Aromatherapy

One kind of therapy recommended by the Prophet Muhammad SAW

By : Atina Hussaana
Departement of Pharmacology
Medical Faculty
Sultan Agung Islamic University
55. Ar Rahmaan

12. Dan biji-bijian yang berkulit dan bunga-bunga

yang harum baunya.
The Profet‟s Guidance on Preserving
the health with Perfume
Good scents and perfumes are nutrition for
the soul, and the soul is the dynamo of the
rest of the body powers.

Perfume helps the brain, the heart & the

internal organs and brings comfort to the
heart & the soul.

Perfumes are also the most suitable &

favorable remedy and substance for the
soul.
There is a close connection between the
good soul & scented perfumes.

Perfumes were among the dearest

substances in this world to the heart of the
Prophet Muhammad SAW.
 Al-Bukhari narrated that the Prophet
SAW used to always accept perfume
when presented to him.

Al-Muslim narrated that Rasulullah SAW

said :“He who is offered Raihan (basil)
should not refuse it, because it is easy to
wear and has a good scent”.

(raihan / basil / ais / kemangi)

Abu Dawud and An-Nasa‟i narrated that the
Prophet SAW said :
“Whoever is offered some perfume should
not refuse it because it is light to wear and
has a good scent”.

Ibn Abi Shaibah also narrated the the

Messenger of Allah SAW had a container
(sukkah) that had some perfume and he
used to perfume himself with it.
The angels like perfume while devils
dislike it. Good souls like good scents.

Imam Muslim narrated in his Sahih that

Ibn „Umar used to burn dry aloe wood
along with some Kafur (camphoor),
and states that the Messenger
of Allah SAW used
to do the same”.

Strengthening the intestine, relief & comfort

the heart, helps the mind, sharpens the senses,
cleanse the air, etc.
Aloe wood / „Ud / Aluwwah : kayu cendana
 Introduction of Aromatherapy

Aromatic oils have been used for therapeutic

purposes for nearly 7.000 years (Buckle 2000).

The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians,

Greeks & Romans employed essential
oils derived from plant materials
in cosmetics, perfumes
& pharmaceuticals.

Today, aromatherapy is gaining new attention

as an alternative healing modality related to
herbal medicine (Buckle 2000).
Aromatherapy :
Is a treatment system based on the use of
essential oils.

Oils may be inhaled, applied to the skin,

added to bath or ingested.
(in Germany, the term of aromatherapy is
just based on the use EOs by inhalation)
Essential oils :

contain volatile organic compounds, extracted

from plants, flowers, wood resins & citrus
peels by a process of steam distillation
using petrochemical solvents
(Buckle 1999).
 Chemical constituents & therapeutic actions
(Stevensen 1996) :

- aldehydes have anti-infectious properties

- C10 terpenes have a cortisone-like action
- esters have an antispasmodic action
- ketones are mucolitic
- oxides have expectorant & antiparasitic qualities
- phenols stimulate the immune system
R-C=O
I
- sesquiterpenes are antihistamines
R-C=O
H I
O R-C-C-R
I R-C=O I -OH
R I O
R
 Monoterpen epoksida

Monoterpen keton

sesquiterpen
 Mechanism of Action

- Chemical in essential oils have physiologic

& psychologic properties.
- Work on a molecular level.
- Can be administered in a variety of ways.

When inhaled,
the nose detects the scent & transmits it
to the olfactory bulb, which sends nerve
impulses to the limbic system in the
brain, including both the amygdala,
which controls emotions & the
hippocampus, which stores
& retrieves memories.
 Example: Lavandula angustifolia

Essential oil (EO) with sedative & pain relieving

properties, affect the amygdala by increasing
inhibitory neurons containing GABA (same process
whith diazepam to produce sedation and to reduce
the effect of external stimuli such as pain).

Aromatic chemicals trigger the repository of stored

memories in the hippocampus, which can have
measurable effects on mood (ex: there are
cases of depressed, elderly, institutionalized
individuals reporting decreased sadness after
smelling certain fruits & flowers that
triggered childhood memories.
When applied to the skin, EOs are absorbed
into the bloodstream.

Occasionally, EOs are also ingested,

but this is considered a component
of herbal medicine & should only
occur under the guidance of a
qualified specialist
(Buckle 1999).
Other mechanisms of EO to relieve pain & induce
mood changes.

Analgesic comp. 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), activate

the brain to release neurotransmitters (dopamine,
serotonin & NE); (ex: cardamon, rosemary &
eucalyptus contain eucalyptol).

When EOs are administered topically (part of a

massage), the direct touch stimulates sensory
fibers in the skin, which triggers the parasymp
nervous sys, thus inducing relaxation &
decreasing the perception of pain
(Buckle 1999).
EOs also impact brain wave activity, creating either
stimulating or sedative effects (Stevensen 1996).
 Clinical Applications
Scientific literature supports the use of EOs for
insomnia.

Several RCTs have demonstrated a reduction

of pain medication for people with rheumatoid
arthritis, cancer & headaches (Buckle 1999).

One RCT, double-blind, indicates that thyme,

rosemary, lavender & cedar-wood oils may
promote hair growth in people with alopecia
areata (Hay et al. 1998).

Other EOs improve skin conditions

in people with psoriasis (Walsh 1996).
Clinical trial 8-year, > 8,000 women who employed
aromatherapy during labor & delivery.

EOs administered in : inhalations, massages, footbaths & a

drop on the brow or palm during established labor or in the
latent phase.

Results : rose, lavender & frankincense oils may reduce

feelings of anxiety & fear, improving a women's overall
well-being during childbirth, reducing the need for
epidural analgesia or other pain medication.

Peppermint oil is effective in relieving nausea & vomiting,

common symptoms during labor (in many women).

Clary-sage oil may strengthen contractions & decrease

the need for oxytocin in women with dysfunctional
labor (Burns et al. 2000).
 Risks, Side Effects, Adverse Events

Most EOs hold GRAS (generally regarded as safe)

status (Buckle 2000).
However, the solvents used in the extraction
& distillation processes may cause allergic
or sensitizing reactions in certain
individuals (Buckle 1999).
Side Effects of EOs:
Occasionally : headache (Burns et al. 2000).
Extremely rare : contact dermatitis (Weiss&James.97).
Rare : abortifacient effects, impaired liver
function & neurotoxicity due to the high quantity of
ketones in certain oils, such as Lavandula stoechas
(Stevensen 1996).
 Interact with medications

Interaction providing either synergistic or

negative effects.

Animal studies :
- Eucalyptol may significantly decrease the
effect of phenobarbital.
- West Indian lemongrass may potentiate the
effect of morphine (Buckle 1999).
- Bergamot, can cause photosensitivity & burns
if patients are exposed to sunlight after
topical application (Buckle 2000).
 Precautions

EOs should never be ingested unless instruc-

ted to do so by a trained professional.
Some oils are toxic & taking
them orally could be fatal.
Oils that are high in phenols, such as
cinnamon, can cause dermal irritation.
To avoid potential rx, patients
should dilute oils before use
& avoid using them near
the eyes.
EOs are highly volatile & flammable, don‟t
be used near an open flame (Buckle 2000).
 Contraindications

Hypertension patients should avoid using

stimulating EOs (rosemary & spike lavender)
(Buckle 1999).

Emmenogogic oils (hyssop), should be

avoided throughout pregnancy &
in patients with seizures.

In general, all EOs should be avoided during

the first trimester of pregnancy & in patients
with severe asthma or a history of multiple
allergies.
 Patients with estrogen-dependent
tumors shouldn‟t use oils with
E-like compounds (fennel,
aniseed, sage & clary-sage).

Practitioners should exercise caution

when using EOs with patients undergoing
chemotherapy (Buckle 2000).
 The Future

It‟s few controlled clinical trials have been

conducted in human beings.

There are many potential uses

of aromatherapy in a wide variety of
settings, conclusive evidence of its
clinical efficacy is lacking
(Buckle 2000).
There are some concerns regarding
the safety & quality of certain EOs
(Stevensen 1996).

More research is necessary before

aromatherapy becomes a widely
accepted alternative modality
with clear & specific clinical
indications (Buckle 2000).
 Lavender Lemon balm Echinecea Dandelion

Chamomile Peppermint Ephedra Cranberry

Eucalyptus Rosemary Yarrow Burdock

 Alternative Therapies with EOs

For anxiety :
EOs of lemon balm, bergamot & jasmine are
calming and may be used as aromatherapy.
Place several drops in a warm bath,
atomizer, or cotton ball.

For asthma :
EOs that may be helpful are elecampane,
frankincense, lavender, mint, and sage. Add
4 to 6 drops in a bath, atomizer, or
humidifier.
 For Cough :

EO of Thyme, eucalyptus & pine oils can be

applied to ease bronchial spasm & help thin
mucus.

Chest rubs with 2 to 4 drops of EO in 1 tbsp.

of food grade oil (e.g., olive, flaxseed, sesame,
almond oils)

Castor oil pack with 4 to 6 drops of essential oil

Chest poultice—flaxseed oil with baume de

Canada, frankincense, mustard, oregano, or
thyme oils
For Headache, sinus :

EOs can help to minimize the discomfort,

treat infection, stimulating the immune
system, clearing the congestion &
decreasing the frequency of
headaches/infections.

A combination of physical medicine &

herbal or homeopathic treatment is often
very effective.
EOs may be used as a bath or as a steam.

For a steam :
place 2 to 5 drops in a pot, bring to a simmer,
and hold head over pot.

For a bath :
add 5 to 10 drops of oil to the bath.

Eucalyptus, lavender & thyme are specific for

upper respiratory infections.
Lavender & rosemary are also very calming.
All of these EOs have antiseptic properties.
 For Headache, Tension

Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita)—a natural

antispasmodic & diuretic, effective against
tension as extra-strength Tylenol.

Add two drops of peppermint or lavender EOs

to one cup of water. Soak a cloth in the
solution and apply as a compress.
 For Insomnia

Herbs may be effective for treating both short

term and chronic insomnia.

EOs (3 to 5 drops added to a bath) may be

effective as part of a bedtime ritual.

Commonly used herbs are :

lavender (Lavandula angustifolia),
rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) &
chamomile (Chamomilla recutita).
 T
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