The A r t & Sc ience Of A romathe rapy : Essential Oil Basics for

Herbalists

Part FourRoutes of AdministrationEssential Oils to Include

Presented by Colleen Emery, RHT (BCHA)

Clinical Herbalist & AromatherapistMentor & Educator

EO Basics for Herbalists Learning Goals / Objectives

1) To gain an understanding of what Essential Oils are, how they are produced by the

plant and how they are extracted.

2) To discern the difference between essential oil extractions and whole plant medicine.

3) To apply safe measures of use and application of essential oil.

4) To discover the theories of how essential oils influence health and support wellness.

5) To learn a basic understanding of the phyto-chemistry of essential oils.

6) To become equipped with the knowhow on ethical purchase of essential oils.

7) To feel confident to include certain essential oils in a herbal medicine practice.

PART ONE:

Essential Oil Production: Plant to Extraction

General Safety Considerations

PART TWO:

Theories and Mechanisms of Essential Oils

• Pharmacological • Olfaction, Sensory Integration and Aromatherapy• Odour and Psychological Effects

The Organoleptic Process

PART THREE:

Phyto-Chemistry Chemotypes

Purchasing Essential Oils: Ethics and Safety

PART FOUR:

Routes of Administration and Dosage

The Essential Oils to Include

What are Essential Oils?

• Complex, fragrant and volatile essences found in certain plants, typically extracted through distillation methods.

• Contain no fatty acids and are not suspect to the rancidity of carrier oils

• Extremely small in molecular composition; able to float & penetrate the skin

• Hydrophobic

• Very concentrated distillates: Not whole plant medicine

• One drop of an essential oil is approximately equivalent to 1 ounce/30 grams of the dried herb

ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION

• Diffusion

• Inhalation

• Topical

• Internal

DIFFUSION

Simple, inexpensive, safe and accessible

Useful for: • Environmental ambiance • Stress/Anxiety reduction • Insomnia/Sleep disturbances • Mood or motivation enhancement Increase

alertness • Purify and improve air quality • Reduction of airborne pathogens

CAUTIONS FOR DIFFUSION ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

Due to their aggressive or neutral toxicity potential avoid diffusion of the following:

• Essential oils containing Ketones: Sage, French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), Rosemary CT Camphor, Peppermint

• Essential oils with Phenols and Aldehydes: Winter Savoury, Oregano, Thyme, Clove and Cinnamon

• Do not overdose on your diffusion

INHALATION

• Steam Inhalation • Direct Inhalation • Cotton-Ball/Handkerchief

An efficient route of administration yielding quick delivery of the essential oil medicine to the area affected.

Ideal for: • Respiratory wellness and acute care • Relieve stress, improve mood, increase alertness • Relieve nausea• Emotional support and Hormone balancing

TOPICAL APPLICATION

In most cases essential oils should diluted for application to the skin and other areas of the body.

Dilution ratios always depend on what oils are being administered, the pathology and the patient.

Includes: • Subcutaneous application including Massage• Baths

General ly :

• Less than 3% dilution for sensitive areas

• Between 2 – 5% dilution for an action on the nervous system

• 7% dilution for action on the venous and lymph system

• 10% dilution for action on tendons, muscles etc.

• Maximum 20% for dermal-caustic essential oils containing phenols and aldehydes

• 30% for local, non systemic action such as a parasite action or wound care.

These are clinical application suggestions not cosmetic.

Cosmetic (including personal perfumery) application should never exceed 1% dilution

DILUTION RATIO MATH TO KNOW

Essential Oil Math 101

Some needed information 30 drops = 1 ml (viscosity will affect this!)

Examples of Bottle sizes: 4.5 ml = 135 drops (4.5 multiplied by 30) 10 ml = 300 drops (10 multiplied by 30) 12 ml = 360 drops (12 multiplied by 30)

5% dilution in a 10 ml bottle 10 X .05 = .5 of a ml = 15 drops (.5 X 30)

5% dilution in a 50 ml bottle 50 X .05 = 2.5 ml or 75 drops (2.5 X 30)

Baths / Soaks 30 drops are indicated for a therapeutic effect whereas 5 drops are enough for a relaxing bath.

In all cases the essential oils need to be diluted prior to adding to the bath water with an appropriate emulsifier.

The therapeutic effect is obtained by: • The length of time in the bath, • Inhalation of the aromatic vapours• Absorption of the oils through the skin.

Benefits of Topical Applications including subcutaneous, bathing foot, hand and sitz baths.

• Stress, anxiety, headaches • Chronic pain relief • Acute pain relief• Reduction of inflammation • Enhancing immune system function • Improving skin health • Improving circulatory wellness • Scar reduction • Enhance lymph circulation • Soothe mental and emotional fatigue • Encourage energy • Improvement of mental clarity • Enhance wound healing

INTERNAL USAGE

• Almost all situations that warrant internal use of essential oils are of the Acute or Crisis Nature

• Standard internal dosage for Adults is 1 drop per 10 KG of body weight. (135 lb. Adult max dose is 6 drops in 24 hours)

• Routes of Administration include sublingual in honey or oil, diluted in oil in a capsule or a bolus, ovule or suppository.

• This Route of Administration is for advanced practitioners only and needs training to be done well without safety risk.

SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR INTERNAL USAGE

• Do not use an essential oil internally until you have studied its chemical composition

• Do not exceed maximum dose • Adults and children over 6 only. • Avoid with those with GI issues, ulcers etc. • Essential oils that contain Ketones are not recommended for

internal consumption (neuro-toxic) • Essential oils must be diluted in oil or fat to be taken internally • Avoid complex formulation, 3 – 5 oils max. • A pleasant smelling oil doesn’t always mean a pleasant tasting

oil Consult a qualified Clinical Aromatherapist for guidance prior to administration.

Pr inc ip le Precaut ions Checkl ist • Only use essential oils that are unadulterated and 100% pure.

• The parts of the plant extracted and the botanical species listed in

Latin should appear on the label.

• Purchase essential oils that are in dark amber bottles.

• Do not pour undiluted essential oils in water. Always emulsify first.

• Do not apply on sensitive mucous membrane.

• Use caution when utilizing essential oils around those with respiratory

concerns.

Pr inc ip le Precaut ions Checkl ist • Carry out a skin test prior to using oils topically.

• Avoid use of certain essential oils when pregnant or nursing.

• Use extreme caution when using phenolic rich and neuro-toxic ketone

containing essential oils

• Avoid use with small animals, cats. Use with dogs and larger animals

should be done so under the guidance of a professional/clinical

aromatherapist.

• Internal consumption should be done so under the guidance of a

professional/clinical aromatherapist. Internal usage should be reserved

for acute, crisis situations.

S U S T A I N A B L E M A T E R I A M E D I C A C R I T E R I A

1. Identify your need: Is your need for herbal medicine most met by including an aromatic extraction?

2. Review the Plant Material’s Sustainability: Is the Essential Oil you want to include extracted from abundantly available plant material? What is the plants at risk status?

3. Does the company providing the essential oil meet your ethical purchasing standard?

4. Education and Usage: Have you discovered the best route of application, weighed the potential safety risk with measured outcome and are you familiar and able to employ this type of herbal medicine into your practice?

E U C A L Y P T U SEucalyptus spp.

With several species of eucalyptus available you may choose to have more than one represented in your kit.

Generally pleasant aroma that most enjoy.

Eucalyptus is the respiratory oil. Broad spectrum of application including antiviral, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, treats coughs, colds, sniffles, allergies, etc.

Cautions: High Cineol 1,8 levels mean contraindicated for some. Toxicity potential at low internal dose.

L A V E N D E R Lavandula spp.

The composition of the lavender in your kit determines its actions.

Choose wisely and have a few varieties.

Calming, sedating for both nerves and skin, helpful to your respiratory wellness, lavender is very multi-purpose.

L E M O N Citrus limonum

Beautiful fresh, top note, potent mental cleanser and uplifting aroma.

Astringent, diuretic, lymphatic, Lemon e.o is superb at encouraging lymph and water balance in the body.

Expression produced oil is phototoxic, steam distilled is not.

P E P P E R M I N T Mentha piperita

The composition of your peppermint must be evaluated to discover how to use it safely.

Resolves cramping, digestive and muscular, clears congestion, improves mental clarity.

Contains both ketones and cineol content = caution. Check the GCMS for the levels.

ROSEMARY Rosmarinus officinalis

Promotes circulatory flow, resolves stagnation and pain and improves clarity

Generally regarded as non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but very stimulating - avoid use during pregnancy and with babies

The exhilarating nature of rosemary makes it an oil that can provide the vital spark necessary to rekindle the enthusiasm for life following a long illness or during periods of great stress.

T E A T R E E Melaleuca alternafolia

The infection fighting anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, for a broad spectrum of action.

Must have for any aromatherapy, essential oil kit.

Blends extremely well with other oils and is essential to blend with ‘big guns’ such as oregano oil and thyme at a ratio of 1 part phenol rich oil (oregano) to 9 parts monoterpeneol rich tea tree

R E F E R E N C E S A N D R E S O U R C E S

Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD, Pub. Healing Arts Press

Medical Aromatherapy, Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD. Pub. Frog Ltd

Advanced Aromatherapy, Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD, Pub. Healing Arts Press

Aromatic Medicine, Volume I, Kathy Skipper/Patrice de Bonnevel, Pub. Editions des Savoirs Naturels

The Practice of Aromatherapy, Jean Valnet, MD, Pub. Healing Arts Press

The Art of Aromatherapy, Robert Tisserand, Pub. Healing Arts Press

Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Robert Tisserand/Rodney Young, Pub. Elsevier Canada

Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Volume 1: Principles and Profiles Peter Holmes Pub. Singing Dragon

Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Volume 2: Principles and Profiles Peter Holmes, Pub. Singing Dragon

Essentials Oils: Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice, Jennifer Peace Rhind, Pub. Singing Dragon

Listening to Scent; Jennifer Peace Rhind Pub: Singing Dragon

Aromatherapeutic Blending, Jennifer Peace Rhind: Singing Dragon

Aromatherapy with Chinese Medicine, Dennis Willmont, Pub. Willmountain Press

Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, Steffen Arctander, Pub Author/Reprinted by Pathfinder books for Rugters State University in Newark USA