Module 2 Flashcards
Define the term irritation as it pertains to essential oils
Irritation is a reaction of the epidermis to essential oils that generates redness, swelling, blistering, and/or itchiness. Essential oils with high levels of aldehydes or phenols are more likely to cause irritation
Define the term sensitization as it pertains to essential oils. What conditions increase the chances of sensitivity in all individuals.
Sensitization is an allergic skin reaction (an autoimmune reaction), which often presents as a rash. Lack of sleep and heightened stress increases skin sensitivity in everybody.
Define the term toxicity as it pertains to essential oils.
Toxicity occurs in the body at the cellular level, when exposure to essential oils is “too much“ and causes damage and/or cellular malfunction. Toxicity is usually dose dependent.
Define ‘quenching’ as it relates to essential oils
Quenching is used to describe the phenomenon where one component in an essential oil “neutralizes” or counteracts the hazardous effect of another component in the same pure, whole oil, or another oil with which it is blended.
List 4 things that the practitioner can do to prevent exposure to blood and bodily fluids for both practitioner and client
1) Cover all cuts or abrasions with a bandage
2) dispose of sterile equipment, products, and supplies properly
3) never touch open sores or wounds
4) make sure all equipment, massage table, and door knobs are cleaned and sanitized b/w clients
List five avenues by which pathogens can enter the body
- Break in skin (cuts, pimples, or scratches)
- Mouth (contaminated food, water)
- Nose (inhalation)
- Eyes and ears
- Genitals (Unprotected sexual intercourse)
What is oxidation?
Oxidation is the natural breakdown of an essential oil over time into potentially harmful oxidant derivatives produced as a result of the exposure of certain oils like citrus and fir oils to air, heat, sunlight etc. Literally, unstable double or triple bonds in the constituents, which are rigid and unstable, are broken by the addition of oxygen, resulting in many potentially hazardous secondary oxidant breakdown products.
What three factors most affect the eo dosage and rate of absorption during a massage? List up to 7 further, less significant factors that affect dosage.
1) The percentage dilution
2) total quantity of oil applied
3) total area of skin to which the oil is applied
i. Particular eo being used
ii. Choice of carrier
iii. Parts of the body to which the EO is being applied
iv. Temperature and moisture content of the skin
v. Absorption capacity of the skin
vi. The extent to which skin is covered after massage
vii. How soon the skin is washed following a massage
Explain the term ‘hepatotoxic’
Name up to 5 oils (and 2 constituents) that are potentially hepatotoxic
Hepatotoxicity occurs when a chemical (naturally occurring or not) causes damage to liver cells. Glutathione (an important antioxidant that protects the liver from damage to its DNA and proteins by free radicals) can be depleted by certain chemicals.
Clove Cinnamon bark Anise Nutmeg Pennyroyal Safrole Menthol
Name up to 8 oils that are contraindicated in the case of kidney disease (aka anti-coagulant oils)
Avoid oral use of any oil, but especially: Bay Betel leaf Clove stem Cinnamon leaf Pimento Berry Pimento leaf Ocimum gratissimum Tejpat leaf
Name three (out of a possible six) constituents that have been reported to cause convulsions or unconsciousness in large doses
Pinocamphone (hyssop) Camphor (camphor oil, ravintsara, rosemary) Thujone (thuja oil, sage) Pulegone (pennyroyal) Menthone (peppermint) Fenchone (fennel)
Name two essential oils that have psychotropic effects at large doses (oral use to be avoided)
Nutmeg (trans-anethole, myristicin & elimicin)
Wormwood (thujone)
Name three oils (out of a possible 10) that have a sedative effect on the CNS - when are these oils contraindicated?
Valerian Asafetida Lavender Rose Galbanum Violet extract Rosewood German chamomile Yarrow Clary sage
*Contra indicated for those depressed or lethargic
What essential oils can have estrogen-disturbing effects (name at least three out the eight oils listed here)
Eucalyptus staigerana (citral) Lemongrass (citral) Lemon myrtle (citral) May chang (citral) Melissa (citral) Verbena (citral) Anise (anethole) Fennel (anethole)
- anethole-rich oils should be used with caution orally with estrogen-sensitive cancers, pregnancy, and breast-feeding; use citral oils with caution in benign hyperplasia
- Saffrole and Sassafras have shown chronic toxicity and cellular changes in adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid, testes and ovaries in rats
Which oils are contraindicated for ingestion in pregnancy (11 listed)? Give some examples of known abortifacients (9 listed).
Only if taken orally: Anise Clary sage Cedarwood Cypress Fennel East Indian fennel Marjoram, sweet Peppermint Rose Rosemary Wintergreen
Known abortifacients: Mugwort Parsley seed Pennyroyal Rue Sassafras Savin Tansy Thuja Wormwood
(all considered unsafe for use in aromatherapy, anyway)
What 4 oils are contraindicated in glaucoma (i.e. can increase ocular pressure)? What is the common constituent?
Lemon myrtle
Lemongrass
May Chang
Melissa
Citral is the common constituent
Name up to 11 oils that should be avoided completely due to their carcinogenic potential
Name three (out of a possible 11) oils that are safe to use during cancer, but only non-orally
Basil (estragole) Cade (Unrectified) Camphor (Brown) Camphor (Yellow) Calamus, Indian Melaleuca bracteata Ravensara anisata Sassafras Snakeroot Tarragon Tarragon, Russian
Can be used in cancer clients, but should be avoided orally: Anise Anise, Star Basil, low estragole Cinnamon leaf Fennel, bitter Fennel, sweet Ho leaf Laurel Myrtle Mace Nutmeg, Indian
Name three oils should be avoided for use under two years of age (19 + 3 identified)
*Citronella
*Eucalyptus citriodora
Lemongrass
Melissa
May Chang
Oregano
Thyme
Savoury
Onion
Anise
Star Anise
*Clove leaf
Clove bud
*Clove stem
Peppermint
Wintergreen
Rectified cade
Laurel
Perilla
Ajowan
Sage
- has caused documented cases of poisoning, where large amounts were ingested (in addition, Pennyroyal, sassafras, and wormwood)
What four safety precautions must be taken with essential oils that are to be used with children?
1) labelling must clearly indicate the essential oil contents and concentration
2) bottles must be fitted with a drop dispenser
3) essential oils must be kept out of reach of children
4) in certain cases, a childproof cap should be used (e.g. Wintergreen)
List six safety guidelines for aromatherapists:
1) work in a well-ventilated area
2) Air out the treatment room between clients or between blending oils
3) minimum of five minutes fresh air for every hour
4) wash hands between treatments or blends
5) keep and dispense oils in a separate room from treatment room
6) avoid essential oils contraindicated for the practitioner
List five contraindications for massage (12 listed)
- Infectious or contagious disease
- Running a fever
- Recent fractures or large areas of scar tissue (avoid massage over direct area for two months)
- Varicose veins – gentle upward massage using effleurage
- Cancer and serious heart conditions – no full body massage without doctors permission; gentle massage on shoulders, arms, hands, feet, and face OK
- Broken skin, boils and cuts - cover and avoid
- Recent vaccinations (24 hrs)
- Recent alcohol intake - massage with essential oils can heighten effects of alcohol
- Immediately after a heavy meal
- Immediately after sports, a hot bath, or sauna
- Menstruation – during first two days, blood loss can be accelerated. Individual areas can be massaged to reduce cramping
- Strong medication being taken by client – only with doctors approval
Define the term “universal precautions”
Universal precautions are infection control guidelines designed to protect workers from exposure to diseases spread by blood and bodily fluids
List 4 ways in which the body prevents and/or fights infection
1) skin integrity
2) body secretions (digestive juices, perspiration)
3) White blood cells (and other agents of immunity such as antibodies, T-cells etc.)
4) antitoxins that counteract toxins produced by bacteria
Define the following terms:
Infection Pus Communicable/contagious disease Local infection Systemic infection Immunity
1) infection – occurs when the body tissues are invaded by pathogens
2) pus is a fluid byproduct of infection and inflammation that consists of white blood cells, debris of dead cells, tissue elements and bacteria
3) Contagious/Communicable disease - a micro-organism-borne illness that can be passed from one person (or living organism) to another via bodily fluids, air, or surface contact
4) Local infection - a ‘compromise’ of bodily security and integrity, where pathogenic organisms successfully breach, invade, and proliferate in a localized area of tissue
5) A systemic infection is one in which the bacteria/virus/toxins are carried by the blood to the entire body
6) Immunity – is the ability of the body to destroy invading microorganisms
