A ROMA THERAPY

IN AYURVEDA
C ONCEPT

AND

T HERAPEUTIC

APPLICATIONS

N.SRIKANTH
A S S I S TA N T D I R E C TO R

C E N T R A L C O U N C I L F O R R E S E A R C H I N AY U RV E D I C S C I E N C E S

D E PA RT M E N T O F AY U S H
M I N I S T RY O F H E A LT H & F A M I LY W E L FA R E
G OVERNMENT OF I NDIA
1

S TART

OF PROCESS

Natural products

Botanical

Animal

Mineral

origins from India have initiated the

scientific quest of Drugs since antiquity.

S TART OF PROCESS
E VOLUTION
Period

Plants

OF I NDIAN PHARMACOPEIA
Remarks on changes

Literature

3000 BC 1000 BC

289

Building a Pharmacopoea
(Atharvaveda)

Vedic texts

1500 BC 500 AD

650

Incorporation / discarding
drugs

Ayurvedic Texts
Charaka Samhita
Sushrut Samhita
Astanga Samgraha

500 AD1900 AD

2000

Incorporation / discarding
drugs
Varieties identified
Substitutes identified
Expansion in applications

16 major Nighantus
(like Dhanvantari
Bhavprakasha, Raja upto
Shaligram)

India is having the worlds richest flora, comprising of about 120 families of plants, comprising
1,30,000 species.
Ayurvedic texts cover about 2400 species of plants with their medicinal uses as described
by ancient Indian medical scholars.
10,000 herbs are used worldwide for medicinal purposes

R OOTS OF C LINICAL
E XPERIMENTATION AND D RUG T RIALS
Susrutas Approach: Reverse Pharmacology

Test intervention (Tallingatwat)

Feasibility; observational design (Dristhaphalatwat)

System validation (Agamaatsya)

R OOTS OF C LINICAL
E XPERIMENTATION AND D RUG T RIALS

Charakas Approach: Meticulous design &

Emphasis on Reproducibility
Feasible ideology / Hypothesis
(Budhi psyathi ya bhavaan)

Multi dimensional approach in planning &

assessment (Bahu karana yogajaan)

Appropriate design (Yukti-Yogna)

Perpetually valid outcome and reproducibility

(Yuktih trikalah)

S TART

OF PROCESS

Some of the Ayurvedic plants

Interesting leads for drug discovery

Structural modifications of active

principles leading to a cascade of new
chemical drugs

In global use and pharmacology research

P HYTO C HEMICAL C LASS

Source: Ehrman et al, J Chem Inf Model 2007; 47(2):254-263

M ARKET P OTENTIAL

Market comprising of Ayurvedic, Unani,

Siddha & Homoeopathic medicine is around
US $ 1.5 billion Rs 8800 Crore.

Approximate share of Ayurvedic formulations

is 84% (Homeopathy 14%, Unani 2% and
Siddha less than 1%.)

U SE OF T RADITIONAL
M EDICINE

CHINA

40%

CHILE

71%

COLUMBIA

40%

INDIA

80-90%*

AUSTRALIA

48%

BELGIUM

70%

CANADA

70%

FRANCE

49%

USA

42%

UK

70%

NORTH IRELAND

90%

*Status and Role of AYUSH and Local Health Traditions Under National Rural
Health Mission- Report of a Study; National Health Systems Resource Centre,
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India New Delhi; 2010
WHO traditional medicine strategy 2002-2005. Document WHO/EDM/TRM/2002.

A ROMA THERAPY

10

AROMA indicates Fragrance &

therapy denotes treatment.

The therapy in which Aromatic

material
is
used
called
Aromatherapy.

F OUR MAJOR AREAS OF

11

APPLICATIONS
SNo.

Areas

Details

Aesthetic

Role in beauty and skin care

Psychological

Effects on moods /feelings

Holistic

Body mind and sprit integration

Medical

Maintenance of homoeostasis

A ROMA T HERAPY
H ISTORICAL P ERSPECTIVE

12

SNo.

Details

Period

Vedic period

3000 BC.

Ayurveda samhitas

1500 BC - 500 AD

Egyptian papyri

1555 BC

Shine medical book

2700 BC.

Avicenna(Arabia)

980 AD-1037AD

6.

16 major Nighantus
(like Dhanvantari
Bhavprakasha, Raja
upto Shaligram)

500 AD1900 AD

A ROMA THERAPY -

13

H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

Antiquity of use of medicinal and aromatic

plants, poly herbal, mineral based
formulations for therapeutic and cosmetic
purpose goes back to the Vedic period

Vedic literatures recount about

Nutritive

Immune enhancing

Sugandhim Pustivardhanam

actions attributed to aromatic properties

A ROMA THERAPY -

14

H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

A mention of importance of cosmetics is

highlighted in Mantras and descriptions on
gods and goddesses.

Number of Aromatic plants/ preparations

have been in use for

Psychosomatic disorders

As antimicrobial agents

As antiseptics

A ROMA THERAPY -

15

H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

Description of medicinal and cosmetic utility

plants viz
Kustha (Sassurea lappa)
Chandana (Santalam album)
Kumkum (Crocus sativus)
can be traced from oldest Indian literatures like
Upanishads, epics, etc.

Many cosmetics are described

aromatic in nature.

which are

A ROMA THERAPY -

16

H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

Lord Dhanvantari the God of Ayurveda is the

Incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Their description denotes the importance

and uses of Aromatic material like

Kasturi Tilakam

Chandan Lepanam etc.

Gandhamadan, a mountain named after so,

harboring ample fragrant plants (Ramayan,
Vagbhata)

17

A ROMA THERAPY -

H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK
ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

18

A ROMA THERAPY H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

19

A ROMA THERAPY H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

20

A ROMA THERAPY H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

21

A ROMA THERAPY -

H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

C ONCEPT OF A ROMA IN
AYURVEDA

22

Aroma - as an integral component of Prithvi

Mahabhuta attributed with Gandha Guna
(fragrance)

Categorized as

Surabhi (compatible )

Asurabhi(incompatible)

Therapeutic Value:A number of aromatic

plant, animal & mineral sources attributed
with medicinal value.

Relevance
in
(Phana Marma)

Anatomical

applications

C ONCEPT .

23

Specific pharmaceutical dosage forms to

retain the aroma of the drugs. (Arka, Hima,
Phanta etc.)

Numerous pharmaceutical
applications

Special routes of administration of dosage

forms pertaining to aromatic properties

Personal, Social & Environmental Hygiene

and preventive health care

&

clinical

A PPLICATIONS OF A ROMA
T HERAPY IN AYURVEDA

24

Ayurvedic literatures mention the following

wide-ranging applications of Aroma in Health
Care System:

Preventive health
Environmental Health
Public health
Pharmaceuticals
Therapeutics

A PPLICATIONS IN
P REVENTIVE H EALTH

25

Utility of garlands enriched with aromatic flowers

as a part of daily regime (Ch. Su. 5/96)

Inhaling flavors/fumes of aromatic medicinal

plants as a daily regime

Prescribed to stay in gardens having aromatic

flowers in summer seasons as a part of seasonal
regime

Fumigation
of
plants/products

Avoidance of exposure to excessive/improper

smells/flavors

clothing

with

aromatic

A PPLICATIONS IN
E NVIRONMENTAL & P UBLIC
H EALTH

26

Purification of water with aromatic

herbs

Fumigating the environment with

aromatic plants/products to prevent
epidemics/infectious diseases

Sterilizing the labour rooms, Pediatric

wards & OTs with antimicrobial aromatic
plants (Dashang Dhoopa)

A PPLICATIONS IN
P HARMACEUTICS

27

Evolution of specialized dosage forms for aromatic

herbs to retain their medicinal properties (Arka
etc.)

Fumigating the containers with aromatic

plants/products to prevent contamination &
infestations

Sterilizing the Drug store rooms, with Antimicrobial aromatic plants

Determining
the
Pharmaceutical
specifications/end-points
of
manufacturing
processes of various dosage forms (Avaleha &
medicated oil/ghee etc.)

A PPLICATIONS IN
P HARMACEUTICS

28

Addition of aromatic excipients/Treatment of

distillates of aromatic medicinal herbs
according to targeted indications (Arka)
- For Vata Disorders

: Guggulu

- For Pitta Disorders : Chandana

- For Kapha Disorders : Jatamamsi

Use of aromatic excipients for patients

compliance/acceptability

Treating the oils with aromatic plants/products

before utilizing them for manufacture
(taila and ghrita murchana)

A PPLICATIONS IN
T HERAPEUTICS

29

Nardostachys
jatamansi

Fumigation for wound-healing

Fumigation to prevent & manage

infectious & contagious diseases

Induction of emesis (Madanaphala-Lotus)

Aphrodisiac agents

A PPLICATIONS IN
T HERAPEUTICS

30

Nasal Administration of certain medicaments

Management of headache

Management of psychotic disorders to

restore the consciousness

e.g. Restoring consciousness of Lakshman is an

example of application of aromatic nasal
medicaments as narrated in Ramayana.

31

S OME

AYURVEDIC A ROMATIC
M EDICINAL P LANTS

32

S OME

A ROMATIC
M EDICINAL P LANTS

AYURVEDIC

Aromatic Plant

Therapeutic
Indication

Karpoora (Cinnamomum

Ophthalmic Use , Obesity

Chandana (Santalum album)

Cardiac tonic, Cosmetic

camphora)
Kasturi(Moschus moschiferus) Eye, Perfumes

Aguru (Aquaria agalocha)

Eye and Ear Diseases

Kunkuma (Crocus sativus)

Hiccough, headache, Wound

healing, Cosmetic purposes

Jatiphala (Mysterica fragrans)

Throat problems, Antiinfective, cough, cold

S OME

33

A ROMATIC
M EDICINAL P LANTS

AYURVEDIC

Aromatic Plant

Therapeutic
Indication

Jatipatri (Mysterica fragrans)

Anti-toxic, Anti-infective

Lavanga (Syzigium aromaticum)

Eye diseases, Cardiac tonic

Ela (Elatorum cardamomum)

Anti-toxic, Respiratory disorders,

cardiac & urinary disorders

Tamalapatra (Cinnamonum

Anti-toxic, Respiratory disorders,

cardiac & urinary disorders

Twak(Syzigium zeylanicum)

Anti-toxic, Respiratory disorders,

cardiac & urinary disorders

Nagakeshara (Mesua feria)

Perfume, Skin diseases,

tamala)

S OME

34

A ROMATIC
M EDICINAL P LANTS

AYURVEDIC

Aromatic Plant

Therapeutic
Indication

Talisapatra(Abbies webiana)

Respiratory Diseases, Arthritis,

Jatamansi (Nordostachys

Blood purifier, Skin disorders

Usheera(Vetivaria zizanoides)

Skin diseases, Wound healing,

Urinary problems,

Guggulu(Commiphora mukul)

Wound healing, Obesity,

Arthritis, Skin diseases

Shathi (Curcuma zedoria)

Skin diseases, Blood purifier

Tagara(Valleriana wallichi)

Anti-infective, Anti-toxic, eye

diseases

jatamamsi)

S OME

35

A ROMATIC
M EDICINAL P LANTS

AYURVEDIC

Aromatic Plant

Therapeutic
Indication

Padma (Nulimbo nucifera)

Blood Purifier, Anti-toxic,

skin diseases

Jati (Jasminum humile)

Wound healing, Dental

problems, Blood purifier

Champaka (Michelia

Urinary disorders, blood

purifier

Tulasi(Ocimum sanctum)

Skin diseases, Urinary

disorders, Blood purifier,
Anti-infective

champa)

36

T HERAPEUTIC VALUES O F
E SSENTIAL OILS

T HERAPEUTIC VALUES O F
E SSENTIAL OILS

37

Arka prakasha, ancient book on Ayurveda

contributed by Ravana has elaborated
the importance of

- therapeutic utility of essential oils

-pharmaceutical SOPs for preparations of
distillates from aromatic plants
for
topical and internal use.

R OLE OF E SSENTIAL OILS IN

A ROMA THERAPY

38

Skin health care

Emotional care(Relieving stress)

Respiratory diseases

Muscular pain

Digestive disorders

Anti-inflammatory

Hormonal balance

R OLE OF A ROMA

39

Aroma therapy may acts as:

An add on or adjuvant therapy with

conventional medicine

Supports emotionally during main

therapy

C LASSIFICATION
OF A ROMATIC D RUGS

40

Aromatic Drugs may be Organic or Inorganic

Organic Animal Origin

Musk

Ambar (Dried Intestinal material of whale)

Inorganic

Clay from specific places like Padmaj Panka.

(Mud surrounding Lotus).

Multani Mitti

41

H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

Pandanus odorotissinus

ketaki

Jasminum officinale

Jati

Rosa centifolia

Taruni

Cinnamomum

Dalchini

Cummin Seeds

Jiram

Alpinia galanga

Kulinjan

H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

42

Cyperus Rotundus
Curcuma longa
Sussurea lappa
Nelumbo nucifera
Santalum Album
Citrus medica
Aqualaria agollocha
Crocus sativus

Nut grass
Haldi
kushtha
Sacred lotus
Sandlewood
Matulunga
Agaru
Kesar

43

Curcuma longa

44

H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

Pterocarpus santalum

Red Sandal

Butea monosperma

Palash

Nymphaea stellata

Nilkamal

Zingiber officinale

- Dry ginger

Cidrus Deodara

Deodar

Michelia chapaca

Champa

45

H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

Vetivera zizanioidis

Ushira

Shorea robusta

- Sarjarasa (Ral)

Piper longum

Pippali

Piper nigrum

Maricha

Madhuca indica

Mahuva

Cinnamonum tamala

- Tejpatra

46

H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

Mesua ferrea

Nagkesar

Callicarpa macrophylla

Priyangu

Psoralia corylifolia

Bakuchi

Feronia limonia

Kapittha patra

Nardostachys jatamansi

Jatamansi

Anethumsova

Shatpushpa

Ellettaria cardamonum

Ela

Parmelia perlata

stone flowers

(clove)

47

Nardostachys jatamansi

Mesua ferrea

AYURVEDIC PREPARATIONS
CONTAINING A ROMATIC HERBS

48

Most of the above class drugs are described

in many diseases

But their main use is in

Respiratory

Cardiac

Aphrodisiac

Cosmetic &

Oral preparations

49

R ESPIRATORY A ROMATIC
P REPARATIONS

Karpurasava
Trijatakvati
Tulsi tailam,
Jivandhara inhalation

50

C ARDIAC A ROMATIC
P REPARATIONS
Cinnamonum camphora
Preparations
Kasturibhairav Rasa,
Kasturibhushan rasa
Brihat Drakshasava

Vidari Ghritam
Kesharadivati
Chaturbhujrasa

A ROMATIC O RAL & D ENTAL

PREPARATIONS

51

M OUTH F RESHENER / PASTE /P OWDERS

Krishnadi chuarnam
Jatipatradi churnam

Dantarogashani churnam
Pathadhy churnam
Beejpur yoga

Mundyadi churnam
Kushthadi yoga

Sarivapatra churnam

FACIAL C OMPLEXION
E NHANCER

52

Sharpunkhadi lepa

Vatadi Lepa

Jatiphal lepa

Haritaladi Lepa

Lodhradi lepa

Yavadi Lepa

Sarshapadi lepa

Ankolabijadi Lepa

Vatpatradi lepa

Jatiphaldi Lepa

Kunkumadi Lepa

Chandanadi Lepa
Aaranya tulsi Lepa
52

53

FACIAL C OMPLEXION
E NHANCER

54

55

56

H AIR C ARE A ROMATIC

P REPARATIONS
Gokshuradi lepa

Nilopalodyo lepa
Bhringadilepa

Mansyadi lepa
Ayorajadi lepa
Madhukadi lepa
Marsdenia tenacissima

H AIR C ARE A ROMATIC

P REPARATIONS

Marichadi lepa Padmabijadi Yoga

Yashtyadi lepa Eladilepa

Karanjali tailam Karvirlepa
Ral tailam

Karpuradilepa

Vachadi tailam Bhallatakadi lepa

Madan tailam Marichadi lepa
Vajravallilepa
Shunthyadi lepa

Marichadi lepa
Vajravalli lepa
Shunthyadi lepa
Manhashivadi lepa
Maharastripadi lepa

58

A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS
IN S EXUAL DISORDERS
Paninashak tailam

Ashvagandhaditailam

Rativallabhakhya tailam Alambushadya tailam

Brahad bringaraj tailam Karisadya tailam
Mahamasha tailam

Ajaypal tailam

Gadhikaran yoga

Palashbij tailam

Gadhikaran lepa
Sthulikaran lepa

59

A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS
M ETHODS AND FORMS
Bath
Add 5-6 drops of E.O. to almond base oil and
add to your bath water.
Hand & Foot bath
Add 2-3 drops of E.O. to 5 ml. Pure almond
oil/milk. Mix this with 200 ml. Warm water in a
bowel and soak your hand or feet for 15-20
minutes.
Massage
Select any E.O. as per the condition add 5 to 20
ml. of almond oil and use for massage, this is
beneficial for massage of scalp and face but for
other parts or whole body massage use ginger or
coconut oil mixed with E.O.

60

A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS
M ETHODS AND FORMS
Massage
Select any E.O. as per the condition add 5 to 20 ml.
of almond oil and use for massage, this is beneficial
for massage of scalp and face but for other parts or
whole body massage use ginger or coconut oil
mixed with E.O.
Vaporisers
Add 6-10 drops of selected E.O. to warm water in oil
burner and light it, the generated vapors will give
desired effects.

61

A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS
M ETHODS AND FORMS
Inhalations
Add 2-3 drops of E.O. to a bowl of boiling water, cover your head and
the bowl with towel, the vaporized steam will act through respiration.
Infusions
Used for delicate aromatic herbs, leaves, flowers etc. Preparing an
infusion is like making a cup of tea.
The boiled water poured over an herb or mixture of herbs,
it is covered to 10 to 15 minutes and then can be consuming.
Decoctions
This is used for tougher and more fibrous plant material. Instead of
steeping in hot water, the plant material is boiled for a longer time to
soften the hard woody material and release active constituents.

62

A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS
M ETHODS AND FORMS
Tinctures
A tincture is an alcohol and water extract used when the
plants active chemicals are not very soluble in water. The
shelf-life of tinctures is more.
Macerations
Dried aromatic plant material is covered in cool water
and soaked overnight. The herb strained oil and the
liquid is taken.
Poultices and compresses
To relieve local pain or overcome poultices and
compresses are used.

63

M ATERIAL
Aromatic
Material
Tulsi

Bergamot

A ROMATIC
& T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory problems
Mental fatigue and poor memory
Useful in spastic muscle
Relives mental tension
it is very much useful it contains more them 300 chemical constituents
Acne, boils, cold sores, eczema, insect bites
psoriasis, insect repellent, scabies, wound,
ulcers, sore throat
Depression refreshing mind

Birch

Muscle and joint pain

Increase awareness in the sensory system

Clove

Useful in respiratory disorders

Toothaches
Improves oral hygiene

64

M ATERIAL

A ROMATIC
& T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Coriander

Anti-inflammatory
Mild sedative action

Cypress

Anti-inflammatory
Heals emotions
Urinary diseases

Davana

Skin smoother
Endocrine stimulator and improver
Hormonal balance
Anti-bacterial

Dill

Bronchitis
Hepato-protective
Supports pancreatic function

Eucalyptus

Health promoter
Bronchitis, cold
Oral hygiene
Euphoric

65

M ATERIAL

A ROMATIC
& T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Corupe front

Digestive disorders
Obesity
Relieves negativity

Helicrysum

Tissue regenerative
Analgesic
Skin care
Euphoric

Hyssop

Anti-inflammatory
Anti-viral
Mucolytic and expectorant
Anti-parasitic
Scat softening
Anti-bacterial

Jasmine

Skin care
Frigidity
Depression
Myalgia
Enhances optimism
Euphonic

M ATERIAL

66

Lavender

Fennel

A ROMATIC
& T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Burns, rash, psoriasis

Insomnia
PMS
Relieves PMS and menopausal symptoms
Feels well being
Detoxification

Fir

Arthritis
Bronchitis
Anti-infective

Frankincense

Used since time of Lord Christa

Helps in meditation and spiritual awareness

Galbanum

Anti-viral
Supports body strength

M ATERIAL

67

Ginger

Geranium

Lemon

Lemon
Grass

A ROMATIC
& T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Arthritis
Myalgia
Congestion
Bronchitis
Indigestion
Motion sickness
Nausea
Anti-inflammatory
Lymphatic edema
Regenerate tissue and nerves
Skin care
Balancing hormones
Release negative memories
Digestive problems
Air purifier
Feels energetic
Digestive problems
Regenerate connective tissue
Creates awareness

68

M ATERIAL
Myrrh

Nutmeg
Orange

Patchouli
Pipper

A ROMATIC
& T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Skin care
Bronchitis
Oral hygiene
Digestive problems
Analgesic nausea anti-infective
Overcome frigidity and
Relieves nervous fatigue
Stomatitis
Dyspepsia
Cold
Emotional support
Anti-rinkle
Release anxiety
Aphrodisiac
Stimulates endocrine system
Mucolytic and expectorant
Arthritis
Increases cellular oxygenation

M ATERIAL

69

Peppermint
Rose

Sandalwood

Thyme
White Lotus

A ROMATIC
& T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Nausea, vomiting
Phyarangitis
Oral hygiene
Detoxicating
Brings body-mind balance
Anti-haemorrhagic
Prevention scarring
Bronchitis
Anti-urinkle
Creating sense of well-being
Similar to frankincense helps
in meditation.
Burning micturation
Removes negative thinking
Supports immune system
Overcome physical weakness
Digestive disorders
Spiritual and emotional support
Supports immune system
Anti-cancer
Euphoric
Pious feeling

M ATERIAL

70

Chemical
Compounds of
Essential Oils

A ROMATIC
& T HERAPEUTIC U SES
Therapeutic Properties

Aldehydes

Releasing, calming and sedative, Anti-inflammatory Anti-septic,

Anti-microbial

Phenols

Highly anti-septic and anti-microbial Stimulating immune system

Sesquiterpenol Mood balancing, Anti-inflammatory Immune system enhancer

Ketones
Esters
Alcohol
Monoterpenes

Azulene
Bisabolol

Mind relaxer, Mucolytic and expectorant supporting respiratory

system, Stimulates cell regeneration
Mind relaxer, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-fungal
Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral
Detoxifying, Diuretic, Anti-septic, Anti-viral, Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic, Immunity stimulator

Anti-histaminic, Highly anti-inflammatory, Promoting healing

Is the strongest sesquifterpene, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Antiinflammatory

M AJOR CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS FOUND IN

ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR THERAPEUTIC
PROPERTIES

71

Chemical Compounds
of Essential Oils
Aldehydes

Therapeutic Properties
Releasing, calming and sedative, Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic,
Anti-microbial

Phenols

Highly anti-septic and anti-microbial Stimulating immune

system

Sesquiterpenol

Mood balancing,
enhancer

Ketones

Mind relaxer, Mucolytic and expectorant supporting

respiratory system, Stimulates cell regeneration

Esters
Alcohol
Monoterpenes

Mind relaxer, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-fungal

Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral
Detoxifying, Diuretic, Anti-septic, Anti-viral, Antiinflammatory Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic, Immunity
stimulator

Azulene

Anti-histaminic,
healing

Anti-inflammatory

Highly

Immune

anti-inflammatory,

system

Promoting

M AJOR CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS FOUND IN

ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR THERAPEUTIC
PROPERTIES

72

Bisabolol

Is the strongest sesquifterpene, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Antiinflammatory

Flavonoids

This group of compound is thoroughly researched and found

Immunity enhancer, Anti-cancer, Preventing cardio-vascular
disorders, Improves circulation, Maintains healthy status

Farnesol

Highly anti-inflammatory, Anti-bacterial

Highly anti-viral

Farnesence
Highly anti-viral
Limonene
Highly anti-bacterial, Immunity enhancer
Terpene
alcohols
Highly anti-viral
Terpene
hydrocarbons
Mucolytic and expectorant, Immunity enhancer
Thujone

73

S AFETY INFORMATION PERTAINING TO

E SSENTIAL O ILS

Essential oils are powerful

Highly concentrated oils can be harmful if
misused.
In general not to use undiluted essential oils
on skin.
Some E.O. can cause adverse reactions,
better to do a skin patch test prior to use
for the first time.
Place a drop of the diluted E.O. on the
inside of elbow, apply and bandage and wait
for 24 hours to observe any reaction.

A DVERSE

74

REACTIONS

Irritation-rashes, mild itching, burning.

Vanishes if oil is discontinued

Sensitization: More serious then irritation can

cause charges into immune by stem. If used
body repeatedly then the body shows
sensitization in the form of rashes, allergic
reaction, itching etc.

Photo sensitization Photo toxicity

A DVERSE

75

REACTIONS

E.O. causes a reaction to ultraviolet light. Reaction

may be in the form of brown blotches to burning of
the skin.
The condition may persists for a longer period and
may reoccur if exposed to ultraviolet light again.
In pregnant condition Birch and winter green E.O.
should
be
avoided
as
they
are
readily
absorbed by the skin causing irritation.

In epileptic patients the strong odour E.O. should be

avoided as they may initiate an epileptic attack.
eg.Camphor, Fennel, Rosmary etc.

SOME OF THE E.O. SHOULD BE

USED CAUTIOUSLY

76

E.O. causing Sensitization

Balasm
Benzoin resinod and oil
Cinnamon bark oil

Inula graveolens
Rue oil
Verbena

E.O. causing
photo sensitization
Rue oil
Bergamot oil
E.O. with toxic action:
Wosmseed
(chenopodium)
Tausy oil
E.O. with carcinoglenic
action:
Calamus
Sassafoas

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H OW A ROMA
83

WORKS :

AYURVEDIC

AND CONTEMPORARY

UNDERSTANDING

Affects bodys physiological system like digestive,

respiratory etc. directly or indirectly peppermint,
ginger, sandalwood etc.

On skin vasodilatation producing warming

effect.

Through olfactory route effects brain, sending

electrica messages directly into the limbic system
resulting impacts on memory, learning,
emotions, thinking and feeling etc. most of the
scents calm the nervous system, uplift spirits,
creates euphoria or sedation etc.

H OW A ROMA

84

WORKS

Mainly Aroma works through the sense of

olfaction

Olfactory sense is highly developed in some

mammals like dog, rabbits, etc. called Macrosomative

But in man it is not well developed called

micro-somative.

The sense of smell contributes greatly to the

joy of life.

85

N ASAL

ROUTE

..

M ARMAS ITS R OLE

86

PHANA MARMA

SRINGATAKA MARMA

87

T HE LIMBIC AREA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR

EMOTIONS , PLEASURE , MEMORY, HORMONAL
BALANCE , FEAR , ETC

Scope And Limitations of

Aroma Therapy

88

only Aroma therapy may not be a cure for all

it may not a complete therapy

It may be supplemented to other therapies

As add-on

Adjunct

to conventional therapies

89

Thank you