Aromatic Scholars

Introduction: What is Botany?

Botany is the scientific study of plants. In Aromatherapy we explore the very basics of botany by way of the taxonomy of plants.

Understanding the plant name

““The naming of plants under the rules of nomenclature is an effort to tell the truth. Its purpose is not to serve the convenience of those who sell plants or write labels or edit books; it is not commercial. Serving the truth it thereby serves everybody. In the end, nomenclature rests on the plants rather than on printed regulations.”
– L.H. Bailey, How Plants Get Their Names

Nomenclature means the naming of things under a system. ‘Nomen’ is Latin for name. When referring to the nomenclature of aromatic plants, we are referring to their Latin binomials. Binomial means a biological species name consisting of two terms, genus and species. It is extremely useful to know the Latin binomials for essential oils, as common names lack precision and botanical binomials are exact. Each binomial or Latin name refers to one kind of plant, critically distinguished from all others. The Latin binomial not only classifies the genus and species, but also provides the plant with a universal name. The Latin name is also internationally recognized, whereas the common name is not.

Historical aspects of plant classification

The modern development of plant classification has its origins in ancient Greece. In 300 BC, a student of both Plato and Aristotle, Theophrastus, wrote extensively about plants. He recognized the difference between flowering and non-flowering plants, developed an understanding of the sexuality of plants, and noted that fruits developed from carpels. Theophrastus’ records are some of the earliest to describe over 450 species. The current genus names Asparagus, Narcissus, and Daucus, which are still in use today, can be traced back to his work.¹

One of the most important books on plant classification during this ancient period, however, was written by Dioscorides in the first century AD.. Dioscorides’ book, Materia Medica, described 600 plant species and their medicinal benefits. Although much of the information has been made more accurate over time, Dioscorides’ Materia Medica is still honored and published today for its immense historical value.

During the Renaissance period, most notably the 16th Century, we begin to see the rise of medicinal plant books, called herbals. By the mid-16th century, these herbals began to include quite precise descriptions of a variety of plants. Most of these herbals contained information on no fewer than 1000 plants.

The origins of botanical nomenclature and their classification arose in the 17th and 18th centuries with the works of Tournefort and, later, Carl Linnaeus. Tournefort wrote three extensive volumes on plant identification that appeared in print in 1700. It was Tournefort who established the concept of the genus, although he used Latin phrases or clauses for plants, instead of concrete names. Carl Linnaeus stabilized the three categories: Genera, species, and varieties. Systematic binomial nomenclature began with Linnaeus in his book Species Plantarum, published in 1753. It was Linnaeus who brought order to the study of plants, and for this is often referred to as ‘the father of botany.’ Linnaeus was a systematist in natural history. He systematized everything, a necessary process to bring together the accumulated records of centuries and place them in orderliness.

Since Carl Linnaeus’ time, the classification and systematics of botanical identification have been further developed. Most plants are currently classified under the natural system of classification, which attempts to follow the evolutionary history, the phylogeny, of the organisms being categorized.

The International Commission for the Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants has formulated and published rules in order to provide international order, to prevent overlapping and error, to stabilize spelling and gender, to guide legislation in separate countries (who have their own national commissions), to decide on reclassification and renaming of plants, and most recently to regulate the naming of cultivars.²

Understanding Basic Taxonomy

The most fundamental level of taxonomic classification is the species, which represents “a kind of plant that is distinct from other kinds in marked or essential features, that has good characters of identification and that may be assumed to represent in nature a continuing succession of individuals from generation to generation.” The species, therefore, are a set of individual plants closely related by descent from a common ancestor.

A subspecies occurs when cross-pollination of closely related species results in a viable seed that grows into a fertile adult.

The next level of taxonomic classification is when closely related species are grouped together into genera (the plural of genus). The genus refers to a group or category of plants which are similar in botanical structure. The genus name is always capitalized. The genus and species together make up a plants’ botanical scientific name. The scientific name is always italicized or underlined. For example, Lavender is Lavandula angustifolia.

The level above genus is the botanical family, which is composed of one or several genera. Most families are well defined, with widespread agreement as to which species and genera belong to the particular botanical family.

The botanical family displays a number of genera which have similar characteristics, especially in their reproductive structures. Family names are often derived from a prominent member or a prominent characteristic within the family group. For example, Umbelliferae means ‘bearing umbels or flower clusters with flower-stalks radiating from the same point at the summit of the stem (umbrella shaped).’

Family names are noted with the ending of –aceae (pronounced ace-see-ee). Some families have two names, one of which reflects an old name which continues to be well known and familiar. In Aromatherapy we find the following families with two names:

The levels above family are order, class, division and kingdom, which we shall not concern ourselves with during the study of aromatic plants, except to distinguish between the two classes of Angiosperms and Gymnosperms from which we obtain the vast majority of essential oil plants.

Other types of Classification

Following are types of classifications which occur below the species name. When a subdivision occurs in the species this is referred to as a variety. Varieties can occur in nature or be cultivated in a more controlled environment to have a particular characteristic or set of characteristics (this is known as cultivar). One will see the difference written as follows:

A botanical variety is written as: Cedrus atlantica var. glauca

A cultivar or cultivated variety will be written as: Malus floribunda ‘Gorgeous’ (the cultivar)

The only other item you may come across in your study and use of essential oils in regards to botanical nomenclature is a hybrid. A hybrid is the result of a cross fertilization between two different plant species and/or two varieties within a species. Hybrids are symbolized through the use of a multiplication sign. For example: Lavandula x intermedia is a hybrid between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia.

Classification of the Plant Kingdom

Plants provide nourishment for our bodies and souls. With the help of protists and fungi, plants provide the oxygen we breathe and the food that sustains us — either directly or indirectly, and by feeding other animals. Plants provide shade over our heads and cool carpets under our feet while surrounding us with beautiful colors and marking the change of seasons.

Classification of the plant kingdom can be especially confusing to the amateur aromatherapist. At least four classification systems are in common use.

1. Plants are classified into 12 phyla or divisions based largely on reproductive characteristics.
2. They are classified by tissue structure into non-vascular (mosses) and vascular plants (all others);
3. by “seed” structure into those that reproduce through naked seeds, covered seeds, or spores; or
4. by stature divided into mosses, ferns, shrubs and vines, trees, and herbs.

All of these higher-level groupings are decidedly lopsided: the vast majority of the 270,000 plant species are flowering plants. The categories listed below provide a slightly better balance: the largest phylum has been split while the other phyla are grouped according to one or more of the methods described above.

I. Mosses and Allies (Bryophyta and allies)

Mosses are non-vascular plants — they cannot transport fluids through their bodies. Instead, they must rely on surrounding moisture to do this job for them. Though small in stature, mosses are very important members of our ecosystem. They lay the foundations for other plant growth, prevent erosion, and contribute to the lush green appearance of many forested areas.
The 24,000 bryophyte species, previously grouped into a single phylum, are now grouped in three phyla: Mosses (Bryophyta), Liverworts (Hepatophyta) and Hornworts (Anthoceraphyta). They reproduce by spores, never have flowers, and can be found growing on the ground, on rocks, and on other plants. It is extremely rare to find mosses, liverworts, or hornworts containing essential oils. None are extracted for use in Aromatherapy.

II. Ferns and Allies (Pteridophyta and allies)

Ferns and allies have a vascular system to transport fluids through their bodies, but like the mosses, they reproduce from spores rather than seeds. The main phylum, the Ferns (Filicinophyta = Pteridophyta), includes around 12,000 species.

Three other phyla are included as fern allies: the Horsetails (Sphenophyta = Equisetophyta, 40 species), Club mosses (Lycopodophyta, 1,000 species), and Whisk ferns (Psilophyta, 3 species).

III. Conifers and Allies (Gymnosperms = Coniferophyta and allies)

The gymnosperms add the next level of complexity to plant evolution: they reproduce from seeds instead of spores. The seeds, however, are “naked” (Greek: gummnos) — not covered by an ovary. Usually, the seed is produced inside a cone-like structure, such as a pine cone, hence the name “conifer.” Some conifers, such as the Yew and Gingko, produce their seeds inside a berry-like structure.

Conifers are fairly easy to identify. In addition to the aforementioned cones, these trees and shrubs typically have needle-like, scale-like, or awl-like leaves. They never have flowers.

Approximately 600 species are counted as conifers including the pines, firs, spruces, cedars, junipers, and yew. Species within the conifer ranks give us pine nuts (pesto’s magic ingredient) as well as juniper berries for gin.

Conifer allies include three small phyla containing fewer than 200 species altogether: Gingko (Ginkophyta) with a single species, the Maidenhair Tree (Gingko biloba); palm-like Cycads (Cycadophyta); and herb-like cone-bearing plants (Gnetophyta) such as Ephedra.

IV. Flowering Dicot Plants (Angiospermophyta, Class Dicotyledoneae)

Angiosperms add the final evolutionary improvement to plant reproduction: they grow their seeds inside an ovary (Greek: angeion = vessel) which is, itself, embedded in a flower. After it is fertilized, the flower falls away and the ovary swells to become a fruit.

Here is a video about the Angiosperms.

Angiosperms in the class Dicotyledoneae grow two seed-leaves (cotyledons). In addition, foliage leaves typically have a single, branching, main vein originating at the base of the leaf blade, or three or more main veins that diverge from the base.

The vast majority of plants are dicots. Most trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers belong to this group of around 200,000 species. Most fruits, vegetables and legumes come from this class as well.

Aromatic plants based upon the two classifications: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

Gymnosperms: Seed plants

On the evolutionary scale, gymnosperms are more primitive than the angiosperms but are of considerable economic importance. For instance, softwoods such as pine and fir are not only used to make paper, lumber, and plywood, but are the source of utilitarian products such as pitch, turpentine, and rosin.³

The Gymnosperms (gymno = naked; sperma = seed), are plants which have seeds that develop on the surface of the reproductive structures (thus also called the “naked-seed plants”). For example, the pine tree has its seeds between the flap-like parts that make up the pine cone.⁴ Gymnosperms are always pollinated by wind, and many have their seed-bearing structures organized into cones. There are four major divisions of plants within the gymnosperms:

1. Ginkgophyta (Ginkgo: maidenhair tree)
2. Cycadophyta (Cycads)
3. Gnetophyta (Gnetophytes),
4. Pinophyta or Coniferophyta (the conifers)

For our purposes, we shall be studying those gymnosperm plants that belong to the fourth group: the Coniferophyta.

Division: Coniferophyta
Order: Coniferales: Conifers

With approximately 50 genera and 550 species, the conifers are the most diverse and familiar of the gymnosperms. Conifers vary in height from moderate to gigantic. Conifers are never vines, herbs, or annuals, and they never have bulbs or rhizomes. Conifers bear leaves which are always simple and are either needles or scales. All conifers have both pollen cones and seed cones.

The most common gymnosperm plants used within aromatherapy come from two families within the order of the Coniferales. These two families include the Pinaceae family and the Cupressaceae family.

These families contain a wide range of essential oils, most with a strong affinity to the respiratory, immune, and circulatory systems. The chart below outlines the most common genera of aromatic plants utilized for their essential oils. They are categorized according to the botanical family they belong to.

Now, let’s explore the most common essential oil species found in these families.

The Pinaceae and Cupressaceae Families

Pinaceae

Pinaceae (the pine family) are trees or shrubs, including many of the well-known conifers of commercial importance such as cedars, firs, hemlocks, larches, pines, and spruces. Within the confier family, Pinaceae have the largest species diversity, with between 220-250 species (depending on taxonomic opinion) in 11 genera, and the second-largest (after Cupressaceae) in geographical range. They are found in most of the Northern Hemisphere, with the majority of the species in temperate climates, but ranging from sub-arctic to tropical. The family often forms the dominant component of boreal, coastal, and montane forests. They are trees (rarely shrubs) growing from 2 to 100 meters tall, mostly evergreen (except Larix and Pseudolarix, which are deciduous), resinous, monoecious, with subopposite or whorled branches, and spirally arranged, linear (needle-like) leaves.⁵

Cupressaceae

The Cupressaceae or cypress family is a conifer family with worldwide distribution. The family includes 27–30 genera, including the junipers and redwoods, and 17 monotypic species. (a monotypic species is one that does not include subspecies or smaller, infraspecific taxa). There are about 142 species in total⁶, making it the largest conifer family in terms of genera, and the third-largest in terms of species.⁷

Angiosperms – Flowering plants

Angiosperms are plants in which the ovules, or young seeds, are enclosed within an ovary (the part of a flower specialized for seed production). Also known as the flowering plants, angiosperms have leaves, roots, and stems, and vascular, or conducting tissue. Constituting the plant division Magnoliophyta (sometimes called Anthophyta), they are divided into dicotyledons, which have two seed leaves (cotyledons) and cambium tissue in the stems, and monocotyledons, which have one seed leaf and generally lack cambium tissue. Angiosperms are the most important plant group economically as they include all agricultural crops and cereal grains, all garden flowers, and almost all broad-leaved trees and shrubs. There are over 250,000 flowering plants.

The families, genera, and species listed below are only those from which essential oils are commonly extracted.

A list of essential oils covered in this course (with a couple of exceptions) can be found in the Lesson PDF, at the end of this lesson.

In the next module you will explore individual essential oils found in each family.

Introduction

Watch: Botanical Nomenclature

Distinguishing between species, chemotypes and morphology

As you advance your knowledge and applications of essential oils, it shall become crucial that you clearly specify which essential oil you are utilizing for a specific physical condition or psychological purpose. In this section you will learn to distinguish between biochemical differences within the same species, species differences, as well as morphological differences within the same species. The importance of clarifying this cannot be understated. As aromatherapy moves into a more clinical arena, details such as this shall further our understanding of the various applications of each unique essential oil. As the need for greater professionalism increases so too shall the need to properly document case studies and essential oils utilized.

Botanical Specificity

The most fundamental level of taxonomic classification is the species, which represents “a kind of plant that is distinct from other kinds in marked or essential features, that has good characters of identification and that may be assumed to represent in nature a continuing succession of individuals from generation to generation”. The species, therefore, is a set of individual plants closely related by descent from a common ancestor. Species has to do with direct characteristics of the plant including leaf structure, flower structure, reproduction and other characteristics within a family of plants.

For example, there are over 250 species of the Eucalyptus genus, of which 6-8 are commonly found within the aromatherapy industry and these include: Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus dives, Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus smitthi, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus stageriana, and Eucalyptus radiata.

The chamomiles are an example of diverse genus within a tribe of plants: in this case the tribe: Anthemideae. The Anthemideae tribe contains 3 important genera commonly referred to as the ‘chamomiles‘ including: Chamaemelum, Matricaria, and Eriocephalus. The three essential oils these genera represent include: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Cape chamomile (Eriocephalus punctulatus).

1. Read The Eucalyptus Species
2. Read The Chamomile Species
3. Read The Lavenders
4. Read The Sage Species
5. Read The Helichrysum species and Helichrysum italicum

Welcome to the Aromatic Scholars Online Clinical Aromatherapy Certification Course

Our Aromatic Scholars training program has evolved with the world of aromatherapy over the past thirty years. This program covers a range of topics in depth related to the use of essential oils for both physical and emotional well-being. Over the years we have been updating our materials to contain the most up to date and relevant research and experiential information.

It is an honor to share our curriculum with you and hope it inspires and elevates your practice with aromatherapy, be it at home or in profession clinical settings.

Walk in Beauty, Jade Shutes

Details: Aromatic Scholars: Advanced Aromatherapy Certification Program

Duration: 350 hours Certification: Upon successful completion of the program you will be awarded a Certificate for: Aromatic Scholars – Advanced Aromatherapy Certification: 350 hrs.

Course Requirements:

• Complete all modules and lessons.
• Complete all review quizzes throughout course (75% or higher).** (see Final Exam below)
• Complete all experiential exercises at the end of specific modules.
• Complete 14 case studies. *You can do your case studies on friends, yourself, family members, and/or existing clients. You will upload these to the completion section of the course.
• Submit Research/General Interest Paper (8-10 pages in length; single spaced)
• Final Exam**The sum of your quizzes at the end of specific lessons constitute your final exam grade.

How to Navigate the Course Material

⇥ Modules

The Aromatic Scholars certification program has 7 modules and a completion section. Each module is on a core subject matter, e.g. Aromas and the Mind, and each module contains a series of lessons.

⇥ Lessons

Each lesson contains information about a specific subject and each lesson will contain one or more the following items:

• Learning Objectives: Each Lesson has a set of Learning Objectives. The Learning Objectives provide you with the main goals for that lesson. Be sure to check back on these after reading the lesson to ensure you have accomplished these learning objectives.
• Print Lesson PDF: This link is at the bottom of the page at the end of the lesson. You can either read the material on your electronic device (computer, ipad, smartphone, etc.) or print out the lesson pdf by pressing that link.
• Watch Videos: Videos are placed within the text itself or at the bottom of the lesson.
• Experiential Work: This link will bring you to experiential exercises such as observing your sense of smell and keeping a journal for a week or to make a stress relieving product. This is an important part of interacting with the essential oils and other material to gain confidence in blending as well as to further your knowledge and understanding of the essential oils themselves via observation and use.
• Visit Websites: This link is at the bottom of the lesson. It contains website links that further a specific topic contained within that lesson. We recommend reading these to enhance your knowledge, however you will not be tested on them.
• Quizzes After some lessons and/or modules you will have a quiz to complete based upon the material covered in that lesson or module. You will need to complete each quiz and receive a grade of 75% or higher. All quizzes can be retaken, so please don’t worry!
• Sprout: Some lessons have a special section entitled ‘Sprout’. The material in this section is designed to add to your knowledge base. Sometimes by simply sharing insights about a topic or to expand on a specific topic.

⇥ Student Forum

Share Your Experiences and Questions with Fellow Students.

We encourage you to interact with fellow students by sharing questions or recipes ideas, participating in answering questions, and simply get to know each other! This is an incredibly valuable tool for each of our students, so please do stay involved with the student forum. Because of privacy settings for the student forum on Facebook, please email a request to join to info@aromaticstudies.com. Once you get and accept your invitation, you will then be able to access the forum by clicking the Course Forum button on the left side of each page in your course, or by finding it in Groups from your Facebook page.

Your instructor or our student liaison will check in periodically to answer any questions. If you have an urgent question, please email us directly. See contact info below.

⇥ Completion

In the Completion section of the course you will find the final exam as well as a section that allows you to upload your case study files.

Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement for: Aromatic Scholars: Advanced Aromatherapy Certification – 350 hours – from the School for Aromatic Studies.

**This program also offers 56 CE hours for massage therapists (NCBTMB and FL CE Hours).

⇥ Contact the School

We hope you enjoy the Aromatic Scholars: Advanced Aromatherapy Certification program and that it deepens your knowledge and cultivates a richer experience of all that aromatherapy is and can be. During your studies, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: studentsupport@aromaticstudies.com

We wish you the very best on your journey with the Aromatic Scholars program.

Introduction

This program is called “Aromas and the Mind,” but it would perhaps be more descriptive and accurate to call it “Aromas and the Mind/Body/Spirit” program. As Dr. Candace Pert so eloquently wrote in her book, Molecules of Emotion,

In the end, I find I can’t separate brain from body. Consciousness isn’t just in the head. Nor is it a question of mind over body. If one takes into account the DNA directing the dance of the peptides, the body is the outward manifestation of the mind. The new science of psycho-neuro-immunology is redefining the connection between mind and body. We can no longer speak of body and mind as separate systems or entities. Bodymind – one word, no hyphen. Bodymind is a single organism pulsing with neuropeptide messengers that flow in a continuous loop from the brain to every cell in our body, giving rise to emotions and responding to emotions. Neurotransmitters originate in a part of the frontal cortex of the brain in a format that is exclusive to our species. There are at least 200 chemicals (besides opiate receptors) that connect the brain, the hormonal system and the immune system, many of them the peptides that mediate our emotions.

All thoughts and all bodily functions involve peptides (chemicals). Each peptide (chemical) mediates a particular emotional state. All our perceptions and thoughts are colored by emotions. There is no such thing as objective, rational thought. A chemical network of peptides integrates our mental, emotional and biological activities. So where are the emotions? It used to be thought that mind and consciousness were located in the brain, but the answer is really quite shocking. The emotions are happening everywhere simultaneously and we really need to learn to think of ourselves in a totally new way. Emotions are in the digestive system, in the immune system, in the endocrine system etc.

Emotions are at the interface between mind and body, going back and forth between the two and influencing both.

Essential Oils and Mind/Body/Spirit

When we consider how essential oils may affect “the mind/body/spirit,” often the first thing that comes to mind is our sense of smell. And indeed, our nose is a powerful sensory organ that is capable of altering and having an impact on mood, behavior, memory, and even physiological well-being. We must also be aware that other pathways, including dermal application and internal use, can also affect the mind, relieve stress, and support physical health and well-being.

Growing research on the effects of essential oils on the nervous system – specifically the autonomic nervous system – are showing that inhalation (olfaction), internal use, and dermal application of essential oils (without olfactory input) are able of exerting their influence on the autonomic nervous system – a key part of the stress response.

Throughout this program, we will explore how aromatherapy affects the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems specifically “through the eyes” of stress and its impact on health. You will also learn how essential oils may be used to effectively treat and/or prevent a wide range of emotional states including anxiety, depression, fatigue, and anger as well as for treating and/or preventing the physical manifestations of chronic and accumulative stress.

In order to fully develop an awareness of the impact of essential oils and olfaction on our psychology and physiology, the following subjects will be explored.

• The Nervous, Endocrine and Immune Systems
• Psychoneuroimmunology and Stress
• Our Sense of Smell
• Aromatics for Health
• The Realm of Emotions and Blending
• Aromas and Mind Consultation

As you proceed through this module, Aromas and the Mind, we will provide you with research as well as information about essential oil energetics regarding how to use essential oils for a wide range of conditions as well as emotional states we are so often presented within this lifetime. Our goal is to honor both the clinical and the energetic aspects of essential oils. Science is just one part of the puzzle; the other is simply the mystery of our relationships with plants, each other, and life.

Albert Einstein, one of the most celebrated scientists of the last century, stated:

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead —his eyes are closed. The insight into the mystery of life, coupled though it be with fear, has also given rise to religion. To know what is impenetrable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty, which our dull faculties can comprehend only in their most primitive forms—this knowledge, this feeling is at the center of true religiousness.

– Albert Einstein, Living Philosophies

Herpes Simplex

Herpes is an infection that is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. Genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Other herpes infections can affect the eyes, skin, or other parts of the body. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.

There are two types of HSV:

• HSV type 1 most commonly causes cold sores. It can also cause genital herpes.
• HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth.

HSV spreads direct contact. Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal.

Most people have outbreaks several times a year. Over time, you get them less often. Medicines to help the body fight the virus can help lessen symptoms and decrease outbreaks.¹

Therapeutic Goals:

• Utilize antiviral essential oils
• Reduce stress

Essential Oils (specific research/experience supporting e/o) for Herpes simplex: Hyssopus officinalis ssp. decumbens, Melissa officinalis, Litsea cubeba (May chang), Ravintsara ct. 1,8 cineole (Cinnamomum camphora ct. cineole), Sandalwood (Santalum sp.), Saro (Cinnamosma fragrans), Sandalwood (Santalum sp.), Eucalyptus globulus

Case Study

Mrs. X was 8 ½ months pregnant when she experienced a break out of Herpes simplex II. She contacted me to discuss her options as she was concerned over being unable to delivery her baby naturally if the breakout was not handled quickly. We immediately began to do sitz baths with Melissa hydrosol and 2 drops Melissa essential oil. Mrs. X would do this 2-4 times a day. Within 2 days the blisters had begun to heal and within 4 days they were completely gone. She went on to deliver a healthy baby boy.

Sample Blend for Herpes simplex 1 or 2

30ml Tamanu carrier oil
35 drops Eucalyptus globulus
12 drops Melissa officinalis
25 drops Cymbopogon martinii

Combine and apply to lesions 3-5x a day.

Warts

Warts are a benign skin growth typically caused by a virus. Warts do not have ‘roots’ and do not grow down into other tissue. They tend to disappear on their own spontaneously. In Chinese medicine warts can be seen as blockages in energy flow. Warts tend to be found more often in our younger years and are most commonly found on the face, hands, elbows, and knees. Some forms of warts can be contagious. Folklore would suggest that the mind could affect the disappearance of warts.

Therapeutic Goals:
Deal with viral condition.

Essential oils: Eucalyptus globulus, Lemon, Niaouli, Tea tree, Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)

Suggested use: A single drop of any of these oils can be applied neat (undiluted) on the wart, avoiding the surrounding tissue, and then covered with a Band-Aid. This should be repeated daily until the wart disappears or falls off. If skin irritation should occur then discontinue the application.

Shingles

Although not a skin disorder, we are listing it here due to its outward manifestation on the skin. Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is a viral infection of the nervous system. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/shingles.htm):

“Shingles (herpes zoster) is an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox — the varicella-zoster virus. The first sign of shingles is often burning or tingling pain, or sometimes numbness or itch, in one particular location on only one side of the body. After several days or a week, a rash of fluid-filled blisters, similar to chickenpox, appears in one area on one side of the body. Shingles pain can be mild or intense.  Some people have mostly itching; some feel pain from the gentlest touch or breeze.  The most common location for shingles is a band, called a dermatome, spanning one side of the trunk around the waistline. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles.

For most healthy people, the lesions heal, the pain subsides within 3 to 5 weeks, and the blisters leave no scars.  However, shingles is a serious threat in immunosuppressed individuals — for example, those with HIV infection or who are receiving cancer treatments that can weaken their immune systems.  People who receive organ transplants are also vulnerable to shingles because they are given drugs that suppress the immune system.

A person with a shingles rash can pass the virus to someone, usually a child, who has never had chickenpox, but the child will develop chickenpox, not shingles.  A person with chickenpox cannot communicate shingles to someone else.  Shingles comes from the virus hiding inside the person’s body, not from an outside source.”

Therapeutic Goals:

• Reduce pain
• Provide antiviral intervention
• Aid in healing the skin, avoiding scar formation
• Address emotional well-being/concerns

Essential Oils for Herpes zoster (shingles): Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) – used to relieve pain and support antiviral activity of stronger essential oils, Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Saro (Cinnamosma fragrans), Ravintsara ct. 1,8 cineole (Cinnamomum camphora), Eucalyptus globulus

Vulnerary essential oils: Carrot seed, Cape Chamomile, Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), Yarrow, Elemi, Frankincense, Myrhh, Cistus, Geranium, Monarda, Patchouli, Laurel, Green myrtle, Palmarosa, Vetiver, Rose, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula x intermedia (or Super), Neroli, Rosemary ct. verbenone

Nervine essential oils: Ylang ylang, Cape Chamomile, Blue tansy, Frankincense species, Palo santo, Sweet marjoram, Melissa officinalis, Spearmint, Litsea cubeba, Jasmine, Black spruce, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Rose, Bergamot, Mandarin/Tangerine, Sweet orange, Sandalwood (Santalum sp.), German chamomile, Roman chamomile, Lavender, Lavandin, Clary sage, Angelica root, Neroli, Petitgrain

Treatment program for shingles:

Schnaubelt (2004) recommends “Equal parts of Calophyllum inophyllum and Ravensara (taxonomically correct: Cinnamomum camphora, cineole type) should be applied to the lesions 2-5 times a day and oral application of peppermint 3-4 times a day” (p.64). He says that Calophylum “‘stimulates phagocytosis, which helps the organism to remove and eliminate pus gathered in the lesion” while Ravensara is mild and soothing and is in fact the best suited for topical treatment of shingles lesions” (p.64). He further comments that the only other possible alternative has been provided by Phillippe Mailhebiau, who recommends a blend of Lavender, Roman chamomile, Peppermint in infused St. John’s wort oil.

See Essential Oils for Shingles Treatment

About Boils

A boil or furuncle is a skin disease caused by the inflammation of hair follicles, thus resulting in the localized accumulation of pus and dead tissues. Individual boils can cluster together and form an interconnected network of boils called a carbuncle. Compared with single boils, carbuncles cause a deeper and more severe infection and are more likely to leave a scar. People who have a carbuncle often feel unwell in general and may experience fever and chills.

In severe cases, boils may develop to form abscesses. The symptoms of boils are red, pus-filled lumps just under the surface of the skin that are tender, warm, and/or painful. A yellow or white point at the center of the lump can be seen when the boil is ready to drain or discharge pus.¹

Boils are generally caused by an infection of the hair follicles by Staphylococcus aureus, a strain of bacteria that normally live on the skin surface. It is thought that a tiny cut of the skin allows this bacteria to enter the follicles and cause an infection. This can happen during bathing while using a razor. In a severe infection, multiple boils may develop and the patient may experience fever and swollen lymph nodes. A recurring boil is called chronic furunculosis.²

Boils occur most commonly on the neck, armpits, thighs, face, and buttocks. They  can appear in other areas of the body as well, e.g. the back or behind the ear.  Boils can be quite painful and can be accompanied by fatigue, fever, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Boils are contagious and can spread to other areas of skin on the body or to others who come into contact with the pus from a boil. They can grow quickly so it is important to take care of a boil when it arrives. Do not pick or squeeze boil. This can lead to it spreading.

When to recommend a visit to the Doctor:

Individuals can typically care for a single, small boil themselves. It is recommended to see a Doctor if the individual has more than one boil at a time or if a boil:

• Occurs on the face
• Worsens rapidly or is extremely painful
• Causes a fever
• Is more than 2 inches (5 centimeters) across
• Hasn’t healed in two weeks
• Recurs³

Contributing factors include: nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, excess sugar or refined carbohydrate consumption. When boils are recurring, then lowered immune response can be suspected. Hence supporting immune system as well as addressing these contributing factors is key in holistic treatment.

Therapeutic goals:

• Provide antibacterial support
• Support healing
• Prevent boil from getting worse or spreading

Aromatic Treatment:

Boils can be treated by utilizing undiluted application of essential oils to the isolated area of the boil and surrounding tissue along with warm/hot compresses.  Apply 1-2 drops of essential oil directly in boil and then apply a warm/hot compress. Reheat compress once it has cooled and reapply. Repeat 3-4 times.

After compress, one can apply the essential oil of Tea tree (be sure it has not oxidized!) to help prevent the infection from spreading as well as to treat the infection.

Applying warm salt water compresses on top of the undiluted application is beneficial in bringing the boil to a head and allowing it to drain.

I have had success with a few cases of treating boils by using Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) together.

HYDROSOLS

A great place to integrate the use of hydrosols: Combine 1/2 cup Tea tree hydrosol and 1/2 Cistus hydrosol, place in pan and heat to just under a boil, and follow instructions below. Other hydrosols to consider: Basil, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Fragonia, Green Myrtle, Thyme (either ct. linalol or thymol), Yarrow and/or Witch hazel.

Instructions for Compress on Boil:

Step 1: Bring 1-2 cups of water to a boil.
Step 2: Pour boiling hot water into bowl.
Step 3: Place a face cloth into the water and then with rubber gloves (to protect from boiling water) on, squeeze the water out of the towel. Check temperature of towel before applying to the skin.
Step 4: Before applying the hot/warm compress on the boil, place two drops of Roman chamomile and two drops Tea tree directly on boil then place the compress on the boil.
Step 5: Hold, without pushing, until the towel has cooled to room temperature. Reapply 2-3x.

I have also utilized a clay poultice with calendula tincture and the same essential oils: Roman chamomile and Tea tree. Typically in two tablespoons of clay: add about 2 dropperfuls of calendula tincture and 3-4 drops of each essential oil.

This process may be repeated 2 – 3x a day for 2-3 days depending on how long it takes for the boil to come to a head.

NOTE: It is very important to make sure you wash all clothes that have come in contact with pus/boil. I recommend washing them separately in a hot water cycle. Add tea tree essential oils into your unscented laundry detergent.