo, and left the shampoo in their hair for three minutes before rinsing. Black Pepper, German and Roman Chamomile, Cinnamon Leaf, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Sweet Fennel, Ginger, Mandarine, Neroli, Peppermint, Cajeput Cistus, Angelica Root, Ravensara, Rosemary, Seaweed, Carrot seed, Sweet Fennel, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Mandarine, Tangerine. Sponge the body with cool water with 1 drop each Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Peppermint oils added. Ginger, Peppermint, Anise Seed, Fennel, Litsea, Oregano, Black Pepper, Cardamon, Roman and German Chamomile St. Johns Wort oil with Wintergreen. (note this is the only time I ever recommend using wintergreen or birch oils.) Juniper berry, Lemon, Rosemary. Lavender, Sweet Basil, Roman Chamomile, Clove Bud, Lavandin, Cajeput, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosewood, Rosemary, Thyme Vitex, Peppermint Hydrosol, Passages Synergy Bergamot, Roman chamomile, lavender, litsea, melissa, sweet marjoram, neroli, ylangylang 44

Dandruff

Diarrhea:

Edema Fever Flatulence: Gout:

Headaches: Hot Flashes: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):

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Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) Indigestion Inflammation Insect Bites

Ginger, lemon, red thyrm, rosemary Cardamon, Black Pepper, Ginger, Peppermint, Anise Seed, Coriander, Fennel, Lemongrass, Litsea, Melissa, Nutmeg, Cinnamon Leaf, Sweet Fennel Helichrysum, Roman or German Chamomile, Coriander, Juniper, Fennel, Nutmeg, Yarrow Cajeput (fire ants), Helichrysum, German Chamomile, Lavender

Red Mandarine, (a recent study indicates that Mandarine is even more effective than lavender in dealing with sleep Insomnia disturbances.)Bulgarian Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Clementine Petitgrain, Bergamot, Ledum, Myrtle, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Spikenard,Valerian, Sleepy Time Synergy Lymphodema Cistus, helichrysum, lavender Clary Sage, Geranium, Rose, Vitex, Bergamot, Chamomile, Menopause Cypress, Fennel, Jasmine, Neroli, Ylang ylang, Passages Synergy Clary Sage, Sweet Marjoram, Geranium, Sweet Fennel, Anise Menstrual Seed, Sweet Basil, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress Cramps Needle, Yarrow, Moondays Synergy or body oil. Lavender, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Marjoram, Migraines Valerian, Eucalyptus, Spike Lavender, Neroli Lavandin, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Ginger, Black Spruce, Sweet Muscle Basil, Spike Lavender, Vetiver, Eucalyptus, Muscle Ease Massage Aches Oil Roman Chamomile, Petitgrain, Clary Sage, Fennel, Frankincense, Muscle Lavender, Sage. Spasms One client reports relief by spritzing St.John's Wort Hydrosol. Ginger, Peppermint,Spearmint, Cardamon Seed, Sweet Fennel, Nausea Patchouli Peridontal Myrrh, Sweet fennel, manuka, peppermint, tea tree. problems Geranium, Clary Sage, Rose, Sweet Fennel, Bergamot, Chamomile, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Neroli, Rosemary, Sweet PMS Fennel, Palma Rosa, Rose Otto, Vitex, Ylang Ylang Extra, Moondays Synergy, La Rosa Synergy Pressure German Chamomile, helichrysum, geranium, frankincense, sores (Bed lavender,Calendula infused oil Sores) St. John's Wort Oil, Black Pepper, Ginger, Helichrysum, Lavender, Rheumatism Lavandin, BackEase Synergy Scabies Tea Tree(5% dilution) Sciatica St. John's Wort Oil, Black Pepper, Ginger, Helichrysum, Lavender, 45
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Lavandin, BackEase Synergy All Eucalyptus species, especially Radiata, Peppermint, Angelica Root, Sweet Basil, Clove Bud, Hyssop, Inula, Lemon, Lemon Myrtle, Pine, Sinease Synergy Ravensara in a base of Calophyllum, Bergamot, Eucalyptus Globulous, Melissa with Rose Otto, Lavender, Tea Tree Hyssop, Sandalwood Chamomile with Lavender, Blue Tansy (Tanecetum annuum), German Chamomile, Peppermint, Peppermint Hydrosol Calendula infused oil, Cypress, Lemon, Geranium, Juniper, Rosemary

Sinuses Shingles: Sore Throat: Sunburn Varicose Veins:

End

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