Sunday, June 7, 2015

Absorbed by the Skin

Due to essential oils natural molecular composition, essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and can be safely applied topically. Application of essential oils can have immediate, localized benefit to the target area of application.  The chemical structure of essential oils also allows them to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin for internal benefit throughout the body.


The per-cutaneous absorption of the essential oil of lavender from a massage oil was investigated. It was shown that lavender oil penetrates the skin of a human subject. Following topical application of Lavender, the subjects blood was drawn. Within 5 minutes there was found traces of linalool and linalyl acetate as the main constituents of lavender oil in the blood of the subject. After 20 minutes, it was shown that the maximum concentration of Lavender in the blood was met. After 90, most of the Lavender was eliminated. 

http://journal.scconline.org/pdf/cc1992/cc043n01/p00049-p00054.pdf



Absorbed by the Skin

Essential Oils in the News

California
Fox 5 (San Diego) – Using Essential Oils to make safe home-made cleaners


Florida
WKMG 6 (Orlando) – Oil Pulling: Finding Best Oil to use
ABC 7 (Naples) – Taking a Look at Essential Oils


Hawaii
OC16 (Honolulu) – Sports People Hawaii, an essential oil journey


Idaho
Fox 9 (Boise) – Alternative Medicine with Essential Oils


Missouri
KSDK NBC5 (St. Louis) – Essential Oils: Are They Safe?


Montana
KTVH NBC12 (Helena) – The Use of Essential Oils


North Dakota
NBC 5 (Bismark) – TODAY: Benefits of Essential Oils


New Mexico
2KASA (Alberqueque) – How Essential Oil Quality Affects Efficacy


Ohio
WSYX ABC11 (Columbus) – Essential Oils: Salvation or Snake Oil?
WOIO (Cleveland) – Essential oils quickly becoming the new diet craze


Tennessee
Fox 17 (Nashville) – Aromatherapy Reduces Work-Related Stress in Hospital


South Carolina
WHNS Fox (Greenville) – Essential Oil Increase in popularity


Texas
KHOU 11 (Houston) – Essential Oils Leaving Users Feeling Healthy & Happy
ABC 13 (Houston) – Uses of Essential Oils You Never Thought of

Fox 26 (Houston) – Healing Essential Oils
KTAB (Abilene) – Essential Oils Help Heal Body in Natural Ways


Utah
Fox 13 (Salt Lake City) – Spa Gift Ideas with Essential Oils


Vermont
Fox 44 (Montpelier) – Healthier Alternative with Essential Oils


Television


Dog Whisperer – Cesar Milan rubs lavender oil blend on a dog



Essential Oils in the News

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Test Post

Testing post


Lavender-natures-aid-for-pain-relief

Lavender-natures-aid-for-pain-relief



Test Post

Cancer Patient"s Mood, Physical Symptoms and Quality of Life Improve with Aromatherapy

Palliative Care


Wilcock A, Manderson C, Weller R, et al. Does aromatherapy massage benefit patients with cancer attending a specialist palliative care day centre? Palliative Medicine. 18(4):287-90, 2004.


In this randomized controlled trial, 46 cancer patients were randomized to conventional day care alone or day care plus weekly aromatherapy massage using a standardized blend of oils for four weeks. Due to a large number of withdrawals, only 11 of 23 patients in the aromatherapy group and 18 of 23 in the control group completed all four weeks. Mood, physical symptoms and quality of life improved in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in any of the outcome measures. Despite a lack of measurable benefit, all patients were satisfied with the aromatherapy and wished to continue



Cancer Patient"s Mood, Physical Symptoms and Quality of Life Improve with Aromatherapy

Antioxidant Protection and Healing Benefits of Clove Oil

By Ashley Stone


June 2015 Publication in Natural Awakenings


Free radicals create cellular damage and start a process known as oxidation, where fatty acids stored in cell membranes and body fat become rancid. This can lead to a hardening of the arteries and can damage cellular DNA. This causes improper cell replication and cell mutations which are the early stages of cancers. Excessive amounts of free radicals also leads to premature aging, diabetic complications and inflammation. The body requires a certain number of free radicals to act as messengers to activate the body’s defenses. However, when free radicals are left unchecked by antioxidants the immune system suffers.


Clove is proven to be a powerful antioxidant and cell protector, particularly for the liver and kidneys. It is one of the most important herbs in traditional medicine, having a wide spectrum of biological activity. Research at Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences, in Delhi, India have discovered that clove essential oil increases the primary, as well as secondary humoral immune response due to its incredible blood purification properties. Humoral immunity deals with infectious agents in your blood and body tissues. Clove oil discriminately attacks germs, cleansing your body from harmful toxins and microbes such as candida and ringworm. Compared to the commercial antifungal drugs available over-the-counter, clove oil serves as a safe and inexpensive treatment.


Clove, the spice, has been discovered to help prevent adult onset diabetes by tripling insulin levels, thereby keeping the blood sugar levels under control. Including cloves in your daily diet can prevent the onset of diabetes. The essential oil can help with nerve damage caused by diabetes. Increasing blood circulation, cloves enhance the body’s metabolism.


Cloves are one of the highest sources of manganese. Vital for metabolism, manganese contributes enzymes, promotes bone strength, and also adds to clove’s high ORAC antioxidant value, which is over 10 million! Most other antioxidants don’t even come near this level. An ounce of clove oil has the antioxidant capacity of 450 lbs of carrots, 120 quarts of blueberries or 48 gallons of beet juice!


clove-oil-benefits

clove-oil-benefits


Clove essential oil’s major phytochemical is eugenol which has been shown to prevent toxicity from environmental pollutants like carbon tetrachloride, prevent cancer, particularly digestive tract cancers and reduce joint inflammation. Used as an antiseptic in oral infections, it inhibits bacteria. It can also help prevent colds and flu, and act as an expectorant, making it easier to cough up phlegm.  It can ward off mosquitoes and can be effectively used to treat cuts, fungal infections, burns, wounds, and bruises. Clove oil can help with male reproductive problems and can help men with pre-ejaculation issues. Research shows treatment with clove oil decreased depression and enhanced muscle coordination, similar to that exhibited by psychostimulant drugs. Clove essential oil can relieve mental exhaustion, encourage sleep, prompt dreams and create a sense of protection and courage.


Methyl salicylate found in clove oil, offers natural pain relief, that has been used to make drugs such as aspirin and can be effective for everything from toothaches to painful menstrual periods.


Keep in mind that the oil is very strong and can cause irritation if used in its pure form. Dilution is recommended when used topically. I only recommend essential oils that have been multiple third party tested for purity and potency.



Antioxidant Protection and Healing Benefits of Clove Oil

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Pain and Lavender


Lavender reported to be useful in the treatment of acute as well as chronic or intractable pain. It has been shown that foot massage using lavender essential oil in 100 ICU patients of whom 50% were receiving artificial ventilation was effective in lowering blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, wakefulness, and pain. Treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration with lavender oil in 115 patients revealed a significant pain relief mostly from the first dose, ulcer size reduction, increased rate of mucosal repair, and healing within three days of treatment compared to baseline and placebo groups. Stress level, the bispectral index (a promising parameter for monitoring sedation), and pain intensity of needle insertion were significantly reduced after receiving oxygen with a face mask coated with lavender oil for five minutes compared with the control in thirty volunteers. Aromatic oil massage with essential oils blended with lavender, clary sage, and marjoram in a 2 : 1 : 1 ratio in forty-eight outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea alleviated the pain and reduced the duration of dysmenorrhea. Aromatherapy by using lavender essence was also reported as a successful and safe complementary therapy in reduction of pain after the cesarean section in 200 term pregnant women and after episiotomy in 60 primiparous women  as well as in perineal discomfort following normal childbirth in 635 women. It has been shown that lavender aromatherapy through an oxygen face mask with two drops of 2% lavender oil can be used to reduce the demand for opioids in twenty-five patients after immediate postoperative period of breast biopsy surgery  and for other analgesics in fifty-four patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. In contrast to these observations, the aroma of essential oil of lavender ease anxiety but not perception of pain during elective cosmetic facial injections of botulinum toxin for the correction of glabellar wrinkle. A course of eight-session manual acupressure with lavender oil (3% lavender oil; used as the massage lubricant) over a three-week period in patients with nonspecific subacute neck pain (32 patients) or low back pain (61 patients) significantly alleviated the neck and back pain and improved movements of the cervical and lumbar spine. Inhalation of lavender essential oil is suggested to be an effective and safe treatment modality in acute management of migraine headaches. Forty-seven patients suffering from migraine attacks reported significant reduction of pain severity and associated symptoms after fifteen minutes inhalation of lavender oil (2-3 drops of the lavender essential oil rubbed onto their upper lip) in the early stages of the attacks. Aromatherapy massage with lavender accompanied with rose geranium, rose, and jasmine in almond and primrose oils once a week for 8 weeks is reported as an effective treatment of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, depression, and pain in climacteric women.



Pain and Lavender

Lemons are 10,000 times Stronger than Chemotherapy

Lemon-kills-cancer-research-essential-oils-medical

10,000 times more powerful than chemotherapy


Lemon (citrus) kills cancer. It is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy.


Why do we not know about that? Because there are laboratories interested in making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits.  the lemon tree is known for its varieties of lemons and limes. You can eat the fruit in different ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks, sorbets, pastries, etc… It is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumors. This plant is a proven remedy against cancers of all types. Some say it is very useful in all variants of cancer. It is considered also as an anti microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, it regulates blood pressure which is too high and an antidepressant, combats stress and nervous disorders.


The source of this information comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world that validates in more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970 that the extracts revealed that:


It destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas.


The compounds of this tree showed 10,000 times better than the product Adriamycin, a drug normally used chemotherapeutic in the world, slowing the growth of cancer cells.


This type of therapy with lemon extract only destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy cells.


Institute of Health Sciences, 819 N. L.L.C. Cause Street, Baltimore, MD1201



Lemons are 10,000 times Stronger than Chemotherapy

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Video Testimony: Type 1 Diabetic with Seperated Shoulder

Colleen Lunt’s testimony of her son who is type 1 diabetic who had a snow boarding accident resulting in a seperated shoulder. Recovered and did not need surgery!



Video Testimony: Type 1 Diabetic with Seperated Shoulder

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Video Testimony: Chronic Pain from Inflammation

Allen’s Testimony: Chronic Pain from Inflammation – Deep Blue



Video Testimony: Chronic Pain from Inflammation

How to Get Rid of Human Parasites

Parasite. Now there’s a word that conjures up an uncomfortable images. But we Americans tend to frame those images in faraway landscapes- mostly the tropics. We don’t like to think that parasites can get to us right here in the U.S. of A. But they do.


Types of Parasites


The three basic types of parasites are:


  • Protozoa–single celled organisms that live inside the body

  • Helminths— multi-celled organisms that live inside the body (worms–flatworms, ringworms, roundworms, tapeworms)

  • Ectoparasites–parasites that live off of or in our skin (mosquitoes, bedbugs, ticks, fleas, mites, lice, botflies, etc.)

Common Protozoa Parasites


Protozoa, the single cell parasites, are responsible for malaria, sleeping sickness and a variety of other illnesses found in other countries. Those most familiar to Americans are giardia (which tends to sweep through daycare centers) and toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis, a disease usually transmitted through cat feces. (Some estimates state 30% of the worldwide population is infected with this parasite).


Giardia intestinali, also called giaradia, is a protozoa that can be spread very easily, especially among young children in a school or daycare setting. Cysts are shed through feces that can live on surfaces for weeks and in cold water for months. Infections are spread through fecal contact, through infected food, water, and soil, and via oral/anal sex. Groundwater, lakes, rivers, and streams can become contaminated through agricultural runoff. Water contamination can include municipal water, pools, water parks, and well water.


Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, fatigue, and nausea. Infections may resolve without treatment after 4-6 weeks or an infected person may become asymptomatic and continue to be a carrier, infecting others through poor hygiene. Severe infections result in destruction of the villi in the small intestine, the tiny hair-like structures needed for nutrient absorption.


Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite believed to infect up to one third of the global population. It may cause no symptoms in a healthy adult, but in infants and those with weakened immune systems, such as HIV/AiDS patients, it may develop into toxoplasmosis, a serious and sometimes fatal disease.


Infection is spread through contaminated dirt and water, fruits and vegetables, undercooked meat, organ transplant, blood transfusions, and cat feces.


Once ingested, this parasite enters the bloodstream. A healthy immune systems prevents further infection, but dormant cysts remain in skeletal and heart muscle as well as in the brain and eyes. But if a pregnant women becomes infected, the parasite crosses the placenta and can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or health problems for the infant including blindness and encephalitis. Encephalitis can also occur in persons with a weakened immune system. A strong immune system is the best defense against this parasite along with good hygienic practices, especially in regards to dealing with cat feces.


Common Helminth Parasites


Helmiths, the worms, infect our bodies internally. Though many of these organisms are generally found in tropical areas, many infect Americans as well. Generally, we think of these critters living in our intestines, but not all take up residence there. Some do; they merely eat our food. Some attach themselves to the intestine wall and suck blood. Others burrow through the wall of the intestine and travel to the lungs or the liver. One burrows in the stomach lining. Another in the blood and lymph. Or the parasite may go straight through the skin into the bloodstream.


Roundworms


Anisakis is a roundworm found in fish and eels. Although this parasite cannot survive more than a few weeks in the human body, it can cause stomach pain and nausea during that time. To avoid this parasite, gut fish immediately after catching, freeze at -40 F for a few days or cook well.


Ascaris lumbricoides, the giant roundword, is estimated to infect 25% of the world’s population, though more in the tropics than other countries. Infection is passed from one human to another through food, water, or dirty hands that have become contaminated with feces from an infected person. Eggs hatch into larvae that penetrate the intestinal wall to enter the bloodstream. They stop in the lungs (pulmonary arteries) for a few weeks then break through the alveoli (the small spaces in the lungs) and travel up to the throat to be swallowed again. Good sanitation and hand washing help prevent this infection.


Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as the pinworm, is the most prevalent worm infection in the United States. Infection causes anal itching. These worms live inside the intestines, eating our food, and generally travel outside of the body when the person is sleeping to lay eggs in the skin around the anus.


Pinworms are highly contagious. Generally the whole family should be treated at once, and if small children are in the household the school or daycare should be notified since chances are others are infected. Good sanitation and clean bedding are essential to eliminate the problem.


Ancylostoma duodenale (ancylostomiasis) is the hookworm. The hookworm enters the body through skin (usually the feet) and is common among barefoot fieldworkers. Hookworms travel through tissue until they reach blood or lymph, then they travel to the lungs where they are coughed up and swallowed. They take up residence in the gut and suck blood. Sometimes larvae migrate to muscle tissue and lie dormant. Pregnancy “awakens” the larvae then travel to the mammary glands and infections are passed through mother’s milk to babies. Good sanitation helps prevent this infection.


Flukes


Fasciola hepatica, also known as the liver fluke, is prevalent where cattle and sheep are raised. Infection is caused by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated water vegetation (such as watercress), or eating raw or undercooked liver from a contaminated animal. This parasite travels through the intestinal wall into the body cavity before finding its way the liver where it eats liver tissue. Eventually the mature worms block the bile duct causing liver inflammation.


Tapeworms


Diphyllobothrium Latum, the fish tapeworm, is ingested through raw fish. Infection is usually asymptomatic, but symptoms may include stomach pain, weight loss, diarrhea, or constipation, bowel obstruction, vomiting, fatigue, inflammation of the bile duct or gall bladder. This parasite is also associated with B12 deficiency, as it absorbs most of the body’s B12 intake and can cause pernicious anemia.


Hymenolepis nana, the dwarf tapeworm, is the most common human tapeworm; it is found worldwide in temperate climates. Eggs are ingested through dirty hands, food or water containing eggs. Food and water can be contaminated with eggs through infected rodent droppings, and infection can also pass to humans if they accidently ingest infected insects, (beetles or fleas.) Eggs develop into adult tapeworms in the intestines. Tapeworms eat a human’s food and cause inflammation of the intestines. Other symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, changes in appetite and weight loss, vomiting, weakness, headache, muscle spasms, seizures and more. Prevention includes washing all fruits and vegetables, washing hands, and avoiding putting fingers in the mouth and nose.


The cattle tapeworm, the pork tapeworm, and the fish tapeworm are not common in the U.S., but be aware that undercooked meat could cause infection.


Common Ectoparasites


We are all, of course, familiar with ectoparasites. Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, lice, bedbugs, and scabies bite us and suck our blood. Lice and mites (such as scabies) move in and make themselves at home on our bodies. Lice live in our hair. Mites, such as scabies, live in tunnels burrowed in our skin.


Bedbugs


Bedbugs are certainly making a comeback. In the last few years, news of infestations in hotels and homes have become commonplace, but recently there was news of an infestation in a movie theatre. The best treatment for bedbugs is high heat or extreme cold. Starvation doesn’t work. They can live for years without feeding and are difficult to kill. In many cases, carpets, furniture, and fabrics all need to be replaced. Prevention is the key with these bugs; be careful with traveling and used furniture.


Scabies


These are mites that live in and on the skin. The females burrow tunnels just under the skin, laying their eggs along the way. The result is a rash with intense itching. Once a scabies infection is fully underway, the typical parasite supplement and diet protocol is standard, but the immune system must be rebuilt. Unlike internal parasites, you can treat scabies topically with undecenoic acid, clove oil, neem oil, oil of oregano, peppermint oil, lavender, cayenne, garlic, and any antiparasitic oil. This works well, but these tenacious parasites will bounce right back no matter what you do topically in someone who has a weak thyroid, gluten reactions, serious Candida, or anything else that will cause a compromised immune system. These mites can live up to three days without contact with a host and the dryer kills them too.


Mosquitoes


There are many essential oils to choose from to repel mosquitos. A healthy diet with lots of raw garlic tends to do the trick, too.


How to Prevent Parasite Infections Naturally


For any protozoa and helminth parasites such as ringworms, malaria, and giardia, the most important thing you can do is stay healthy and keep your immune system as close to bulletproof as possible. With a diet full of tons of fresh, raw, organic, nutrient dense produce, lots of garlic, and next to no refined, processed crap food, the body makes a poor host for parasites. Simple, processed foods like white sugar feeds them well. Parasites also like to feed off of damaged and decaying cells. Their mere presence, in large enough numbers, will cause cells to malfunction and die. Keep your cells healthy and your body full of food that doesn’t feed the bad microorganisms.


Good plumbing and other obvious sanitization make a huge difference in a population’s ability to defend against parasitic infections. Areas that have poor conditions where their drinking and cooking water comes in contact with their wastewater contaminated with fecal matter have the highest incidences of parasitic infection.


On the other hand, anyone in any country, no matter how developed their environment, no matter how clean they strive to be, is likely to have internal parasites at some point in their lives. Keeping the immune system strong so as not to succumb to the parasites is paramount. If they are going to try and make a home inside of us, a healthy body will not give them what they need to multiply and flourish. The trick is to detox once or twice a year, keep your body healthy so you’re not easy prey, and be cautious with uncooked meat (sushi is a common way to get a parasite).


How to Kill Parasites Naturally


Parasites hate gentian root, ginger, blackberries, raw cabbage, coconut oil, aloe, pineapple, pumpkin seeds, and papaya. Garlic and coptis chinensis are very powerful antiparasitic herbs that are also anti-everything that’s bad for us (bacteria, candida, etc.).


The most powerful antiparasitic herbal ingredients I know of are essential oils. Specifically clove essential oil oil. Combined with other oils specific to the parasite you have a winning combination to get rid of the infection. Check out http://everythingessential.me/health-concerns/



How to Get Rid of Human Parasites

Saturday, May 23, 2015

RN Video Testimony: Migraines & MRSA

Heidi Lafferty RN – Migrain headaches, Hospice Patient Testimony with MRSA



RN Video Testimony: Migraines & MRSA

C. difficile (an Urgent Threat Bacteria Resistant to Antibiotics) Can Be Controlled with Oregano and Cinnamon

The average human digestive tract is home to as many as 1,000 species of microorganisms. Most of them are harmless — or even helpful — under normal circumstances. But when something upsets the balance of these organisms in your gut, otherwise harmless bacteria can grow out of control and make you sick. One of the worst offenders is a bacterium called Clostridium difficile(C. difficile, or C. diff). As the bacteria overgrow they release toxins that attack the lining of the intestines, causing a condition called Clostridium difficilecolitis.


C. difficile infection can range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms  include watery diarrhea,  with abdominal pain or tenderness, and may include loss of appitite, fever, blood or puss in the stool, weight loss.


C. difficile is labeled as an Urgent Threat by the CDC becasue it is resistant to antibiotics.


Clostridium-difficile- urgent-baceterial-threat

Clostridium-difficile- urgent-baceterial-threat


Deaths related to C. difficile increased 400% between 2000 and 2007, in part because of a stronger strain.

Most infections are connected to receiving medical care.

Hand sanitizer does not kill C. difficile, and hand washing may not be sufficient.


 


There is research validating that essential oils are effective against this antibiotic resistant bacteria: Cinnamon and Oregano:


Carvacrol and trans-Cinnamaldehyde Reduce Clostridium difficile Toxin Production and Cytotoxicity in Vitro

Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Mar; 15(3): 4415–4430. 

Published online 2014 Mar 12. doi:  10.3390/ijms15034415

The effect of cinnamon – trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) and oregano -carvacrol (CR) on a codY mutant and wild type C. difficile was also investigated. Carvacrol and TC substantially reduced C. difficile toxin production and cytotoxicity on Vero cells. The plant compounds also significantly down-regulated toxin production genes. Carvacrol and TC did not inhibit toxin production in the codY mutant of C. difficile, suggesting a potential codY-mediated anti-toxigenic mechanism of the plant compounds. The antitoxigenic concentrations of CR and TC did not inhibit the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Our results suggest that CR and TC could potentially be used to control C. difficile, and warrant future studies in vivo.



C. difficile (an Urgent Threat Bacteria Resistant to Antibiotics) Can Be Controlled with Oregano and Cinnamon

Essential Oils for Yoga Testimony


Essential Oils for Yoga Testimony

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Mechanisms of Action of Lavender in the Nervous System

Several investigations were performed to clarify the mechanism of action of lavender in neuronal tissues. Lavender inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory reaction in human monocyte THP-1 cells effect, which might be associated with the expression of HSP70. Antioxidant and relatively weak cholinergic inhibition was reported for lavender  and linalool. Linalool inhibited acetylcholine release and alters ion channel function at the neuromuscular junction. These findings indicate that several targets relevant to treatment of Alzheimer’s disease; anticholinergic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant activities could be found in lavender. The neuroprotective effect of lavender oil against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is suggested to be attributed to its antioxidant effects. Evaluation of the effects of lavender oil on motor activity and its relationship to dopaminergic neurotransmission revealed that intraperitoneal application of lavender significantly increased rotarod activity and enhanced dopamine receptors subtype D3 in the olfactory bulbs of mice. Lavender oil is also suggested to modulate GABAergic neurotransmission, especially on GABAA receptors, and enhance inhibitory tone of the nervous system. Cholinergic system is suggested to play a role in lavender analgesic, antianxiety, antidepression, and anticonvulsant effects of lavender.


Fos is a nuclear transcription factor protein encoded by an immediate early gene c-fos, and it is an early marker of neuronal activation. It serves as a transcriptional factor controlling the expression of genes expected to be involved in effective adaptation to certain situations. Lavender oil reduced c-fos expression in paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. Lavender oil inhibited dose-dependently the histamine release and anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from peritoneal mast cells in mice. It has been shown that lavender oil inhibited the sympathetic nerves innervating the white and brown adipose tissues and adrenal gland and excites the parasympathetic gastric nerve. Odor of lavender oil, and especially its component linalool, affects autonomic nerves probably through a histaminergic response, decreases lipolysis and heat production (energy consumption), and increases appetite and body weight in rats. Lavender may inhibit the sympathetic nerve activity and lipolysis through activation of H3-receptors. The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus and histamine neurons are involved in the lipolytic responses to the lavender oil, and tyrosine phosphorylation of BIT (a brain immunoglobulin-like molecule with tyrosine-based activation motifs, a member of the signal-regulator protein family) is implicated in the relevant signaling pathways .


 


http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/681304/



Mechanisms of Action of Lavender in the Nervous System

Saturday, May 16, 2015

The Methods of Extracting Essential Oils

What are the Methods of Extracting Essential Oils?


There are many different ways to extract essential oils and they are listed below:


  • Enfleurage

  • Expressed Oils

  • Steam Distillation

  • Solvent Extraction

  • Fractional Distillation and Percolation

  • Carbon Dioxide Extraction

  • Phytonic Process

What is Enfleurage?


Enfleurage is one of the oldest methods of extracting essential oils and is rarely used these days because of its high cost. It involves placing the flower petals on a layer of glass that is first spread with a thin layer of fat called “chassis”. The volatile oil diffuses into the fat, then the fat is collected and the oil is extracted from the fat using alcohol.


Once the alcohol evaporates what is left behind is called the absolute. As you can imagine, this is a very time consuming process, but it was the only way to extract delicate flowers like Jasmine for a very long time!


What is Expression of Oils?


When oils are taken from the rind of fruits they are called “expressed oils”. This method is cold and does not involve any solvents or heat of any kind. Most of the citrus oils are extracted in this manner including grapefruit , lime, orange and lemon essential oils.


These are not technically considered essential oils for this reason, but they are still definitely therapeutic oils. The most important thing to consider with cold pressed oils is the source of the crop since citrus fruits are constantly sprayed with pesticides and it can be very concentrated in the oil!


What is Involved in Steam Distilling Essential Oils?


Steam distillation has been used for hundreds of years and today remains one of the most favorably methods of extracting essential oils. Technically speaking if it not extracted using steam distillation or cold expression it is not a therapeutic grade essential oil.


There are actually three different steam processes that are described further in the distilling section. But in all of the methods, steam is used to rupture the oil membranes in the plant and release the essential oil.


The steam carries the essential oil to a condenser and then as it re-liquefies the lighter essential oil floats on top. The water and oil is then separated and the water portion is referred to as the hydrosol, hydrolat, or flower or floral water. And the oil portion, of course, is the essential oil!


The essential oil distilling equipment including the condenser, separator and cooking chambers can all have an enormous impact on the quality of the oil. As well as, the distillation temperature and pressure! And even if everything appears correct, the process can still produce oils that don’t meet the AFNOR Standards.  So essential oil distillers must have the knowledge and expertise to know how to produce therapeutic grade essential oils.


What is Solvent Extraction?


Solvent extraction is a method of extracting essential oils that is dominated by the perfume industry. And technically does not produce therapeutic grade oils because chemicals such as hexane, acetone, di-methylene-chloride and others are used in the process!


Did you know that the plant material is actually immersed into the solvents to become a thick substance called “concrete”?


The oil particles are released when the concrete substance is then mixed with alcohol. Once it is separated out, the chemicals remain in the oil and the oil is used by the perfume industry. These are perfume or aromatherapy grade oils and are not therapeutic grade!


As you can see this is process requires far less time and expense because the oil is cut with solvents and can increase the oil production volume significantly.


Are these the oils that are used in bath oils and gels, candles, shampoos, toothpaste, fly spray, and air fresheners?


Yup, you got it! These are also the 98% of the oils sold in health food stores, retail outlets and aromatherapy suppliers!


What is Percolation and Fractional Distillation?


Fractional distillation separates the volatile oil in different fractions or portions at various boiling points. This is used in oil refineries for distillation of petroleum products and is not suited for therapeutic grade essential oils.


Percolation is one of the newer methods of extraction essential oils. It is similar to normal distillation but the equipment is literally upside down! It has been used successfully in France; however sometimes an emulsion is produced that can not be separated out, so until it can be further developed you will not see it on a large scale.


What is Super Critical Fluid Extraction? (Carbon Dioxide Extraction)


Super critical fluid extraction or carbon dioxide extraction is also a fairly new solvent extraction process that uses carbon dioxide at very high pressure. The carbon dioxide is injected into the tank where the plant material is contained and acts as a solvent to extract the oil.


The carbon dioxide is colorless and odorless liquid and can be completely removed which is a good thing; however, there is no research at this point to verify if there are any toxic effects of using this procedure.


Additionally, the distilling equipment is extremely expensive. So until more is known about this process, it is advised to use only steam distilled and expressed oils!


What is the Phytonic Process?


The Phytonic process is a one of the newest methods of extracting essential oils using non-CFCs (non-chlorofluorocarbons). It is also called Florasol Extraction and the oils are referred to as phytols.


The oils are promising and are very close to nature; however, it does use fluoro-hydrocarbons which can be potentially harmful and honestly are really not so good for the environment! So, like super critical carbon dioxide extraction the jury is still out!


What Else is There to Know about Methods of Extracting Essential Oils?


Well, if this section spurred your interest definitely read the section on steam distillation. I will give you some examples of ideal pressures and temperatures for distilling several oils, and tell you other ways that distillers adulterate their oils! So check it out!


I hope this section on methods of extracting essential oils, gave you an understanding on why using therapeutic grade essential oils are so important for your health and the environment!


The perfume grade oils still contain a portion of the solvent and are definitely not for therapeutic use, so please be careful!



 




The Methods of Extracting Essential Oils

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Spencer Kamaoha"s Pain Testimony


Spencer Kamaoha"s Pain Testimony

Neuropathies: Essential oils show promising results in the fight against symptoms




Dawn Langley-Brady RN, MSN, CHPN

Advanced Graduate Paper for The East West School of Herbal and Aromatic Studies








Abstract


Chronic pain is a widespread problem affecting more than one and a half billion people worldwide. Of those, 116 million people suffering from chronic pain reside in the United States of America and four million of those with chronic pain suffer from neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is a very complex and hard to manage pain requiring several approaches to medication and treatment. In this paper, the use of essential oils of Mentha x piperita (Peppermint), Pelargonium x asperum (Geranium Rose), Piper nigrum (Black Pepper) and Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole (Rosemary ct. cineole) to increase circulation and decrease pain in patients with peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is discussed through two case studies, chemical analysis, current research and future considerations.






Neuropathies: Essential oils show promising results in the fight against symptoms.


Chronic pain, or pain lasting longer than six months, affects approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide with 116 million of those people residing in the United States of America (American Academy of Pain Medicine [AAPM], 2011). Pain is divided into two categories: nociceptive pain, which includes visceral and somatic pain, and neuropathic pain. In hospice and palliative care settings, bone and cancer pain are also frequently used categories. Of those 116 million people suffering from chronic pain, approximately four million people in the United States of America are currently suffering from neuropathic pain (Dickson, Head, Gitlow, & Osbahr, 2010, p. 1637).


NEUROPATHIES- ESSENTIAL-OILS

NEUROPATHIES- ESSENTIAL-OILS


(Bennett, 1998, p. 104)


Neuropathic pain is defined as a pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system and can be further divided into central and peripheral neuropathic pain (International Association for the Study of Pain [IASP], 2011). The causes, symptoms, diagnosing, current treatment and ongoing research of neuropathic pain will be discussed in this paper. Two case studies will also be reviewed along with analysis of essential oils used for symptom management and possible future considerations for applied aromatherapy research.


Causes


Neuropathic pain has many causes of which most are disease or injury related. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), neuropathic pain is caused by physical trauma or injury, systemic diseases, autoimmune disorders, infections and can be inherited (NINDS, 2011). Physical trauma or injury causing neuropathic pain includes falls, sports-related injuries, accidents, fractures, phantom limb pain, spinal cord compressions, complex regional pain syndrome and more. Systemic diseases causing neuropathic pain include renal disease, heart and respiratory disease, endocrine diseases such as diabetes and metabolic disorders. Other systemic contributing factors include hormonal imbalances, exposure to toxins, connective tissue and inflammatory disorders, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, tumors (malignant and benign) and repetitive stress.





Infections causing neuropathic pain include: human immunodeficiency virus, herpes varicella- zoster, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease, diphtheria, leprosy and bacterial and viral infections. ‘Some neuropathies are caused by inflammation resulting from immune system activities rather than from direct damage by infectious organisms (NINDS, 2011).’ These autoimmune disorders include: fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia and multifocal motor neuropathy. Neuropathic pain can also be caused by a hereditary genetic abnormality, genetic mutations or by no known cause (idiopathic).


Symptoms


The symptoms of neuropathic pain vary immensely by individuals. Symptoms also vary in intensity from miniscule to mild, to moderate and severe. They can also vary by the particular time of day, exact body location, activity or activity level, emotional upset or stress, body and environmental temperatures and amount of quality rest or lack thereof. Symptoms of neuropathic pain can also be difficult to describe. Some people who suffer from neuropathic pain describe the pain as tingling, throbbing, burning, stabbing, shooting, numbness, pins and needles and electric- shock type sensations. Quite often the pain is also described as radiating from one point of the body in a line to another point in the body.


This can be quite overwhelming and confusing when it occurs. ‘Often, nerve pain can be caused by something that is not painful, such as the light touch of bed sheets (The American Chronic Pain Association [ACPA], 2010).’ The total effect of chronic neuropathic pain on afflicted individuals can be quite all-consuming. As an individual’s level of pain increases, their level of functioning, interaction with others and overall mood usually diminishes. Many patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy speak of how they used to enjoy long walks or hikes with their families, but are now limited in how far they can walk due to pain and increased potential of falling. Chronic pain also impacts loved ones. Chronic pain sufferers frequently suffer from difficulty sleeping, lack of energy and depression and limit themselves from people and activities they used to enjoy.



NEUROPATHIES-ESSENTIAL-OILS

NEUROPATHIES-ESSENTIAL-OILS







 





(Bennett, 1998, p. 108)





Diagnosis


Diagnosing neuropathic pain can be a very arduous and oftentimes frustrating process. The diagnosis must begin with a thorough physical examination by a licensed practitioner. It is very important to rule out all systemic causes of neuropathy, such as diabetes, before any further costly or painful diagnostic testing is pursued. Practitioners can use several neuropathic pain questionnaires to help in diagnosing patients. The following are the most widely used neuropathic pain questionnaires: the Douleur Neuropathique en Questions (DN4), The PainDETECT Questionnaire, the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) and the Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). The DN4 contains seven items related to patient symptoms and two for clinical assessment. The PainDETECT Questionnaire is a self- reporting questionnaire with nine items. The LANSS has five symptom items and two clinical examination items and the NPQ is a twelve item questionnaire for patients to rate their symptoms with percentages. According to a research study of the effectiveness of neuropathic pain questionnaires in diagnosing neuropathic pain, in patients suffering from chronic pain, it was determined the DN4 scale was the most sensitive with confirmation of neuropathic pain in 78.5 percent of affected patients (Bisaga, Dorazil, Dobrogowski, & Wordliczek, 2010, p. 120).


Other mechanisms used to diagnose neuropathic pain include either expensive or potentially painful diagnostic tests. On the expensive end of diagnostic testing, there are computerized tomography scans (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The only other diagnostic tests available include biopsies of nerve and/or skin tissue and electrically stimulating muscles and nerves through electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) (“National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,” 2010). This writer has both personally experienced an EMG and cared for patients having EMGs and found the test to be extremely painful.


Current Treatment


The Cleveland Clinic describes neuropathic pain as, ‘a complex, chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves might be damaged, dysfunctional, or injured. These damaged nerve fibers send incorrect signals to other pain centers. The impact of a nerve fiber injury includes a change in nerve function both at the site of injury and areas around the injury (Cleveland Clinic, 2011).’ With such a description, it is understandable why it would be hard to manage neuropathic pain.


Once a patient is diagnosed with neuropathic pain and its cause has been determined, or deemed idiopathic, he or she is primarily given tricyclic antidepressants such as Nortriptyline or Amitriptyline. Over the counter pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil and Neuragen PN are often used in addition to prescription medications. From there, patients are placed on anticonvulsants such as Lyrica, Gabepentin and Tegretol. When these medications are no longer effective, patients are prescribed Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as Cymbalta and Effexor XR (Lindsay, Rodgers, Savath, & Hettinger, 2010, figure 1). When those medications are no longer sufficient, or when adjuvant pain medications are required, opiates are prescribed. Opiates often used are Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Morphine Sulfate –quick acting and extended release, Tramadal, etc. Topical Lidocaine patches and capsaicin are also often used in conjunction with the aforementioned medications to help achieve pain control. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation otherwise known as a TENS unit, offers great reduction in pain without the grogginess of narcotics, but it effect is often of a shorter duration. According to the Northern California Chapter of the Neuropathy Association, ‘Although the placebo effect must be taken in consideration, there are many complementary and alternative treatments recommended by our members which are showing fair to good results in diminishing neuropathic pain. Such treatments as acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, hand and foot baths, diet therapy, exercise, guided imagery, herbal remedies, infrared light therapy, massage, physical therapy, reflexology, Reiki, Yoga and more (The Northern California Chapter of the Neuropathy Association, 2008, p. 1-8).’





Upcoming treatments for neuropathic pain currently being researched include the use of TRP channel agonists – Capsaicin, and endocannabinoid receptor agonists – marijuana (Peppin, 2011, p. 1-4). The latter, unfortunately, lends to heavy debate in the United States and although it shows quite promising pain relief, it will probably continue to be controversial for some time.


Case Study 1


Mrs. A. is a twenty-six year old Caucasian female with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and resultant peripheral neuropathy. She was scheduled for an amputation of her left foot in a few weeks and agreed to try aromatherapy as a last resort. Her physician was in agreement with her participation in this case study. Explained case study to Mrs. A., her husband and father who all verbalized understanding of information given and Mrs. A. signed consent. Medications and patient history were reviewed and no contraindications found. Upon assessment, she had no sensation in her left foot and a small stage III, diabetic ulcer on her posterior left great toe. There was moderate discoloration of the left great toe, through the metatarsal phalangeal joint, indicative of poor perfusion. She had no complaints of pain due to no sensation in her entire foot. [Mrs. A. had recently met with a nutritionist and was on track to regaining control of her disease. She had no medical insurance, but had been given diabetic testing supplies, insulin and instructions at the diabetic clinic at a local teaching hospital. Unfortunately, she loved to walk around her house bare-footed, and her home was filthy and ridden with pet excrement. Teaching was done regarding cleanliness of her home and diabetic foot care. A case study was performed with her diabetic ulcer which showed great improvement and healing, but will not be discussed further in the text of this paper.] The goal of treatment in this case study was to achieve sensation in Mrs. A.’s left foot.


Essential oils of Piper nigrum (Black Pepper), Pelargonium x asperum (Geranium, Rose), Mentha x piperita (Peppermint) and Rosmarinus officinalis cineole (Rosemary cineol) were chosen and mixed together into a synergy. Directions for Mrs. A. were to use ten drops of her synergy with one cup of Epsom salts in a warm water foot bath and soak her left foot for 20 minutes twice a day. After her foot soak, she was to pat her foot dry, apply wound care to her left great toe, then put on a soft seamless sock and a comfortably fitting shoe. After her very first foot bath, she stated she had a feeling of mild tingling and was excited about the possibility of regaining sensation in her foot. She continued to use the synergy and foot bath twice daily for the next two weeks. At day seven, she had mild sensation in her left foot and was having to use Tylenol and Ibuprofen for discomfort due to her wound. At day fourteen, she had moderate sensation in her left foot and moderate to severe intermittent wound pain requiring prescription pain medication. At this point, the case study was stopped to prevent Mrs. A. from experiencing any severe pain as her physician was unwilling to prescribe increased analgesic medications. Her left toe was amputated approximately six days later as previously scheduled. Case study results showed the use of Piper nigrum, Pelargonium x asperum, Mentha x piperita and Rosmarinus officinalis cineole affective in increasing peripheral sensation and circulation and should be included in further research studies for this diagnosis.
















Case Study 2


Mr. B is a seventy-two year old Caucasian male with onset of bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy up to mid chins. He stated his pain began approximately six months earlier and his physicians could not figure out why. His pain was becoming unbearable. He was not sleeping well. He was having difficulty with ambulation and had fallen four times in the past month. He reports no lack of sensation in his lower extremities and no history of injury or diabetes. Medications and patient history were reviewed and no contraindications found. Upon assessment, bilateral lower extremities appeared to be of normal size, muscle tone and movement. His skin was assessed and found to be very warm to touch, although the client was not febrile, with mild reddish discoloration on bilateral feet and toes with fair turgor. Explained case study to Mr. B., his wife and daughter who all verbalized understanding of information given and Mr. B. signed consents. The goal of treatment in this case study was to minimize pain in Mr. B.’s bilateral lower extremities.


Again, essential oils of Piper nigrum, Pelargonium x asperum, Mentha x piperita and Rosmarinus officinalis cineole were chosen and mixed together into a synergy. Directions for Mr. B. were to use five drops of the synergy and one cup of Epsom salts in a warm water foot bath and soak his feet for 20 minutes twice a day. After his foot soak, he was to pat his feet dry and wear soft seamless socks and comfortable shoes. Mr. B. was started at five drops of synergy per foot bath until effects on his pain level were established. After seven days of treatment, Mr. B. confirmed a reduction in his pain and his synergy was increased to ten drops per foot bath. After fourteen days of treatment, Mr. B. voiced great satisfaction with his results. The temperature of his lower extremities was similar to the rest of his body, his discoloration had improved and his pain was significantly reduced. Mr. B. was rating his pain at an eight, on a zero to ten pain scale, prior to each foot bath. After each foot bath, his pain rating was a three. He said it helped him be able to sleep at night. He was no longer waking up during the middle of the night in pain. He also confessed to occasionally using a foot bath a third time during the day if his pain recurred.


Case study results showed the use of Piper nigrum, Pelargonium x asperum, Mentha x piperita and Rosmarinus officinalis cineole affective in increasing circulation and decreasing pain from peripheral neuropathy and should be included in further research studies for this diagnosis.





Analysis of Essential Oils Used in Case Studies


Piper nigrum


According to (Shutes, n.d., p. 3-13), Piper nigrum, black pepper essential oil, belongs to the botanical family Piperaceae and originated in India, Malaysis, Madagascar, China and India. It is steam distilled from the black pepper plant’s berries, peppercorns, and unripe dried fruit.


Piper nigrum is rich in monoterpenes and supported by sequiterpenes. The percentage of monoterpenes (70-90%) in Piper nigrum is: limonene (to 20%), β-pinene (to 20%), p-cymene (to 28%) and β-phellandrene (to 20%). The percentage of sequiterpenes in Piper nigrum is: β-caryophyllene (9-33%).


black-pepper-essential-oil

black-pepper-essential-oil








 





One of the core aromatic applications, for which Piper nigrum was chosen for these case studies, is nervous system support – peripheral neuropathy. One of its therapeutic actions is as a tonic to the nervous system. It also has therapeutic actions as an analgesic, circulatory stimulant, antiviral, rubefacient, carminative and digestive – just to name a few (Haas, 2004).


Pelargonium x asperum


According to (Shutes, n.d., p. 2-54), Pelargonium x asperum, Geranium Rose essential oil, belongs to the botanical family Geraniaceae and originated in Reunion Islands, Egypt, Madagascar and China. It is steam distilled from the leaves and stems of the Geranium Rose plant.


Pelargonium x asperum is rich in alcohols and esters. Its chemical makeup is quite complex with the percentage of monoterpenes (trace to 7%), sesquiterpenes (8- 9.5%), aldehydes (0-1.9%), ketones (0.6-8.4%), alcohols (32.36-94.3%) and esters (10.92-34.4%). Its percentages of alcohols are: citronellol (20.89-40.23%), geraniol (8.7-24.97%), linalool (1.89-9.9%), nerol (0.88-1.2%), α-terpinol (0.7%) and eugenol (17.3%). Its percentages of esters are: citronellyl formates (8-18%), geranyl formates (1-6%), citronellyl propriontates (1-3%), geranyl proprionates (0-1%), geranyl acetate (0.4-5.1%), citronellyl butyrate (0.52-1.3%) and phenyl ethyl isobutyrate (trace).


Geranium-essential-oil

Geranium-essential-oil






One of the core aromatic applications, for which Pelarganium x asperum was chosen for these case studies, is circulatory system support – poor circulation. One of its therapeutic actions is as an analgesic. It also has therapeutic actions as an antimicrobial, astringent, hormone balancer and styptic – just to name a few (Haas, 2004).


Mentha x piperita


According to (Shutes, n.d., p. 7-35), Mentha x piperita, peppermint essential oil, belongs to the botanical family Lamiaceae syn. Labiatae and originated in France, England and the United States of America. It is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the peppermint plant.


Mentha x piperita is rich in the alcohol, menthol, and the ketone, menthone. Its chemical makeup is quite complex with the percentage of monoterpenes (9.62-31%), sesquiterpenes (trace-6%), alcohols (42.48-55.5%), ketones (22.35-53.67%) and esters (3.5-6.66%). Its percentages of alcohols are: menthol (38-46.2%), isomenthol, neo- menthol (2-3.25%), piperitol, piperitenol, isopiperitenol, α-terpineol (0.1-2%), linalol (<1%), terpinen-4-ol (2.5%), viridiflorol (0.13-1.5%), myrtenol (0.05%) and nerolidol (trace). Its percentages of ketones are: menthone (16-40%), iso-menthone (4- 6.86%), neomenthone (2-3%), piperitone (0.35-3.1%), caryophyllene oxide (trace – 0.5%) and pulegone.


peppermint-essential-oil

peppermint-essential-oil





Two of the core aromatic applications, for which Mentha x piperita was chosen for these case studies, are nervous system support – neuralgia and circulatory system support – sluggish circulation. One of its therapeutic actions is as an analgesic. It also has therapeutic actions as an antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant and stomachic – just to name a few (Haas, 2004).





Rosmarinus officinalis cineole


According to (Shutes, n.d., p. 1-96), Rosmarinus officinalis cineole, Rosemary cineole essential oil, belongs to the botanical family Lamiaceae syn. Labiatae and originated in Morocco, Spain. It is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the Rosemary plant. Rosemary cineole is a chemo-type (CT2) of Rosmarinus officinalis with high levels of 1,8 cineole. Rosemary cineole is grown primarily in Tunisia.


Rosmarinus officinalis cineole is rich in the oxide 1,8 cineole (20-50%) and is supported by esters, ketones, monoterpines and monoterpinoids. Most prevalent is the monoterpine α-pinene (10%) and the monoterpinoid borneol (10%) (“Rosemary ct. 1,8 cineole,” n.d.).


Rosemary-essential-oil

Rosemary-essential-oil





Two of the core aromatic applications, for which Rosmarinus officinalis cineole was chosen for these case studies, are circulatory system support – muscle fiber relaxant and lactic acid remover and as a mild analgesic. It also has therapeutic actions as an antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, expectorant and mucolytic – just to name a few (Haas, 2004).





Ongoing Research


Research on essential oils and their chemical components has been occurring for well over fifty years. Scientists and physicians have had a need to know exactly what chemical compounds have what functions within essential oils. They use that information to extract components from essential oils and study them further…perhaps to emulate in pharmaceutical endeavors. However, clinical aromatherapists respect the essential oil as a whole and use it for its dynamic healing properties as nature intended. Several research studies of essential oils or chemical components of essential oils, used in the case studies in this text are discussed below.


Research on Chemical Constituents in Essential Oils


In experiments using animal models, analgesia effect in menthol has been shown to occur via an opiod receptor. Essential oil constituents, terpines (monoterpines and sequiterpines), alcohols and esters have been shown to have antinociceptive

properties as well (Pergintino de Sousa, 2011, p. 2235). Terpines, alcohols and esters are constituents found in all essential oils used in the case studies reviewed in this text:





Mentha x piperita, Pipern nigrum, Pelargonium x asperum and Rosmarinus officialis


cineole.

Research on Piper nigrum


Piper nigrum has shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent especially in conditions where moderate to severe pain also exist such as rheumatoid arthritis (Aggarwal et al.).


Piper nigrum has also been shown to enhance digestion and improve

circulation. In a 2010 study conducted in Thailand, piperine – the main alkaloid in Thai black pepper – was found to have profound effects on the central nervous system, protect against cognitive loss and neurodegenerative changes like those found in Alzheimer’s disease (Chonpathompikunlert, Whattanathorn, & Muchimapura, 2010, p. 278).


In a 2009 British study, the alkaloid Piperine in black pepper was shown to be an agonist to the human vanilloid receptor and with greater intensity than using capsaicin (McNamara, Randall, & Gunthorpe, 2009, p. 783).


In a 2011 article describing spice-derived neutraceuticals, or nutrients from foods with pharmaceutical properties, Piper nigrum was discussed as having benefits of anti- depressants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, as well as a cell regenerator in the hippocampus and as a neural cytotoxin (Kannappan, Gupta, Kim, Reuter, & Aggarwall, 2011, p. 146- 8).


Research on Rosmarinus officinalis


In 2011, a research study was conducted on rats using Rosmarinus officinalis to reduce inflammation of carrageenan-induced paw edema and decreased Indomethacin- induced gastric ulcers. It was also beneficial in diminishing pain induced by formalin injections, but of a more peripheral pain reduction similar to that of NSAIDs (Dipe de Faria, Lima, Perazzo, & Carvalho, 2011, p. 6-7).


In a 2007 study with 153 Fibromyalgia patients, an over the counter medication (labeled Topical 024 Essential Oils) showed moderate reduction in pain in all study participants. Half received the topical 024 essential oils which contained essential oils of rosemary, peppermint, camphor, eucalyptus, aloe vera and lemon/orange while the other half received the placebo which was peppermint oil (Ko, Hum, Traitses, & Berbrayer, 2007, p. 12-13).


Research on Mentha x piperita


In August 2006, McKay and Blumberg (2006, p.619) found Mentha x piperita to have analgesic and anesthetic effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as relaxing the gastrointestinal tract and having anti-tumoral, antiviral and antibacterial properties.





In 2010, Iranian researchers found Mentha x piperita to be effective against E. Coli, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginose, S. faecalis and Klebsiella pneumonia in addition to being a potent anti-oxidant and cytotoxic to the human tumor cell line. It was also found to lower cholesterol, low density lipoproteins and uric acid (Sharafi, Rasooli, Owila, Tachizadeh, & Astaneh, 2010, p. 147).


Mentha piperita has shown anti-nociceptive effects against induced writhing and thermal stimulation in laboratory rats as well as anti-inflammatory properties for induced ear edema and granulomas in study rats (Aggarwal et al.).


Menthol, the primary alcohol in Mentha x piperita, is the active ingredient in the over the counter product Eucalyptamint. A research study on Eucalyptamint, was conducted in 1991 and found up to four times an increase in cutaneous blood flow and skin and muscle temperatures along with diminished pain at the site of application which lasted upwards of forty-five minutes (Hong & Shellock, 1991, p. 29).


Research on Pelargonium x asperum


A research study of an over the counter homeopathic remedy approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Neuragen PN, showed a reduction of at least fifty percent of pain reported by fifty-six percent of those study participants diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (“Neuragen PN,” 2010, p. 5). Neuragen PN contains a blend of six homeopathic substances and five essential oils: St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Wolfsbane (Aconitum napellus), Club Moss (Lycopodium clavatum), phosphorus, Poison Ivy (Rhus toxicodendron), Rye ergot (Secale cornutum), geranium oil (Pelargonium graveolens), lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia), bergamot oil (Citrus aurantium), tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) (“Neuragen PN,” 2010, p. 2).


In 2006, a Japanese research study was conducted to show the effectiveness of geranium essential oil on both acute and chronic inflammatory processes. The study used rats injected with carrageenan to induce edema in the paw for acute inflammation and two injections of collagen II to induce chronic inflammation or arthritis. The rats were subsequently injected with a two and a half percent dilution of geranium oil and significant reduction of inflammation and prevention of arthritis was found (Maruyama et al., 2006, p. 4-7).


A somewhat weaker Korean study, due to participant loss and non-randomization, was conducted in 2011 using an aromatherapy blend with massage for pain relief of menstrual cramping. The study used a five percent dilution of the essential oils of cinnamon, clary sage, geranium, ginger and marjoram in a base of almond oil. Female high school students with complaints of menstrual pain at or above a six on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were placed in either a control group which received oral acetaminophen or the study group which received one ten minute aromatherapy massage of the abdomen. Pain was evaluated using the VAS both before the massage, and twenty- four hours afterwards. The study group showed great reduction in pain without re-dosing unlike the needed re-dosing of the control group participants who received acetaminophen (Hur, Lee, Seong, & Lee, 2011, p. 2).





Research on Other Essential and Carrier Oils for Neuropathic Pain Reduction


Turpentine, whose major constituents are the terpines pinene and camphene (Terpines, n.d., p. 5), has been at the center of Russian research on neuropathic pain, carbohydrate metabolism, platelet aggregation and hyperlipidemia. One such study, in 1998, used both yellow and white turpentine baths diabetic patients. Study participants soaked in turpentine baths beginning with five minutes and slowly progressing upwards of fifteen minutes as tolerated. Study participants, of both white and yellow turpentine baths, showed an increase in peripheral blood circulation, increased pulse-blood filling and decreased peripheral resistance of large vessels and distal polyneuropathy. Study participants showed reduced blood viscosity in only white turpentine baths (Davydova, Turova, & Golavach, p. 2).


Turpentine baths also showed a reduction in lumbosacral radiculitis patients in a 1978 study by a Russian researcher (Pushkareva, 1978, p. 81). Johns Hopkins medical data base even lists a research study on the use of turpentine baths for improved penile blood flow for patients with chronic prostatitis complicated by excretory pathospermia (Karpukhin, Li, & Gusev, 2009, p. 82). Unfortunately turpentine baths are seldom seen used in the United States at this time.


A 1990 study of dietary effects on diabetic peripheral neuropathy studied the effects of oral dosing of gamma-linolenic acid. Study participants were given either a placebo or a 360mg capsule of gamma-linolenic acid for a period of six months. Study participants were tested before beginning treatment and after six months of treatment. The gamma-linolenic group showed significant improvements in nerve conduction, muscle reactivity and peripheral neuropathy symptoms. This study hypothesizes that gamma-linolenic may actually prevent distal peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients (Jamal & Carmichael, 1990, p. 320).


Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid in the family of Omega-6 fatty acids. “It can help play an important role in treatment of inflammatory conditions including exzema, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis (Shutes, n.d., p. 2-91).” Main sources of GLA are human breast milk, black currant seed oil, hemp seed oil, borage seed oil and evening primrose oil. Evening Primrose oil in addition to alpha-linolenic acids (ALA), main source is flax seed oil, and capsaicin have been shown to ease the pain of diabetic peripheral neuropathy as well (Halat & Dennehy, 2003, p. 47).


Current Clinical Use by Well Known Clinical Aromatherapists


Dr. Jane Buckle, PhD. recommends, amongst many, the use of essential oils of Piper nigrum, Mentha x piperita and Rosmarinus officinalis and for children – Pelargonium graveolens (Buckle, 1999, table 4).


Jeanne Rose recommends the use of essential oils Mentha x piperita for analgesic use for headaches and a blend of Pelargonium graveolens, Citrus limon and Juniperus communis for an allover massage oil for pain (Rose, 2006, p. 54-5).


Jade Shutes recommends the use of Piper nigrum and Rosmarinous officialis to increase circulation in those suffering from Raynaud’s Disease (Shutes, n.d., p. 7-86). She also recommends blends with any of the following oils for pain reduction in patients with Fibromyalgia: Piper nigrum, Betula lenta, Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile, Metha x piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis and more (Shutes, n.d., p. 7-28).






Valerie Ann Worwood recommends Lavendula agustifolia, Chamaemelum nobile, Eugenia carophyllata and Mentha x piperita for neuralgia (Worwood, 1991, p. 39).


Future Considerations


The use of essential oils to supplement or eventually replace current medical treatment of peripheral neuropathy has proven to be quite beneficial through both scientific research and multiple aromatherapy case studies. The potential use of Piper nigrum, Pelargonium x asperum, Mentha x piperita and Rosmarinus officinalis cineole in not only baths, but blends with evening primrose oil for topical application could greatly reduce pain caused by peripheral neuropathy in more than four million chronic pain sufferers in the United States alone. Additional research on the use of turpentine baths may also prove noteworthy in the pain management of peripheral neuropathy. By combining the best of traditional Eastern and Western medicines, the potential for more effective, less costly treatment options is limitless.


“In this respect aromatherapy is the future of healing. Essential oils, representatives of the plant world, communicate with all planes of human consciousness. This is a privilege of plant intelligence over synthetic drugs and the exclusive fixation on the corresponding material plane (Schnaubelt, 1999, p. 123).”


[Although data from research studies using animal models was referenced in this paper, this author is against animal testing.]





























Neuropathies: Essential oils show promising results in the fight against symptoms

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Laura Jacobs" Video Testimony on Migraine Headaches


Laura Jacobs" Video Testimony on Migraine Headaches

The Effects of Peppermint on Exercise Performance

The effects of peppermint on exercise performance



Meamarbashi A, Rajabi A

Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2013



ABSTRACT:


BACKGROUND:
Enhancing athletic performance is a great desire among the athletes, coaches and researchers. Mint is one of the most famous natural herbs used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant, and vasoconstrictor effects. Even though inhaling mint aroma in athletes has been investigated, there were no significant effects on the exercise performance.


METHODS:
Twelve healthy male students every day consumed one 500 ml bottle of mineral water, containing 0.05 ml peppermint essential oil for ten days. Blood pressure, heart rate, and spirometry parameters including forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) were determined one day before, and after the supplementation period. Participants underwent a treadmill-based exercise test with metabolic gas analysis and ventilation measurement using the Bruce protocol.


RESULTS:
The FVC (4.57 ± 0.90 vs. 4.79 ± 0.84; p < 0.001), PEF (8.50 ± 0.94 vs. 8.87 ± 0.92; p < 0.01), and PIF (5.71 ± 1.16 vs. 6.58 ±1.08; p < 0.005) significantly changed after ten days of supplementation. Exercise performance evaluated by time to exhaustion (664.5 ± 114.2 vs. 830.2 ± 129.8 s), work (78.34 ±32.84 vs. 118.7 ± 47.38 KJ), and power (114.3 ± 24.24 vs. 139.4 ± 27.80 KW) significantly increased (p < 0.001). In addition, the results of respiratory gas analysis exhibited significant differences in VO2 (2.74 ± 0.40 vs. 3.03 ± 0.351 L/min; p < 0.001), and VCO2 (3.08 ± 0.47 vs. 3.73 ± 0.518 L/min; p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS:
The results of the experiment support the effectiveness of peppermint essential oil on the exercise performance, gas analysis, spirometry parameters, blood pressure, and respiratory rate in the young male students. Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles, increase in the ventilation and brain oxygen concentration, and decrease in the blood lactate level are the most plausible explanations.


CITATION:


Meamarbashi A, Rajabi A. The effects of peppermint on exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013; 10: 15.




The Effects of Peppermint on Exercise Performance