September 2009

Proven Infection Fighters: Working When Antibiotics Don’t
Because of the overuse of antibiotic medications, some of the most virulent bacteria, particularly in the S. aureus family, have become immune to their effects.  This leaves allopathic doctors literally with no effective tools against these very serious antibiotic-resistant bacteria.  The most common of these strains is referred to as Methicillin Resistant Staphylcoccus Aureus, or MRSA.  It is becoming well-known because it is a common infection in hospitals, where it simply cannot be contained by antibiotics.

Research at the Manchester Metropolitan University in England in 2006 demonstrated that Tea Tree oil was capable of eradicating MRSA without creating a new, resistant variety of the ‘bug.’ ¹ Other essential oils, including geranium and lavender were also shown to kill MRSA bacteria.² In research done at Weber State University in Utah in 2006, a large number of essential oils were tested against MRSA.  Seventy-eight of 91 single oils tested showed measurable inhibitory activity against MRSA. The top ranking oils, in descending order of effectiveness, were Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Mountain Savory, Cinnamon Bark, and Melissa. The most effective single oil, Lemongrass, completely inhibited all MRSA growth on the test plate.³ Most importantly, there is no evidence that essential oils create any form of resistance in bacteria as do antibiotics.  They are simply too complex.

1. Brady A, et al, “In vitro activity of Tea Tree oil against clinical skin isolates of Methicillin-resistant and –sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci growing planktonically and as biofilms,” Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2006 Oct:55(Pt 10):1375-80.
2. Edwards-Jones V, et al, “The effect of essential oils on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a dressing model,” Burns, 2004 Dec:30(8):772-7
3. Chao S, et al, “Inhibition of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) by Essential Oils,” Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 23:444-449 (2008)

Mental Acuity
As early as 1992, scientists in Vienna  (Nasel, et al, 1992) produced credible research that inhaling the volatile aromas of certain essential oils (Vetiver, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Frankincense) resulted in a significant increase (up to 28%) in blood flow to the brain, resulting in increased oxygen levels and enabling higher brain function. ¹

Shimizu, the 3^rd largest construction company in Japan, now incorporates an ‘Aroma Generation System’ into the air-conditioning of new offices and hospitals.  They tailor-make aromas to their clients’ needs, with over 20 standard aromas in their inventory.  This was all based on research done by Takasago, one of Japan’s largest fragrance manufacturers, which found that workers operating computers and word processors made 54% fewer errors when the air was diffused with lemon; 33% fewer errors with jasmine and 20% fewer errors with lavender.²

More recent research (2008) has shown that inhaling essential oil aromas can both lower reaction times and help maintain high concentration during long-term tasks.³

1. C. Nasel, B. Nasel, P. Samec, E. Schindler, G. Buchbauer, “Functional imaging of effects of fragrances on the human brain after prolonged inhalation,” Chemical Senses 19:359-364, 1994
2. Worwood, V., Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, New World Library, Novato, California, 1992, p.70.
3. Shimizu K, et al, “Essential oil of lavender inhibited decreased attention during a long-term task in humans,” Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2008 Jul;72(7);1944-7, Epub 2008 Jul 7.

Pain Relief
Providing pain relief is one of the biggest reasons many people begin using essential oils. Essential oils can be one of the most effective and beneficial sources of pain relief, getting to the root cause of the problem with anti-spasmodic, anti-hematoma, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Pain medications only mask or cover up the discomfort, while essential oils go to the root source of the pain – thereby promoting full and complete recovery, rather than just masking symptoms.

One of the powerful early studies investigating essential oils’ ability to relieve pain occurred in Germany in 1996 at the University of Kiel.  It attempted to verify the effectiveness of traditional use of peppermint oil for relief of tension headaches.  This was the first randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study investigating this type of pain.  41 patients were tested, each during 4 different headache episodes.  Some groups received 1000 mg of acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol), some received topical application of a 10% peppermint oil solution and some received an inactive placebo oil.  For the oil, application was made across the forehead and on the temples.  Results showed that peppermint oil – unlike the placebo – “significantly reduced the clinical headache intensity already after 15 minutes.” And even more surprising, “There was no significant difference between the efficacy of 1,000 mg of acetaminophen and the 10% peppermint solution.”1  Given the known negative side effects of overuse of acetaminophen and the nontoxic nature of peppermint, this opens up a real solution for pain relief.  Other research has shown that when the peppermint is combined with eucalyptus, the effect is not so much pain relief but a concurrent increase in cognitive performance, mental relaxation and muscle relation.2

In 2002 at the Pain Management Centre of the University College of London Hospitals investigated the effect of peppermint oil on one of the most difficult human pain problems: post herpetic neuralgia.  This is the medical term for the pain that accompanies shingles.  Shingles is simply the re-emergence of the herpes zoster virus after having stayed dormant from an earlier attack of chicken pox.  The pain that accompanies it is severe.  In this particular study, doctors encountered a 76-year old woman who for some reason did not respond to common pharmaceutical pain remedies.  In an effort to find some form of relief for the woman, doctors prescribed neat (undiluted) peppermint oil applied to the pain areas.  This resulted in “an almost immediate improvement in her pain, which persisted for 4-6 hours after application.  This form of pain relief worked very well for her for two months until the analgesia healed.3

In 2004 a study was published in England summarizing results of using aromatherapy during labor for over 8,000 women over an eight year period.  Of those receiving essential oils for relief of anxiety and fear, 50% of mothers and midwives found it helpful and ranked rose oil most effective (71%) followed by lavender (50%).  Of those receiving essential oils for relief of pain, frankincense was rated most helpful (64%) followed by lavender 54%).4

In a fascinating test with laboratory rats, Italian researchers at the University of Siena, Italy, diffused lemon oil in the rat cages for 2 weeks and then administered a variety of tests of anxiety state, hormonal state and neuronal response.  In both sexes, this treatment reduced anxiety, raised pain (nociceptive) thresholds, and lowered corticosterone levels over those of the control rats.  Certain types of pain were reduced more in females than in males.5

Japanese researchers in Fukuoka, Japan, tested the pain-relieving properties of essential oils on mice using a capsaicin-induced pain test.  The oils of bergamot, clary sage, thyme linalool and lavender were tested by injecting them into the hindpaw of the mice.  They found the pain response “was significantly reduced” by the application of these oils.  They concluded that linalool and linalyl acetate, oxygenated derivatives of primary monoterpenes in the essential oils were the key pain-relieving agents.6

Also, multiple studies have investigated the use of lavender aromatherapy following surgery as a supplement to opioid medication (morphine).  Consistently, “significantly more patients in the control group required analgesics for postoperative pain,” while those patients receiving lavender treatments “required significantly less morphine . . . than the control patients.”7

1. Gobel H, et al. “[Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type].” Nervenartzt 1996 Aug;67(8):672-81
2. Gobel H, Schmidt G, Soyka D. “Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimeteric headach parameters.” Cephalalgia 1994 Jun;14(3):228-34.
3. Davies SJ, Harding LM, Baranowski AP. “A novel treatement of postherpetic neuralgia using peppermint oil,” Clinical Journal of Pain 2002 May-Jun;18(3):200-2.
4. Simikin P, Bolding A. “Update on nonpharmacologic Approaches to Relieve Labor Pain and Prevent Suffering.” Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health 2004;49(6).
5. Ceccarelli I, et al. “Effects of long-term exposure of lemon essential oil odor on behavioral, hormonal and neuronal parameters in male and female rats.” Brain Res 2004 Mar 19;1001(1-2):78-86.
6. Sakurada T, et al. “Intraplantar injection of bergamot essential oil into the mouse hindpaw: effects on capsaicin-induced nociceptive behaviors.” Int Rev Neurobiol 2009;85:237-48.
7. Kim JT, et al. “Treatment with lavender aromatherapy in the post-anesthesia care unit reduces opioid requirements of morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.” Obes Surg 2007 Jul;17(7):920-5.

Anti-Aging
“Aging” as we refer to it, is a process that occurs as stress, metabolic deterioration and genetic (DNA) instability increase in the human body.  As these influences increase, a systemic, pro-inflammatory environment is created, that typically leads to a variety of pathologies (diseases) in tissues and organs.  The common ingredient in all aging factors is inflammation.  To the extent we can (1) reduce stress and anxiety, (2) protect DNA and maintain normal metabolism, (3) inflammation stays in check and physical aging slows.1

Essential oils can assist in all three avenues.  Aromatic studies have repeatedly shown that certain volatile aromas, among them  lavender, lemon, ylang ylang and others, tend to calm the mind, leading directly to a reduction in the body’s systemic stress response.2,3  Several cancer studies have shown that essential oils, specifically frankincense, orange, thyme and tea tree act in ways that protect and preserve DNA and genetic replication.4,5,6  Metabolic integrity is supported by essential oils, particularly as it concerns their ability to prevent oxidation of lipids.7

Further studies show that naturally occurring compounds found in essential oils called monoterpenes, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents.  Some specific monoterpenes mentioned in research include, d-limonene (citrus oils), perillyl alcohol (lavender), carvacrol (oregano), thymol (thyme), geraniol (geranium), linalol(petitgrain) and eucalyptol (eucalyptus).8,9  All consistently demonstrate an overall anti-inflammatory property in the human body through stress reduction, DNA protection and metabolic support.

1. Bisson, Jean-Francois, et al, “Anti-Inflammatory Senescence Actives 5203-L Molecule to Promotoe Healthy Aging and Prolongation of Lifespan,” Rejuvenation Research  April 2008, 11(2):399-407.
2. Setzer WN, “Essential Oils and Anxiolytic Aromatherapy,” Nat Prod Commun, 2009 Sep;4(9):1305-16.
3. Hwang JH, “[The effects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension],” Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 2006, Dec;36(7):1123-34 (article in Korean).
4. Tsuda H, et al, “Cancer Prevention by Natural Compounds,” Drug Metab Pharmocokin, 2004, 19(4):245-263
5. Frank MB, et al, “Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity.” Arthritis and Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2009; 9:6 doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-9-6.
6. Santos KM, Ruiz A, Matta JL. “The induction of apoptosis in (MCF-7) human breast cancer cell line by frankincense essential oil.”  26th Puerto Rico Interdisciplinary Scientific Meeting, Cayey, March 11, 2006.  (Ponce School of Medicine, Puerto Rico.)
7. Takahashi Y, et al, “Antioxidative effect of citrus essential oil components on human low-density lipoprotein in vitro,” Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2003 Jan;67(1):195-7.
8. Lagouri V, et al, “Composition and antioxidant activity of essential oils from Oregano plants,” Zeitschrift fur Lebensmitteluntersuchung und Forschung A, 1993, July;197(1):20-23.
9. Crowell PL, “Prevention and therapy of cancer by dietary monoterpenes,” J. Nutr. 1999 mar; 129(3):775S-778S

Truly  Antiviral
Essential oils are truly antiviral without risk of creating super-viruses. Even the medical professionals don’t have a remedy for viruses. They only attempt to mitigate the symptoms.

It is a fact that antibiotics as a rule have no effect on virus-based diseases.  These include colds, flu and herpes infections, among others.  Medical doctors are more or less helpless when it comes to stopping viral infections, and using antibiotics on viral infections only tends to create a greater likelihood for antibiotic resistant pathogens.  In contrast a number of essential oils have demonstrated significant—sometimes aggressive—action toward common viruses, including those that cause colds, flu and herpes infections.  With essential oils we can do more than just “take 2 aspirin and call the doctor in the morning.”

Among all the viral infections common to man, herpes simplex is even more common than the cold virus.  It comes in two varieties:  type 1 (cold sores) and type 2 (genital herpes).  Herpes infections have been known since ancient times and are one of the most common communicable diseases in humans. Although infections are often subclinical, they can cause mild to severe diseases, especially in immunocompromised patients. Herpes simplex viruses establish latency in the nuclei of nerve cells and may reactivate, with or without symptoms, throughout the host’s lifetime. Over one third of the world’s population suffers from recurrent herpes infections several times a year.  Thus these infections are regularly transmitted by close personal contact.  Herpes simplex viruses are, therefore, typically the primary ones studied when investigating whether a substance is antiviral or not.

Several significant studies have come out of the University of Heidelberg in Germany that are very specific to the antiviral properties of essential oils. In 2001, Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil were tested against both types of herpes viruses.  Both essential oils “exhibited distinct antiviral activity,” but tea tree oil was particularly lethal, reducing the ability of the virus to infect cells by 98.2% for simplex 1 and 93.0% for simplex 2.  The researchers concluded that the “application [of tea tree and eucalyptus oils] as antiviral agents in recurrent herpes infection is promising.”1

In 2003 University of Heidelberg researchers tested peppermint oil against the two herpes viruses.  Here again, peppermint oil was impressive.  “A clearly time-dependent activity could be demonstrated.  After 3 hours of incubation of herpes simplex virus with peppermint oil, an antiviral activity of about 99% could be demonstrated.”2

Two studies from the University of Heidelberg were published in 2008.  The first tested six different essential oils against herpes simplex type 2.  All of the tested oils—anise, hyssop, thyme, ginger, chamomile and sandalwood—demonstrated virucidal activity in highly dilute concentrations ranging from 0.016% to 0.0015%.  Hyssop, thyme and ginger, in particular, reduced viral growth by more than 90%, while chamomile demonstrated a very high virucidal selectivity toward the type 2 herpes virus. 3   The second study examined melissa essential oil against both Type 1 and Type 2 herpes viruses.  At noncytotic  concentrations, the type 1 virus infectivity was reduced by 98.8% and the type 2 infectivity was reduced by 97.2%!  Even at extremely high dilutions of 0.0004% to 0.00008% the melissa oil lowered infectivity by 50%.4

In 2009 two more studies emerged from the University of Heidelberg. In the first, essential oils of eucalyptus, tea tree and thyme and their isolated monoterpene compounds were studied against herpes type 1 virus.  The results showed all the oils were able to reduce viral infectivity by more than 96%, while the isolated, individual compounds reduced infectivity by about 80%.  Tea tree, in particular, was found to be less toxic and 10 times more effective in destroying herpes type 1 than its isolated single monoterpenes.5  The second 2009 study found that sesquiterpenes such as trans-anethole, eugenol, betaeudesmol, farnesol and beta-caryophyllene, commonly found in many essential oils, including star anise, have significant antiviral properties.  In tests done on the herpes simplex type 1 virus, scientists found that “star anise essential oil reduced viral infectivity by over 99%” while other isolated sesquiterpene compounds reduced infectivity from 40-98%.  All the sesquiterpenes tested “exhibited anti-herpes activity by direct inactivation of free virus particles.”6

Similar research is occurring in places other than the University of Heidelberg.  In 2003, research done at the Kyoto University of Medicine in Japan showed the potential of essential oils as antiviral agents.  In this research, 12 different essential oils were tested on the herpes type 1 virus with stunning results:  all the essential oils suppressed the virus’ ability to reproduce in solutions of only 1%!  The most antiviral of all the oils studied was lemongrass, which “completely inhibited viral replication even at concentrations as low as 0.1%.”7

And finally, and significantly, research has begun to determine the effectiveness of essential oils in inhibiting other types of viruses, including one that is responsible for a major world disease— yellow fever.  This deadly virus is transmitted by female mosquitoes in the tropical and subtropical parts of South American and Africa.  It was once thought to have been nearly eradicated, but in the past three decades, cases have steadily risen.  It is a re-emerging disease in South America, and officials are concerned about the possibility of a major outbreak.  The World Health Organization estimates that 300,000 cases of yellow fever occur annually worldwide, resulting in 30,000 annual deaths.

Research being done in Colombia has demonstrated that the essential oils of Lippia alba (Lemon verbena), Lippia origanoides (Mexican oregano), Oreganum vulgare (wild marjoram), and Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort)—all of which grow in Colombia—all produce a 100% inactivation of the virus when incubated in a 1% dilution for 24 hours.8

In reality, essential oils have the potential to become the saving element if a world viral epidemic should occur.

1. Schnitzier P, Schon K, Reichling J. “Antiviral activity of Australian tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil against herpes simplex virus in cell culture.” Pharmazie 2001 Apr;56(4):343-7.
2. Schuhmacher A, Reichling J, Schnitzier P. “Virucidal effect of peppermint oil on the enveloped viruses herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro.” Phytomedicine 2003;10(6-7):504-10.
3. Koch C, Reichling J, Schneele J, Schnitzier P. “Inhibitory effect of essential oils against herpes simplex virus type 2.” Phytomedicine 2008 Jan;15(1-2):71-8.
4. Schnitzier P, Schuhmacher A, Astani A, Reichling J. “Melissa officinalis oil affects infectivity of enveloped herpes viruses.” Phytomedicine 2008 Sep;15(9):734-40.
5. Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzier P. “Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpens derived from essential oils.” Phytotherapy Research 2009 Aug 3 [Epub ahead of print]
6. Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzier P.  “Screening for Antiviral Activities of Isolated Compounds from Essential Oils.” Evidence-based Complement Alternat Med. [Epub ahead of print].
7. Minami M, et al. “The inhibitory effect of essential oils on herpes simplex virus type-1 replication in vitro.” Microbiol Immunol 2003;47(9):681-4.
8. Meneses R, Ocazionez R, Martinez J, Stashenko E. “Inhibitory Effect of Essential Oils obtained from Plants Grown in Colombia on Yellow Fever Virus Replication in vitro.” Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials, December 18, 2009.

Anti-depressant
Depression is the plague of our time, but more and more we are discovering that pharmaceutical anti-depressants carry dangerous—sometimes fatal—side effects.  Subjective perceptions of aromas from essential oils have long been very positive, and many have found mood improvement through smelling these pleasant aromas.  Science is beginning to emerge that confirms there truly is an antidepressant effect from inhaling the volatile aromas of essential oils.

Research done in 2002 at the University of Northumbria in England showed that the administration of Melissa essential oil resulted in a “sustained improvement in accuracy of attention . . . self-rated calmness . . .and alertness.” 1  More recent studies at the same university in 2005 showed similar results after the administration of sage lavender essential oil:  “Mood was consistently enhanced, with increases in self-rated ‘alertness,’ ‘calmness’ and ‘contentedness.’ “  Researchers concluded that essential oils from the sage (Salvia) family were capable of positive “modulation of mood and cognition in healthy young adults.”2

Scientists at the Keimyun University in Korea tested essential oils with hand massage on 58 patients with terminal cancer.  A test group received hand massage with a blend of Bergamot, Lavender and Frankincense in a ratio of 1:1:1, while the control group received hand massage with no aromatic essential oil.  Hand massage was administered to all subjects for 5 minutes on each of 7 consecutive days.  At the end of the 7-day test period, “the aroma hand massage experimental group showed more significant differences in the changes of pain and depression than the control group.”3

1. Kennedy DO, et al. “Modulation 0of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm).” Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002 Jul;72(4):953-64.
2. Tildesley NT, et al. “Positive modulation of mood and cognitive performance following administration of acute doses of Savlia Lavandulaefolia essential oil to healthy young volunteers.” Physiol Behav 2005 Jan 17;83(5):699-709.
3. Chang, SY. “[Effects of aroma hand massage on pain, state anxiety and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer]”, Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi 2008 Aug;38(4):493-502

Stress Relievers
Essential oils naturally relieve stress by occupying the same receptor sites as endorphins…without the potential of addiction or toxicity to the body.

The human body does not respond well to long term stress, yet stress seems constantly present in our modern lives.  Physiologically, the human body mobilizes itself for extreme action when under stress, yet most of the time the only reasonable response to stress at work or at home is to override natural impulse and try to be calm, collected, careful and patient.  This creates friction and conflict between our minds and our bodies.  Over time, this can lead to abnormal inflammation states, which lead to degenerative disease, particularly cardiovascular disease, autoimmune problems and cancer.  The constantly stressful life is ultimately a life of pain and disease.  Essential oils have been used to reduce stress and anxiety for centuries.  Intuitively, most of us recognize immediately the calming effect of many essential oil aromas.  Recently scientists have documented this phenomenon in research that helps to explain how essentials work to calm and balance our lives.

J. H. Hwang at the Geochang Provincial College in Korea conducted experiments in which subjects were asked to inhale a blend of lavender, ylang  ylang and bergamot once daily for 4 weeks.  At the end of the test period, he found those subjects which had inhaled the oils had (1) lower blood pressure, (2) slower pulse, and (3)lower serum cortisol levels.  These subjects also reported (4) lower stress and anxiety ratings.1  Both physiological and psychological measures supported the fact that inhaling the essential oil blend created a physical and mental calming effect.  Other studies indicate, almost paradoxically, that despite their sedating action, essential oils cause no decline in mental alertness or concentration.2, 3

Researchers at the University of Alabama investigated nine essential oils known to reduce anxiety, stress and depression.  In order of effectiveness they are Lavender, Rose, Orange, Bergamot, Lemon, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile and Rose Geranium.4  In a study done at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Nursing, graduate nursing students were given lavender and rosemary essential oils and then tested for stress levels just before taking a test.  The results showed that the students who received the essential oils had lower anxiety measures, lower pulse rates and subjectively described themselves as feeling more relaxed than those that did not receive the oils.5

Japanese lab tests with rats and mice consistently show that specific essential oils reduce all measurable signs of stress, including reducing chemically-induced seizures and muscle spasms.6, 7 Additionally, lavender essential oil was as effective as Valium in reducing certain stress measures among test animals.8, 9  Unlike Valium, however, essential oils carry no known negative side effects.

Finally, in a study done at the University of Miami School of Medicine, it was found that when lavender oil was added in very small amounts to a baby’s bath water, both the mother and the baby benefitted.  Mothers were more relaxed, smiled more and touched their infants more during the bath.  The babies looked at their mothers a greater percentage of the time, cried less and spent more time in deep sleep after the bath.  Cortisol levels of both mothers and babies decreased significantly, confirming behavioral data showing increased relaxation of the mothers and their infants.10

1. Hwang, JH. “The Effects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension,” Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 2006 Dec;36(7):1123-34.
2. Carvalho-Freitas MI, Costa m, “Anxiolytic and sedative effects of extracts and essential oil from Citrus aurantium L.,” Biol Pharm Bulletin 2002 Dec; 25(12):1629-33.
3. Pultrini Ade M, Galindo LA, Costa M. “Effects of the essential oil from Citrus aurantium L. in experimental anxiety models in mice.” Life Science, 2006 Mar 6;78(15):1720-5.
4. Setzer WN. “Essential oils and anxiolytic aromatherapy.” Nat Prod Commun 2009 Sep;4(9):1305-16.
5. McCaffrey R, Thomas DJ, Kinzelman AO. “The effects of lavender and rosemary essential oils on test-taking anxiety among graduate nursing students.” Holistic Nursing Practice, 2009 Mar-Apr;23(2):88-93.
6. Boskabady MH, Kiani S, Rakhshandah H. “Relaxant effects of Rosa damascena on guinea pig tracheal chains and its possible mechanisms(s),” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2006 Jul 19;106(3):377-82.
7. Lis-Balchin M, Hart S. “Studies on the mode of action of the essential oil of lavender (Lavdula angustifolia P. Miller). Phytotherapy Research 1999 Sep;13(6):540-2
8. Bradley BG, Starkey NJ, Brown SL, Lea RW. “Anxiolytic effects of Lavandula angustifolia odour on the Mongolian gerbil elevated plus maze.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2007 May 22;111(3):517-25
9. Umezu T. “Behavioral effects of plant-derived essential oils in the geller type conflict test in mice.” Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 2000 Jun;83(2):150-3.
10. Field T, et al. “Lavender bath oil reduces stress and crying and enhances sleep in very young infants.” Early Human Development 2008 Jun;84(6):399-401.

Help With Addictions
Anecdotal reports of essential oils being used to reduce the intensity of addictive urges are numerous.  Inhalation of essential oils has been reported to ease cravings for food, tobacco, alcohol and even sex.  Chemically, we can identify certain oils that stimulate or sooth the central nervous system in ways that would logically achieve such results.  At the very least, the sedative, stress-relieving oils would be of help in lowering the tension created in fighting these urges.

But it is interesting to note that some of these issues have been explored in carefully controlled experiments.  An early study at the University of Pittsburgh examined the effect of various odors on the self-reported urge to smoke in addicted smokers.  They found that certain odors did, in fact, reduce the urge to smoke.  The key observation was that it did not matter whether the odors were pleasant or unpleasant, but rather whether the subject associated the odor with a pleasant feeling or experience. 1

The impact of inhaling an essential oil on smoking addiction was also studied at the Nicotine Research Laboratory in Durham, North Carolina in 1994.  Three different groups of 16 smokers were not allowed to smoke for about 12 hours.  Then each group went through a 3-hour period where they were allowed to inhale through an inhaler, but could not smoke.  The first group had an inhaler with black pepper essential oil; the second group had mint/menthol inhalers; and the third group had inhalers with no aroma at all.  Although the mint group reported no improvement in managing cravings, the black pepper group did.  The researchers concluded :  “Reported craving for cigarettes was significantly reduced in the pepper condition relative to each of the [other] conditions.  In addition, negative symptoms of anxiety were alleviated in the pepper condition. . .”2

Korean scientists at Daegu Haany University worked with rats to demonstrate that inhalation of an essential oil similar to that of angelica (Angelica gigas) inhibited both neurochemical sensitization and behavior induced by nicotine injection.3

Studies have also been done on the effect of essential oils on food addictions and appetite.  Dr. Alan Hirsch, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago, pioneered the research that helped us understand that appetite is governed by the satiety center of the brain, and that center can be satisfied with aroma.  In his book, Dr. Hirsch’s Guide to Scentsational Weight Loss, he outlines how he was able to help subjects lose weight by using an ‘odor device’ or inhaler to provide strong aromatic scents to subjects when they experienced food cravings and before they ate meals.  The aromatic stimulation  reduced or eliminated food consumption because the appetite center in the brain was satisfied.  These reduced food cravings resulted in overall weight loss for test subjects.4

1. Sayette MA, Parrott DJ. “Effects of olfactory stimuli on urge reduction in smokers.” Exp Clin Psychopharmacol, 1999 May;7(2):151-9.
2. Rose JE, Behm FM. “Inhalation of vapor from black pepper extract reduces smoking withdrawal symptoms,” Drug Alcohol Depend, 1994 Feb;34(3):225-9
3. Zhao RJ, et al. “The essential oil from Angelica gigas NAKAIU suppresses nicotine sensitization,” Biol PHarm Bull, 2005 Dec;28(12):2323-6.
4. Alan R. Hirsch, MD. Dr. Hirsch’s Guide to Scentsational Weight Loss.  Element Books, 1997.

Helps With Gastrointestinal Problems
Essential oils not only relieve symptomatic digestive issues, but that they can disinfect the digestive system, relieve gas, relieve nausea, and relieve stomach cramps. Essential oils are also helpful when used for digestive auto-immune disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, supporting the body in repairing and balancing, without causing harm to the liver or other organs of the body.

If you doubt that millions of people suffer from digestive problems of one kind or another, the next time you’re in a drug store, take a look at the shelf space dedicated to OTC remedies for acid stomach and digestive upset.  It may surprise you.

For example, about 10% of the US population—over 30 million people—experiences heartburn at least once a week, and the numbers are rising.  It is estimated that as many as 1 in 3 adult Americans, mostly women, suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and another 2 million Americans have Crohn’s Disease, an inflammatory disease of the bowel.  Thousands more suffer from IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).1

Essential oils have been frequently researched for their effects in the digestive system and have shown very positive results.  One of the characteristics that gives essential oils particularly unique properties in the digestive tract is their ability to be selective in cases that involve bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections: they can stop harmful microbes while leaving beneficial bacteria untouched.

Scientists at Southern Cross University in Australia studied eight different essential oils to determine if they were selective enough to kill intestinal pathogens (such as giardia or candida) without harming the 12 most common beneficial human intestinal bacteria.  Of the oils tested, “the most promising essential oils for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis are caraway, lavender, ajwain (a parsley-like plant found in Asia), and orange.”  These oils “displayed the greatest degree of selectivity, inhibiting the growth of potential pathogens at concentrations that had no effect on the beneficial bacteria examined.”2

In another study conducted at the University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, another essential oil—basil—was tested against the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia.  The results showed “that with Giardia lamblia, the essential oil from Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) and its purified compounds, especially linalool, have a potent antimicrobial activity.”3

And finally, scientists at the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne Switzerland studied the effects of essential oils on Helicobacter pylori.  The H. pylori bacteria was discovered in the early 1980’s by Dr. Barry Marshall and Dr. Robin Warren of Perth, Australia.  They found that these bacteria bore into the mucus lining, causing a variety of digestive problems including gastritis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and peptic ulcers.

The bacteria invade the protective inner lining of the stomach so they are protected from stomach acid and from the body’s immune system. The bacteria then kill the cells that they invade. This creates holes in the mucus lining of the stomach, causing the formation of ulcers. Additionally, substances released by the bacteria during the invasion compromise the stomach cells’ ability to absorb calories from food in the stomach.

Over a two-decade period, skeptics gradually became convinced and the scientific community came to acknowledge that H. pylori was, indeed, the cause of most diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including ulcers.  Drs. Marshall and Warren were awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their work.4

Once the cause of ulcers was determined to be bacterial rather than because of spicy foods or stress, doctors were able to treat many gastric problems with proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics.  Since essential oils also have antibiotic properties, it was logical to assume that they could be useful in controlling or preventing H. pylori infection.  And since more than half the world’s population is infected with H. pylori it would be a significant breakthrough to find a natural substance that could do this.

Nestle researchers analyzed 60 essential oils against H. pylori and identified 30 of them that inhibited the bacteria in vitro.  Subsequently, they further identified 15 essential oils that showed strong bactericidal activity against H. pylori.  These oils had high concentrations of carvacrol, eugenol, nerol and citral.5  The research team suggested that these essential oils could be an effective food supplement to help eradicate H. pylori infections.

Carvacrol-containing essential oils, such as thyme and oregano have also been investigated for their ability to reduce inflammation from colitis.  One survey substantiating this was done in 2008 at the Anadolu University in Turkey.6  Earlier experiments done in 2007 at the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Slovakia found that a combination of thyme and oregano essential oils was effective in “reducing colitis-induced proinflammatory cytokines, thereby attenuating (reducing) lab-induced colitis in mice.”7

One of the most researched areas regarding essential oils is the potential for peppermint oil to alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  Peppermint, both as an herb and as an essential oil, has a long history of helping to relieve gastro-intestinal upsets.  In a randomized, double-blind crossover study published in 2005 in the journal Phytomedicine, researchers concluded that “taking into account the currently available drug treatments for IBS, Peppermint oil may be the drug of first choice in IBS patients with non-serious constipation or diarrhea to alleviate general symptoms and to improve quality of life.”8 Other studies done in Japan and in Iran concluded peppermint oil was “effective and safe as a therapeutic agent in patients with IBS suffering from abdominal pain or discomfort.”9, 10 In 2008, the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital published a review concluding that “peppermint oil is among the most promising alternative therapies” for chronic abdominal pain in children.11

1. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/default.htm
2. Hawrelak, JA, Cattley T, Myers SP. “Essential oils in the treatement of intestinal dysbiosis:  A preliminary in vitro study,” Altern Med Rev, 2009 Dec;14(4):380-4.
3. De Almeida I, et al. “Antigiardial activity of Ocimum basilicum essential oil,” Parasitol Res, 2007 Jul;101(2):443-52. Epub 2007 Mar 7.
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori
5. Bergonzelli, GE, et al. “Essential oils as componenets of a diet-based approach to management of Helicobacter infection.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2003 Oct;47(10):3240-6.
6. Baser KH. “Biological and pharmacological activities of carvacrol and carvacrol-bearing essential oils,” Curr Pharm Des, 2008, 14(29):3106-19.
7. Bukovska Alexandra, et al. “Effects of a combination of thyme and oregano essential oils on TNBS-induced colitis in mice,” Mediators Inflamm, 2007;2007:23296
8. Grigoleit HG, Grigoleit P. “Peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome,” Phytomedicine, 2005 Aug;12(8):601-6
9. Inamori M, et al. “Early effects of peppermint oil on gastric emptying: a crossover study using a continuous real-time 13C brath test (BreathID system). J Gastroenterol. 2007 Jul;42(7):539-42. Epub 2007 Jul 25.
10. Merat S, et al. “The Effect of Enteric-Coated, Delayed-Release Peppermint Oil on Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” Dig Dis Sci. 2009 Jun 9 [Eput ahead of print].
11. Banez GA. “Chronic abdominal pain in children: what to do following the medical evaluation,” Curr Opin Pediatr. 2008 Oct;20(5):571-5.