Plants

1. AROMATHERAPY
Prepared By:
Yasmeen Farag Mohamed
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2. Contents:
• Definition
• History of aromatherapy
• Routes that essential oils penetrate the body
• Classifications of aromatherapy
• Important plants used in aromatherapy
• Aromatherapy Applications
• Aromatherapy products in market
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3. Definition:
• Aromatherapy is a highly popular form of complementary medicine usually
entailing the application of essential plant oils to the skin by gentle
massage.(1)
OR
• The use of aromatic plant oils, essential oils are being used for physical and
psychological wellbeing.
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4. History of aromatherapy
• People have been interested in fragrances since the 6th millennium BC.
(1)
• The proponents of aromatherapy lay claim to an ancient tradition of
herbal medicine practiced in countries such as Egypt and India
thousands of years ago. (2)
• The Egyptians used aniseed, cedar and myrrh to prepare perfumes,
cosmetics and ointments. (1)
• In China and India over 700 substances were used for therapeutic
purposes, including cinnamon, ginger, myrrh and sandal tree.(1)
• in ancient Greece, thyme, saffron, marjoram, caraway, and pepper mint
were applied.(1)
• The term was initially used by the French chemist Gattefossé in a book
first published in 1936(2).
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5. Routes of administration of
essential oils
 There are three paths that essential oils can enter into the body: (1)
1. Inhalation through the olfactory system
2. Absorption through the surface of the skin
3. Internally (not recommended)
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6. 6

7. 1. Inhalation through the olfactory system:
• When essential oils are inhaled, the molecules rise to the top of the nose
and meet the olfactory mucous membrane. (1)
• The olfactory membrane has thousands of receptors that identify the smell
and thus, the sensory stimulation is sent through the olfactory bulb, which
acts as an amplifier, through the olfactory nerve into the limbic system of
the brain.(1)
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8. • The procedures associated with this route include:
1. Classic inhalation:(an inhaler, oil vapours dropped into
hot water, a cloth soaked in oil solution) .
2. Room aromatisation:(burners, nebulisers, pot-pouri). (2)
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9. 2. Absorption through the surface of the skin:
• The skin is relatively permeable to fat soluble substances and relatively
impermeable to water soluble substances.
• Essential oil molecules are so minute that when they are applied to the
skin; they are able to pass through the stratum corneum (the outer layer
of the epidermis). From here the oil molecule passes through dermis,
into the capillaries and into the bloodstream.
• Absorption also occurs through the hair follicles and sweat ducts.
• The larger the area of skin that is covered, the more essential oils will be
absorbed.
• Thinner skin e.g: skin behind the ears and the inside of the wrists are
very permeable. The palms of the hands and feet, armpits and scalp will
more readily absorb oil molecules than the arms, legs, belly, back etc.
• Oils are also easily absorbed through cuts, scraps and abrasions, burns,
eczema etc. 9

10. • The essential oils applied to the skin, either dissolved in water
(baths, poultices, compresses) or in a fatty carrier (massage), have
topical effects; however, with suitably long skin exposure, they
can permeate the bloodstream.
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11. 3. Internally (not recommended)
• Studies show that taking essential oils internally is the least
effective way to absorb their therapeutic properties.
• The oil ends up in the digestive tract where it has to pass through the
stomach and small intestine before it reaches the bloodstream.
• From there the oil molecules which, by now have been chemically
altered by the materials they have come into contact with in the
stomach and intestine; will reach the liver, pancreas, reproductive
organs and eventually be excreted via the kidneys, bladder and large
intestine.
• It is not advised to ever take essential oils internally unless under
the direct advise of a medical doctor who is also a
Clinical Aromatherapist.
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12. Classifications of aromatherapy
• According to the study it has been found that the essential
oils in aromatherapy has gained their importance in
medical, massage, cosmetic, olfactory and psycho
aromatherapy.
 1. Medical aromatherapy
 2. Massage aromatherapy
 3. Cosmetic aromatherapy
 4- Olfactory aromatherapy
 5-Psycho aromatherapy
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13. Classifications of aromatherapy cont.
1. Medical aromatherapy
• Clinically it is found that some of the effective essential oils are used to massage
patients during surgery.
• These oils show effect on promoting and treating clinical ailment .
• Aromatic plants can be effective at treating symptoms associated with fatigue,
pain, nausea, general well-being, anxiety, depression, stress , insomnia,
headaches, coughs, rheumatism, colds, the flu, and many other illnesses, with
results that are sometimes felt immediately.
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14. Classifications of aromatherapy cont.
 2. Massage aromatherapy
 Massage therapy(also known as healing touch of massage therapy)is a
manual therapeutic approach that uses specific types of pressure and human
touch.
 Massage therapy itself consists of the manipulation of muscles and lymph
nodes through professional pressing and rubbing techniques.
 Aromatherapy massage is used for a variety of different reasons, including
relaxation, pain management, and improved mood.
 During the massage the use of grape seed, almond or jojoba oil shows the
wonderful effect.
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15. Classifications of aromatherapy cont.
 The main benefits associated with massages include:
 Decreasing muscle tension and stiffness
 Increasing blood flow
 Reducing swelling and pain
 Relieving stress
 Potentially helping decrease the risk for future injuries
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16. Classifications of aromatherapy cont.
 3. Cosmetic aromatherapy
• The essential oils used on the body as a moisturizer, cleanser, skin and hair
care products come under this category.
• The cosmetic industry is currently utilizing the benefits of aromatherapy to
revitalize and rejuvenate the body besides catering to the essential cleaning,
toning, moisturizing and protective properties of essential oils for various skin
and hair types.
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17. Classifications of aromatherapy cont.
 4- Olfactory aromatherapy
Enhanced emotion wellness, calmness, relaxation of people has been resulted
as the simple inhalation of essential oil to give rise to olfactory aromatherapy.
This therapy relaxes the stress with pleasure.
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18. Classifications of aromatherapy cont.
 5-Psycho-aromatherapy
• A study of scents' effects on human behavior and the relationships between smell
and emotions.
• This type of therapy diffuses natural or synthetic aromas in the patient's room to
influence their moods and emotions.
• The oils used to diffuse should give them the pleasure of relaxation, invigoration,
or a pleasant memory.
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19. Important plants used in aromatherapy
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active
constituent
Uses
Mechanism of action
Peppermint
(Herb)
High percentage of
menthol (40-90%)
• Preparation of
ointments, cough
syrup, cough lozenges
.
• A belief was there that
ancient greeks used to
rub it on their arms for
strength
• Relieving chest pain
and stomach ache,
even to cure post-
surgery nausea.
• It is proposed that
peppermint oil relaxes
gastrointestinal smooth
muscle
• Dose-dependent
antispasmodic effect of
peppermint oil is largely
mediated by its menthol
constituent .
• After oral administration,
peppermint is rapidly
absorbed
• Menthol is highly fat-
soluble therefore rapidly
absorbed from the proximal
gut
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20. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active
constituent
Uses Mechanism of action
Rose
(Flower)
 Citrenellol
(9.91%)
 Geraniol
(3.71%)
• Excellent relaxing
agent and soothes
the nerves.
• Antioxidants
• Anticancer
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antidepressant
• Laxative
• Anti-diabetic
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-HIV
• Analgesic
• Inhalation of the fragrance of
rose essential oil by patients
with renal colic in the
emergency room, effectively
reduced renal colic pain by
stimulating the olfactory
system, increasing
parasympathetic activity,
releasing neurotransmitters
such as enkephalin and
endorphin as well as reducing
sympathetic activity and the
release of cortisol and
noradrenalin.
• It was found that massage with
rose oil reduces the severity of
primary dysmenorrhea
compared to massage therapy
alone .
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21. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
21
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active
constituent
Uses Mechanism of action
Lavender
(Flower)
 linalool
 linayl
acetate
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Relaxant in body
massage in
aromatherapy.
• Sedative
• Carminative
• Anti-depressive
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial effects
• Anxiolytic
• Analgesic
• Anticonvulsive
• Lavender inhalation
produce an anxiolytic
effect due to inhibition of
voltage-gated calcium
channels, reduction of
5HT1A receptor activity,
and increased
parasympathetic tone. (1)
• The two primary terpenoid
constituents of lavender
essential oil, linalool and
linalyl acetate, produce an
anxiolytic (calming) effect
in combination.

22. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of
action
Rosemary
(Flower)
 Carnosic acid
 Ursolic acid
 Caffeic acid
 Rosmarinic acid.
• Rosmarinic acid is
antiviral, anti-
bacterial, anti-
inflammatory and
antioxidant.
• wound healing
• skin cancer.
• Treatment of
pathological and
non-pathological
conditions, such as
alopecia,
ultraviolet
damage, and
aging.
• Administration of
rosemary oil, both
by inhalation and
by oral route,
stimulates the CNS
and respiratory
activity, suggesting
a direct action of
one or more of its
constituents
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23. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of action
Cinnamon
(Bark)
 Cinnamaldehyde
(65-80%)
 Eugenol
(5-10%).
• Stimulate
circulation
• Reduce stress
• Anxiety
• Relieve pain
• Fight off infections
• Improve digestion
• Protect against
insects
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Anti-diabetic
• Antioxidant
By inhalation it penetrate
the brain by crossing the
blood–brain barrier (BBB)
and could be involved in the
regulation of the
neuroendocrine system and
neurotransmitters and thus
affect behavioral outcomes.
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24. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of action
Clary Sage
(Herb)
 Linalool
 Linalyl acetate
 Germacrene D
• It is recommended
for oily skin, greasy
hair and dandruff
• Antidepressant
activity
• preventing excessive
sweating.
• it reduces excessive
sebum production.
• After inhalation of
clary sage oil,
serotonin plasma
levels significantly
increased and
cortisol plasma
levels decreased.
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25. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of action
Tea Tree
(Herb)
 Terpinen-4-ol
 Cineole
• Antibacterial
• Calming
• Antiviral
• Insecticidal
• Skin
inflammation
• Mouth blisters
• Dandruff
• Fever
• Influenza
• chickenpox
• Reduce dandruff due to
its antifungal properties
and because it is slightly
more acidic than your
skin.
• Tea tree oil shampoos
were found to be
effective in reducing the
growth of candida
albicans (yeast) which
often contributes to
dandruff formation.
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26. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active
constituent
Uses Mechanism of action
Lemon
(Fruit or Leaves)
d- limonene
and l-
limonene, all
together
forming about
90% of the bulk
of the oil.
• Acne and acne scars
• Bath enhancer
• Facial cleanser
• Lemon oil has two
properties of interest if
you have acne-prone
skin:
 Astringent
 Antimicrobial
• These properties can
potentially reduce
inflammation of P.
Acnes, the bacteria that
causes inflammatory
acne.
• Astringents are also
known for getting rid of
dead skin cells that clog
pores.
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27. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of action
Ginger
(Rhizome)
 Zingiberene
 Geranial
 Neral
 1,8-cineole
 Β-bisabolene
 Β-sesquiphellandrene
• Sea sickness
• Arthritis
• Promotes Hair
Growth
• Reduces Signs
of Aging
• colds, the flu,
coughs, asthma
• bronchitis expec
torant
• Removes mucus
from the throat and
lungs
• Ginger essential oil
signals the body to
increase the amount
of secretions in the
respiratory tract,
which lubricates the
irritated area.
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28. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of action
Garlic
(Tuber)
 Allicin
 Allin
• Allicin and
adenosine are the
most potent
antiplatelet
constituents of garlic
• Antioxidant activity
• Used to cure skin
ailments
• Strong anti-
inflammatory
• Garlic contains
antioxidants that
support the body’s
protective
mechanisms against
oxidative damage .
• High doses of garlic
supplements have
been shown to
increase antioxidant
enzymes in humans,
as well as
significantly reduce
oxidative stress
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29. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of
action
Coriander
(Fruit)
 Linalool (68%),
 α pinene (10%)
 Geraniol
 Camphene
 Terpine
• Diabetes
• Increased
cholesterol
• Arteries blockage
leading to high
blood pressure
• Ulcers
• Urinary tract
problems
• Anti-anxiety
• Anti-bacterial
• Anxiolytic
• Swelling
prevention
• Anti-osteoporosis
• Liver diseases.
Oil can alleviate
anxiety and stress by
promoting relaxation
and feelings of joy.
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30. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of action
Black pepper
(Fruits)
 Sabinene
 α-pinene
 β-pinene,
 β-caryophyllene
 limonene,
 linalool,
 Citral
 Antioxidants such as
beta carotene, lauric,
myristic and palmitic
acids, as well as
piperine, are found in
pepper .
• Antihypertensive
• Antioxidant
• Antitumor
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-asthmatic
• Antidepressant
• Anxiolytic
• manage pain
Black pepper oil has a
warming effect that can
help soothe aching
muscles and other
related injuries to joints
or tendons
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31. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of action
Fennel
(Fruit)
 Anethole
 Α-pinene
 Β-myrcene
 Β-pinene
 Fenchone
 Camphene
 Estragole
 Limonene
 P-cymene
• provides a relaxing
soothing effect on
the body.
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diuretic
• relaxation of muscle
cramps
• Breath-freshener
• skin care
It can reduce puffiness,
treat under-eye bags,
assist with rosacea,
minimize pores, even out
imperfections, and
protect the epidermis
against free radicals.
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32. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active constituent Uses Mechanism of action
Geramium
(Herb)
 Eugenol
 Geranic
 Citronellol
 Geraniol
 Linalol (linalool)
 Citronellalformat
 Citral
 Myrtenol
 Terpineol
 Methone
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Aging skin
• Some fungal
infections
• Anxiety
• Stress related
problems
• Nerve tonic
• Throat infection
• Diabetes
• For menopausal
associated problems
• Enhance relaxation,
offer pain relief, and
soothe anxiety in a
clinical setting. It’s
unclear if it’s the
scent itself,
memories of the
scent, or a chemical
agent in the scent
which creates this
chemical reaction in
your brain.
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33. Important plants used in aromatherapy
cont.
Name of the
aromatic plant
Active
constituent
Uses Mechanism of action
Ocimum
(Herb)
 Eugenol
 linalool
• Bronchitis and
bronchial asthma
• Malaria
• Anticancer
• Antidiabetic
• Antimicrobial
• Hepato-protective
• Cardio-protective
• Antiemetic
• Antispasmodic
• Analgesic
• Anxiolytic
• Anxiolytic effects of the Ocimum
basilicum L. essential oil used by
inhalation from the headspace air
of living basil plants were
supposed that the essential oil of
Ocimum basilicum relieved the
chronic stress induced changes in
the olfactory system possibly
through the up-regulation of gene
expressions.
• The revealed actions might be
attributed to the linalool as the
predominant bioactive compound
of the essential oils of Ocimum
species.
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34. Aromatherapy Applications
o Application methods of essential oils can include:
 Inhalation
 Bathing
 Compress
 Massage
o These options allow you to choose the application method(s) that best suit you or
your client's lifestyle and personality.
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35. Aromatherapy Applications
 Inhalation Applications: these are the easiest and most direct method for
essential oils to enter the limbic system in the brain.
• Inhalation can be done through various methods: by direct inhalation of essential
oils from a cotton ball, or tissue; steam inhalation; diffusers: and through the
use of personal nasal inhalers
1-The easiest inhalation application is on a tissue or cotton ball: Add two to three
drops of essential oil to chosen item, place near your nose and inhale deeply several
times.
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36. Aromatherapy Applications
2-Steam Inhalation: Add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to a steaming bowl of
hot water, then cover your head with a towel, bend over the steaming bowl of
water using the towel as a tent to trap the steam, and deeply inhale
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37. Aromatherapy Applications
3-Diffusers:
• Put simply, essential oil diffusers work by emitting essential oils into the
air.
• This means you can inhale and absorb the benefits into your body, which
can aid relaxation but also works wonders for your senses.
• Most essential oils also send out a pleasant scent into the air when you are
using a diffuser which also purifies the air at the same time.
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38. Aromatherapy Applications
4-Personal nasal inhalers
• Excellent to use for sinus and respiratory issues, mental
relaxation, or to enhance mental focus.
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39. Aromatherapy Applications
 Bathing Applications:
• Bathing provides several methods for the healing benefits of essential oils to
enter the body by absorption through the skin and through inhalation of the
bath steam. (1)
• Aromatherapy baths are useful for:
 Stress and anxiety relief
 Helping with chronic pain
 Helping with muscle and joint pain
 Improving stiffness
 Stimulating circulation
 Skin health
 Fatigue and exhaustion.(2)
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40. Aromatherapy Applications
 Compresses application:
Compresses Aromatherapy help to ease and reduce the swelling,
pain, and stiffness of muscles and joints, or the discomfort of
bruises.
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41. Aromatherapy Applications
 Massage application:
Essential oils penetrate your body as they are absorbed through
your skin. These essential oils impart benefits to both your mind
and your body, including improving your mood, alleviating pain
and detoxifying your body, depending on the oils use.
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42. Aromatherapy products in market
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