Article Essential oils as Therapeutics S C Garg Department of Chemistry Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar 470 003, Madhya Pradesh, India E-mail: [email protected] Kingdom. British nurses are insured by the Abstract Royal College of Nurses to use essential Essential oils are the volatile secondary plant metabolites which mainly oils both topically and inhalation for consist of terpenoids and benzenoids. Research in the later half of 20th century improved patient care. Lavender oil with has revealed that many curative properties attributed to various plants in its mild sedative powers is being tested as indigenous medicine are also present in their essential oils. These oils exert a a drug replacement to treat older patients number of general effects from the pharmacological viewpoint. When applied suffering insomnia, anxiety and depression locally, the essential oils mix readily with skin oils, allowing these to attack the and to make terminal care patients more infective agents quickly and actively. Therapeutic properties of various essential comfortable. In New York hospitals vanilla oils based on folklore, experiences and claims of aromatherapists and scientific oil is released under patient’s noses to help studies have been summarised in this review. In vitro studies conducted by the them relax before an MRI scan. Italian author on antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties of some essential oils have research has shown it to relieve anxiety also been discussed. and fear. Keywords: Essential oils, Therapeutics, Aromatherapy, Antimicrobial, Anthelmintic. Modes of essential oil usage IPC Code; Int. cl.7 ⎯ C11B 9/00, A61P/00, A61P 31/00, A61P 33/10 Inhalation for respiratory tract infections and physiological effect, topical Introduction anointments. In 1928, a French chemist application for burns, skin and muscular Dr. Rene Gattefosse, while working on problems, compress for swellings and Herbal medicines are the gift of essential oils badly burned his hand in ingestion for intestinal complaints are ‘Mother Nature’ to its children, the laboratory and desperately plunged it into some suitable modes. Taking a bath in mankind. The fragrance of myriad flowers the nearest vat containing lavender oil. He water with few drops of some essential oils and herbs enchants man, elevates the was astonished to see how quickly the pain is also very useful. Massage with 1-3% (few mood and leads to feeling good. Essential ceased having no blisters and the skin drops) of essential oils in cold pressed oils, the secondary plant metabolites, and healed quickly than normal without carrier oils (vegetable oils) is another the most sublime extractive of plants, forming a scar. Later on he studied the mode of application of essential oils. found their way from herbal medicine. therapeutic benefits of essential oils and Except lavender and tea tree oils which Inhaling the aromas for therapeutic coined the word “Aromatherapie” (the are very mild, the essential oil should be purposes and then use of essential oils in anglicized form is Aromatherapy) and used after dilution in carrier oils or whatever way they are useful in therapy published first treatise on aromatherapy inhaled directly from a cotton wool or became the basis of aromatherapy. The in 19371. Thus, Aromatherapy is defined floating on the top of hot water. As essential recorded history of ancient civilizations as the use of essential oils for therapeutic oils have specific effects they are also used indicate the use of aromatic plants like purposes. in various combinations working in lavender, cedar and cypress for curing Aromatherapy has been accepted harmony having synergistic effect on the ailments, offerings to deities and as a part of nursing care in the United body. 18 Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 Article Therapeutics properties of lavender oil obtained from the flowering drops in a bath of warm water before bed some essential tips of the evergreen shrub, has been used time will relieve anxiety and alleviate oils in perfumes and aromatherapy. Lavender insomnia while having the bath with cool oil is rich in linalyl acetate, geraniol and water instead, will make one feel refreshed Therapeutic cineole. It is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and energized. properties of various anti-depressant and sedative. It is often Tea tree, Melaleuca essential oils based on used to treat scalds, minor burns, cuts, alternifolia Cheel (Myrtaceae) oil : folklore, experiences grazes, inflammation, eczema, dermatitis, It was used as a disinfectant by Australian and claims of headaches, insomnia, acne, dandruff, soldiers during first world war. It was a aromatherapists and boils, rheumatism4, arthritis, leucorrhoea, part of the first aid kits of Australian 6, 8, 9 scientific studies have Lavender dysmenorrhoea and stretch marks . soldiers for bites and infections during the been summarised in this (Lavendula Lavender reduces anxiety, stress and second world war. Commercial houses review2-20. officinalis) tension and therefore it is used for claim it to be the greatest natural antiseptic Lavender, Lavandula calming, soothing and relaxation10. It is of the world. Aromatherapy claims it to angustifolia Mill. syn. L. officinalis used by way of vapours from oil burners, be effective in clearing colds and sour Chaix (Lamiaceae) oil: For centuries massage, bath water and inhaler. A few throat if its vapours are inhaled through Rose (Rosa damascena) Sandal tree (Santallum album) Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 19 Article steam. Mouth sores and gingivitis can be The oil is extracted by steam or successfully from as early as 1789. checked by the mouth wash made by hydrodistillation from roots and wood. Jasmine, Jasminum putting a few drops of the tea tree oil into India is the biggest exporter of this oil. It officinale Linn. (Oleaceae) oil: a cup of warm water. It is ascribed with supports the lymphatic system, nervous Jasmine was introduced in Europe from anti-inflammatory properties. The oil acts and cardiovascular system and relieves the India and Persia. It is best known for as an antiseptic for treating boils, rashes, symptoms of sciatica and lumbago. It has its use in perfumes. Benzyl acetate, linalyl cuts and scrapes as well as insects bites, been found to help remove negative acetate, geraniol, linalool and jasmone stings and carbuncles. It can be applied programming from the cells and increases are its main constituents. It is beneficial directly to the skin. The oil promotes oxygen around the pituitary and pineal for the skin reducing problems such as healing of minor wounds and minimise glands9. Sandalwood oil removes dry, irritated or sensitive skin, muscle any future scarring. It has been shown depression, anxiety, nervousness, stress spasms, sprains, laryngitis, dysmenorrhea, effective against Methicillin Resistant and insomnia. It helps to soften dry, labour pain, frigidity, depression, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) mature or wrinkled skin. It may also and nervous exhaustion. It induces bacteria12. Tea tree oil helps in regulating reduce irritation from hives and other relaxation9. Sebum production. A gel containing 5% rashes. Topical application helps remove Rose, Rosa × damascena tea tree oil has been shown as effective in acne and herpes. α- and β–Santolol and Mill. (Rosaceae) oil: Rose oil has a long the treatment of acne as a lotion with 5% santenone are main constituents of the history of medicinal and cosmetic use. It benzoyl peroxide with far less scaling and sandalwood oil. Sandalwood oil has been is perhaps the most precious of all itching13. A solution containing 0.5% tea shown to have antiviral activity against essential oils obtained by steam tree oil could offer protection against Herpes simplex 1 and 2. The essential distillation, enfleurage or solvent Pityrosporum ovale, a common oil appeared to interfere with the virus’s extraction form petals. Its invigorating dandruff causing fungus and head lice. It ability to replicate17. fragrance is almost intoxicating and could check fungal infection under toe- Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus aphrodisiac like. It enhances the nails and bromhidrosis (smelly foot). The globulus Labill. (Myrtaceae) oil: The frequency of every cell, bringing balance oil has been shown effective against essential oil from the leaves is rich in and harmony to the body. It is anti- Candida albicans and Trichomonas cineole and affects the respiratory system. haemorrhaging, anti-infectious and vaginalis, two of the organisms that It is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, prevents scarring. It may help in chronic cause vaginal infections14. Tampons anticatarrhal, mucolytic, expectorant and bronchitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, moistened with a few drops of the oil or antidepressant. Inhalation of the oil is depression, emotional shock, stress18, its douches for a week are recommended effective in asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, tension, aged and dry skin, frigidity, for this purpose. The oil has been found catarrh and sinus infections8. For this impotence, wrinkles, thrush and effective in chronic cystitis. Cytotoxicity sprinkle a few drops of the oil on a damp gingivitis6, 9. evaluation of the oil using human cell lines cloth and hold it close to the nose and Rose oil passeries are being tried supports the use of tea tree oil in topical exhale through the mouth for about a as a contraceptive. It is stimulating and applications but not for ingestion minute. It sooths dry coughs. Topical elevating to the mind, creating a sense of purposes15. Biological activity of tea tree application of the dilute oil is effective in well being. It is a muscle relaxant. It tones oil has been recently reviewed16. burns, warts, insect bites, lice, herpes and the capillaries, improves blood circulation Sandalwood, Santalum foot odour9. It combats skin infections to the skin surface and revitalises it, thus album Linn. (Santalaceae) oil: such as boils and pimples. Mixed with refreshing a person’s looks and increases Sandalwood oil has been used in Indian carrier oil it can be used as a liniment to confidence.