Aromaceuticals

Last month, an article I'd authored was reprinted in Aromascents Journal. The article, Olfactory Memories, Olfactory Imagery and Their Influence on Behavior also appears in the Aromatic Library section of Aromaceuticals' website. I've gotten a couple queries indicating that some readers misinterpreted what was written, and I want to set the record straight: studies on olfaction which feature fragrance materials do not necessarily involve the use essential oils.

My article gave an overview of several recent scientific studies involving the effects of odorants on behavior. In one Australian study (Prescott and Wilkie, 2007), subjects exposed to sweet aromas had higher pain tolerance than those exposed to unpleasant and/or non-sweet aromas. At least one reader interpreted this as "sweet essential oils are more effective for pain management than non-sweet essential oils." This is not what was written, and not necessarily true.

My source material did not indicate what specific aromatic substances were used to conduct the experiment. This is very typical of studies involving the use of odorants, which are often single or blended concoctions composed of artificial chemicals, or sometimes individual chemical isolates removed from natural substances. Why are synthetic or incomplete substances used? Many of these experiments are funded by large companies such as Monell or IFF, which manufacture aromatic chemicals for the fragrance and flavoring industries. Essential oils are rarely used as odorants in these studies, and when used often do not originate from named botanical sources. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that any conclusions drawn from these experiments can be applied specifically to aromatherapy.

In 1993, I attended an aromatherapy conference where Dr. Alan Hirsch presented a study on the effect of odorants on male sexual arousal. He tested a number of different aromas, and found that the most "arousing" were lavender and pizza. When conference attendees asked what specific lavender essential oil was used, Dr. Hirsch was unable to give a named botanical source. And obviously, essential oil of pizza does not exist.

One oft-cited study implicated peppermint in sleep disruption. Although the resulting research paper referred to "peppermint", the odorant used in the study was in fact pepperine, a fragrance chemical which acceptably mimics the scent of peppermint. That particular experiment was sponsored by the Fragrance Foundation, a significant player in the perfume industry.

We cannot assume that fragrance chemicals or chemical isolates derived from natural fragrances have the same effect on the human body as true, whole essential oils. While many of these olfactory studies can (and should) serve as food for thought, we can only view the results of experiments using natural essential oils as being applicable to aromatherapy.

Prescott, J. & Wilkie, J. Pain Tolerance Selectively Increased by a Sweet-smelling Odor. Psychological Science, 18(4), 308-311. Retrieved September 11, 2008 from EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier database.

Damian, Peter & Kate. Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche, 85-88. 1995. Healing Arts Press: Rochester, Vermont.

Last night I was privileged to attend a lecture by prolific artist Karen Blessen on art and mysticism. Karen uses a contemplative process known as passage meditation as a daily spiritual practice, which resulted in an unexpected outpouring of creativity she is now sharing with others.

Everyone in attendance had a brief opportunity to experiment with her version of the practice, which involved contemplating a line or two of sacred writing and responding to it in a stream of consciousness fashion. Although participants were given a mere 5 minutes to express the sacred through written word, the results were both moving and astounding. Of course, it helped that the lecture was given in church, and I could feel an enormous rush of energy descend through an open space in the rooftop of the sanctuary as we began our meditation on the words "if the very world should stop..." excerpted from a passage by St. Augustine.

Here is what I was inspired to write during that brief period:

If the very world should stop, we would see the Void. We would fully experience the Void, falling within it. Devoid of all senses, we would simultaneously sense All that Is. If the very world should stop, there would be an overwhelming, tranquil, soothing blackness. Within that blackness, within that darkness, Peace. The Breath of Life. Breathe. Breathe deeply and drink of it. All knowledge, everything that is needed, everything that is required for this lifetime on earth resides within that breath. The Breath of Life.

Spend a few minutes this week contemplating a brief passage from a sacred script or favorite piece of literature. What does it inspire within you?

Daily or seasonal pollen allergies can usually be managed with the topical use of dilute essential oils. Eucalyptus radiata and sweet myrtle are among my favorite anti-allergy oils, and a must for those living in high pollen areas. Aromaceuticals' pre-diluted Respiro blend contains both these oils for easy dermal application to sinus pressure points.

However, there are times when topical application just isn't strong enough to manage the unpleasant symptoms of allergic rhinitis. I experienced this last week when I was struck overnight with a severe allergic reaction to mountain cedar pollen. After just a brief outdoor exposure, my nasal passages swelled and my voice completely disappeared. This sent me running to the nearest drugstore for a nasal lavage kit to start some emergency aromatherapy.

Nasal lavage, or sinus irrigation, is a very old therapy that has once again become popular in both the holistic and allopathic medical communities due to its rapid effectiveness. Very simply, the nasal cavities are gently washed with a mild saline solution, which moistens the nasal pasages and washes out inhaled pollen and accumulated mucus. Large amounts mucus can't collect to breed a sinus infection, and if pollen isn't present, a histamine reaction won't occur, along with accompanying swelling, stuffiness and sneezing.

Lavage is accomplished via use of a neti pot or plastic squeeze bottle. Some people find neti pots a bit cumbersome and prefer the bottles which come with prepackaged sinus irrigation kits. Either way, you can boost the effectiveness of nasal lavage by creating your own saline solution.

Add 10-12 drops of essential oil to 8 tablespoons of finely granulated sea salt. Mix together thoroughly in a sterile capped container. Use as directed with your neti pot or sinus irrigation kit– most require about 1/2 teaspoon salt for a single application. I use a blend of the above-mentioned eucalyptus radiata and sweet myrtle, but other suitable essential oils include eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus smithii, eucalyptus polybractea, bay laurel, basil ct. methyl chavicol, tea tree and niaouli. One batch of neti pot salts will be enough for several weeks of daily irrigation treatments.

Do not perform nasal lavage if you have a known ear infection.

If you suffer from persistent pollen allergies, I also recommend taking a good quality stinging nettle supplement. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) capsules are widely available at health food stores. Be aware that a loading dose is necessary to obtain the desired antihistaminic effect, so start taking the capsules about 2 months before the arrival of your usual allergy season. Purchase a brand that contains a standardized dosage of nettle herb.

If your sinus problems are accompanied by laryngitis, application of dilute frankincense to the throat can quickly return your voice back to normal. Cypress oil is helpful for laryngitis accompanied by sore throat.

Keep two or three bottles of essential oils at the ready in your medicine cabinet for sudden allergy attacks. The same essential oils do double duty for colds and flu, making them indispensable for home health care.

I will be presenting a teleconference lecture to the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) on Wednesday evening, February 17. Essential Oils for Difficult People is about using aromatherapy to uncover the hidden Buddha nature in those who are angry, distracted, obstinate, distrustful, or just plain crazymaking. Once their craziness is put aside and they are able to show us their real selves, a true healing journey can be facilitated.

I'll be discusssing somato-emotional and psychospiritual profiles of juniper, sage, melissa, fennel, and a few other essential oils, as well as presenting several case studies from my private practice. If you have a client who has been stalled in their healing process, this lecture should be of help to you.

The actual teleconference is open to AIA members only, but you may purchase a CD of the lecture, which will be available by mid March. For more information or to join AIA, please contact www.alliance-aromatherapists.org.

Fragrance exerts a powerful effect on physical attraction, and perfumers have used this knowledge to their advantage for centuries. Here is a favorite recipe to enhance your Valentine's Day experience or any other romantic encounter. Use the synergy like a perfume, applying it sparingly to the pulse points on the inner wrist, crease of the elbow and back of knee, as well as behind the ears and on the breasts/upper chest.

The secret ingredient: black pepper, which provides an unexpectedly sexy kick! This is an especially lovely blend to use in tantric ritual if you practice sacred sex as part of your spiritual path.

Aphrodisia Synergy

Macadamia Nut oil                      1 oz.
Black Pepper essential oil           4 drops
Jasmine Absolute                        3 drops
Rose Otto essential oil                3 drops
Ylang Ylang Extra essential oil   3 drops
Petitgrain essential oil                3 drops
Neroli essential oil                      2 drops