Herbal Aromatherapy |

by Erica Stevens

Ongoing research in laboratories around the world is revealing important medical applications of essential oils. Results are published in peer-reviewed journals, and summaries of these papers are available on the internet though the website of the publication, or through Pub Med, a resource for searching all these journal-published abstracts at once. Type in ‘essential oils’ and you’ll find thousands of results, many just appearing in the last month. At Ananda Aromatherapy, we follow these developments to pass on to our customers and blog readers in hopes they may help you get the most of of your aromatherapy practice!

Many essential oils are used to help folks focus, to think a little more clearly and be more effective in their jobs and as students. The action of these oils tend to correspond to their aromas: bright, high-note oils tend to clarify and uplift the awareness (where soft floral aromas gently sedate, and earthy aromas are grounding and calming). Research has shown significant improvements in mental acuity by the inhalation of these oils, and now the physiological means through which they act in our brains is being revealed.

In the first study, perfomed at the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the University of Shizuoka Japan, Tarragon, Inula, Lavender and Holy Basil were tested for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In other words, their ability to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, the primary information-handling neurotransmitter. Supplements with this action are becoming more and more popular with regular folks trying to increase their smarts, and are used to treat dementia (Alzheimer’s) by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.

Of the essential oils tested, Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) produced in France had the highest inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, though all the oils tested showed significant AChE inhibitory activity. All the oils were analyzed by GC/MS to find the individual natural chemical constituents of the oils which produced this effect. Of real interest is that 1,8-Cineol had the greatest inhibitory activity of all the constituents examined. Why this this interesting? Rosemary essential oil has long been considered a mental stimulant (we find in the office to be particularly brightening) and has been studied for this effect, improving mental focus in humans through a variety of tests. The primary component of Rosemary essential oil is 1,8-Cineol (it is also a major constituent of Eucalyptus oils, used for invigorating massages and steam treatments).

Also of great interest was that the effect of these constituents relative to their amounts in the complete natural essential oil was not very high — meaning the complete essential oil, with nature’s balance of the chemical constituents, was synergistically more effective than the singly-extracted molecules. This is a theme in aromatherapy: that the complete natural essential oil will generally have more benefits than a single ‘active ingredient’ extracted in a laboratory — Therapeutic grade oils are those that retain the natural balance of the plant’s, with proper harvesting and distillation methods.

We also see in aromatherapy that the scents of single aromatic molecules isolated in a lab don’t really smell very interesting. The balance all those molecules found in an oil in very tiny amounts (less than 5% to fractions of 1%) make the difference between an ‘ok’ essential oil and a highly-therapeutic, world class essential oil. These oils are just an absolute pleasure to inhale, and oftentimes one can smell them again and again and keep finding new wonderful notes.

The second study very much ties in with the first, as it demonstrates the ability of Lemon essential oil to directly prevent dementia (Alzheimer’s). The causes of dementia are not well understood, though some pathways are clearly documented. Toxicity from certain chemicals may lead to a breakdown in neurotransmitter systems, resulting in dementia symptoms. In research performed at the Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry in Shizouka, Japan, Lemon essential oil was shown to inhibit memory impairment from scopolamine exposure, preventing dementia. AND, as a final note of the study, the combined primary constituents of Lemon essential oil were shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity! Lemon essential oil both prevents dementia and increases acetylcholine stores in the the brain.

What is the novice aromatherapy practitioner to do with this information? How can one safely put it to use? Thankfully, the tools and practices have already been used by aromatherapists for some time. Some effect will occur just though the inhalation or topical application of these oils — anytime you’re smelling an aroma, some of it is being absorbed in your body. If its applied topically, its also being absorbed in your body. The important thing is to take care adjusting your overall intake while listening to your own response to the oil’s aroma. We find diffusing a little of an oil with a high cineol content to be brightening and uplifting. The finer the grade of the oil, the more of it we’ll want (or tolerate) before deciding to turn it off for awhile. The break lets our nose forget about the oil so it can enjoy it again, and our internal systems can reap the benefits while the oil cycles through us. Essential oils are metabolized fairly rapidly, and many diffuser timer systems cycle on again every hour or so — this is about the time it takes for the majority of the oil to leave our system, and interestingly, our nose will tell us when the oil is again a good thing to inhale.

About the Author:
The author is a wellness director for Ananda Aromatherapy, found at www.anandaapothecary.com. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oil blends through the website.