I have a colleague that has suggested that I integrate essential oils into my practice. Personally, I’ve used several staples over the years with my family. And occasionally I’ll recommend to a client that has a tough time falling asleep to dab a little lavendar oil on the pillow before sleeping.
I’m not an aromatherapist nor am I a homeopath (the latter I’ve raised my children with) but I do enjoy research. This study recently caught my attention:
“Effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adults”. (Sympathetic nervous system is our “fight-flight” system that is often over-activated in individuals with poorly managed anxiety and seizures. The Parasympathetic system is “rest and digest). In this study it was discovered that:
Fragrance inhalation of essential oils, such as pepper oil, estragon oil, fennel oil or grapefruit oil, resulted in 1.5- to 2.5-fold increase in relative sympathetic activity
In contrast, fragrance inhalation of rose oil or patchouli oil caused a 40% decrease in relative sympathetic activity (P<0.01, each).
From this study rose oil or patchouli oil should be considered to reduce the “fight flight” mechanism and pepper oil, fennel and grapefruit oils should be avoided.
This is not to suggest that essential oil will “stop seizures or stop anxiety” but it’s important to recognize that it can be part of a larger plan.
Be well,
Lynn
