Studies often utilize lavender essential oil, as it's effects are well documented, it is easy to obtain, and displays it's aroma-therapeutic effect in a wide variety of conditions. The first study examines the use of lavender oil as an ingredient in the Ayurvedic treatment called 'Shirdohara', or the dripping/pouring of a warm fixed oil (such as sesame) on the forehead of a patient. The addition of lavender to the fixed oil significantly increased the relaxation response to the treatment.

The second indirectly implies the relaxing effects of lavender oil by testing the known relaxing constituent of the oil: Linalool. This molecule is naturally present in Lavendula angustifolia species, and is most prevelent in Lavender grown at high-elevations in France (hence the importance of 'high-elevation' lavender). This studied notes dramatic changes in physiology solely from the inhalation of Linalool. We expect the complete oil to be a more pleasant experience, as it smells more like a flower than just one, sweet, chemical constituent. The conditions used in the study - the vapor concentration of Linalool, can easily be created at home using a nebulizing aromatherapy diffuser with the lavender oil of your choice.

Study: Pharmaco-physio-psychologic effect of Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment using an essential oil from Lavendula angustifolia.

Xu F, Uebaba K, Ogawa H, Tatsuse T, Wang BH, Hisajima T, Venkatraman S. University of Toyama, Presymptomatic Health Promotion, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Japan.

Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment, Shirodhara, involves the use of medicated herbal sesame oils. In our previous reports, we found that Shirodhara with plain sesame oil induced anxiolysis and an altered state of consciousness (ASC) in healthy subjects. We studied the pharmaco-physio-psychologic effect of Shirodhara with medicated sesame oil including an essential oil from Lavendula angustifolia (lavender) in the present study. Sixteen (16) healthy females (38 +/- 8 years old) were assigned at random to three treatments applied by a robotic oil-dripping system: plain sesame oil (plain Shirodhara), medicated sesame oil with a 0.3 volume % of lavender essential oil (lavender Shirodhara), or the control supine position.

Psychophysiologic parameters including the heart rate, skin temperature of the dorsum of hands and feet, as well as anxiety and ASC were monitored, and the rates of change of these items were calculated to assess the psychophysiologic changes brought about by Shirodhara. Lavender Shirodhara showed potent anxiolytic and ASC-inducing or promoting effects, and induced the largest increase in foot skin temperature. The correlation between anxiolysis and ASC, as well as the correlation between these psychologic effects and the elevated foot skin temperature were larger in the lavender Shirodhara than in the other two conditions.

It was speculated that the psycho-physiologic effects of lavender Shirodhara would be brought about by three mechanisms: (1) the well-known relaxing action of essential oils from L. angustifolia mediated by olfactory nerves, (2) the pharmacologic action of substances absorbed through the skin or mucosa in the sesame oil or lavender essential oil, and (3) the physiologic effect of sesame oil dripped on the forehead induced by the somato-autonomic reflex through thermosensors or pressure sensors in the skin or hair follicles via the trigeminal cranial nerve. The complicated pharmaco-physio-psychologic action of Ayurvedic oil treatment may provide a useful model for future pharmaco-physio-psychotherapy.

Study: Inhaled linalool-induced sedation in mice.

Linck VD, da Silva AL, Figueiró M, Luis Piato A, Paula Herrmann A, Dupont Birck F, Bastos Caramão E, Sávio Nunes D, Moreno PR, Elisabetsky E. Laboratório de Etnofarmacologia, Brazil; PPG Ciências Biológicas-Bioquímica, Brazil.

Linalool is a monoterpene often found as a major component of essential oils obtained from aromatic plant species, many of which are used in traditional medical systems as hypno-sedatives. Psychopharmacological evaluations of linalool (i.p. and i.c.v.) revealed marked sedative and anticonvulsant central effects in various mouse models. Considering this profile and alleged effects of inhaled lavender essential oil, the purpose of this study was to examine the sedative effects of inhaled linalool in mice. Mice were placed in an inhalation chamber during 60min, in an atmosphere saturated with 1% or 3% linalool. Immediately after inhalation, animals were evaluated regarding locomotion, barbiturate-induced sleeping time, body temperature and motor coordination (rota-rod test). The 1% and 3% linalool increased (p<0.01) pentobarbital sleeping time and reduced (p<0.01) body temperature. The 3% linalool decreased (p<0.01) locomotion. Motor coordination was not affected. Hence, linalool inhaled for 1h seems to induce sedation without significant impairment in motor abilities, a side effect shared by most psycholeptic drugs.

Candida fungal infection is a relatively common ailment in the Western world. Approximately 75% of women will experience a yeast infection in their lifetime (also known as vaginal candidiasis), with about 50% having the infection reoccur. Candida overgrowth can occur in many organs; it is also found in the mouth and throat (as 'thrush'), in the esophagus, abdomen, lungs, blood (called 'candidemia') and other organs. Candida fungus is naturally present in the human body, and is usually kept in check by a balanced endogenous microbe profile and healthy immune system. Natural medicine doctors believe the prevalence of stress, along with acid-forming and high-sugar diets allow Candida fungal species to over-proliferate, resulting in one or more of the many symptoms of infection.



In recent years, many scientific studies have shown essential oils, the concentrated steam-distillates of plants, to be effective in eradicating Candida. Oils can be ingested with the direction of a qualified practitioner, diluted and applied topically, or are sometimes used in the form of a vaginal ovule (a natural herbal vaginal implant spiked one or more with essential oils). Several of these studies have focused on the efficacy of Tea Tree essential oil, which is inexpensive, readily available, and relatively safe when used under the care of a natural health professional.



Fluconazole is a drug commonly used to control Candida infections; yet, as is the case with many pharmaceutical preparations, some Candida species are resistant to the drug's effects. In a recent study published in the November issue of the Canadian Journal of Microbiology, several essential oils were tested for efficacy in eradication of both fluconazole-susceptible and fluconazole-resistant species. The main finding, as described by researchers of the Federal University at Santa Maria, Brazil, was that the fluconazole-resistant species were more susceptible to the effects of essential oils than their fluconazole-susceptible counterparts.


This is exciting news that can bolster the use of natural medicines in conventional therapy settings, given that between 5% and 33% of Candida cases may be from fluconazole-resistant strains. Further, it was the essential oil of Oregano, now commonly found in encapsulated form in health food stores across the country, that showed the most potent anti-fungal activity in the study. Oil of Oregano is considered a very potent anti-microbial agent, effective against a broad range of infectious microbes.

At the same time, Oregano oil can be dangerous if mis-used. Direct application to the skin or undiluted ingestion of the oil can cause severe irritation. It is important to use this and other essential oils with the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner for treatment of illness and disease. While the essential oils tested in the study were examined individually, several oils are often used at once or in series for the best results. In Europe, where aroma-medicine has been a common practice for many years, oils are prescribed in very small amounts, in precise formulas for best results. In North America, therapists typically suggest the use of other complimentary therapies and lifestyle changes to support the immune system, in combination with essential oils, to bring the body's natural microbes into balance.

Let me first say that The Ananda Apothecary is completely opposed to animal testing (unless of course your cat really happens to enjoy essential oils...ours loves Rose). Since this data is being released to the public, however, and we think it's possible it may be of some use, we would like to keep you updated on research being presented in the field of Aromatherapy.

Here are studies by researchers at Osaka University in Japan, comparing and contrasting the effects of Lavender and Grapefruit essential oils. Lavender is always considered relaxing or sedating, and Grapefruit is always considered a stimulant. These studies confirm these categories of these oils, noting changes in metabolism solely through inhalation of the aromas. Lavender decreased metabolism, while Grapefruit increased it. Grapefruit is used for cellulite reduction, and here the researchers show that the metabolism of brown adipose tissue is actually increased by Grapefruit oil. Grapefruit aroma also decreased appetite. At the same time, Lavender lowered body temperature, blood pressure and metabolism, confirming this oil's use for support of sleep.

Study: Day-night difference in thermoregulatory responses to olfactory stimulation.

Tanida M, Shen J, Nakamura T, Niijima A, Nagai K. Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. mtanida@sk.ritsumei.ac.jp

Previously, we observed that olfactory stimulation with scent of grapefruit oil (SGFO) or scent of lavender oil (SLVO) affected, elevated or lowered brown adipose tissue temperature (BAT-T) in conscious mice, respectively. In the present study, to test the day-night difference in the actions of olfactory stimulations, we examined the responses of BAT-T and body temperature (BT) measured as the abdominal temperature to SGFO or SLVO during day-time at 14:00 and night-time at 2:00 in conscious rats. In the light period, BAT-T and BT were suppressed after SLVO and elevated after SGFO whereas in the dark period, these parameters remained unchanged with olfactory stimulations. Bilateral lesions of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) eliminated the effects of olfactory stimulations with SGFO and SVLO on BAT-T and BT. Moreover, sympathetic nerve activity innervating brown adipose tissue (BAT-SNA) changes after SGFO or SLVO were abolished in SCN-lesioned rats. Thus, we concluded that there is day-night difference in the effects of SGFO or SLVO on BAT-T and BT, and that the SCN might be involved in these effects.

Study: Olfactory stimulation with scent of grapefruit oil affects autonomic nerves, lipolysis and appetite in rats.

Shen J, Niijima A, Tanida M, Horii Y, Maeda K, Nagai K. Division of Protein Metabolism, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.

In a previous study, we found that olfactory stimulation with scent of grapefruit oil (SGFO) excites the sympathetic nerve innervating the white adipose tissue in rats. Here we further examined the effects of SGFO in rats and observed that olfactory stimulation with SGFO excited the sympathetic nerves innervating the brown adipose tissue and adrenal gland and inhibited the parasympathetic gastric nerve. Local anesthesia of the nasal mucosa with xylocaine or anosmic treatment using ZnSO4 eliminated the autonomic changes caused by SGFO. Moreover, stimulation with SGFO elevated the plasma glycerol level, and treatment with either ZnSO4 or an intraperitoneal injection of diphenhydramine, a histamine H1 receptor-antagonist, abolished the glycerol elevation by SGFO. Furthermore, a 15-min exposure to SGFO three times a week reduced food intake and body weight. Finally, limonene, a component of grapefruit oil, induced responses similar to those caused by SGFO, and diphenhydramine eliminated the glycerol response to limonene. Thus, the scent of grapefruit oil, and particularly its primary component limonene, affects autonomic nerves, enhances lipolysis through a histaminergic response, and reduces appetite and body weight.

Of all the naturally occurring compounds in essential oils, Linalool, a monoterpene alchohol, has been the most studied for it's relaxation effects. Linalool is found in high concentrations in oils that are often used for their calming effects, such as Lavender (particularly High Elevation varieties) and Ylang Ylang. These studies represent a sampling of the many investigations, and are easily reproduced by inhaling some essential oil yourself. Linalool appears to act as a natural sedative without harmful side effects, and may even reduce glutamate-induced toxicity due to over-stimulation. Here are the studies:

Study: Inhaled linalool-induced sedation in mice.

Linck VD, da Silva AL, Figueiró M, Luis Piato A, Paula Herrmann A, Dupont Birck F, Bastos Caramão E, Sávio Nunes D, Moreno PR, Elisabetsky E. Laboratório de Etnofarmacologia, Brazil; PPG Ciências Biológicas-Bioquímica, Brazil.

Linalool is a monoterpene often found as a major component of essential oils obtained from aromatic plant species (ed. note: particularly in French Lavender essential oils grown at higher elevations), many of which are used in traditional medical systems as hypno-sedatives. Psychopharmacological evaluations of linalool (i.p. and i.c.v.) revealed marked sedative and anticonvulsant central effects in various mouse models. Considering this profile and alleged effects of inhaled lavender essential oil, the purpose of this study was to examine the sedative effects of inhaled linalool in mice. Mice were placed in an inhalation chamber during 60min, in an atmosphere saturated with 1% or 3% linalool. Immediately after inhalation, animals were evaluated regarding locomotion, barbiturate-induced sleeping time, body temperature and motor coordination (rota-rod test). The 1% and 3% linalool increased (p<0.01) pentobarbital sleeping time and reduced (p<0.01) body temperature. The 3% linalool decreased (p<0.01) locomotion. Motor coordination was not affected. Hence, linalool inhaled for 1h seems to induce sedation without significant impairment in motor abilities, a side effect shared by most psycholeptic drugs.

Study: Effects of Linalool on glutamatergic system in the rat cerebral cortex.

Elisabetsky E, Marschner J, Souza DO. Depto de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Linalool is a monoterpene compound reported to be a major component of essential oils in various aromatic species. Several Linalool-producing species are used in traditional medical systems, including Aeolanthus suaveolens G. Dom (Labiatae) used as anticonvulsant in the Brazilian Amazon. Psychopharmacological in vivo evaluation of Linalool showed that this compound have dose-dependent marked sedative effects at the Central Nervous System, including hypnotic, anticonvulsant and hypothermic properties. The present study reports an inhibitory effect of Linalool on Glutamate binding in rat cortex. It is suggested that this neurochemical effect might be underlining Linalool psychopharmacological effects. These findings provide a rational basis for many of the traditional medical use of Linalool producing plant species.

Study: Stimulative and sedative effects of essential oils upon inhalation in mice.

Lim WC, Seo JM, Lee CI, Pyo HB, Lee BC. R&D Center, Hanbul Cosmetics Co. Ltd., 72-7 Yongsung-ri, Samsung-Myun, Chungbuk 369-830, Korea.

This study investigated the stimulative or sedative effects of inhaling fragrant essential oils (EOs) by using a forced swimming test (FST) with mice. This behavioral test is commonly used to measure the effects of antidepressant drugs. The inhalation by mice of EOs, such as ginger oil (p<0.05), thyme oil (p<0.05), peppermint oil (p<0.05), and cypress oil (p<0.01) resulted in 5% to 22% reduction of immobility. The same results were achieved when over-agitation was artificially induced in the mice by an intraperitoneal injection of caffeine (a psycho-stimulant). In contrast, inhalation of some EOs by the mice resulted in increased immobility. To evaluate more correctly the sedative effects of EOs, the immobility of over-agitated mice induced with caffeine was ascertained after the inhalation of various EOs. Inhalation of lavender oil (p<0.01) and hyssop oil (p<0.01) increased the immobile state in mice that were treated with caffeine. The results of this study indicate that the inhalation of essential oils may induce stimulative or sedative effects in mice.

Melissa essential oil is mentioned more than any other essential oil in the medical aromatherapy literature for the treatment of Herpes Simplex outbreaks. It has, in fact, been noted by one German researcher to have completely eradicated the virus from some individuals. Anecdotal reports from users of Ananda Aromatherapy's melissa has been that the oil has excellent effects, particularly when used at the very onset of outbreaks. Some individuals report a near-eradication of the virus, preventing outbreaks from occurring except under the most extremely stressful situations on the immune system. Some folks take one drop of the oil internally several times a day; others use it 'neat' on the affected area, and some dilute it in Tamanu oil to ratio that is best tolerated by their skin. Here's a recent study confirming the antivrial effect of melissa oil...

Study: Melissa officinalis oil affects infectivity of enveloped herpesviruses.

Schnitzler P, Schuhmacher A, Astani A, Reichling J. Department of Virology, Hygiene Institute, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.

Extracts and essential oils of medicinal plants are increasingly of interest as novel drugs of antimicrobial and antiviral agents, since herpes simplex virus (HSV) might develop resistance to commonly used antiviral agents. Melissa officinalis essential oil was phytochemically examined by GC-MS analysis, its main constituents were identified as monoterpenaldehydes citral a, citral b and citronellal. The antiviral effect of lemon balm oil, the essential oil of Melissa officinalis, on herpes simplex virus was examined. The inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was tested in vitro on monkey kidney cells using a plaque reduction assay. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of balm oil for herpes simplex virus plaque formation was determined at high dilutions of 0.0004% and 0.00008% for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. At noncytotoxic concentrations of the oil,plaque formation was significantly reduced by 98.8% for HSV-1 and 97.2% for HSV-2, higher concentrations of lemon balm oil abolished viral infectivity nearly completely. In order to determine the mode of antiviral action of this essential oil, time-on-addition assays were performed. Both herpesviruses were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with balm oil prior to infection of cells. These results indicate that Melissa oil affected the virus before adsorption, but not after penetration into the host cell, thus lemon balm oil is capable of exerting a direct antiviral effect on herpesviruses. Considering the lipophilic nature of lemon balm essential oil, which enables it to penetrate the skin, and a high selectivity index, Melissa officinalis oil might be suitable for topical treatment of herpetic infections.

A couple of recent journal-published studies have made a strong case for keeping your Lavender essential oil fresh. Apparently the linalool (a natural constituent of the oil, which actually provides its calming sweetness) can oxidize relatively rapidly. This is not likely to be easily detected by the nose, but has been discovered in the lab. The only concern revealed thus far is application of Lavender oil to the skin once a significant portion of the oxidized linalool is present -- some folks can have an allergic reaction to it. This may not affect the aromatic soothing effect of the essential oil at all.

In any case, it would be best to keep your stock of Lavender in the refrigerator (this nearly halts oxidation), in the smallest bottle possible, allowing for the least amount of air space. Decant the amount of oil you'll use throughout the next month in a dropper bottle in your living space, first aid kit, etc. This does not imply one should stop using Lavender essential oil, as it is one of aromatherapy's most oils! Just be conscientious of its storage.

Here are the studies:

Lavender oil lacks natural protection against autoxidation, forming strong contact allergens on air exposure.

Hagvall L, Sköld M, Bråred-Christensson J, Börje A, Karlberg AT.
Department of Chemistry, Dermatochemistry and Skin Allergy, Göteborg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Lavender oil is an essential oil frequently used as a fragrance ingredient and in traditional herbal medicine. We have previously studied the effect of air oxidation on the skin sensitizing potency of the monoterpenes linalyl acetate, linalool and beta-caryophyllene, the main constituents of lavender oil. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate if the autoxidation observed for the single synthetic terpenes, resulting in strong contact allergens, will take place also in lavender oil. METHODS: Lavender oil was exposed to air and the autoxidation was followed by chemical analysis. The sensitizing potency before and after air exposure was investigated in mice using the local lymph node assay. Patients with patch test reactions to oxidized linalool were tested to investigate if air-exposed lavender oil could elicit dermatitis in these individuals. RESULTS: The terpenes oxidized in air-exposed lavender oil at the same rates as the pure compounds exposed to air, and the same oxidation products were identified. The sensitizing potency of lavender oil increased accordingly on air exposure. Patch testing showed positive reactions to air-exposed lavender oil and also to oxidized linalyl acetate in patients with contact allergy to oxidized linalool. CONCLUSION: This study shows that lavender oil lacks natural protection against autoxidation, and that air-exposed lavender oil can be an important source of exposure to allergenic hydroperoxides.

Results of patch testing with lavender oil in Japan.

Sugiura M, Hayakawa R, Kato Y, Sugiura K, Hashimoto R.Department of Environmental Dermatology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.

We report the annual results of patch testing with lavender oil for a 9-year period from 1990 to 1998 in Japan. Using Finn Chambers and Scanpor tape, we performed 2-day closed patch testing with lavender oil 20% pet. on the upper back of each patient suspected of having cosmetic contact dermatitis. We compared the frequency of positive patch tests to lavender oil each year with those to other fragrances. We diagnosed contact allergy when patch test reactions were + or <+ at 1 day after removal. The positivity rate of lavender oil was 3.7% (0-13.9%) during the 9-year period from 1990 to 1998. The positivity rate of lavender oil increased suddenly in 1997. Recently, in Japan, there has been a trend for aromatherapy using lavender oil. With this trend, placing dried lavender flowers in pillows, drawers, cabinets, or rooms has become a new fashion. We asked patients who showed a positive reaction to lavender oil about their use of dried lavender flowers. We confirmed the use of dried lavender flowers in 5 cases out of 11 positive cases in 1997 and 8 out of 15 positive cases in 1998. We concluded that the increase in patch test positivity rates to lavender oil in 1997 and 1998 was due to the above fashion, rather than due to fragrances in cosmetic products.

These two studies investigate different aspects of the health-supporting benefits of aromatherapy massage. Both utilize massage without essential oils as the 'control'. The first indicates massage including essential oils in the massage oil formula significantly improved conditions of fatigue, and most effectively, fatigue induced by mental stress. The second investigates the effect of aromatherapy massage on the immune system: Massage with essential oils actually increased the strength of the body's defense mechanisms, by increasing the counts of certain immune cells. It is likely that one can create an effective stress-relieving, immune boosting massage formula by following their intuition. Choose scents you like, and that put you at ease, and include them in the carrier oils of your choice at about a 3% concentration.

Study: Differences Between the Physiologic and Psychologic Effects of Aromatherapy Body Treatment.

Takeda H, Tsujita J, Kaya M, Takemura M, Oku Y.
Department of Physiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan.

Abstract Background: The wide use of herbal plants and essential oils for the prevention and treatment of diseases dates back to ancient times. However, the scientific basis for the beneficial effects of such plants and oils has not been precisely clarified. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy body treatment on healthy subjects. Design: We compared the physiologic and psychologic effects of aromatherapy body treatment (E), massage treatment with carrier oil alone (C), and rest in healthy adults. Subjects: Seven (7) female and 6 male volunteers participated as subjects. Interventions: Each subject underwent 3 trials, in which the Advanced Trail Making Test (ATMT) was given as a stress-inducing task before and after 1 of 3 treatments. Outcome measures: The State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), the Visual Analog Scale, and the Face Scale were used to assess anxiety, feelings, and mood, respectively. Results: After the treatments, the SAI score and the feelings of fatigue were decreased, the positive and comfortable feelings were increased, and mood improved significantly in C and E. Furthermore, significant declines in the feelings of mental and total fatigue were maintained even after the second ATMT in E. On the other hand, the cortisol concentration in the saliva did not show significant changes in any of the trials. Secretory immunoglobulin A levels in the saliva increased significantly after all treatments. Conclusions: We conclude that massage treatments, irrespective of the presence of essential oils, are more advantageous than rest in terms of psychologic or subjective evaluations but not in terms of physiologic or objective evaluations. Furthermore, as compared to massage alone, the aromatherapy body treatment provides a stronger and continuous relief from fatigue, especially fatigue of mental origin.

Immunological and Psychological Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage.

Kuriyama H, Watanabe S, Nakaya T, Shigemori I, Kita M, Yoshida N, Masaki D, Tadai T, Ozasa K, Fukui K, Imanishi J.

This preliminary investigation compares peripheral blood cell counts including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD16(+) lymphocytes, CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio, hematocrit, humoral parameters including serum interferon-gamma and interleukin-6, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). Psychological measures including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) between recipients (n = 11) of carrier oil massage and aromatherapy massage, which includes sweet almond oil, lavender oil, cypress oil and sweet marjoram oil. Though both STAI and SDS showed a significant reduction (P <> 0.05) increase in PBLs, possibly due to an increase in CD8(+) and CD16(+) lymphocytes, which had significantly increased post-treatment (P < 0.01). Consequently, the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The paucity of such differences after carrier oil massage suggests that aromatherapy massage could be beneficial in disease states that require augmentation of CD8(+) lymphocytes. While this study identifies the immunological benefits of aromatherapy massage, there is a need to validate the findings prospectively in a larger cohort of patients.