Aromatherapy Case Study
Aromatherapy:
AROMATHERAPY IS THE THERAPEUTIC USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS(AROMATIC PLANT EXTRACTS) FOR PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING. RELIEVING HEALTH PROBLEMS AND IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE.
By: Chandra Klaiber, RN
My researched based Topical Pain Relief Aromatherapy Blend.
Consists of a blend of essential oils including 8 drops of lemongrass, 8 drops of rosewood, 8 drops of cypress and 6 drops of black pepper. The essential oils were mixed with 2.5 ounces lotion base.
Medium
The medium used is a pure unscented lotion. This medium was used as it provides a great base for the essential oils to absorb into the skin and distributes evenly (Worwood, 1991). A lotion is an amalgamation of oil in water or water in oil, both containing an emulsifying agent. Essential oils may then be added to obtain a pure and natural product (Worwood, 1991).
Essential Oil Properties and Purpose
Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) is used for its analgesic effects. It also has many other properties that value the recipe such as anti-depressant, anti-oxidant, nervine, sedative and tonic, which all will help in over pain relief. (Lawless, 1995). Lemongrass’s principal chemical constituents are citral, myrcene, dipentene, methlheptenone, linalool, geraniol, nerol, citronellol and farnesol. Chemical constituents will vary depending on type (Lawless, 1995). Due to it’s myrcene content lemongrass may have analgesic effects (Buckle, 2003) Lemongrass is also beneficial for inflammation and acute low back pain (Buckle, 2003).
Aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) is used for its mildly analgesic effect (Lawless). It also contains other properties, which are valuable to the pain relief blend such as its anti-convulsant, antidepressant, and anti-septic properties. Rosewood is also an immune system stimulant, tissue regenerator and tonic (Lawless, 1995). Its chemical constituents are linalol (majority), cineol, terpineol, geraniol, citronellal, limonene and pinene (Lawless, 1995).
Cupressus sempervirens (cypress) has a few properties valuable to the pain relief recipe. It has anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic and tonic properties. Its chemical constituents are pinene, camphene, sylvestrene, cymene, sabinol and other (Lawless, 1995). Cypress is known for its comforting, deodorizing and hormonal effects on menopausal woman (Buckle, 2003). Cypress is also good for inflammation (Lawless, 1995).
Piper nigrum (black pepper) is used in this blend for its analgesic and antispasmodic effects. It is also an antitoxic rubefacient, which makes it great for muscle and joint pain. Additional beneficial properties are bactericidal febrifuge and diaphoretic, among others (Lawless, 1995). The main chemical constituent in black pepper is monoterpenes. Others include thujene, pinene, camphene, sabinene, myrcene, sesquiterpenes and oxygenated compounds (Lawless, 1995). In reference to the Port study (1999) the experimental group using a mixture of 3% black pepper and lavender oils in plain carrier oil, rubbed the mixture into painful joints once in the morning and once at night for seven days. The experimental group did experience a reduction in stiffness and pain. The pain for these patients did return after the study was over and they were no longer using the mixture on painful joints, while the control group did not have measurable effects from the process (Buckle, 2003).
When and How To Use This Blend
This blend is designed to be applied topically to painful or swollen muscles and joints. The blend may be used at anytime of the day, although lemongrass is also a sedative (Lawless, 1995). All four essential oils will create a relaxed feeling as the properties indicate (Lawless, 1995).
Patient/client and its intended use
This blend is designed for patients experiencing discomfort or pain. It is best for rheumatic patients. Patients with fibromyalgia will benefit from this blend. It is also designed for patients with acute back pain, inflammatory processes, neuralgia, poor circulation, aches, muscle atonia, sprains and stiffness. The analgesic, antirheumatic and antispasmodic properties contribute greatly to the medicinal effects of the blend. May be beneficial for flu’s and colds as they also contain diaphoretic, bactericidal and febrifuge properties. The properties in the blend are also is beneficial for exhaustion and fatigue, helping the overall healing process and stimulating the immune system (Lawless, 1995).
Safety and Precautions
All oils or combination products need to be tested on a small area of the skin to check for sensitivity before use (Lawless, 1995). Using essential oils in pregnancy is a contentious subject especially during the first trimester. It is believed that lipophilic substances can diffuse between two circulations they are likely to cross the placenta (Buckle, 2003). It is advisable to urge caution when giving or using oils on pregnant women and avoid pennyroyal at all costs. Many experienced midwives are happy with the use of essential oils for their analgesic effect and feel it is safe and effect, but to avoid in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy (Buckle, 2003). These essential oils may cause toxicity if taken internally. Sometimes the mixture of a chemical and essential oils can trigger an allergic reaction (Buckle, 2003).
The monoterpene constituent and the rubefacient properties in black pepper can become skin-sensitizing if used over time and the phenols can be more irritating to the skin (Buckle, 2003). Aldehydes such as citral in lemongrass have sedative effects (Lawless, 1995).
References
Buckle, J. (2003). Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Practice. New
York: Churchill Livingstone.
Lawless, J. (1995). The illustrated encyclopedia of essential oils: The
complete guide to the use of oils in aromatherapy and herbalism.
Massachusetts: Element Books.
Worwood, V. (1991). The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy.
San Rafael, California: New World Library.
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