Aromatherapy Application for Relief of Alzheimer’s disease
Excerpted from Alzheimer’s Society by Professor Elaine Perry (FmedSci)
While essential oils from plants have been used therapeutically for centuries to improve physical and mental health, there is little confirmed scientific proof of their efficacy. A limited number of clinical trials have concluded that they provide a potentially effective and safe treatment for psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, but further research is needed.
Professor Perry is currently involved in a multicentre trial of aromatherapy for people with Alzheimer’s disease and agitation, and also new laboratory studies on the mechanism of action of the essential oils, funded by the Alzheimer’s Society.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants, either applied in a lotion and absorbed by the skin or inhaled and absorbed into the lungs and nasal passages, to improve physical and mental health. Aromatic oils from plants have been used for over 5,000 years: ancient Egyptians used them as perfumes and there are many references in the Bible to their use in mental and physical healing. Modern aromatherapy, which began in Germany during the 16th century, was also used successfully to treat wounded soldiers in the two World Wars.
Trials of aromatherapy in dementia
Controlled clinical trials of aromatherapy in dementia were initiated following promising results from open trials of historical medical remedies. In folklore linen bags were filled with lavender flowers and placed under pillows in order to facilitate sleep: one trial showed that use of lavender increased sleep patterns of dementia patients who were in residential care.[1] In a trial involving 122 non-demented patients in intensive care, massage aromatherapy using lavender oil was well received, the greatest improvements being in mood and reduction in anxiety.[2] In another trial, lavender, geranium and mandarin essential oils in an almond oil base were applied to the skin of 39 patients over an unspecified period. This resulted in increased alertness, contentment and sleeping at night; and reduced levels of agitation, withdrawal and wandering.[3] In a recent open-labelled trial on people with dementia, the use of a range of essential oils, including ylang ylang, patchouli, rosemary, peppermint and others, produced a marked decrease in disturbed behaviour in the majority of participants. This led to a reduction in prescribed conventional medicines, thereby delivering cost savings.[4]
References
[1] Henry J, Rusius CW, Davies M, et al. Lavender for night sedation of people with dementia. Int. J. Aromather. 1994; 6:2, 28-30.
[2] Dunn C, Sleep J and Collett D. Sensing an improvement: an experimental study to evaluate the use of aromatherapy, massage and periods of rest in an intensive care unit. Adv. Nurs. 1995; 21: 34-40.
[3] Kilstoff K and Chenoweth L. New approaches to health and well-being for dementia day- care clients, family carers and day-care staff. Int. J. Nurs. Pract. 1998; 4: 70-83.
[4] Beshara MC and Giddings D. Use of plant essential oils in treating agitation in a dementia unit: 10 case studies. Int. J. Aromather. 2003; 12: 207-12.
Please click the link at the top of the page for the full article on Aromatherapy Application for Relief of Alzheimer’s disease. In Nature’s Farmacy this is what we have found to work for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.
*Liberal use of Frankincense will be very beneficial for its ability to cross the blod-brain barrier (it’s in Ciaro Care, too). Apply 3-4 drop of each to the back of the neck at the hairline, and on pulse points twice daily.
*Frankincense can be used internally, 2-3 drops in a capsule filled with Message oil, twice daily. Wery useful if applied to the back of the neck at the hairline and on pulse points at least once daily, preferably twice.
* FreaquenSea 8 oz. daily.
To your good health!
Andrea Brothers
Secrets of pH Balancing
http://8475167.myforevergreen.org
An all around therapeutic essential oil enthusiast!
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