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Home , Calendula, Chamomile, Frankincense, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Juniper berry

Hawthorn University Holistic Health and Webinar Series 2017 www.hawthornuniversity.org

Presented by David Crow, L.Ac. Combining and Essential Oils

This presentation explores how essential oils and aromatherapy can be integrated with treatments for added therapeutic effects and benefits. It explores which essential oils can be safely combined, and how, with herbs according to therapeutic functions: ) Expectorant, mucolytic, decongestant and antitussive herbs ) Nervine relaxant, and herbs ) Demulcent herbs ) Anti-spasmotic and herbs ) Antimicrobial herbs ) Cholagogue and laxative herbs ) Immune modulating and immune stimulating herbs ) Adaptogen, trophorestorative and neuroendocrine regulating herbs ) Antiinflammatory herbs ) Emmenagogue and uterine tonic herbs

Learning Objectives: ) When and how essential oils and aromatherapy are a primary, adjunct or contraindicated treatment ) To understand the compatibility or lack of compatibility of specific groups and of essential oils and specific groups and species of herbs ) Simple combinations of herbs and essential oils for specific therapeutic benefits Introduction

) General suggestions for how to use safely therapeutic groups of essential oils in combinations with groups of herbs. ) Does not give detailed methods of use of the oils. ) Does not give any specific dosages or uses of herbs. ) Please do not use herbs without studying them in detail. ) Please use essential oils according to safe methods of applications ) Do not take internally ) Do not apply undiluted to the skin

Difficulties classifying essential oils into therapeutic categories Where do the claims about therapeutic actions of essential oils come from? 1. Empirical evidence from long history of use of aromatic 2. Modern scientific studies 3. Claims made about essential oils through MLM companies and spread on the internet

Many claims about the functions of essential oils are not substantiated or established. Many claims are based on in vitro studies but do not apply to in vivo uses.

Because of their relatively recent appearance, their subjective nature through the olfactory system, their danger for internal ingestion and other factors, it is difficult to make specific medicinal claims about the therapeutic uses of essential oils. Their therapeutic uses often are broad spectrum and idiosyncratic. Some people find lavender strongly relaxing, some find it occasionally mildly relaxing, some find it stimulating.

Because of these factors, it is difficult to classify essential oils into clearly defined therapeutic categories.

In some conditions essential oils and aromatherapy are a primary treatment; in most cases they can be indirectly supportive; in some cases they are not effective and should not be advocated or attempted for those uses.

Expectorant, mucolytic, decongestant and antitussive herbs

Many herbs and essential oils cross over into all four functions; essential oils are especially broad spectrum and non-specific.

Expectorants

An expectorant works by signaling the body to increase the amount or hydration of secretions, resulting in more yet clearer secretions and as a byproduct lubricating the irritated respiratory tract.

Expectorant herbs primarily contain essential oils, and mucilage.

Expectorant herbs: Licorice, mullein, slippery elm, , , , elder , lavender, angelica, , elecampane, lobelia, , wild cherry , coltsfoot, hyssop

Essential oils are a primary treatment for respiratory conditions. Primary methods: diffuser, steam inhalation, compress, palm inhalation Microdroplets of diffused oil or inhaled vapor comes in direct contact with mucus membranes of sinuses and lungs. Low grade inhalation from a diffuser has more long term expectorant effects; steam inhalation has more decongestant effects.

Expectorant oils: Basils (sweet, tulsi), , cedar, fennel, inula, spruce, pine, fir, , , lavender, marjoram, myrtle, , mints, oregano, palo santo, , tree, thyme, hyssop

Sample combinations: Tulsi/ tea, 2 – 4x day; steam inhalation with pinon pine 1 – 2x day; cardamom and eucalyptus essential oils in diffuser Expectorant cough syrup with mullein and/or wild cherry bark 2 – 4x day with tulsi tea; chest compress with cedar/spruce eo

Mucolytics

A mucolytic agent is an agent that dissolves thick mucus and is usually used to help relieve respiratory difficulties.

Mucolytic herbs: mullein, horehound, elecampane

Mucolytic oils: Cedar, cistus, eucalyptus, fir, ginger helichrysum, inula, juniper, manuka, , , ravensare, rosemary, spruce, tulsi, white sage

Sample combinations: mucolytic cough syrup containing mullein, 1 teaspoon 3x day; chest compress with two drop each fir, helichrysum, inula eo’s; tulsi and rosemary eo’s in diffuser. Decongestants

A decongestant is used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract.

Essential oils in steam inhalation are generally more immediately effective as decongestants than herbs.

Decongestant herbs: tulsi, elder , rosemary, mints, ginger, cardamom

Decongestant oils: Eucalyptus, spruce, pine fir, mints, rosemary, tulsi, cardamom, tea tree, oregano, lavender

Sample combinations: Tulsi/ 2 – 4x day; steam inhalation with eucalyptus/lavender eo Rosemary tea 2 – 4x day; steam inhalation with cardamom eo

Common cold, primary oils for synergies: Respiratory: eucalyptus, laurel Aromatic : , cardamom, ginger, rosemary, , tulsi, , marjoram : spruce, pine, pinon pine, fir, juniper Antimicrobials: ravensara, tea tree, thyme, oregano, niaouli : lemon Antiinflammatory: lavender, (Roman), frankincense,

Possible synergies: 5 parts eucalyptus, 3 parts tea tree, 3 parts ravensara Equal parts thyme, lavender, eucalyptus, laurel Use in diffuser or dilute appropriately for bath or compresses.

Nervine relaxant, sedative and anxiolytic herbs

Herbs often cross over into the closely related categories of nervine tonic, nervine relaxant, sedative and anxiolytic.

Because aromatherapy is used primarily for relaxation, these categories of herbs combine easily with essential oils and aromatherapy.

Standard uses for the oils: diffuser, massage and body oil, bath, direct inhalation

Nervine relaxant Herbs that strengthen but relax the nervous system. Good for overstimulation and tension associated with fatigue and exhaustion.

Nervine relaxant herbs: chamomile, lemon balm, linden flower, motherwort, skullcap, ashwagandha, St. John’s Wort

Nervine relaxant oils: chamomile, , clary sage, frankincense, jatamansi, lavender, palo santo, vetiver, ylang ylang

Sample combinations: For general stress and tension: chamomile/lemon balm tea 2 – 4x day, 1 dropper ashwagandha tincture 2x day, massage / body oil with vetiver/clary sage eo

Sedatives Sedative herbs have a stronger direct action on the nervous system. Essential oils generally do not have strong sedative powers compared to some herbs, but can be supportive.

Sedative herbs: hops, and CBD, , passionflower, kava kava, California poppy, skullcap, betony

Sedative oils: , cedarwood, cistus, clary sage, chamomile, frankincense, jatamansi, lavender, lemon balm, neroli, rose, , vetiver

Sample combinations: For general tension and stress: 5 drops passionflower tincture 6 – 8x day; bath and massage with lavender/clary sage/ chamomile eo

For supporting meditation: use agarwood chips or powder in heater; small dose CBD oil 2x day; lemon balm tea 2 – 4x day, wear rose and sandalwood as

Anxiolytic Anxiolytic herbs and oils reduce anxiety. Herbs tend to work more consistently, but some oils give excellent results for some people. The more chronic and severe the anxiety, the less effective herbs and oils tend to be for symptomatic treatment. Chronic anxiety must be resolved at a deeper psychological and emotional level, but herbs and oils and other integrated therapies can support retraining stress and anxiety patterns.

Anxiolytic herbs: reishi, catnip, chamomile, hops, kava, linden, motherwort, milky oats, passionflower, skullcap, St. John’s Wort, blue vervain, valerian, California poppy, lavender, milky oat , gotu kola

Anxiolytic oils: bergamot, clary sage, chamomile, frankincense, lavender, mandarin, marjoram, neroli, , rose, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang

Sample combinations: Bergamot and clary sage in diffuser; 5 drops passionflower tincture 3 – 5x day; use neroli as perfume. Chamomile/linden flower tea 2 – 4x day; one dropper tincture of red reishi 2x day, lavender and clary sage in diffuser; vetiver as perfume on in body or massage oil.

Demulcent and Emollient

Demulcent herbs are used internally for hydrating tissues and soothing mucus membranes; essential oils do the opposite. If taken internally essential oils can produce caustic inflammation of the gi tract, and require demulcent herbs to antidote. In cases where demulcents are required aromatic herbs are sometimes used, such as aromatic ingredients in a demulcent expectorant cough syrup. Because essential oils have the opposite qualities of demulcent herbs, they generally do not combine well.

Demulcent and emollient herbs are moistening, essential oils are drying, especially for the skin.

Demulcent herbs: slippery elm, comfrey , seed, marshmallow root, licorice root, mullein, plantain, gel

Emollient herbs are moistening and hydrating, and used externally. The use of essential oils in a carrier oil is an emollient application, because of the carrier.

There are three essential oils that are potentially hydrating: rose, sandalwood, vetiver.

Anti-spasmotic and analgesic

Antispasmotic herbs and oils relax the nervous system, musculoskeletal system and smooth muscle tissue, and reduce or stop spasms and tension. Herbs can be very effective in treating spasmotic conditions in different systems; aromatic herbal teas are excellent for anti-spasmotic functions in the digestive and respiratory systems. Essential oils can be used to support anti-spasmotic effects in the digestive, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems, but they do not have the deeper physiological effects that herbs do.

Anti-spasmotic herbs, by system Digestive: chamomile, valerian, hops, peppermint, sage, fennel, wild yam Urinary: cramp bark, black haw, wild yam, kava Reproductive: cramp bark, black haw, wild yam, black cohosh Musculoskeletal: kava, cramp bark, black haw, lobelia, valerian, skullcap, black cohosh General: California poppy, lemon balm, passionflower, Jamaican dogwood, ginger

Antispasmotic oils: agarwood, angelica root, basil, chamomile, clary sage, conifers, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, ginger, lavender, marjoram, myrtle, neroli, peppermint

Sample combinations: For digestive cramping and spasms: chamomile/peppermint tea 2 – 4x day, abdominal compress with fennel/ginger eo For : chamomile/peppermint tea 2 – 4x day with 1 dropper black cohosh and/or cramp bark each time

Analgesics

Analgesic herbs and oils reduce or eliminate pain.

Herbs are more effective and longer lasting for analgesic purposes, but essential oil applications such as massage, compresses and baths can be supportive. There are very few or oils that work as effectively as over the counter or stronger prescription medications, but they are more beneficial for healing the underlying causes and conditions and have far less adverse reactions and toxicity.

Primary analgesic herbs: California poppy, kava, Jamaican dogwood, white , black haw, cramp bark, birch, cannabis, black cohosh, corydalis, wild yam, ashwaghanda, devil’s claw, kava

Primary herbs for specific types of pain Migraine: feverfew, white willow bark, wood betony Low back pain: white willow bark, , devil’s claw Fibromyalgia: black cohosh, kava kava, ashwagandha St. John’s Wort: Nerve pain, pinched spinal nerves Wood betony: Muscle spasms, overworked muscles, muscle trauma Kava kava: muscle spasms, tension from anxiety, back and neck pain Jamaican dogwood: pain and spasms associated with pinched nerves

Analgesic oils: birch, black pepper, blue tansy, chamomile, , , eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, helichrysum, juniper, lemongrass, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, spruce, wintergreen

Herbal darrier oils and salves for musculoskeletal blends Arnica, Calendula, St. John’s Wort, Trauma Oil, Mahanarayan, /Cottonwood/ poplar, Cannabidiol Oil (CBD)

General musculoskeletal essential oils (For sprains, strains, tendonitis, whiplash, fibromyalgia, bursitis, , carpal tunnel, etc): birch, , frankincense, helichrysum, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, wintergreen

Symptom specific oils: Sprains, strains, tendonitis: juniper , marjoram, clove, ginger, grapefruit Bursitis: eucalyptus, laurel : clove, eucalyptus, lemongrass Back and neck aches: clove, eucalyptus, laurel Fibromyalgia: black pepper, clove, eucalyptus, ginger, lemongrass, myrrh, tulsi Carpal Tunnel: black pepper, cypress, ginger, grapefruit, , laurel, lemon, myrrh

Possible combinations: For musculoskeletal pain and stiffness: Mahanarayan oil with addition of essential oils of black pepper and eucalyptus externally; tincture of ashwagandha 3x day For migraine: peppermint tea 2 – 4x day with 1 dropper wood betony tincture each time; palm inhalation of peppermint and lavender eo

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial herbs and essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

Antimicrobial herbs can treat infections in almost any organ or tissue; they are used according to specific systems and combined with herbs from other categories.

Antimicrobial herbs: elderberry, myrrh, , self heal, , corn silk, oregano, thyme,

All essential oils have antimicrobial powers; they work against specific strains to different degrees. In vitro results cannot be translated to in vivo applications, so the uses for antimicrobial purposes are limited at this time until development of safe biocompatible methods and administration. Aromatic herbs as teas are very beneficial for digestive and respiratory infections; essential oils complement herbs very well for respiratory infections.

Oils: tea tree, ravensare, niaouli, lavender, oregano, thyme, chamomile, eucalyptus, fir, lemon, lemongrass, palo santo, pinon pine, tulsi

Possible combinations: Upper respiratory infection: 1 tbsp elderberry syrup with 1 dropper tincture of Echinacea with tulsi/ginger tea, 2 – 4x day; steam inhalation of eucalyptus, tea tree, ravensare eo Food poisoning: ¼ teaspoon goldenseal powder with ginger tea 3 – 6x day; abdominal compress with lavender eo

Cholagogues

Cholagogue herbs promote digestive functions, support detoxification and increase peristalsis by stimulating bile flow. They are generally bitter.

Cholagogue herbs: Gentian, artichoke , barberry, turmeric, andrographis, burdock

Essential oils cannot be taken internally without risk, and therefore cannot be used as cholagogues. Aromatic herbs as teas can be taken to support cholagogic actions; aromatic herbs are frequently combined with cholagogic herbs in bitters formulas to harmonize their impact on the digestive system.

Essential oils can be used as an adjunct treatment so support digestive detoxification and peristalsis, using abdominal massage with essential oils and compresses.

Laxatives

Laxative herbs are in different categories including , bulking and purgative.

Stimulant: Senna, rhubarb root, cascara sagrada Bulking: slippery elm, flax seed, marshmallow

Stimulant laxatives and purgatives should not be taken unless other more holistic treatments are not successful. Use bitter cholagogues first, then mild tonic laxatives such as triphala. Many times bulking laxatives as slippery elm and flax seed work best. Frequently contraindicated in conditions where people believe they are needed

Aromatic herbs are often added to laxative formulas to prevent “griping.” Aromatic teas can be used along with laxatives and/or bitter cholagogues

Essential oils for abdominal massage are beneficial for constipation, and should be used before using herbal laxatives.

Constipation Synergy (equal parts of one or two from each category) Stimulate peristalsis: fennel, ginger, black pepper Calming, anti-inflammatory: lavender, geranium Antispasmotic: chamomile, marjoram, clary sage Digestive tonic, relaxant: citruses , anti-inflammatory: peppermint, (¼ to ½ to part) Use in typical dilutions for abdominal massage.

Immune modulating

Immune modulating herbs balance the immune function, increasing it if it is deficient and reducing it if it is hyperactive. These herbs often overlap with adaptogen and neuroendocrine herbs.

Immune modulating herbs: Reishi and other medicinal , ashwagandha eleuthero, elderberry, , calendula

Aromatherapy in general has immune modulating effects; massage, bath and diffuser applications can support immune modulating herbs.

Immune Stimulating Immune enhance immune functions. There are “theoretical concerns” that this category of herbs should be avoided in autoimmune disorders.

Echinacea, spilanthes, cat’s claw, astragalus, pau d’arco

Essential oils are strongly antimicrobial, but that does not necessarily translate into immune modulating or stimulating properties. They support general immune function by attacking pathogens. There are some claims made about immune enhancing effects of essential oils, but it is mostly likely the result of overall benefits of aromatherapy rather than specific cellular or systemic activation.

Adaptogen, trophorestorative and neuroendocrine regulating herbs

All three are similar functions but are classified differently. Many classifications overlap and are similar, and there are differences of classifications according to different herbalists.

Adaptogens: Short definition: an that helps adapt to stress Longer: Harmonize, strengthen and balance axis of immune, endocrine (including thyroid and adrenals) and nervous system Alternatively: effects on the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis Alternately: herbs that strengthen the HPO axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, gonadal). Alternately: sympathoadrenal system (SAS)

Work on neuroendocrine system Adaptogens and neuroendocrine regulators are often in same category Because adaptogens and neuroendocrine regulators are non specific balancing agents with a wide range of normalizing and strengthening effects, they combine nicely with aromatherapy

Adaptogen : ginseng, , Aralia californica, Oplopanax horridum, Asparagus racemosa, astragalus eleuthero, ashwagandha, rhodiola, maca, codonopsis, licorice

Other types of adaptogens, reishi, cordiceps, tulsi, schisandra, , gotu kola, gynostemma

How to classify essential oils as adaptogens Many oils are claimed to have hormone balancing effects, but this is not well established scientifically. Their mechanisms of action may reduce symptoms of hormone imbalances through other mechanism.

Essential oils do not provide nutritive or nourishing benefits, and are limited to secondary support.

Aromatherapy for general relaxation will support the same therapeutic objectives as adaptogenic herbs by relaxing the nervous system, which will have a positive influence on the endocrine system, and supporting immune system through the respiratory system.

Best choices are floral oils that are not excessively sweet: lavender, geranium, neroli

Trophorestorative

Helps restore balance of a particular system or tissue. Lowers hyperfuntion, raises hypofunction. Some overlap with adaptogenic and neuroendocrine regulating functions. Ginseng and ashwagandha are endocrine trophorestoratives as well as adaptogens and neuroendocrine regulators. Because trophorestoratives target specific tissues or systems, essential oils and aromatherapy may or may not be effective combinations. Combining should be done on a case by case basis

Example: Nervous system: Milky oat seed Nutritive tonic Treats nervous exhaustion, adrenal burnout Aromatherapy massage and bath are primary adjunct treatments

Cardiac system: hawthorn Strengthens cardiac muscle Aromatherapy is not a significant treatment

Anti-inflammatory

A large number of herbs have anti-inflammatory powers; they can be classified according to organ system or general.

Primary anti-inflammatory herbs, by system Digestive: chamomile, wild yam, licorice, golden seal, calendula, , marshmallow Musculoskeletal: white willow, birch, wild yam Nervous: St. John’s Wort Skin: calendula, St. John’s Wort, myrrh, goldenseal, arnica, plantain Circulatory: yarrow, hawthorn, linden Urinary: goldenrod, corn silk, kava kava General: turmeric, ginger, seed, meadowsweet, lavender, gotu kola

Essential oils can be strongly pro-inflammatory for mucus membranes and skin Aromatic herbs taken as teas can be anti-inflammatory for digestive and respiratory system. Essential oils can support anti-inflammatory herbs if used in the correct dilutions and methods.

Anti-inflammatory oils: birch, black pepper, blue tansy, seed, cedar, chamomile, cistus, clary sage, conifers, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, ginger, helichrysum, lavender, manuka, myrrh, neroli, niaouli, palo santo, palmarosa, patchouli, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, vetiver, wintergreen, yarrow, ylang ylang

Sample combination: For shingles and post-herpetic pain: 1 dropper St. John’s Wort tincture 2 – 4x day with lemon balm tea; compress or salve with lemon balm/ravensare eo topically.

Emmenagogue

Emmenagogue herbs support the menstrual cycle, and specifically stimulate stagnant, late or scanty periods. They are classed as mild, medium or strong, and can include abortifacients.

Mild to medium strength emmenagogue herbs include black cohosh, blue cohosh, , motherwort, chamomile, yarrow.

Oils with possible hormonal balancing effects may support emmenagogue and uterine tonic herbs.

Hormonal balancing oils: Clary sage, geranium, lavender, rose

Sample combination: Chamomile/motherwort tea 2 – 4x day with 1 dropper black cohosh 2 – 4x day for PMS; lavender and clary sage in bath and diffuser.

Uterine tonics

Uterine tonic herbs nourish and strengthen the and increase fertility. They also resolve menstrual symptoms.

Uterine tonic herbs: blue cohosh, false unicorn root, leaf, rose, dong quai

Essential oils do not provide nutritive or nourishing benefits, and are limited to secondary support.

Aromatherapy massage, baths and abdominal applications can support emmenagogue and uterine tonic functions. oils may have uterine supporting endocrine balancing functions.

Aphrodisiac oils: Clary sage, citruses, ginger, jasmine, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang,

Sample combination: raspberry leaf tea cup 2 – 4x day, with 1 dropper false unicorn root 2x day; massage or body oil with neroli and rose.