Serendipity Scents

In my latest course (Aroma I) I had an assignment to write an essay.  “Research and write an essay on an aspect of the historical use of aromas.  Your essay should be between 750 and 1000 words.”

I decided to research the historical use of aromatics in the field of medicine. In the course of my research; I have found many interesting references and I have decided to include as many of them as possible. The most informative resources came from books I have purchased for my personal library. The use of aromatic protocols for the sick and suffering vary from resins to essential oils. According to Robert B. Tisserand, “many of the old perfumes were… also used for their medicinal properties. Since they were formulated entirely with natural ingredients they form a precise equivalent to modern aromatherapy products.” [1]

Much of the history of fragrance is shrouded in mystery, lost to the ages. Some believe that the ancient Chinese may have been the first to harness aromas as a medical treatment. Others say Egypt is where it all began whose first perfumers, the first aromatherapists were the priests. The ancient Egyptians used an aromatic preparation called kyphi to treat conditions as varied as insomnia, anxiety, asthma, depression and as a general antidote for toxins. “As the use of aromatics became more common they were also employed by physicians… There are papyri recording the medicinal use of herbs dating back to the reign of Khufu who built the Great Pyramid around 2800 BC.” [2]

Egypt was the center of trade and commerce as well and the great Queen Hatshepsut was said to have sent ships to bring back myrrh trees to plant leading to her temple in the city of Thebes. The infamous Queen of Sheba paid a visit to the courts of King Solomon to discuss fragrance trade. According to some accounts the ancient cities growth was sparked by the commerce of fragrant herbs and spices.

By 500 BC “the use of aromatic medicine was as prevalent in Greece as in Egypt. The Greeks learnt a great deal from the Egyptians concerning perfumery, and the properties and uses of aromatics. Herodotus and Democrates, who visited Egypt during the fourth century BC, declared that the people were masters of the fine art of perfumery.” [3] Hippocrates is often called the father of modern medicine yet it may be more accurate to refer to him as the father of holistic medicine. The basic premise was the notion of mental, emotional and physical balance. Illness was an upset of this equilibrium and the physician’s role was to facilitate the natural capacity of self-healing of the body. His teachings emphasized that a healthy body was balanced person.

Kathi Keville and Mindy Green speak of the first century AD, as a time of accelerated development of aromatherapy. “Aromatic plants were one of the five sections covered in the Greek physician Dioscorides’ famous Herbal, which remained a popular medical reference for the next thousand years. In the third century BC he had the entire city of Athens fumigated with the smoke of aromatic plants to successfully eradicate the plague a practice that would be later adopted in medieval Europe.” [4]

It is regrettable that many disregard the contributions by the Islamic Middle East. It should be noted that “it is during [the dark ages] that the use of aromatics flourished in the Middle East and indeed gave rise to many of the skills and techniques which are still used today.” [5] The Prince of Physicians, Ibn-Sina, the Arab alchemist, astronomer, philosopher, mathematician, physician and poet (known as Avicenna in the West) used Rose Attar for ailments of the digestive tract. One of the most important discourses in the Middle East on in medicine Al-Qanun fi’l Tibb or the Canon of Medicine, which was later translated, became a great influence of Western medicine was written by Avicenna. Essential oils and aromatic herbs were used comprehensively in his practice. He also deserves credit for improving methods of distillation. In the Middle East glassware was finally produced that could withstand the heat of distilling. The spread of Islam kept the trade of aromatics thriving and indeed laid many of the foundations which modern plant-based holistic medicine is built today.

With the end of the Roman Empire the level of civilization in Europe declined tremendously. During the Dark Ages the plague was treated with fumigations. At the time it was supposed that the ‘aura’ or poison of the disease was in the putrid air.

Foul odor was considered a common cause of many diseases. It is not unexpected that citizens generally leaned toward strongly aromatic herbs and oils to mask the stench which accompanied life in the typical European cities.

In more modern times the Paris International Exhibition of 1867 separated perfumes and soaps apart from the pharmacy selection, thereby instituting an independent “commercial” field for cosmetics. Later, and perhaps, even more noteworthy was the creation of the first synthetic fragrance, the first perfumes incompatible with therapeutic use.  Thus began the decline of fragrance used for medicine.

In early twentieth century France we have what could be the first use of the word ‘aromatherapy’ when René-Maurice Gattefossé penned an article, “‘Aromatherapy’ or a therapy employing aromatics” he states is “in a sphere of research opening enormous vistas to those who have started exploring it.”  The French became leaders in reestablishing the therapeutic uses of fragrance.

Later “the efforts of pioneers such as Valnet, Maury, Tisserand, and others have turned aromatherapy into a disciplined healing art, rediscovering the uses of fragrance from ancient times and sparking a revival of aromatherapy that has swept throughout the world.” [6]

Salvatore Battaglia closes his chapter on the history of aromatherapy by saying, “While scientific research may help [aromatherapy become respected and acknowledged by conventional Western medicine] the current scientific approach may not be the most appropriate platform for aromatherapy to develop in the future.” [7]

Schnaubelt suggests that “science will be unable to make meaningful statements in this field as long as it is dependent on measuring the changes of only one variable.” [8]

Battaglia continued, “I believe the future of aromatherapy is a very promising one, in which essential oils are integrated into all aspects of life.” [9]

I wholeheartedly agree.

1. Tisserand, Robert B. Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beatifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flower and Herbs. New Revised Edition. Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 1977, pp. 26.

2. Ibid, pp. 20-21.

3. Ibid, pp. 25.

4. Keville, K. and Green, M. Aromatherapy: a complete guide to the healing art. Second Edition. Berkley: Crossing Press, 2009, pp. 6.

5. Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Second Edition. Brisbane: The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2002, pp. 14.

6. Keville, K. and Green, M. Aromatherapy: a complete guide to the healing art. Second Edition. Berkley: Crossing Press, 2009, pp. 10.

7. Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Second Edition. Brisbane: The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2002, pp. 19.

8. Schnaubelt, Kurt. Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils. First Edition. Berkeley: Frog Books, 1999.

9. Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Second Edition. Brisbane: The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2002, pp. 19-20.

Module 6 Option 1
Stimulate healthy skin by drawing yourself a warm bath. Add 3-5 drops of pure lavender Lavandula angustifolia essential oil once the bath is full. Swirl the oil through the water to disperse it before you get into the bath. Relax and soak for 10-15 minutes. Take at least three baths over one week and report on your experience. You may wish to use different essential oils or bath blends, but be sure to include this information in your report. If you need essential oils for your lab, you can obtain these with your student discount at the College store, the Apothecary Shoppe http://www.apothecary-shoppe.com.

In the interest of full disclosure I also used this experiment for my class Aroma 101. Coincidentally it was also in module 6, it was option 4: “Take an aromatic bath. Follow the steps in this module. (We encourage you to try this if you have a bathtub: When else do you get to take a bath and have it count as homework!)”

I decided to make this my project because I agree where else but at ACHS can you take a bath for homework. I will describe in detail the three baths I chose.

The steps outlined in Aroma 101 are:

1. Run the bath water.

2. While the bath water is running, prepare everything you need for your bath so that you will be comfortable. Think about music, towels, a head pillow or folded towel, a glass of water or herbal tea, candles, and a do not disturb sign for your bathroom door.

3. Add the essential oils only once the bath is full and the water is turned off, just before you are ready to step into the bath.

4. Swirl the oils around in the bath with your hands to ensure dispersion.

5. Enter the bath and soak.

Notes:
If a full bath is not possible, a hand or foot bath can be excellent. Do not be tempted to add more than the stated amounts. Essential oils should never burn or irritate the skin. The heat and water of the bath can enhance absorption, so always err on the side of caution and use less than you think you need to, then add more drop by drop.(1)

I began with a bath using lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia). For complete instructions I referred to the book The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The author, Salvatore Battaglia, recommends this bath for insomnia. “Having a warm bath is very effective. Ensure that it is not too hot. Just more than lukewarm is ideal. This warms the blood a little, giving a soporific effect when it circulates to the brain. Adding a few drops (no more than 3 drops) of lavender or sweet marjoram to the bath.”(2) I have had a bit of difficulty sleeping lately. Stress from work has gotten the better of me and when you add the requirements of travel and complications of fibromyalgia you get a major flare. I wanted to avoid it the best I could. The bath was heavenly! The soporific (sleep inducing) effects were felt immediately and I slept like a baby. Something I had not been able to do in weeks without prescription benzodiazepines. Since they “may be habit-forming” I am looking for alternatives. I used the last three drops I had of lavender for this bath. I am glad my supply has since been replenished so that I can repeat it frequently.

The next bath I tried was the morning I awakened with the worst sinus headache I have suffered in a long time. I wanted to try a “Stimulating Morning Bath”(3) but instead I chose the “Nervous Exhaustion Bath.”(4) I thought that the “fibro flare” must have been brought on by the amount of stress I have been under at work, coupled with the shock of losing friend suddenly this month. I did feel quite a bit of relief from the bath. I must say that the scent of the “Nervous Exhaustion Bath” was not as pleasant as I would have liked that day but it helped.

That brought me to Thursday. I woke very early and determined since I finally had a day without any pressing matters in it, I would take a day of sick leave. I have had sinus headaches and a low grade fever for several days now but because of urgent tasks at work I have not had a day to rest. I pushed myself a little too much yesterday, I even went to my yoga class and I was generally a mess. I began by emailing my boss and my assistant and going back to bed. When I did finally get plenty of sleep I began with a detoxifying, “Stimulating Morning Bath.” I loosely followed a recipe found on The Annapolis Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Research Center web site:

“Recipe for a detox bath — which helps a lot with general muscle aches and pains.
Epsom Salt – 2 cups & Baking Soda – 1 cup & Hydrogen Peroxide – 1/3 cup
Fill tub with hot water and add above ingredients. Soak for 20-30 minutes. You will sweat in the tub and Lose toxins (which causes you to lose some water as well). It is important to drink plenty of water while you soak. You can make fresh lemon juice and mix with water and drink, or plain water, but it is essential to drink while you take the bath. If you have a tendency to get light headed easily, be cautious when getting out of the tub, or have someone nearby the first time you take a detox bath. Take a lukewarm to cool shower after getting out of the tub to rinse off the salts or you may itch. Rest for 30 minutes after the bath.”(5)

I deleted the Baking Soda and decreased the Epsom Salt to 1/2 cup and added 1/2 cup of Mineral salts. I also added 5 drops of Rosemary (Rosmarnius officinalis) and 2 drops of Peppermint (Mentha x. piperita) as in the “Stimulating Morning Bath.” I have not felt this good in days. I showered afterward as directed and I must say the effect has been very good all day.

Our Aroma 101 professor, Catrina Mianecki writes in her document Blending and Dilutions of EOs, “Epsom salt baths are highly effective in aiding and supporting the body in detoxing. Epsom salts aid the elimination of waste material from the skin as well as reduce muscular aches and pains by aiding the elimination of uric acid build-up. Epsom salts support and enhance the bodies’ immune response by stimulating lymph and blood circulation. Use 5-8 drops of essential oils per cup of Epsom salts.”

My love affair with essential oils first began when using them in the bath; I just never realized that beyond pleasurable they are very effect at treating a variety of ailments. I also now enjoy the education from our anatomy and physiology course of how the skin functions to produce these results.

Bathing especially when combined with a form of exfoliation aids in the shedding of the outermost cells of the stratum corneum. These dry dead cells flake off by the thousands into bath water. Bathing also aids in the elimination of waste products such as ammonia and uric acid by stimulating the eccrine sweat glands as seen when I took the detoxifying, “Stimulating Morning Bath.” I enjoy bathing therapies and recommend them highly!

I want to close with a final point made in the book Aromatherapy, Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal. Literally translated, hydrotherapy means “water healing.” This form of therapy… is a very powerful tool.(6)

1. American College of Healthcare Sciences, Aroma 101 Introduction to Aromatherapy, Portland Oregon, 2009, Page 124 – 125.
2. Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Second Edition. Brisbane, Queensland Australia: The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2003, Page 488.
3. American College of Healthcare Sciences, Aroma 101 Introduction to Aromatherapy, Portland Oregon, 2009, Page 149
4. Ibid, Page 149
5. Teitelbaum, Jacob, M.D.; SHINE Treatment Protocol for CFIDS/Fibromyalgia; http://www.endfatigue.com/treatment_options/Shine_protocol_document.html; April 8, 2010
6. Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, RN, Aromatherapy Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal, New York New York, Penguin Putnam, 2002, Page 293

Make any one of the formulas in this lesson and use it.

Calm Down Natural Body Powder ¹

Ingredients:

4 oz. White Clay

4 oz. Corn Starch

5 drops Calming Blend:

30% drops essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens

30% drops essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia

20% drops essential oil of Citrus limonum

20% drops essential oil of Santalum album

Directions:

Mix powders together then press them through a sieve. Sprinkle essential oils over this. Begin with the number of drops in recipe and then test the powder by rubbing it onto your skin and smelling it. If needed, increase the amount of essential oils. Let the powder sit for 15 minutes then sift four times.  Test the powder on your skin and add more oils if desired. Sift again after each addition.  Place in powder shakers.

My Experience

Initial Impression

I found the process of making the Calm Down Natural Body Powder frustrating.  I don’t think I’ll try to make body powder again.  I rarely use it anyway I am not sure why I chose to make this particular formula except that I had everything I needed on hand.  The sifting is messy and the blend isn’t that appealing to me right now.  The name sounded right but now I wonder if a different scent may have been more enjoyable.  I would suggest wearing clothing that you do not mind getting dusty to do this exercise.  I would also suggest doing it in a kitchen where it would be easy to clean up afterward.

Some Background To Why I Chose To Make Body Powder When I Rarely Use It

I was working on a discussion project earlier this week and I had a problem.  I took the perfume blotters to work to conduct the testing described in options two and three.  “Conduct an aroma association test on your family or close friends. Put some lavender oil onto a perfume-testing strip and have them waft it under their nose, and tell you the first thoughts that come into their mind. Do you suspect any aroma associations, conditioning or response bias?  With the same person, tell them that you are going to have them smell an unpleasant essential oil, and have them smell sweet orange. Do you see any evidence of placebo effect?”  I placed each blotter in a snack sized zip-closure bag.  As the day wore on I noticed that the oils had evaporated so much that the results were negated by the fact that not all subjects were sampling the same thing.

So I decided to change my project.  I have been testing a recipe I created as an antiperspirant / deodorant product.  I have written much more about my experiment under the Category Experiments.   I thought that if I found a great body powder for the end of my work day I might enjoy the freshness since the antiperspirant properties have been much less effective than I had hoped.   Our location in the tropics has been quite uncomfortable since I am a child of the desert; the Mojave Desert to be exact.  I now know the connotation when those from the southern states visit California and say, when it is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, “but it is a dry heat!”  I look forward to snow now and the 110 degree weather that my daughter regularly experiences in the summer sounds refreshing compared to 86 degrees with 90% humidity.

I had a problem even with my body powder.  I finished the blend and made the powder but I couldn’t get the paprika smell out of the spice shaker I had recycled for the, “Place in powder shakers,” part of the instruction.  Now I have a nice bowl for the powder but no way to apply it; not good!  I would use a body poof if I had one but I don’t.  Now I am left to do a new project so that I can report the results.

I decided to make Lavender Room Spray this time.

Lavender Room Spray ²

Ingredients:

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 6‐drops

Water: 1‐cup

Alcohol: ½‐t

Directions:

Mix lavender oils and alcohol and shake well. Add to the water. Shake again and place in a spray bottle. Shake well before using.

My Experience

Initial Impression

I found the recipe easy to follow.  I used Vodka for the alcohol.  I did reduce the amount to ¼ of the original.  I had a very small spray bottle to use.  I recycled a spray bottle from The Body Shop.  It was a product called Deep Sleep.  I have not found Deep Sleep to be relaxing.  I might make an investigation into the ingredients later but for now I’ll just say it never worked for me.

My Results

The Lavender Room Spray is pleasant; I’d prefer a stronger spray.  Earlier in this module I was studying the use of Lavandula angustifolia to treat my husband’s restless legs.  He asked for something to help him sleep and I thought that Aromatic Leg Spray would be just the trick.  Here is the recipe:

Aromatic Leg Spray ³

Ingredients:

1 cup cold water

16 drops Lavandula angustifolia

Spray bottle with a fine mister

Directions:

To a spray bottle, add the water and essential oil; label. This preparation does not contain a carrier to disperse the essential oil into the water, so it is necessary to shake well before each use (application).  Spray the lower legs.  I suggest you sit at the bedside and spray your legs over the floor rather than above the sheets, to prevent the bedding from getting damp.

Final Summary

I loved the results from the Aromatic Leg Spray.  I don’t know if it helped my hubby sleep, I know I slept better, I didn’t get kicked!  He liked it well enough to use it again.  One note I used a Misto Gourmet Oil Sprayer.  It is normally used for spreading olive oil evenly on foods and for spraying muffin and cake pans with vegetable oil.  I might watch for these to be on sale, they sell online for about $10.00 USD, I love that it sprays a fine mist just like an aerosol can without chemical propellants.

1. American College of Healthcare Sciences, Aroma 101 Introduction to Aromatherapy, Portland Oregon, 2009, Page 182
2. Ibid, Page 213
3. Valerie Gennari Cooksley, RN, Aromatherapy Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal, New York New York, Penguin Putnam, 2002, Page 245