News

My Emmy Journey

After weeks of preparation and hard work, I’m happy to share my experience with The Artisan Group and sending our products to the Gift Lounge hosted by GBK Productions in Hollywood, California, in honor of the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmys Nominees and Presenters.

A number of our products were prominently featured on display at The Artisan Group’s exhibit, and all attending celebrities received a HeadBalm or Mental Clarity Essential Oil Inhaler in their swag bags.

Mayim Bialik and Russell Hornsby posed for a professional photograph holding our display piece.

“I love this!” said Mayim Bialik about our products.

Mayim Bialik is best known for her lead role in the 1990’s NBC sitcom ‘Blossom’ and she currently stars as Amy Farrah Fowler on CBS’s ‘The Big Bang Theory’. She is the mother of two young boys, holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and is a spokesperson for the Holistic Moms Network. She is a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor and is devoted to a lifestyle of attachment parenting, homeschooling, natural family living and vegan cooking.

Russell Hornsby is best know for portraying police officer Eddie Sutton on the ABC drama ‘Lincoln Heights’ and Luke on the HBO series ‘In Treatment’. He is a successful stage actor, who has moved on to film and television and currently stars in NBC’s ‘Grimm’. He has a love for theatre as well as travel. He encourages opening your perspective by traveling, ‘I love the insight that it gives you on life and the world’.

A great experience overall and maybe next time, I can attend in person.

News

A-H MEN: The Importance of a Natural Shave

We are in the research and development stages of a new line of products formulated specifically for men. My husband had been asking me about a treatment for shaving bumps and had mentioned that it was also an issue for the men in our family, as well as some friends.

Our new line will be called A(romatic)-H(ealth) MEN. Amongst the new products, we will begin with the launch of our A-H MEN pre shave treatment, shaving lotion and aftershave spray. These products are geared to aid with the prevention and treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (shaving bumps). These products will be available individually or as a set.

AH MEN

Men are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of using natural treatments and products for common conditions and to take care of their skin. Products in the A-H MEN line are being formulated for conditions such as hair loss, infection of the hair follicle, shaving bumps, athlete’s foot and custom formulations.

Men are realizing that a bar of soap, which dries their skin, and drugstore brand gels and lotions are not ideal for their daily skincare routine. Many others are reacting to the numerous chemicals found in most skin care products, or just want to stop stealing products from the women in their life. Our pre shave treatment has a number of benefits, such as softening the hair follicles and reducing the number of nicks and cuts. Our shaving oil lubricates the skin and protects it from the abrasive scraping of the razor blades as they pass over the skin. Shaving oil will provide a closer shave, with less irritation, not clog pores and contain only natural ingredients and no toxic chemicals.

In many cases of folliculitis, the follicles are infected with bacteria or fungus. Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is most common on the face, but can also affect other parts of the body, which are shaved or plucked. As hair begins to grow back after shaving, curly hair grows into the skin, instead of straight out. It affects men with coarse or tight curling thick hair.

There are a number of essential oils, which help with alopecia (hair loss) by stimulating the hair follicles. Folliculitis (infection of the hair follicle) and pseudofolliculitis (shaving bumps) are helped by antibacterial essential oils and vegetable based carrier oils, which are moisturizing and non-irritating. Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is a fungal infection and is helped by the antifungal properties in a number of essential oils. Studies have shown essential oils to have antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties for other ailments. For these types of treatment, a personal consultation is required.

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Essential Oil Therapy

Are Lavender and Tea Tree Oils Estrogenic?

1 Comment

You may recall the results of a study stating that lavender and tea tree oils caused the development of breast tissue (prepubertal gynecomastia) in three young boys (aged four, seven and ten). This singular study was first published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007.1 All three boys had used skin care products containing lavender and tea tree oils, and were all diagnosed by the same doctor.

If you take a close look at the study, some issues are raised. The solvent used to dilute the oils was dimethyl sulfoxide, which is an estrogen mimicker.2 The full list of ingredients in these products were not mentioned, nor the possible chemicals included in the packaging of the products. Parabens were likely included in the ingredients and phthalates in the packaging. In a recent study, diethyl phthalate was found in 103 out of 252 products, which included fragrances, hair care products, deodorants, nail polishes, lotions, skin cleansers and baby products.3 Both phthalates and parabens have been shown to have an estrogenicity presence.4&5

A number of researchers and doctors have raised some questions regarding the validity of this study. There were three doctors, who made the following comments:

“The study by Henley et al. (Feb. 1 issue)1 raises many questions. Product names were not provided. Did the authors contact manufacturers to report concerns or ask about constituents? The variability, adulteration, and contamination of herbal products have been widely reported,2,3 as have discrepancies between labels and contents.4 Plastic containers may contain phthalates, known endocrine disrupters.5 What was actually in the products cited in this report?

None of the hormonal testing showed abnormal results, except in Patient 2, who had elevated levels of testosterone (not estrogen). There was no report on ultrasound examination or needle biopsy, nor were subsequent weight changes reported. Might the patients’ gynecomastia have reflected another pathophysiological process that resolved spontaneously?

Traditional use and clinical trials have not suggested estrogenic effects of tea tree or lavender oil, though estrogenic effects have been reported for other essential oils and plants. Are occupational exposures to lavender and tea tree associated with estrogenic symptoms? In vitro testing alone is not adequate grounds for indicting traditionally used products and may raise public fear.”

Kathi J. Kemper, M.D., M.P.H.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
Aviva J. Romm
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
Paula Gardiner, M.D., M.P.H.
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
1. Henley DV, Lipson N, Korach KS, Bloch CA. Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. N Engl J Med 2007;356:479-485
2. Homer LE, Leach DN, Lea D, Slade Lee L, Henry RJ, Baverstock PR. Natural variation in the essential oil content of Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel (Myrtaceae). Biochem Syst Ecol 2000;28:367-382
3. Keane FM, Munn SE, du Vivier AW, Taylor NF, Higgins EM. Analysis of Chinese herbal creams prescribed for dermatological conditions. BMJ 1999;318:563-564
4. Garrard J, Harms S, Eberly LE, Matiak A. Variations in product choices of frequently purchased herbs: caveat emptor. Arch Intern Med 2003;163:2290-229
5. Schettler T. Human exposure to phthalates via consumer products. Int J Androl 2006;29:134-139

A Canadian doctor also had made some comments regarding the study:

“Henley et al. do a commendable job of sleuthing out the likely cause of prepubertal gynecomastia in the young boys exposed to either lavender or tea tree oil. However, given that estrogenic compounds have yet to be detected in either oil, it is important that we carefully interpret these important findings. A growing number of endocrine disrupters in our environment have been shown to accumulate in adipose tissue.1,2 A number of such industrial by-products have also been implicated in early thelarche.3 Since these molecules with hormone-modulating activity are fat soluble, topically applied oils may serve as very efficient delivery agents for environmental endocrine disrupters by concentrating them and delivering them into cells. Although Henley et al. attempt to show that these oils have estrogenic activity, the results of their reported assays indicate a very weak effect. It would be bewildering if such relatively low hormonal activity alone could instigate prepubertal gynecomastia.”

Shirin Kalyan, Ph.D.
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
1. Paris F, Jeandel C, Servant N, Sultan C. Increased serum estrogenic bioactivity in three male newborns with ambiguous genitalia: a potential consequence of prenatal exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors. Environ Res 2006;100:39-43
2. Brevini TA, Zanetto SB, Cillo F. Effects of endocrine disruptors on developmental and reproductive functions. Curr Drug Targets Immune Endocr Metabol Disord 2005;5:1-10
3. Colon I, Caro D, Bourdony CJ, Rosario O. Identification of phthalate esters in the serum of young Puerto Rican girls with premature breast development. Environ Health Perspect 2000;108:895-900

A later study, completed in Denmark, showed that none of the bioavailable tea tree oil constituents demonstrated estrogenicity.6 Bioavailability is the rate, or degree, at which a drug or other substance is absorbed.

Based on the above commentaries and personal experience, I feel that both tea tree and lavender essential oils are safe to use. Many baby care products contain lavender, for its sedative, calming properties. It’s great that essential oils and natural ingredients are being researched, but we shouldn’t be jumping to conclusions after the results of only one study.

Michelle Reynolds, CAHP
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1. Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. Henley DV, Lipson N, Korach KS, Bloch CA. N Engl J Med. 2007 Feb 1;356(5):479-85. PMID: 17267908 2. Dimethyl sulfoxide is a potent modulator of estrogen receptor isoforms and xenoestrogen biomarker responses in primary culture of salmon hepatocytes. Mortensen AS, Arukwe A. Aquat Toxicol. 2006 Aug 12;79(1):99-103. Epub 2006 Jun 3. PMID: 16828892 3. Phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products: concentrations and possible dermal exposure. Koniecki D, Wang R, Moody RP, Zhu J. Environ Res. 2011 Apr;111(3):329-36. PMID: 21315328 4. Toxic effects of the easily avoidable phthalates and parabens. Crinnion WJ. Altern Med Rev. 2010 Sep;15(3):190-6. PMID: 21155623 5.  Exposure to phthalates: reproductive outcome and children health. A review of epidemiological studies. Jurewicz J, Hanke W. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2011 Jun;24(2):115-41. PMID: 21594692 6.  What you see may not always be what you get–bioavailability and extrapolation from in vitro tests. Nielsen JB. Toxicol In Vitro. 2008 Jun;22(4):1038-42. PMID: 18255254


	

	
	




	
	

				

			News
		

		
Small Canadian Company Joins the Big League at Emmy Awards Telecast

		

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Bigger is not always better, at least when it comes to quality products in the world of natural healthcare alternatives. Aromatic Health, a small independent company based in Waterloo, Ontario has been selected among hundreds of competing companies to showcase its product line in association with The Artisan Group, September 16-17 at a Gift Lounge hosted by GBK Productions in Hollywood, California during the week prior to the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast.


“We are thrilled to be included in such a prestigious event,” Michelle Reynolds, certified aromatherapist and owner of Aromatic Health told us. “We’re a small company and have only been in business for about 10 years so to be included in an event of this size and caliber is great recognition for our products.”


The Artisan Group is a collective of talented artisans who provide a sampling of the “best of the best” products to celebrities and members of the press. “Exposure generated by being included in this type of event has launched many a business to the next level so we’re very optimistic about our future,” Michelle added.


Aromatic Health will have several of their products prominently displayed at The Artisan Group’s exhibit – HeadBalm, Mental Clarity Inhaler, Muscle Ointment, Hemp Bum Butter, Postpartum Perineum Spray and Peppermint Lip Balm. In addition, all celebrity recipients will receive a complimentary HeadBalm or Mental Clarity Essential Oil Inhaler.

	

	
	




	
	

				

			Burns, Essential Oil Therapy, Summer ailments
		

		
Essential Oils for Summer Ailments

		

			 		

	


		

		
 




Summer is a season of fruition and beauty and many herbs, flowers and trees are at their peak. As we spend more time outdoors, the effects heat and humidity, insects and the sun are affecting us. Essential oils and hydrosols can bring relief to common ailments such as burns, sunstroke, bites, stings, sore muscles, poison ivy/oak contact and allergies.


Sunburn

Most citrus essential oils are photosensitive, so direct sunlight should be avoided, after their use. As some essential oils decrease the amount of time the skin takes to burn, others protect our skin. Many vegetable based carrier oils, and rose essential oil, have a natural sun protection factor of SPF 6 – SPF 8. These oils include coconut, sweet almond, olive, safflower and sesame. If a burn does occur, recommended essential oils and hydrosols include lavender, chamomile (German or Roman), helichrysum (immortelle), geranium and witch hazel. Hydrosols can be sprayed directly on the area. Note that these plants can help with other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, cuts and bruises.


Hydrosols can bring quick relief, as there is not always the need to dilute as with essential oils. Use liberally on the face, arms and legs for relief from a specific ailment, from the heat or to refresh. A small bottle can be kept on you, in a purse, a bag or the car. Hydrosols can be taken internally, with 30ml diluted in 1L of distilled or spring water, and enjoyed throughout the day. A three-week course, with one week off, is recommended.


Natural Insect Repellent

Natural insect repellents such as cedar, citronella, eucalyptus, fleabane, geranium, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary and sweet gale essential oils and hydrosols can be used, as oppose to the controversial chemical known as DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). A combination of the above can be used in a water, lotion or oil based repellent. Some, including children, find the oil based repellent sticky and do not like the feel of the oil on their skin, but it has longer lasting effects. Essentials oils generally do not deter stinging insects such as bees and wasps. After being bitten, the essential oils of tea tree, lavender, geranium, lemon and peppermint, lemon juice and witch hazel can be applied to sooth and take away the itch.


Poison Ivy/Oak

If you are unfortunate and come into contact with poison ivy, it is important to wash the sap (urushiol) from the area as soon as possible. Be sure not to take a bath, which will spread the urushiol to other areas of the body. Tea tree essential oil can be applied neat on the rash and taken internally in hydrosol form. Sweet fern and yarrow are other hydrosols, which can be applied topically. These plants, as well as geranium, will relieve the itching and irritation.


Allergies

Allergies can affect sufferers in late summer and into the autumn. There are essential oils and hydrosols that have anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.  Essential oils, combined with the internal use of hydrosols, can bring relief. These include chamomile, green myrtle, elecampane, eucalyptus, niaouli and peppermint.


First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit, for the summer, can be made easily and should include the following:


Gauze

Bandages

Tea tree essential oil

Lavender essential oil

Witch hazel hydrosol


Tea tree is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral, and can be applied to cuts, insect bites, scrapes, warts and cold sores. Lavender is anti-septic, soothing and sedating, and can be used for burns, sunburns, insect bites and headaches/migraines. Witch hazel is anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and astringent, and can be used for burns, sunburns, bruises and insect bites.


As you enjoy the summer, keep essentials oils and hydrosols in mind. A pampering peppermint foot lotion may even be in order, for those dry, overworked feet!


Michelle Reynolds, CAHP


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1. An in vitro evaluation of various Rosa damascena flower extracts as a natural antisolar agent. Tabrizi H, Mortazavi SA, Kamalinejad M. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2003 Dec;25(6):259-65. PMID: 18494908

 2. An experimental study of the effects of Matricaria chamomilla extract on cutaneous burn wound healing. Jarrahi M. Nat Prod Res. 2008 Mar 20;22(5):422-7. PMID: 18404562

 3. Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test. Hughes-Formella BJ, Filbry A, Gassmueller J, Rippke F. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002 Mar-Apr;15(2):125-32. PMID: 11867970

 4. Repellency of essential oils to mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Barnard DR. J Med Entomol. 1999 Sep;36(5):625-9. PMID: 10534958

 5. Bioactivity against Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of Cymbopogon citratus and Eucalyptus citriodora essential oils grown in Colombia. Olivero-Verbel J, Nerio LS, Stashenko EE. Pest Manag Sci. 2010 Jun;66(6):664-8. PMID: 20205230

 6. Efficacy of the botanical repellents geraniol, linalool, and citronella against mosquitoes. Müller GC, Junnila A, Butler J, Kravchenko VD, Revay EE, Weiss RW, Schlein Y. J Vector Ecol. 2009 Jun;34(1):2-8. PMID: 20836800

 7. Biological activities of yarrow species (Achillea spp.). Nemeth E, Bernath J. Curr Pharm Des. 2008;14(29):3151-67. PMID: 19075697

8. Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy. Suzanne Catty. Healing Arts Press, 2001.


 



	

	
	




	
	

				

			News
		

		
The Artisan Group Twitter Party

		

			 		

	


		

		


 


Please visit www.theartisangroup.org for more information. Don’t be shy, apply while you’re there! You can also follow on Twitter, Facebook and their blog!


★ A N N O U N C I N G The Artisan Group’s first of three Emmy Award Twitter Parties!


The 63rd Primetime Emmys are taking place on September 18, 2011, and  we’re kicking off Emmy season with three super fun Twitter Parties! Our  first party takes place on May 11th, and if you follow along you could  win some of the swag the celebrities will receive!

Here’s how:


    

  • Follow @theartisangroup, @sweetstellas, @atutudes, @ajsweetsoap
    • 

  • Follow #artisangroup
    • 

  • Answer trivia questions about your favorite Primetime shows,  actors, moments, what YOU think should be nominated for an Emmy this  year (be sure to respond directly to @sweetstellas, @atutudes, or  @ajsweetsoap)
    • 

  • Win prizes, drawn at random! Winners will be announced on Twitter, and reposted here on May 12th!
    • 


	

	
	




	
	

				

			Essential Oils
		

		
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

		

			 		

	


		

		




This is the first post in a series, to introduce the most commonly used essential oils. Common facts about tea tree oil (melaleuca alternafolia):


– the melaleuca plant is part of the Myrtaceae family

– the most common plant is a small shrub or tree

– this plant is indigenous to Australia, but is now grown in many other countries

– the leaves are steam distilled, to obtain the essential oil

– it’s scent is medicinal and herbal


Tea tree oil is best known for it’s antibacterial 2,3&4, antifungal9 and antiviral5&6 properties. It has shown to be effective against Staphylococcus strains, including MRSA, and Streptococcus strains.10 If using the oil neat (undiluted) it may irritate sensitive skin, so it’s recommended that a patch test be done prior to use.


There are a number of ailments, of which the use of tea tree oil can aid in recovery:


Acne (acne vulgaris): apply a drop of oil directly to the affected area, add to a natural facial cleanser, or add to distilled water to make a facial toner.11&13


Athletes Foot (tinea pedis): after cleaning your feet well, apply the oil neat to the affected area, add a few drops to a foot bath or add a few drops to a lotion or baking soda base, and apply to the feet.14&15


Chicken pox: as tea tree oil relieves itching, it can be applied to the rash and blisters.


Colds and ‘Flu: the oil can be applied on the back, chest and feet in a lotion base, along with other expectorant and antiviral oils such as eucalyptus and thyme.4&5


Cold sores (herpes labialis): apply a couple drops of oil directly to the sore with a cotton swab.6


Cuts and scrapes: the oil can be applied neat to the area then covered with a bandage.


Gum inflammation: 3-5 drops of oil can be added to a cup of water. To improve the taste of the tea tree, peppermint essential oil can also be added. Be sure not to swallow the mixture. As well, to clean your toothbrush, add one drop of tea tree oil.1&2


Insect Bites: add tea tree oil directly to the bite, to disinfect the area and help with the itching. (including flea, mosquito, horse fly bites).


Lice: the oil can be added to a gentle, unscented shampoo and conditioner.8 A few drops can also be added to the laundry when bedding is washed. Be sure you’re combing through your or your child’s hair with a finely toothed metal comb.


Sinuses: as above for colds.4


Warts: apply a drop of oil, neat, directly to the wart.3


Yeast infections (candidiasis or thrush): add 7-10 drops of oil to a bath, up to your pelvic bone, and soak for 10-15 minutes. A few drops can also be added to a panty liner.9&10


Additional types of infections include eczema7, herpes simplex6, nail infections, ringworm, earaches, allergies12 and scabies, for which tea tree oil can be beneficial.


It is also great for cleaning, if you would like to avoid the chemicals found in many commercial cleaning products. It can be used for mold, in a general cleaning spray, added to the dishwater, added to the laundry and used in an antiseptic spray.


Michelle Reynolds, CAHP


1. Effect of mouthwashing with tea tree oil on plaque and inflammation. Saxer UP, Stauble A, Szabo SH, Menghini G. Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnmed. 2003;113(9):985-96. PMID: 14567294

 2. Susceptibility of oral bacteria to Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in vitro. Hammer KA, Dry L, Johnson M, Michalak EM, Carson CF, Riley TV. Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2003 Dec;18(6):389-92. PMID: 14622345

 3. Successful topical treatment of hand warts in a paediatric patient with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Millar BC, Moore JE. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2008 Nov: 14(4):225-7. PMID: 18940708

 4. Antibacterial activity of essential oils and their major constituents against respiratory tract pathogens by gaseous contact. Shigeharu Inouye, Toshio Takizawa and Hideyo Yamaguchi. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2001) 47, 565-573.

 5. In vitro antiviral activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil. Gazozzo A, Timpanaro R, Bisignano B, Ferneri PM, Bisignano G, Castro A. Department of Microbiological and Gynaecological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. PMID: 19843207

 6. Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P. Phytother Res. 2009 Aug 3. PMID: 19653195

 7. Tea tree oil attenuates experimental contact dermatitis. Wallengren J. Arch Dermatol Res. 2010 Sep 24. PMID: 20865268

 8. A randomised, assessor blind, parallel group comparative efficacy trial of three products for the treatment of head lice in children–melaleuca oil and lavender oil, pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, and a “suffocation” product. Barker SC, Altman PM. BMC Dermatol. 2010 Aug 20;10:6. PMID: 20727129

 9. Inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm formation by antimycotics released from modified polydimethyl siloxane. De Prijck K, De Smet N, Honraet K, Christiaen S, Coenye T, Schacht E, Nelis HJ. Mycopathologia. 2010 Mar;169(3):167-74. PMID: 19774486

 10. The battle against multi-resistant strains: Renaissance of antimicrobial essential oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections. Warnke PH, Becker ST, Podschun R, Sivananthan S, Springer IN, Russo PA, Wiltfang J, Fickenscher H, Sherry E. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2009 Oct;37(7):392-7. PMID: 19473851

 11. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007 Jan-Feb;73(1):22-5. PMID: 17314442

 12. Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced skin inflammation. Koh KJ, Pearce AL, Marshman G, Finlay-Jones JJ, Hart PH. Br J Dermatol. 2002 Dec;147(6):1212-7. PMID: 12452873

 13. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8. PMID: 2145499

 14. A novel aromatic oil compound inhibits microbial overgrowth on feet: a case study. Misner BD. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007 Jul 13;4:3. PMID: 17908343

 15. Treatment of interdigital tinea pedis with 25% and 50% tea tree oil solution: a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study. Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS. Australas J Dermatol. 2002 Aug;43(3):175-8. PMID: 12121393

	

	
	






	
	

				

			Colds, Influenza
		

		
Coping with mid winter colds and ‘flu

		

			 		

	


		

		


Colds and influenza take hold when your immune system’s response is low and your body is weakened. The use of essential oils can aid in the prevention of colds and ‘flu, and help with the symptoms if the infection takes hold. They can also fight secondary infections caused by bacteria. If the symptoms have already developed, essential oils can shorten the duration and help build your immune system. Treating infections without the use of antibiotics will strengthen your immune system. It is important to use essential oils at the first sign of a cold or ‘flu, to prevent the infection.


A few of the essential oils, which have proven effective, include eucalyptus (eucalyptus radiata and globulus), ravensara (ravensara aromatica), peppermint (mentha piperita), tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia), lavender (lavendula alternafolia), (rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis – verbenone type) and thyme (thymus vulgaris). These essential oils have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, decongestant and expectorant properties, to name a few.


For colds and ‘flu, essential oils can be applied topically after dilution in an unscented lotion or carrier oil, through inhalation and absorption in a bath, inhalation on a tissue, or inhalation with a diffuser or humidifier. If applied topically, massage


There are some tactics which can help in staying healthy and avoiding infection, these include staying healthy (by eating properly, getting adequate exercise and sleep), washing hands regularly, eating a lot of garlic, making tea from fresh, shredded ginger root, drinking a lot of water, getting fresh air (especially when enclosed in office space with poor air quality), resting when required and taking supplements such as vitamin C.


Michelle Reynolds, CAHP


1. Antibacterial activity of essential oils and their major constituents against respiratory tract pathogens by gaseous contact. Shigeharu Inouye, Toshio Takizawa, Yamaguchi. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 

2. Screening of the antibacterial effects of a variety of essential oils on microorganisms responsible for respiratory infections. Fabio A, Cermelli C, Fabio G, Nicoletti P, Quaglio P. Phytother Res. 2007 Apr;21(4):374-7. PMID: 17326042 

3. Essential oils of aromatic plants with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and cytotoxic properties–an overview. Reichling J, Schnitzler P, Suschke U, Saller R. Forsch Komplementmed. 2009 Apr;16(2):79-90. PMID: 19420953

4. In vitro antiviral activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil. Garozzo A, Timpanaro R, Bisignano B, Furneri PM, Bisignano G, Castro A. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2009 Sep 18. PMID: 19843207

	

	
	




	
	

				

			Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, Essential Oil Therapy
		

		
Essential oils in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

		

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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, which causes thinking and memory to become seriously impaired. It is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a syndrome consisting of a number of symptoms that include loss of memory, judgment and reasoning, and changes in mood, behaviour and communication abilities.1


There has been research to support the use of essential oils for aiding with cognitive function, agitation, behavioural issues, aggressiveness, memory enhancement and mood. Essential oils such as rosemary (Rosmarinum off. verbenon), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and lemon (Citrus limonum) are known to enhance memory and alertness. Oils such as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), orange (citrus senensis) and ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) are known for their sedative, calming and antidepressant properties.2 To increase alertness, I recommend oils such as rosemary, basil (Ocimum basilicum), peppermint and lemon. Oils to aid with sleep and restlessness include lavender, Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), neroli (Citrus aurantium amara) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata).


Also, research has shown that although there is an olfactory dysfunction in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the loss of one’s sense of smell does not affect the essential oils effectiveness, as they work at a physiological level. The oils are inhaled through and absorbed by the lungs and through the skin and are effective due to their chemical make up. It is believed that the loss of smell may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.


One of the most popular essential oils and one shown to be beneficial with Alzheimer’s, is lavender. A hand massage with lavender essential oil has shown to help with emotions and reduce aggressive behaviour in elderly with Alzheimer’s type dementia.3


In another study, lavender and orange were used in the evening, and rosemary and lemon used during the day with 28 patients with dementia, of which 17 had AD. All patients showed significant improvement in orientation related to cognitive function. Laboratory tests after this study showed that there were no side effects with the use of aromatherapy.4


Acetylcholinesterase, aka AChE, is the main target for many drugs to treat AD and dementia. AChE is an enzyme, which degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil and its compounds, thymol, linalool and carvacrol, were found inhibit AChE.5


In a placebo controlled, double blind study, sage (Salvia officinalis) and Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) have shown to increase the speed of memory and enhance mood.6 An earlier study showed that Spanish sage inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE).7 Black pine (Pinus nigra) has also shown to have AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity.8


Another placebo controlled trial with lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) was conducted in a health care facility to assess treatment for agitation in patients with severe dementia. Sixty percent of the active group showed a 30% decrease of their CMAI agitation (Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory) score.9


Some people who suffer from AD and other forms of dementia, experience Sundowner’s Symdrome, named so as these confusion symptoms appear after ‘sundown’. These symptoms can include restlessness, wandering, depression, agitation and hallucinations. Many of the essential oils mentioned can be used to aid with these symptoms.


Applications, which have been used successfully in nursing homes and at home, include inhalation of the essential oil, a room spray made with the appropriate hydrosols, use of the essential oils in a diffuser, adding a few drops to a bath or onto a pillow and a custom made inhaler for personal use. As more research and clinical trials are completed, aromatherapy (essential oil therapy) will become more recognized as an accepted and evidence based alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.


For those of you who have a family member with AD or are caring for one, there is an amount of stress involved in caring for your loved one and a feeling of helplessness. There are a number of essential oils to aid with stress, depression, anxiety and panic attacks.


Michelle Reynolds, CAHP


1. Alzheimer Society http://www.alzheimer.ca

2. Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. Moss M, Hewitt S, Moss L, Wesnes K. Int J Neurosci. 2008 Jan;118(1):59-77. PMID: 18041606

3. The effect of lavender aromatherapy on cognitive function, emotion, and aggressive behavior of elderly with dementia. Lee SY. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2005 Apr;35(2):303-12. PMID:15860944

4. Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Jimbo, D. Kimura, Y. Taniguchi, M. Inoue, M. Urakami, K. Psychogeriatrics. 2009 Dec;9(4):173-9. PMID: 20377818

5. In vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties of thymol, carvacrol and their derivatives thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone. Jukic M, Politeo O, Maksimovic M, Milos M, Milos M. Phytother Res. 2007 Mar;21(3):259-61. PMID: 17186491

6. Positive modulation of mood and cognitive performance following administration of acute doses of Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil to healthy young volunteers. Tildesley NT, Kennedy DO, Perry EK, Ballard CG, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. Physiol Behav. 2005 Jan 17;83(5):699-709. PMID: 15639154

7. In-vitro activity of S. lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage) relevant to treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Perry NS, Houghton PJ, Sampson J, Theobald AE, Hart S, Lis-Balchin M, Hoult JR, Evans P, Jenner P, Milligan S, Perry EK. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2001 Oct;53(10):1347-56. PMID: 11697542

8. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Pinus species essential oils and their constituents. Bonesi M, Menichini F, Tundis R, Loizzo MR, Conforti F, Passalacqua NG, Statti GA, Menichini F. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2010 Oct;25(5):622-8. PMID: 20429778

9. Aromatherapy as a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia: the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Melissa. Ballard CG, O’Brien JT, Reichelt K, Perry EK. J Clin Psychiatry. 2003 Jun;64(6):732; author reply 732. PMID: 12143909