CHAPTER 12: AROMATHERAPY Flashcards
aromatherapy
the use of concentrated plant oils or essential oils to help improve general health and well being
- treatment using scents
- holistic view
- destress, enhance relaxation, relieve anxiety
a person trained in the use of EOs is an
aromatherapist
inhalation
- EO scents are breathed in
- put in diffusers
- applied to fabrics or pillowcases
- can be steamed
topical application
- EOs diluted and applied directly to the skin
- carrier oils are often used to avoid irritation
- can be used during a massage or added to a bath
- mixed with bath salts
- hold/cold comrpresses
ingestion
- ingested through pills, capsules or drinking a liquid
- used mostly by individuals certified in aromatherapy
carrier oils
derived from the fatty portion of plant from seeds, kernels or nuts
- used to dilute CO2 and absolutes
- best if been cold pressed
- stored in refrigerator
ex. olive oil, almond oil, sesame oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil
fumigation
one of the first practices of aromatherapy
- plant oils were burned to engulf sickrooms with smoke
- though to combat evil spirits and rid them from a persons body
history of aromatherapy
egyptians (~6000 ya) were experts
- crushing plants with fatty oils
- aid transition into after life
- anti-aging on skin
avicenna (980-1037 CE)
- developed distillation method for oils
- coiled cooling pipe to collect steam
- fight diseases like black death
use and safety
can be used by everyone however, should always take precautions
- dont apply directly on skin or mucous membrane if undiluted
- check for expired date
- less = more
- store away from children
consult physician if u are:
- pregnant
- have asthma
- high blood pressure
storing essential oils
- keep away from sunlight
- store in a dark amber or cobalt blue bottle
- keep in cool dry place
- small bottles = exposed to less oxygen
Steam Distillation
- most common method to extract oils
- planted heated by steam
- evaporated molecules go through coil and cooled
- cooled molecules condense in liquid
- molecules separate into oil and water
- results in pure, natural EO
Macerating (soaking)
used for delicate plants that could be damaged by heat
- plants/petals slowly added to animal fats or veg oil
- fat washed with alcohol to dissolve EO compounds
- vacuum distillation: boiling point is lowered by a vacuum so compound can evaporate w out damage
- evaporated molecules are condensed into liquid
- absolute EO remains
Expression
used to extract EOs from citrus fruit rinds
- rinds are removed from citrus fruits
- citrus rinds are soaked in water
- rinds are turned upside down so that cells break apart
- oils from cells drips out and soaks into sponges
- oils are squeezed out of sponge
Cold pressed extraction
uses high mechanical pressure to force oils out
- spoil quicker
Solvent extraction
used for plants that can not survive distillation process
- organic solvent is added to plants
- waxy mass concentrate produced known as concrete
- mixed w alcohol and heat
- oils seperates and cooled so it percipitates and leaves behind EO
CO2 Extraction
gives a richer, more intense scent due to aromatics being released
- pressurived co2 is pumped into a chamber with the plant material
- CO2 acts as a solvent and the EO content dissolves in it
- co2 is brought back to natural pressure and turns back into gas
- essential oil seperates from co2 and remains are collected
Florasols/Phytols extraction
uses other types of gaseous solvents
- no heat breakdown of plant products
- free flowing, clear oil without wax is obtained
clinical research on lavender
- blood levels of norepinephrine (stress hormone) declined after use
- decreases stress ans anxiety
- may block male sex hormones
clinical research on lemon
- enhances mood
- is considered a stimulant
clinical research on tea tree
- antimicrobial
- effective anti bacterial treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria
clinical research on eucalyptus
- positive effects on respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and COPD
Dr. Edward Bach
- english physician and bacteriologist
- gave up his traditional practice to pursue holistic (trained in homeopathy)
- believed disease was manifesttaion of neg thoughts
- creates 7 Bach Nosodes
- 38 flower remedies
the 38 flower remedies
- cured negative emotional states, not disease
- at one time classified into 3 groups, now into 7 according to emotion
rescue remedy
a unique combination of 5 other original flower remedies
- help people cope with everyday situations (ex. wedding day nerves)
rock rose - for terror
impatiens - for impatience
clematis - for dreaminess or lack of intrest
star of bethlehem - shock
cherry pum - fear of mind giving
Bach rescue remedy
general skin salve to soothe and restore, supposed to help a wide range of skin conditions such as flaking or chapped skin
choosing the bach original flower remedy for personal use:
- pinpoint how u are feeling at the exact moment
- match mood with appropriate remedy
- be able to admit negative emotions
- can ask someone who knows you well to describe u
