Essential Oils What are Essential Oils? • Aromatic liquids of , trees, , fruit, and flowers • Natural oils that have nutritional and therapeutic properties Ancient Uses

• The use of perfume and scent is mentioned many times in the bible and in ancient manuscripts, with references to production sites in ancient Egypt, the land of Israel, India, Mesopotamia and in the Far East • Egyptians started the use of oils as medicine – found crude ways to extract the oils out of plants to use as fragrance so as to be more pleasing to their gods Ancient Uses • The Hebrews learned from the Egyptians with documented recipes in the Torah • The Romans were avid users of essential oils • The Arabians learned new distillation techniques

Source: Healing Oils of the Bible by David Stewart, Ph.D.; Essential Oils Desk Reference , Essential Science Publishing Some of the most common scents used by the Egyptians were thyme, lavender, peppermint, cedar, and rose

Early extraction method Ancient “Perfume” Industry

The importance that incense and perfume gained exceeded in many cases that of silver, gold, and precious stones King Tut’s tomb revealed remnants of about 350 liters of precious essential oils in alabaster jars Aloes (Sandalwood) Cassia Cedarwood Cypress Frankincense Galbanum Hyssop Myrrh Myrtle Onycha Cistus (Rose of Sharon) Spikenard

“God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.” Psalm 45:7 Modern Day Use The Rediscovery of Essential Oils

• 1907 – Rene′-Maurice Gattefosse′, PhD - the “father of aromatherapy” • 1910 – Laboratory explosion • WW II – Dr. Jean Valnet, MD – therapeutic grade essential oils for battlefield injuries Gattefossé’s Aromatherapy “Besides their antiseptic and bactericidal properties widely used today, essential oils possess anti-toxic and antiviral properties, a powerful vitalizing action, and an undeniable healing power and extensive therapeutic properties…" - Dr. René-Maurice Gattefossé Essential Oils Demystified • Produced by cells in and around specialized glands, that store and then secrete essential oils • Complex compositions: may consist of hundreds of different chemical constituents • Some essential oils are produced abundantly such as the oil from lemon peels and eucalyptus leaves • Others are produced sparingly as is the case with Jasmine and Rose The Biological Role Of Essential Oils Within Plants While essential oils are in the , they are constantly changing their chemical composition, helping the plant to adapt to the ever-changing internal and external environment. Plants Produce Essential Oils for a Variety of Purposes • To attract pollinators and dispersal agents • To play a role in allelopathy, a type of plant-to-plant competition • To serve as defense compounds against insects and other animals • To protect the plant by their antifungal and antibacterial nature To attract pollinators and dispersal agents • Insects have been pollinating flowers for over 200 million years. • Insects are attracted to specific plants for one of three possible reasons: its aroma, its color, or its morphology or physical structure. • Scent appears to be more ancient than flower color as an attractant to insects. • Various insects, including bees, butterflies, and even beetles, are known to be attracted by the aroma of a plant. To play a role in allelopathy, a type of plant-to-plant competition • Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon where one plant inhibits the growth of another. • Through the release of allelochemicals, certain plants can greatly affect the growth of other plants either in a good way or a bad one by leaching, decomposition, etc. • In essence, plant allelopathy is used as a means of survival in nature, reducing competition from plants nearby. Black Walnut is an example of Allelopathy In addition to its leaves, black walnut trees store allelopathic properties within their , nut hulls, and roots. The chemical responsible for its toxicity, called Juglone, remains in the soil around the tree and is most potent at the drip line, though the roots can spread out well beyond this. To serve as defense compounds against insects and other animals

• Plants, like other living things, need to protect themselves from various types of predators. • Plants use terpenoid compounds to deter insects and other animals from approaching them. Examples of Defensive Compounds • Insects are very rarely found on peppermint plants, because of the high menthol content • The presence of linalol in the peel of fruits gives resistance to attack by the Caribbean fruit fly. • The Douglas fir tree releases a complex mixture of volatile oils, or terpenes, from their needles to defend against the spruce budworm. • Even more fascinating is that the Douglas fir trees will vary the composition and production of terpenes each year thus decreasing the ability of the budworm to develop widespread immunity to specific compounds. To protect the plant by their antifungal and antibacterial nature • and complex combinations of terpenes are released by some plants and trees, such as evergreens, to act as antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial agents against a wide range of organisms that may threaten the survival of the plants. • Compounds such as sesquiterpenes found in plants such as cedarwood, feverfew, yarrow, and blessed thistle, have been found to play a strong antimicrobial role as well as a protective role from herbivores. Q. WHAT DO ALL OF THESE CHEMICALS HAVE TO DO WITH ESSENTIAL OILS? A. THEY ARE ESSENTIAL OILS! The Storage Of Essential Oil Within The Plant Plants store essential oils either in external secretory structures, which are found on the surface of the plant, or internal secretory structures, which are found inside the plant material.

Photo © Microscopix photolibrary How to tell the difference • Usually with plants having external secretory structures , you just have to lightly touch them and you will notice an aroma imparted to your skin • With plants having internal secretory structures , you may need to break the or seed in order to get to the aroma/essential oil External Secretory Structures External secretory structures in plants are called glandular trichomes . Found on the surface of the plant (e.g. herbaceous leaves) and are thought to be responsible for the production of chemicals that deter pests or attract pollinators. Glandular trichomes are most commonly found in the Lamiaceae, or mint family. The oil storage capacity varies from to species and also between trichomes. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L., Lamiaceae), showing yellow rounded Photo © Microscopix photolibrary sessile secretory glands and pointed non- secretory trichomes Glandular Trichomes Common plants that have glandular trichomes: Basil, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Spearmint

Biochemical experiments have shown that these essential oils are synthesized by highly refined enzyme reactions taking place within the plant Lavender Oil Glands

(Lavandula angustofolia) Basil Oil Glands (Ocimum basillicum) Marjoram Oil Glands (Origanum majorana)

Melissa Oil Glands (Lemon Balm) (Melissa officinalis) Thyme Oil Glands (Thymus vulgaris) Geranium Oil Glands (Pelargonium graveolens) Internal Secretory Structures • Secretory cavities and ducts consist of large, intercellular spaces that are formed either by the separation of the walls of neighboring cells, or by the disintegration of cells. • Cavities occur as spherical spaces and are most commonly found in the Myrtaceae and Rutaceae families. • Ducts are more elongated spaces and are most commonly seen in the Asteraceae (Compositae), , Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). Photo © Microscopix photolibrary Common plants with secretory cavities: Citrus oils: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, and Tangerine; Eucalyptus species; Clove ; The dried petal of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and trees: Benzoin, Photo © Microscopix photolibrary Frankincense, and Myrrh Magnified view of an orange peel Eucalyptus Oil Glands

(Eucalyptus spp. ) Common essential oils with secretory ducts: Angelica, Caraway, Carrot seed, Dill, Fennel, Fir, Cedar, Pine, Spruce, , and Cypress

cross section of a needle of a Cross-section of a Pine Needle Essential Oil Cells Essential oil cells are found within the plant tissue and are unique from other cells in content and size. They can often be found throughout the plant and are most commonly seen in the Lauraceae, Piperaceae, Poaceae, and Zingiberaceae families Common plants with essential oil cells: Bay Laurel, Black pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Citronella, Ginger, Lemongrass, Nutmeg, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose, and Jasmine

Sessile secretory gland on lower leaf surface of oregano (Origanum vulgare L., Lamiaceae) with ruptured cuticle revealing individual secretory cells. Photo © Microscopix photolibrary atlantica Atlas Cedar

Cedrus libani Cedar Of Cedarwood was an ancient oil that was used by the both the Egyptians and the Greeks to embalm, for perfumery and in cosmetics. The Lebanon cedar tree may have been what was used as cedarwood oil in ancient times. It stimulates the pineal gland to release melatonin, calms emotions, and is supportive to the lymphatic system. Citrus sinensis 'Sanguinelli' Blood Orange

Citrus sinensis produces three different essential oils Orange - cold pressed from the rind Oranges have been associated with generosity and gratitude. In Greek Mythology, oranges were called “the golden apple” and symbolized innocence and fertility. The fragrance is uplifting and inspiring. A 1995 Mie University study found that citrus fragrances boosted immunity, induced relaxation, and reduced depression. Neroli - Absolute extraction from the flowers

• Highly regarded by the Ancient Egyptians for its ability to heal the body mind and spirit. • At the end of the 17th century, Anne Marie Orsini, duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola, Italy, introduced the essence of bitter orange tree as a fashionable fragrance by using it to perfume her gloves and her bath. Since then, the term "neroli" has been used to describe this essence. Neroli has a refreshing and distinctive, spicy aroma with sweet and flowery notes. • A natural relaxant, it strengthens and stabilizes the emotions, encourages confidence, courage, joy, peace, and sensuality. Petitgrain – steam distilled from leaves and twigs • Petitgrain derives its name from the extraction of the oil, which at one time was from the , unripe oranges when they were still about the size of a cherry. • Uplifting and refreshing to the senses; it clears confusion, reduces mental fatigue and depression. Stimulates the mind and improves memory. Picea pungens Perennial Walk Blue Spruce Romantic Garden

Ellipse Native Americans used it to smudge and also to make tea with the needles. Blue Spruce oil may be an aphrodisiac. It might also be helpful in releasing past emotional trauma. Helps to increase focus and imparts a sense of calm. Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop Romantic Garden

Hyssop has been used traditionally for a millennium for its disinfecting properties. It also has been used for opening the respiratory system. Emotionally balancing: It stimulates creativity and meditation; add a few drops to a bottle of water, spray to clear a room of charged emotion. Ocimum basilicum Basil Annual, Herb Garden, Le Potager

Considered by the Ancient Greeks as the “king of plants,” basil was used to anoint kings. Hindus placed sprigs of basil on the chests of deceased loved ones to protect them from evil and provide safe passage into the next life. Due to its supposed aphrodisiac qualities, Italian women wore basil to attract potential suitors, and the men would present the women with basil sprigs. Basil helps to fight mental fatigue, is a muscle relaxant and fights viral infections. Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian; Garden Heliotrope; Valeriana

Valerian has been used traditionally for centuries. The roots are used as a remedy for nervous tension, to soothe migraine headaches and help for restful sleep. Lavandula angustifolia English Lavender

Lavender has been called the “universal oil” because it has been known to work wherever there is a need. It is most commonly used as a sedative, or to create a calming, peaceful atmosphere. It has also been known to help acne, burns, nausea, stretch marks, infections, wounds, headaches, bruises, sprains and tension. Picea mariana 'Doumetii' Black Spruce Plains Garden

Dryland Gates Mesa Montane

The Lakota Indians used spruce to strengthen their ability to communicate with the Great Spirit. Traditionally, it was thought to possess the frequency of prosperity. Releases emotional blocks, bringing about a feeling of balance and grounding. Juniperus osteosperma Utah Juniper

Bundles of juniper berries were hung over doorways to ward off witches during medieval times. It has been used for centuries as a diuretic. Until recently, French hospital wards burned sprigs of juniper and rosemary to protect from infection. Evokes feelings of health, love, and peace. DISCLAIMER To ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, such as the regulations issued and enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA), do not make claims that either directly or indirectly imply that essential oils may be effective in diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing a disease or abnormal function of an animal or human body. Resources • National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) : Everything about the medicinal use of aromatic plants and the holistic practice of aromatherapy • Aroma Web : A directory of aromatherapy information, tips, recipes, sources • American Botanical Council : Herbal medicine information that includes an herb library and clinical guide to herbs • Herb Med : Interactive electronic herb database (some information is free, but full access requires a fee) • Essential Oils Desk Reference , Essential Science Publishing, 5 th edition : a comprehensive research guide, as well as, a personal usage directory • The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple , by Dr. David Stewart Plant Families Apiaceae – celery, carrots, parsley; aromatic plants with hollow stems Asteraceae – aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower Lamiaceae – mint family Lauraceae – laurel family, includes cinnamon, avocado Myrtaceae – myrtle family, includes eucalyptus, clove, allspice Pinaceae – cedars, firs, hemlocks, larches, pines, and spruces Piperaceae – pepper family Poaceae – true grasses Rutaceae – rue or citrus family, strong scented plants Zingiberaceae – ginger family