CHAPTER 12: AROMATHERAPY

Question 1

aromatherapy

Answer 1

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

Question 2

a person trained in the use of EOs is an

Answer 2

aromatherapist

Question 3

inhalation

Answer 3

• EO scents are breathed in
• put in diffusers
• applied to fabrics or pillowcases
• can be steamed

Question 4

topical application

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

ingestion

Answer 5

• ingested through pills, capsules or drinking a liquid
• used mostly by individuals certified in aromatherapy

Question 6

carrier oils

Answer 6

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

Question 7

fumigation

Answer 7

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

Question 8

history of aromatherapy

Answer 8

egyptians (~6000 ya) were experts
- crushing plants with fatty oils
- aid transition into after life
- anti-aging on skin

Question 9

avicenna (980-1037 CE)

Answer 9

• developed distillation method for oils
• coiled cooling pipe to collect steam
• fight diseases like black death

Question 9

use and safety

Answer 9

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

Question 10

storing essential oils

Answer 10

• keep away from sunlight
• store in a dark amber or cobalt blue bottle
• keep in cool dry place
• small bottles = exposed to less oxygen

Question 11

Steam Distillation

Answer 11

• most common method to extract oils

1. planted heated by steam
2. evaporated molecules go through coil and cooled
3. cooled molecules condense in liquid
4. molecules separate into oil and water
5. results in pure, natural EO

Question 12

Macerating (soaking)

Answer 12

used for delicate plants that could be damaged by heat

1. plants/petals slowly added to animal fats or veg oil
2. fat washed with alcohol to dissolve EO compounds
3. vacuum distillation: boiling point is lowered by a vacuum so compound can evaporate w out damage
4. evaporated molecules are condensed into liquid
5. absolute EO remains

Question 13

Expression

Answer 13

used to extract EOs from citrus fruit rinds

1. rinds are removed from citrus fruits
2. citrus rinds are soaked in water
3. rinds are turned upside down so that cells break apart
4. oils from cells drips out and soaks into sponges
5. oils are squeezed out of sponge

Question 14

Cold pressed extraction

Answer 14

uses high mechanical pressure to force oils out

• spoil quicker

Question 15

Solvent extraction

Answer 15

used for plants that can not survive distillation process

1. organic solvent is added to plants
2. waxy mass concentrate produced known as concrete
3. mixed w alcohol and heat
4. oils seperates and cooled so it percipitates and leaves behind EO

Question 16

CO2 Extraction

Answer 16

gives a richer, more intense scent due to aromatics being released

1. pressurived co2 is pumped into a chamber with the plant material
2. CO2 acts as a solvent and the EO content dissolves in it
3. co2 is brought back to natural pressure and turns back into gas
4. essential oil seperates from co2 and remains are collected

Question 17

Florasols/Phytols extraction

Answer 17

uses other types of gaseous solvents

• no heat breakdown of plant products
• free flowing, clear oil without wax is obtained

Question 18

clinical research on lavender

Answer 18

• blood levels of norepinephrine (stress hormone) declined after use
• decreases stress ans anxiety
• may block male sex hormones

Question 19

clinical research on lemon

Answer 19

• enhances mood
• is considered a stimulant

Question 20

clinical research on tea tree

Answer 20

• antimicrobial
• effective anti bacterial treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria

Question 21

clinical research on eucalyptus

Answer 21

• positive effects on respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and COPD

Question 22

Dr. Edward Bach

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

the 38 flower remedies

Answer 23

• cured negative emotional states, not disease
• at one time classified into 3 groups, now into 7 according to emotion

Question 24

rescue remedy

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Bach rescue remedy

Answer 25

general skin salve to soothe and restore, supposed to help a wide range of skin conditions such as flaking or chapped skin

Question 26

choosing the bach original flower remedy for personal use:

Answer 26

1. pinpoint how u are feeling at the exact moment
2. match mood with appropriate remedy
3. be able to admit negative emotions
4. can ask someone who knows you well to describe u