Emily and Stacey"s Testimonies: Childcare, Cleaning, Nausea, Balance, Restless Leg Syndrome Video

Emily and Stacey"s Testimonies: Childcare, Cleaning, Nausea, Balance, Restless Leg Syndrome Video

Overcoming Back Discomfort Testimony Video

Jesse Hill’s testimony: Back discomfort using essential oils

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Stimulate Your Immune System to Heal Yourself Video

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Corinna"s Testimonial - "Burns and Using Essential Oils for Treatment"

 I got permission to share this truly inspiring story from the owner of this blog (Corinna). My heart breaks for what this precious little boy had to go through, but I’m so glad Corinna had doTERRA Lavender essential oil on hand.

When we started treating

Within 1/2 hour of start

2 hours into treatment

Later that night Blisters start

Day 2

Day 3

Day 3

 Day 4 Dead skin cleaned off and new skin starting to come in.

Burns

In the above series of pictures you can see the burns from hot apple cider.  We live a half an hour from the hospital and the wait in the ER averages 3 hours.  Our son was in extreme pain and we had oils available so started treatment immediately.  We used a cold cloth to start, then applied the following doTerra essential oils, Melaleuca and Lavender directly onto all burned areas.  We then used Peppermint on the outside of the area to draw the burn out.  We used Peppermint on his feet and forehead for pain relief.  Balance was used on his feet.  We made up a mixture of Balance, Cypress and Lemongrass with honey and a little water for him to drink for pain.  Within a half hour of starting the treatment, his pain was under control.  He was uncomfortable but not in intense pain.  We continued to apply Lavender and Melaleuca to keep it moist.  Later toward evening we added Frankincense to the regiment.  We also used Geranium periodically.  When the blisters developed on his lips and and chin we put Lavender with coconut oil and applied it so that it wouldn’t dry out and split open.  At bed time, we covered the open wound with a non-stick pad and wrapped him up.  We also gave him the mixture for pain and added OnGuard for infection protection.

Day 2 found the blisters on his lip and chin really big.  We applied Lavender and Roman Chamomile.  The blisters started to ooze but generally we ended up without big open areas.  We continued to treat with Lavender and added Frankincense, Helichrysum and Roman Chamomile.  By the end of the day the blisters were decreased and just oozing.  We covered everything at night again and gave him the pain concoction with OnGuard.

Day 3 we took the bandage off in the morning and put him in a tub with Epsom salt.  He soaked the area with a wash cloth.  He was able to stand quite a bit of water on it and the last pictures are of after his bath with Immortelle on it.  He is itching tremendously which indicates healing.  We will continue with the oils and continue taking pictures.

We have continued treating his burns with Lavender, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile and Peppermint.  His skin became a little irritated with the direct application so we added a carrier oil, coconut.  He soaked in the Epsom salt bath tonight with the intention of really working at getting the dead flesh off.  he was super brave and rubbed the dead stuff off with a washcloth.  We put vitamin E oil on it first as a carrier oil and then used a blend of Frankincense, On Guard, Peppermint, Lavender, White Fir and Roman Chamomile.  The blisters on his lip and chip are hard now and we are leaving them intact to let the new skin underneath grow in so he isn’t so sore when it comes off.  All in all, looking at the 4th day after the event, this is amazing.

Day 13 I decided I should post and let you know that he is completely healed.  He has pink new skin to mark where the burns were, but they are GONE!!!!  No infection, probably no scars, minimal pain through out and now only 13 days and he is healed. WOW  Thank you doTerra Essential Oils.  Thank you God for the gift of your oils.  This last picture is day 13.  I hope this has helped you and that you will be given encouragement if you are dealing with burns and wondering what to expect.

Summary & Burn Classifications:

Second and third degree burns require immediate professional medical attention. First-degree burns and sunburns (and some follow up for more severe burns) benefit greatly from both the pain relief and healing of essential oils. Bacterial infection is often a problem with burns. Almost all essential oils offer protection against this. Most recommended is lavender and white fir is sometimes used for pain relief.

The severity of burns is indicated by the degree of the burn.  The higher the degree number the worse the burn.  A description of the degree of burns is included below:
First-Degree Burns – Only affects the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin with redness and discomfort. Since the epidermal layer is not compromised the skin can still protect the body from infection and help control body temperature so, although there may be pain, there is not risk of consequential problems.
Second-Degree Burns – Extends into the second layer (dermis) of the skin.  As the epidermis is damaged it separated from the dermis and fluid accumulates.  This blistering is the most common characteristic of second-degree burns.  Eventually the separated epidermis will come off and the dermal layer will be exposed.  This increases the possibility of infection and the other functions of the skin are affected leading to secondary problems.

Severe second-degree burns can take weeks to heal, can cause scarring, and may require skin grafts to restore function and appearance.  This is also the most painful of burns since the nerve endings in the dermis may be exposed.
Third-Degree Burns – Extends through the epidermis and dermis and into the subcutaneous tissue of the skin.  Since the outer layers of the skin are completely compromised the normal functions of the skin cannot be accomplished.  Protection from infection must be provided.  If the area is great the temperature regulation of the body will be compromised.  Nerve endings may be destroyed with this type of burn such that there is no feeling in the area.
Forth-Degree Burns – In very extreme cases damage extends below the skin layers into muscle and bone tissue.


Oils, blends & products recommended:


Oils & Blends: Frankincense, helichrysum, lavender, melaleuca, peppermint, white fir

Also consider: Geranium, marjoram, OnGuard

Suggested protocols:

 

The quicker, the better. Cover the affected area with lavender oil. Then, if possible, cool the area with peppermint or a cool compress. If the burn area is too sensitive to apply the oils directly, then use a water spritz with lavender and peppermint.

•  If blistering occurs or the skin is compromised use frankincense or melaleuca to prevent infection.

•  White fir is also recommended to minimize pain and prevent infection.

•  As healing begins use helichrysum to promote tissue regeneration and prevent scarring.

Special Precautions: 

Severe burns should receive professional medical attention. Do not use “hot” oils on a fresh burn.

Corinna"s Testimonial - "Burns and Using Essential Oils for Treatment"

Cancer and Frankincense Essential Oil Testimony

Cancer and Frankincense Essential Oil Testimony

What are Soy Isoflavones?

Soy isoflavones.

Soy extracts contain a number of soy isoflavones (SI), including genistein, diadzein, and glycetin, which are structurally similar to estrogen  and exhibit estrogen-like effects, including binding directly to estrogen receptors, inhibiting aromatase, and disrupting estrogen signaling . In general, it is assumed that phytoestrogens act as defense chemicals against insect herbivory, disrupting endocrine function and modifying the insect’s life course and fertility. There are also many examples of similar effects in vertebrate and mammalian herbivores .

SI exert a number of effects relevant to general health, including modulation of enzymatic function, antioxidant activity, immune function, and the mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis . These factors may underlie putative neuroprotective effects and tentative epidemiological observations of a relationship between SI consumption and breast cancer . In terms of effects on brain function, it is theorized that isoflavones are potentially cognitive enhancing. In animal models, some improvements have been observed following SI in the memory function of ovariectomized rodents  and in middle-aged or older rats as a consequence of supplementation with both genistein  and SI , with concomitant improvements in cholinergic  and prefrontal dopaminergic function . In humans, supplementation with SI in females has been shown to significantly improve the physical, but not psychological, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome compared with placebo and, in post-menopausal women, SI has been shown to improve ratings of quality of life , decrease follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, increase estradiol , and have modest positive effects on neurocognitive function and mood ). However, it is notable that only 4 of 7 studies published between 2000 and 2007 reported a positive impact of isoflavones on cognitive function in this group. In hormonally intact humans, a diet rich in SI, as opposed to a depleted diet, for 10 wk improved short- and long-term memory tasks in males and females, with additional improvements in 2 executive function tasks for the females in the cohort. Most recently, SI supplementation for 6 weeks in males was associated with selective improvement in a spatial working memory task in which females usually outperform males .

What are Soy Isoflavones?

Essential Oils Prevent Infection in Plants and Animals

by Kelly Albard, PhD

Not all microbes cause disease, in fact most of them don’t, but those that do are called “pathogenic”, meaning disease-causing. Pathogenic micro-organisms (PMs), in the form of bacteria and fungi, have plagued modern humans for 200,000 years. Bacteria, nearly as old as the Earth itself, were a dominant life form about 3 billion years ago, while fungi appeared on land about 560 million years ago. Over the millennia they’ve established invasive strategies to co-exist with other life forms, such as plants, mammals, birds, insects, and our ancestors, all of which have developed defensive strategies, in order to avoid disease.

Chemical defence systems

One defence against PMs is simply a mobile lifestyle, which decreases the number of interactions with them. Because plants are immobile, they have generated incredibly strong antibacterial and antifungal chemical defence systems, which often include essential oils (Helander, I. et al., 1998). With the evolution of defence mechanisms, even mobile life forms have either developed similar chemical defence systems, or have ‘borrowed’ plant defences to strengthen their strategies.

Chemical defence systems consist of chemical groups such as phenols, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, acids, alcohols, and aldehydes. Often, it is the synergy of individual chemical components that give bioactive life to a defensive-chemical blend. These blends can take many forms, including the essential oils that we use today (Nazzaro, F. et al., 2013). For example, mandarin (Citrus reticulata) essential oil alters the extracellular conductivity of bacteria resulting in growth inhibition (Tao, N. et al., 2014).

Citrus oils

Essential oils from citrus fruits are among the most effective in fighting bacteria. The essential oils of lemon (C. x limon) and bitter orange (C. aurantium) are used to defend some of the world’s major crops (e.g. cotton, cucumber, carrot, and tomato) against PMs (El-Zemity, S. et al., 2008; Chudasama, K. & Thaker, V., 2014). Harvested foods also benefit from citrus oils such as sweet orange (C. sinensis) and grapefruit (C. paradisi), of which limonene is the main component. These inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause food spoilage (Chaibi, A. et al., 1997). The dreadful Escherichia coli bacterium can be combated by sweet orange, lemon, and bergamot (C. bergamia) essential oils and their vapors – bergamot being the most effective oil, and linalool the most effective constituent (Fisher, K. & Phillips, C.A., 2006). Not only are these oils used as food additives to fight bacteria, but they also have the benefit of having a pleasing aroma and taste (Chang, S. et al., 2001).Rose and citrus essential oils have also attracted attention as natural fungicides (Chutia, M. et al., 2009; Jurgens, A., 2010; Stevic, T. et al., 2014). Six different types of fungi are completely inhibited by the combination of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp) oils, as well as five essential oil components found in citrus and rose oils: citral, eugenol, geraniol, limonene, and linalool (Kishore, G. & Pande, S., 2007). Although citrus oils have strong antifungal properties for other plants, citrus fruit itself also needs to be protected from fungal growth. The essential oil and hydrosol of headed thyme (Thymus capitatus L.) keeps sweet oranges fungus-free (Tabti, L. et al., 2014).

In self-anointing, an animal spreads a smelly substance over its body as an antibacterial or antifungal agent

Self-anointing

Despite the fact that mammals can defend themselves against PMs by mobility, some also defend themselves chemically by a process of self-anointing. In self-anointing, an animal spreads a smelly substance over its body that can act both as a repellent and as an antibacterial or antifungal agent. For example, wolves (Zimen, E., 1981), capuchins (Leca, J. et al., 2007) (Fig. 1), and coatis use the peels, pulp, and juice of limes and lemons to anoint their bodies to deter and inhibit infective organisms (Weldon, P. et al., 2011).

Left: a tufted capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) rubs a lemon slice against its back.

Center: a boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major) rubs a lemon slice against its wing and trunk.

Right: a whitenosed coati (Nasua narica) rubs a lemon slice against its tail

Birds also self-anoint. Grackles use lime to deter ectoparasites and it is believed that the lime also functions as an antibacterial agent. Blue tits don’t self-anoint, but they protect their nests against PMs with aromatic plants such as Helichrysum italicum, Melissa officinalis, Achillea ligustica, and Lavandula stoechas. The bioactive components of these plants include limonene, linalool, and terpinen-4-ol (Petit, C. el., 2002). Citrus oils share some of the same antimicrobial constituents as are found in these plants. Were these birds to live among citrus trees, perhaps they would implement these too in their defence repertoire. Not only do essential oils attack “bad” bacteria, but as with the tangerine-scented bird, the good bacteria are thought to break down the secretion that results in a citrusy tangerine-like aroma that attracts potential mates and deters ectoparasites (Nature News, 2003).

Just as there are “good” and “bad” bacteria, there are also “good” and “bad” fungi. Many creatures depend on fungus for survival; therefore its health, sustainability, and protection are vital. Just as fungi are an integral part of our ecosystem, so are the ants and many other life forms that use it as sustenance. There is a symbiotic relationship between fungus and leaf cutting ants, whereby the ants rely on healthy fungus colonies as a food source, and the fungus is protected against parasitic organisms by the citral- and geraniol- rich ‘essential oil’ secreted by the ants mandibular and metapleural glands. As they chew up leaves for their fungal colonies to grow on, the leave mulch is injected with ant “essential oil” (Mendonca, A. et al., 2009).

We, like plants, mammals, birds, and insects, not only need protection against PMs (see recipe below), but our health and overall wellbeing thrive on the beneficial properties of essential oils. We not only have limitless mobility, but we also have a deepening understanding of, and respect for, those plants that have given us the gift of chemical defence.

References

Chaibi, A., Ababouch, L.H., Belasri, S., Boucetta, S., and Busta, F.F. 1997. Inhibition of germination and vegetative growth of Bacillus cereus T and Clostridium botulinum 62A spores by essential oils. Food Microbiology 14, pp. 161-174.

Chang, S-T., Chen, P-F., and Chang, S-W. 2001. Antibacterial activity of leaf essential oils and their constituents from Cinnamomum osmophloeum. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 77, pp. 123-127.

Chudasama, K. and Thaker, V. 2014. Biological control of phytopathogenic bacteria Pantoea agglomeransand Erwinia chrysanthemi using 100 essential oils. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 47 (18), pp. 2221-2232.

Chutia, M., Bhuyan, P., Pathak, M.G., Sama, T.C., and Boruah, P. 2009. Antifungal activity and chemical composition of Citrus reticulata Blanco essential oil against phytopathogens from North East India. LWT-Food Science and Technology 42, pp. 777-780.

El-Zemity, S., Radwan, M., El-Monam Mohamed, and Sherby, S. 2008. Antibacterial screening of some essential oils, monoterpenes and novel N-methyl carbamates based on monoterpenoids against Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Erwinia carotovora. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 41(6), pp. 451-461.

Fisher, K. and Phillips, C.A. 2006. The effect of lemon, orange, and bergamot essential oils and their components on the survival of Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli 0157, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in food systems. Journal of Applied Microbiology 101, pp. 1232-1240.

Helander, I.M., Alakomi, H., Latva-Kala, K., Mattila-Sandholm, T., Pol, I., Smid, E.J., Gorris, L., von Wright, A. 1998. Characterization of the action of selected essential oil components on gram-negative bacteria. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 46 (9), pp. 3590-3595.

Jurgens, A. 2010. Chemical diversity and biological functions of plant volatiles. South African Journal of Botany 76, pp. 607-611.

Kishore, G., and Pande, S. 2007. Evaluation of essential oils and their components for braod-spectrum antifungal activity and control of late leaf spot and crown rot diseases in peanut. The American Phytopathological Society: Plant Disease 91 (4), pp. 375-379.

Leca, J., Gunst, N. and Petit, O. 2007. Social aspects of fur-rubbing in Cebus capucinus and C. apella. International Journal of Primatology 28, pp. 807-817.

Mendonca, A., Silva, C., Mesquita, F., Campos, R., Nascimento, R., Ximenes, E., and Sant’Ana, A. 2009. Antimicrobial activities of components of the glandular secretions of leaf cutting ants of the genus Atta. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 95, pp. 295-303.

Nature News. 2003. Citrus smell attracts seabirds.

Nazzaro, F., Fratianni, F., Martino, L., Coppola, R., and Feo, V. 2013. Effect of essential oils on pathogenic bacteria. Pharmaceuticals 6, pp. 1451-1474.

Petit, C., McKey, M., Perret, P., Blondel, J., Lambrechts, M. 2002. Blue tits use selected plants and olfaction to maintain an aromatic environment for nestlings. Ecology Letters 5, pp. 585-589.

Stevic, T., Beric, T., Savikin, K., Sokovic, M., Godevac, D., Dimkic, I., and Stankovic, S. 2014. Antifungal activity of selected essential oils against fungi isolated from medicinal plant. Industrial Crop and Products55, pp. 116-122.

Tabti, L., Dib, M., Djabou, N., Benyelles, N., Paolini, J., Costa, J., Muselli, A. 2014. Control of fungal pathogens of Citrus sinensis L. by essential oil and hydrosol of Thymus capitatus L. Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality 87, pp. 279-285.

Tao, N., and Zhou, L. 2014. Anti-fungal activity of Citrus reticulata Blanco essential oil against Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum. Food Chemistry 153, pp. 265-271.

Weldon, P., Carroll, J. Kramer, M., Bedoukian, R., Coleman, R., and Bernier, U. 2011. Anointing chemicals and hematophagous arthropods: Responses by ticks and mosquitoes to citrus (Rutaceae) peel exudates and monoterpene components. Journal of Chemical Ecology 37, pp. 348-359.

Zimen, E. 1981. The wolf: A species in danger. Delacorte, New York.

Kelly Ablard

Kelly Ablard holds a PhD in Chemical Ecology, an MSc in Primate Conservation, a BSc in Zoology, and is a certified and registered essential oil therapist. Her research interests are in olfactory systems, chemical communication across species, and clinical uses of aromatherapy in humans and animals. She is passionate about her research, finding sustainable essential oil sources, improving the well-being of captive animals with essential oils, and teaching the public about essential-oil bearing plants and their relationship with the animal kingdom. She sits on the Board of the British Columbia Association of Practicing Aromatherapists, is a research analyst, an aromatherapy practitioner, teacher and consultant.

Essential Oils Prevent Infection in Plants and Animals

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Lavender and the Nervous System

Abstract

Lavender is traditionally alleged to have a variety of therapeutic and curative properties, ranging from inducing relaxation to treating parasitic infections, burns, insect bites, and spasm. There is growing evidence suggesting that lavender oil may be an effective medicament in treatment of several neurological disorders. Several animal and human investigations suggest anxiolytic, mood stabilizer, sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties for lavender. These studies raised the possibility of revival of lavender therapeutic efficacy in neurological disorders. In this paper, a survey on current experimental and clinical state of knowledge about the effect of lavender on the nervous system is given.

1. Introduction

The genus Lavandula is native to the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and southern Europe through northern and eastern Africa and Middle Eastern countries to southwest Asia and southeast India. It includes more than 30 species, dozens of subspecies, and hundreds of hybrids and selected cultivars.

The different varieties of this plant range in height from 9 inches to 3 feet, although some may grow taller with age. Lavender are divided into four main categories: L. angustifolia, commonly known as English Lavender, is a frost hardy species that has many pretty cultivars, habit, and blossom color (formerly known as L. vera or L. officinalis); L. stoechas is a large plant with greenish-grey foliage and late blooming with a very strong odor (sometimes known as French lavender); L. latifolia, a Mediterranean grass-like lavender; and L. intermedia, which is a sterile cross between L. latifolia and L. angustifolia. The various lavenders have similar ethnobotanical properties and major chemical constituents [1].

The main constituents of lavender are linalool, linalyl acetate, 1,8-cineole B-ocimene, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor. However, the relative level of each of these constituents varies in different species [1, 2]. Lavender oil, obtained from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia (Family: Lamiaceae) by steam distillation, is chiefly composed of linalyl acetate (3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3yl acetate), linalool (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol), lavandulol, 1,8-cineole, lavandulyl acetate, and camphor. Whole lavender oil and its major components linalool and linalyl acetate are used in aromatherapy. The major components of lavender oil were identified as 51% linalyl acetate and 35% linalool measured by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-linked Fourier Transform Infrared analysis [1–3].

Most commonly lavender is recommended for oral administration. However, it is also being employed in aromatherapy (inhalation of lavender; [4, 5]), aromatherapy massage, dripping oil [6], and bathing [7]. Unlike many other essential oils used in aromatherapy, lavender oil is often applied undiluted to the skin. The study of Jager et al. [8] suggested that essential oils and their components are rapidly absorbed through the skin. Linalool and linalyl acetate were shown to be rapidly detected in plasma after topical application with massage, reaching peak levels after approximately 19 min [8]. At least since medieval periods, lavender has been a source of drugs as well as perfumes, soaps, flavorings, and crafts. Lavender has a long history of medicinal use and is suggested to possess anticonvulsant, antidepressive, anxiolytic, sedative, and calming properties [1, 9–12]. Lavender also prescribed by some medieval physicians such as Ebn-e-sina and Razi for treatment of epilepsy and migraine attacks. Furthermore, lavender is considered beneficial in treatment of pain and tremor [9–12].

In recent years, several animal and human investigations have indeed evaluated traditional medical remedies of lavender using modern scientific methods. These studies raised the possibility of revival of lavender therapeutic efficacy in neurological disorders on the basis of evidence-based medicine [12, 13].

2. Animal Studies

Several animal experiments suggest anxiolytic, sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties for lavender [14]. It was shown that lavender possesses an anticonflict effect in mice [15]. Continuous exposures to lavender essential oils for 7 days significantly inhibited anxiety- and depression-like behaviors tested by elevated plus-maze and forced swimming tests in rats [16]. Lavender oil produced significant antianxiety effects in the Geller conflict and the Vogel conflict tests in mice. Linalool, a major constituent of lavender oil, produced significant anticonflict effects in the Geller and Vogel tests; findings that were similar to those of lavender oil [17]. Effects of lavender oil were compared with chlordiazepoxide, as a reference anxiolytic, on open-field behavior in rats. Lavender oil exhibited antianxiety properties similar to those of chlordiazepoxide [18]. Anxiolytic effect of lavender was also compared with diazepam in elevated plus-maze test in the Mongolian gerbil. Exposure to lavender odor showed an anxiolytic profile similar to diazepam in female gerbils [19]. Investigation of the effects of inhaled linalool on anxiety, aggressiveness, and social interaction in mice showed anxiolytic properties in the light/dark test, increased social interaction, and decreased aggressive behavior [20].

Local anesthetic effect of lavender and its constituents (linalool and linalyl acetate) is reported in both in vivo and in vitro animal experiments [21]. In the rabbit conjunctival reflex test, treatment with a solution of lavender essential oil as well as with linalyl acetate or linalool induced a dose-dependent enhancement in the number of stimuli necessary to provoke the reflex [21]. The methanolic extract of lavender (200–600 mg/kg) dose-dependently produced sedative effects in mice. This was indicated by the relatively longer time for the reestablishment and number of head dips during the traction and hole-board tests [22]. To evaluate the sedative effects of lavender, the immobility of overagitated mice induced by caffeine was ascertained after the inhalation of lavender. Lavender odor significantly increased the immobile state in mice treated with caffeine [23]. Exposure of mice to lavender odor in a dark cage resulted in depression of motor activity, whilst the plasma levels of linalool rose in proportion to the length of exposure [24]. The intraplantar injection of capsaicin produced an intense and short-lived licking/biting response in mice. The capsaicin-induced nociceptive response was reduced significantly by intraplantar injection of lavender and linalool [25]. Either oral administration or inhalation of lavender essential oil significantly reduced the chemical and thermal pain without evidence of central adverse effects in adult mice. Opioidergic neurotransmission seems to be involved in lavender-induced analgesia since only naloxone pretreatment prevents its effect in writhing test. Cholinergic neurotransmitter system also appears to play a role in lavender analgesia. The blockade of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors prevented analgesic effects of lavender [26].

Exposure to lavender effectively improved spatial memory deficits induced by dysfunction of the cholinergic system [27]. Administration of lavender in animal model of Alzheimer’s disease (rat model established by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1) effectively reversed spatial learning deficits [28]. Repeated application of lavender in mice demonstrated a more rapid sleep onset with longer duration of sleep [29]. Anticonvulsant effect for hydroalcoholic extract of lavender was reported against chemoconvulsant-induced seizures in male mice. Lavender inhibited the onset, shortened the duration, and reduced the intensity of seizure attacks [30]. Anticonvulsant effects of lavender together with diminution in spontaneous activity, when combined with other narcotics, have been reported [31, 32]. Inhalation of lavender was also noted to inhibit convulsion induced by pentylenetetrazol, nicotine, or electroshock in mice [33]. Linalool, one of the major components of lavender oil, has been shown to inhibit the convulsion induced by pentylenetetrazol and transcorneal electroshock in different animal models [34, 35], an effect that may induce via a direct interaction with the glutamatergic NMDA subreceptor as well as GABA_A receptors [36]. The neuroprotective effect of lavender oil on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was investigated in mice. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by the intraluminal occlusion. An aqueous extract of lavender has been shown to diminish glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in rat pups cerebellar granular cell culture [37]. Lavender oil significantly decreased neurological deficit scores, infarct size, and the levels of mitochondria-generated reactive oxygen species and attenuated neuronal damage in focal cerebral ischemia induced by the intraluminal occlusion in mice [38].

3. 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 [39]. Antioxidant and relatively weak cholinergic inhibition was reported for lavender [38, 40] and linalool [41–43]. Linalool inhibited acetylcholine release and alters ion channel function at the neuromuscular junction [44]. 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 [38]. 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 [45]. Lavender oil is also suggested to modulate GABAergic neurotransmission, especially on GABA_A receptors, and enhance inhibitory tone of the nervous system [29, 36, 46]. Cholinergic system is suggested to play a role in lavender analgesic, antianxiety, antidepression, and anticonvulsant effects of lavender [16, 26, 33].

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 [18]. Lavender oil inhibited dose-dependently the histamine release and anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from peritoneal mast cells in mice [47]. 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 [48, 49]. 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 [50]. 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 [50].

4. Human Studies

Although there is considerable debate about whether lavender species have a significant clinical potential either alone or as additives to other substances, many human studies support its effectiveness in different neurological and psychological disorders. Lavender was used predominantly in oral administration, aromatherapy, or massage in several clinical studies, and many benefits were claimed for use in such a manner. In addition to psychological effects, aromatherapy is thought to be therapeutically effective due to physiological effects of the inhaled volatile compounds. It is believed that inhaled lavender act via the limbic system, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus [1]. Linalool and linalyl acetate are rapidly absorbed through the skin after topical application with massage and are thought to be able to cause central nervous system depression [8].

4.1. Anxiety, Depression, and Lavender

Lavender was used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and related conditions. Three clinical trials were identified which investigated the efficacy of oral lavender oil preparation (silexan; an essential oil produced from lavender flowers by steam distillation), administered once daily at a dose of 80 mg/day, in subsyndromal (mixed) anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder as well as in restlessness and agitation. Anxiolytic effect of lavender was superior to placebo in 221 patients suffering from anxiety disorder. In addition, lavender improved associated symptoms such as restlessness, disturbed sleep, and somatic complaints and had a beneficial influence on general well-being and quality of life [51, 52]. In line with this study, the efficacy of a 6-week-intake of oral lavender oil preparation (Silexan, 80 mg/day), compared to lorazepam, was investigated in adults with generalized anxiety disorder. This study indicates that lavender effectively ameliorates generalized anxiety comparable to 0.5 mg/daily lorazepam [53]. Alleviation of anxiety and mood improvement were reported in thirty-six patients admitted to an intensive care unit, who received lavender oil (diluted to 1% concentration) aromatherapy [54]. The same results were reported for fourteen female patients who were being treated with chronic hemodialysis [55]. A survey in a long-stay neurology in-patient department showed increased mood scores and reduced psychological distress following aromatherapy with lavender accompanied with tea tree and rosemary [56]. An investigation on the effect of lavender aromatherapy (diluted to 2% concentration) on anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman showed a significant improvement of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale after four consecutive weeks of administration of lavender [57]. Lavender odor reduced anxiety in dental patients; however, it has no effect on dental anxiety surrounding thoughts of future dental visits [58, 59]. Testing visual analog scales to assess anxiety, it is suggested that lavender is a simple, low-risk, cost-effective intervention with the potential to improve preoperative anxiety [60]. Orally administered lavender capsules contained 100 or 200 μL of organic Lavandula angustifolia oil were tested on responses to anxiety-provoking film clips. In this study, evaluation of State Trait Anxiety Inventory, mood, positive and negative affect scale, heart rate, and galvanic skin response as well as heart rate variation after administration of lavender suggests that lavender has anxiolytic effects in humans suffering from low anxiety, but these effects may not extend to conditions of severe anxiety [61]. A clinical investigation points to antidepressive effect of lavender. Adjuvant therapy of lavender tincture (1 : 5 in 50% alcohol; 60 drops/day) and imipramine (100 mg/daily) in treatment of forty-eight adult outpatients suffering from mild-to-moderate depression led to a better and earlier improvement. Anticholinergic side effects of imipramine, such as dry mouth and urinary retention, were observed less often when lavender administered with impramine. These results suggest that lavender is an effective adjuvant therapy in combination with imipramine, resulting in a superior and quicker improvement in depressive symptoms [62].

4.2. Neuroimaging and Lavender

Evaluation of brain regional metabolic activity with positron emission tomography in ten healthy women after the lavender odor stimulus demonstrated neuronal enhancement in the orbitofrontal, posterior cingulate gyrus, brainstem, thalamus, and cerebellum and reduction of activity in the pre/post-central gyrus and frontal eye field. These findings indicate that lavender aromatherapy in addition to relaxation effect may enhance arousal level in some subjects [63]. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), significant activation in major olfactory brain structures, including the primary olfactory cortex, entorhinal cortex, hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, orbitofrontal cortex, and insular cortex and its extension into the inferior lateral frontal region was reported in nineteen healthy participants after application of 10% lavender diluted in dipropylene glycol [64]. Cortical perfusion increment after sensorial stimulation with lavender was evaluated by single photon emission computed tomography in ten healthy adults. A significant activation was observed in gyrus rectus, orbitofrontal cortex, and superior temporal cortical areas. A slight perfusion increase also existed in middle temporal and parieto-occipital regions [65]. Lavender odor was delivered via the orthonasal (odor perceived through the nose) and retronasal (odor perceived through the mouth) routes and brain response was measured with fMRI in 20 subjects. In addition to the activation at the base of the central sulcus by lavender, retronasal stimulation with odor resulted in a significant peak in the ventral insula compare to orthonasal application. In contrast, orthonasal application yielded a peak in the right caudate nucleus that approached significance in comparison to retronasal way [66].

4.3. Electroencephalography (EEG) and Lavender

It has been suggested that some neurological disorders with significant EEG changes, such as epilepsy, may be benefited by aromatherapy [10, 11]. Lavender affects human EEG pattern accompanied with its anxiolytic effect. It is reported that inhalation of lavender (diluted to 10% concentration) for 3 minutes increases alpha power of EEG as decreases anxiety and brings the subject to a better mood in 40 healthy adults [67]. Increases in theta (4–8 Hz) and alpha (8–13 Hz) wave activity may cause a range of general relaxation effects and can be induced by chemical and nonchemical techniques [68]. It has been shown that during inhalation with lavender (diluted to 10% concentration) in 20 participants, the power of theta and alpha wave activities were significantly increased in all brain regions. This study found relaxing effects with increases of alpha wave activities after administering lavender; indicating the EEG evidence of relaxation by lavender aromatherapy [69]. Furthermore, lavender aromatherapy is reported to produces EEG patterns characteristics of subjects’ feeling comfortable [70]. Lavender oil administered in an aroma stream shows modest efficacy in the treatment of agitated behavior in patients with severe dementia [71].

Resting frontal EEG asymmetry is suggested to be a predictor of symptom change and end-state functioning in patients with social anxiety disorder who undergo efficacious psychological treatment [72]. Evaluation of frontal EEG asymmetry shifting in thirty-nine adult participants and twenty-seven full-term newborns revealed greater relative left frontal EEG activation (associated with greater approach behavior and less depressed affect) after aromatherapy with lavender. Further studies in these volunteers indicate that lavender may induce left frontal EEG shifting in adults and infants, who show greater baselines relative to right frontal EEG activation. It is suggested that both infants and adults with greater relative right frontal EEG activation at baseline may be more affected by lavender application [73].

4.4. Sleep and Lavender

Lavender has been suggested as an excellent natural remedy to treat insomnia and improve the sleep quality. Single-blind randomized studies investigated the effectiveness of lavender odor on quality of sleep showed that lavender improved the mean scores of sleep quality in fifteen healthy students [74], in sixty-four ischemic heart disease patients [75], and in thirty-four midlife women with insomnia [76]. Ten individuals with insomnia, verified by a score of 5 or more on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were treated with lavender odor. Six to eight drops of lavender oil added each night to the cartridge improved the PSQI score by −2.5 points. More notable improvements were seen in females and younger participants. Milder insomnia also improved more than severe ones [77]. Oral lavender oil preparation (80 mg/day) showed a significant beneficial influence on quality and duration of sleep and improved general mental and physical health without causing any unwanted sedative or other drug specific effects in 221 patients suffering from subsyndromal (mixed) anxiety disorder [52]. A mixture of essential oils including lavender, basil, juniper, and sweet marjoram is shown to reduce sleep disturbance and improve overall well-being in older patients [78]. In a clinical study on four benzodiazepine dependent geriatric patients, there was a significant decrease in sleep duration by stopping benzodiazepine treatment, which was restored to previous levels by substitution of aromatherapy with lavender oil. This study suggested that ambient lavender oil might be used as a temporary relief from continued medication for insomnia and reduces the side-effects of these drugs [79]. In a study on thirty-one hospitalized patients, administration of lavender odor showed a trend towards an improved quality of daytime wakefulness and more sustained sleep at night [80]. In contrary to these data, it should be noted that the use of aromatherapy massage with lavender oil has no beneficial effect on the sleep patterns of children with autism attending a residential school. It was suggested that this therapy may show greater effects in the home environment or with longer-term interventions [81].

4.5. Pain and Lavender

Lavender reported to be useful in the treatment of acute as well as chronic or intractable pain [82]. 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 [83]. 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 [84]. 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 [85]. 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 [86]. 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 [87] and after episiotomy in 60 primiparous women [88] as well as in perineal discomfort following normal childbirth in 635 women [89, 90]. 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 [91] and for other analgesics in fifty-four patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding [92]. 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 [93]. 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 [94, 95]. 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 [5]. 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 [96].

4.6. Cognition and Lavender

The use of aromas to modulate affect and mood has been reported by several ancient and medieval physicians [9–12]. The positive effects of different medicinal plants as cognition enhancers have been reported [97]. To assess the olfactory impact of the essential oils of lavender on cognitive performance and mood in healthy volunteers, the Cognitive Drug Research computerized cognitive assessment battery was performed in 144 participants. Analysis of performance revealed that lavender odor (four drops of oil were applied to a diffuser pad) produced a significant decrement in performance of working memory as well as impaired reaction times for both memory and attention. In addition, a significant effect was found for lavender compared to controls for degree of contentedness, indicating that lavender is capable of elevating mood, or at least maintaining good mood during the completion of a challenging test battery under laboratory conditions [98]. There is an improvement of emotional state in the work environment following the use of the lavender oil burners. Using lavender oil in burners for a 3-month period, nearly 90% of respondents (a total of 66 subjects) believed that there had been an improvement in the work environment following the use of lavender oil [99]. Aromatherapy consisted of the use of rosemary and lemon essential oils in the morning, and lavender and orange in the evening showed significant improvement in personal orientation related to cognitive function in 28 elderly patients suffering from different forms of dementia [100]. It has been shown that unconscious perception of lavender odor can significantly affect the rate of errors made in the mathematical and letter counting tests. In the presence of the odor of lavender, 108 subjects made fewer errors than in the presence of no odor or the odor of jasmine [101]. By comparison, it has been reported lavender to impair arithmetic reasoning, but not memory, when compared to cloves, with no concomitant effect on mood for either odor [102]. Application of oral lavender (80 mg/day) for six weeks in fifty patients suffering from neurasthenia or post-traumatic stress disorder showed significant improvements of their general mental health status and quality of life [103].

5. Safety

Although sufficient evidence exists to recommend lavender for short-term treatment of some neurological disorders, long-term trials and observational studies are needed to establish the safety of long-term use as well as overall efficacy in the context of treatment and management of these diseases. The available data suggests that short-term therapy with lavender is relatively safe. However, there are some reports of adverse effects after application of lavender. Gynecomastia coincided with the topical application of products, which contained lavender and tea tree oils was reported in three boys aged between 7 to 10 years. Gynecomastia resolved in all patients shortly after discontinuation of products containing these oils. Furthermore, studies in human cell lines indicated that the lavender oil had estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities [104]. Lavender should be also used cautiously or avoided in patients with known allergy to lavender [105, 106]. In the oral lavender trials, Kasper et al. [52] reported slightly more adverse events in the lavender group than the placebo group; the most frequently reported adverse effects were related to infections and infestations, followed by gastrointestinal disorders and nervous system disorders. Woelk and Schläfke [107] reported slightly more adverse events in the lavender group than the lorazepam group but again none were described as serious. Gastrointestinal adverse events, such as nausea and dyspepsia, after receiving silexan were reported [107]. Ingestion should be avoided during pregnancy (due to emmenagogue effects) [108] and breastfeeding. Lavender oil has no potential for drug abuse [109].

6. Critical Overview and Conclusion

A recent increase in the popularity of alternative medicine and natural products has renewed interest in lavender and their essential oils as potential natural remedies [2]. This review may be useful to increase our knowledge of lavender pharmacological effects and improve our future experimental and clinical research plans. Although it is shown that lavender may have a significant clinical potential either in their own right or as adjuvant therapy in different disorders, however, due to some issues, such as methodological inadequacies, small sample sizes, short duration of lavender application, lack of information regarding dose rationale, variation between efficacy and effectiveness trials, variability of administration methods, the absence of a placebo comparator, or lack of control groups more standard experiments and researches are needed to confirm the beneficial effect of lavender in the neurological disorders [109]. Methodological and oil identification problems have also hampered the evaluation of the therapeutic significance of some of the research on lavender. The dried lavender flowers used in some trials were sourced from a local herb store (i.e., [62]). Although taxonomic identification was confirmed in these studies, without quantification of key constituents the quality of the herbal product may be questionable [110]. Although some studies defined the contents of lavender, it is essential that all future clinical studies specify the exact derivation of the oils used in the study and, preferably, include a profile of the liquid or the percentage composition of the major constituents. In addition, several factors, such as temperature, skin type and quality, and the size of area being treated, which may affect the level and rate of lavender absorption after massage or aromatherapy, were not considered in several investigations. Many discreet compounds in lavender oil have shown a myriad of potential therapeutic effects, and researchers continue to seek novel treatments to different ailments [2].

Only few clinical investigations on lavender are available using diverse administration methods (i.e., oral, aromatherapy, and as a massage oil). The evidence for oral lavender is promising; however, until independent studies emerge with long-term follow-up data, it remains inconclusive [109]. The use of more widely used forms of lavender administrations (aromatherapy, inhalation, massage, etc.) is not currently supported by good evidence of efficacy. Future clinical trials, well-reported and adopting rigorous standard methodology, in combination with experimental pharmacological research, would help to clarify the therapeutic value of lavender for neurological and psychological disorders [109, 110].

The apparently low reporting of adverse reactions could imply tolerability and safety [110]. However, most studies failed to provide details which may have masked these and the studies only involved small numbers of participants. It is crucial to get good tolerability and safety data for all modes of lavender application. Thus longer-term follow ups would be required especially for oral lavender before it is recommended for treatment of neurological and/or psychological disorders.

Authors’ Contribution

P. H. Koulivand and M. K. Ghadiri contributed equally to this paper.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge support by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and Open Access Publication Fund of University of Muenster.

 

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Lavender and the Nervous System