Aromatherapy Overview and Essential Oils

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Questions and Answers

What type of cancer is prevented by Allium sativum?

Leukemia

Name two types of lung cancer preventing essential oils.

Curcuma aromatica and Eucalyptus globulus

What are the reported benefits of taking Ashwagandha?

Reduces inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, supports fertility, and alleviates stress.

Which adaptogen is noted for boosting short-term memory and regulating blood sugar?

American ginseng Signup and view all the answers

What cancer is associated with Lavandula angustifolia?

Prostate cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is primarily used as a pain-relieving tool to help cope with stress and anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

How does inhalation facilitate the introduction of essential oils into the bloodstream?

Inhalation is the fastest method as it allows essential oils to rapidly enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do essential oils have on cancer cells?

Essential oils induce programmed cell death of cancer cells through mechanisms like necrosis and cell cycle arrest. Signup and view all the answers

Which essential oil is known for its calming properties?

Chamomile is best known for its calming properties. Signup and view all the answers

What potential effect does Eucalyptus camaldulensis have on cancer cells?

Eucalyptus camaldulensis can penetrate colorectal cancer cell membranes and induce programmed cell death. Signup and view all the answers

How does aromatherapy condition the immune system?

Aromatherapy conditions the immune system by alleviating stress, controlling hormonal secretions, and promoting detoxification. Signup and view all the answers

What was the finding of the double-blind study regarding peppermint oil?

The study found that oil of peppermint reduced tension and headache pain by increasing blood flow to the skin. Signup and view all the answers

Which essential oils are known to reduce depression and anxiety?

Lemon balm and orange blossom are known for their profound effects on reducing depression and anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aromatherapy Overview

Aromatherapy uses plant-based essential oils to improve physical and mental well-being.
Essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants (flowers, leaves, roots).
Essential oils are inhaled or applied topically.
Oils are extracted through distillation and other methods.
Essential oils have a concentrated molecular structure (75-100 x more concentrated than dried herbs).
Essential oils are often aromatic and odorous.
Essential oils are typically antiseptic, bactericidal, bacteriostatic.
Essential oils are cytophylactic (promoting cell rejuvenation).
Essential oils are lipophilic (absorb deeply into skin and internal organs).
Essential oils are sensitive to heat and light.
Essential oils contain vitamins and hormones.
Essential oils are highly volatile (easily evaporate).
Essential oils are soluble in oil, not water.
Essential oils can be adaptogens (respond to specific needs).

Essential Oils Parts of the Plant

Flowers/Blossoms (ylang ylang, jasmine, rose)
Flowers/Plant (rosemary, lavender)
Leaves (eucalyptus)
Fruit/Peel/Rind (grapefruit, lemon, lime)
Fruit/Seed (orange, black pepper)
Wood/Trunk (cedarwood)
Root (vetiver, ginger)

Essential Oil Quality

Essential oil potency varies due to multiple factors:
Variety of the plant
Time of harvest
Richness of soil
Variation of weather
Variation of altitude
Part of plant used

Aromatherapy Pathways

Transdermal (application to skin)
Olfactory (inhalation)

Essential Oils and the Olfactory System

Scent travels to the olfactory bulb in the brain.
The limbic system processes scent information.
Processed scents trigger neurochemicals (relaxing, stimulating etc.)

Aromatherapy Techniques

Inhalation (fastest way to introduce essential oils to bloodstream)
Essential oil diffusers
Aromatic spritzers
Body oils, creams or lotions for massage

Essential Oils Chemicals

Essential oils contain 50-500 different chemicals.
Terpenes (citrus oils)
Alcohols (key constituent in benefit)
Phenols (fiery, strong anti-bacterial)
Ketones (dangerous, healing for wounds)
Esters (soothing, calming)

Aromatherapy Uses

Pain relief: coping with stress and anxiety.
Immune system support: alleviating stress and removing microorganisms.
Detoxification: via lymph tissues.
Cardiovascular problems, Alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, cancer.
Cancer: some oils may reduce tumor size and induce programmed cell death in cells.

Essential Oil Extraction Methods

Steam distillation
Solvent extraction
CO2 extraction
Maceration
Enfleurage
Cold enfleurage
Hot enfleurage
Cold-press extraction
Water distillation
Water and steam distillation

Essential Oil Shelf Life

Reduce exposure to oxygen.
Keep away from light and heat.
Use containers to store oils that are small.
Maintain the correct temperature (36-40°F or 2-4°C).
Avoid the use of dropper caps as lids.
Dedicated refrigerator for storage, to avoid cross contamination.

Aromatherapy Contraindications

Photosensitization (some oils, especially citrus, can increase sensitivity to sunlight).
Skin irritation (some oils can irritate skin on direct contact).
Sensitization (allergic reaction to an irritant).
Iiosyncratic reaction (uncommon allergic reaction to a specific oil).
Patch testing is crucial before direct use of an oil.

Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogenic herbs aid the body's ability to adjust to stress.
They increase resistance to stress and limit fatigue.
Adaptogens, improve overall body physiology.

Adaptogens and Function

Phenolics are mediators of the sympathetic adrenal system (SAS).
Tetracyclic triterpenoids resemble corticosteroid hormones (protective inactivation in the stress response).
Specific monoterpenes (ex: from Rhodiola rosea) inhibit certain enzymes which can benefit depression and senile dementia).

Adaptogen Examples

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Ashwagandha
Licorice root

Ginseng

Ginseng is a model adaptogen. Its active substances (panaxosides) are related to stress hormones.
Benefits include boosting short-term memory, regulating blood sugar, fighting fatigue, and protection against the common cold or flu.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has benefits including reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, fertility, muscle mass, strength, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, anticancer effects, dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression, and lucid dreaming in some individuals.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of aromatherapy and learn about essential oils derived from various parts of plants. Delve into their extraction methods, properties, and therapeutic benefits for physical and mental well-being. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of how essential oils interact with the body and their unique characteristics.