Article: Asthma & Aromatherapy - By John Kercher

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Here is the article by John Kercher - Asthma & Aromatherapy

 

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Chris (list mom)

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

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ASTHMA AND AROMATHERAPY

 

by John Kercher

 

 

About one out of every ten people has asthmatic, chronicle bronchitis

or emphysema problems of which asthma is the most chronicle illness

by children.

 

Aromatherapy appears to be very effective by respiratory complaints.

Especially complaints adaptable to a quick in intervention like

infections and acute problems can, generally speaking, be

effectively treated by applying essential oils. Next to this

aromatherapy shows a remarkable effectiveness in building a good

functioning immune system. This is one of the strongest points of

aromatherapy. Because an infections can take hold on a body is it is

weakened and the immune reaction is weak or to low. Infection

processes are the results of the temporary suppression of the

immunity of the body. Regular use of immunity stimulating oils

prevents, for instance, a common cold are at least reduces the

gravity of the symptoms. Recurrence of the complaint can be avoided

by the improvement of the immunity reaction.

 

Asthma is being described as a disorder whereby, due to a immunology

infection process in the bronchial tubes, so much change occurs that

the tubes become hyperactive. Which means that a temporary

constriction occurs in the bronchi, as well as in the bronchiole

due to an inflammation of the mucous membranes or due to a

contraction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchial tubes or

diaphragm.

 

The most common complaints are breathing problems, an oppressive

feeling in the chest, wheezing and coughing due to the excessive

formation of phlegm formation.

 

Asthma can roughly be placed in the following categories:

 

EXTRINSIC- atopic asthma- determined by the immune system with the

characteristic increase of the IgE serum. This form of asthma is

closely connected with allergic reactions ( among others house-dust

and pollen) and the occurrence of eczema, hay- fever, urticaria and

migraine. Especially among children this form of asthma is occurring

increasingly. About half to two-thirds of the children suffering from

a constitutional form of eczema will develop breathing problems. This

form of children's asthma is often preceded by months, or even years,

of periodical coughing and will eventually turns into a chronic

bronchitis and possibly asthma. Such children often take a long time

to recover from virus infections in the upper bronchial tubes.

 

INTRENSIC- non-atopic asthma- is associated with a bronchial reaction

not due to an antigenic-anti body stimulus, but has more to do with

other factors like chemical substances, cold air, body, movements,

infections and emotional stress. About 50% of asthma patients are of

the intrinsic type and here the stimulation of the parasymphaticus

appears to be the most important mechanism. Regular medication

usually consist out of prescribing corticosteroids.

 

Many asthma patients react well to natural medication, but have to

consider a long period of treatment. Treatment is often not simple,

this is partly due to the fact that not all causes of asthma are

fully known. Improvement further depends on the patients age,

seriousness and the duration of the complaint. If a treatment with

essential oils is chosen, it is imperative that the reduction of

regular medication is done only under the supervision and with the

advice of a qualified medical doctor. An aromatherapist treating an

asthma patient, has to be flexible and prepared to use a variety of

oils, because of the many different factors that can influence

asthma. If oils are to be applied successfully, a number of criteria

have to be adhered to. The therapeutic qualities of the essentials

oils used by respiratory complaints are the following:

 

ANTISEPTIC OR ANTIBACTERIAL.

 

Dr. Valnet- one of the founders of the modern aromatherapy, describes

the antiseptic effects of essential oils which by evaporation kill

bacteria and other micro-organism. Most of the essential oils are

more or less antiseptic, but the following oils are of special value

by the treatment of flue, common cold, sore throat, tonsillitis and

other respiratory infections.

Thyme, Eucalyptus, Salvia, Pine, Cajeput, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Lemon

and Angelica

 

ANTISPASMODIC

 

These essential oils have an effect in calming and soothing spasms in

the smooth muscles tissues and are applied by the treatment of

asthma, dry cough and pertussis (whooping cough).

Cedar, cajaput, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, sandalwood and thyme.

 

EXPECTORANT

 

An expectorant helps to promote the removal of mucous from the

respiratory system by means of coughing and spitting. According to

Boyd an expectorant can be pharmacologically defined as a substance

that increases the production of moisture in the bronchial tubes.

Expectorant oils are therefore applied to help this removal process

and to soothing coughing.

Green anise, cajaput, fennel, helichrysum, eucalyptus, olibanum,

spike lavender, myrrh, myrtle, pine, sandalwood and thyme.

 

IMMUNITY STIMULATING

 

Essential oils can assist and improve an immunity reaction in two

different manners: By means of counter-acting threatening micro

orgasm or by stimulating the immunity system. Oils like cajaput,

lavender, lemon, rosemary and Tea tree combat a large range of

bacteria, whereby at the same time they increase the immunity

reaction. In holistic aromatherapy the improvement of the immunity

reaction is considered one of the major aims.

 

 

During a crisis the inhalation or breathing of antispasmodic oils or

the application on specific parts of the body, quickly results in

relief. If one prefers inhalation a few drops on a tissue or even

smelling at the bottle, will be effective. The use of steam to which

oils are added is not advisable. The heath of the steam will only

increase the inflammation of the mucous membranes. Moisture however

is beneficial, so a few drops essential oil added to an air

moisturizer is an excellent treatment.

 

Between application of the oils to certain areas and veins of the

chest and back, is also advisable.

 

The choice of oil is determined by:

 

1. The presence of an infection

2. The presence of emotional factors

3. Possible allergic reactions.

 

 

By treating asthma by means of aromatherapy we have to distinguish

two groups of patients.

 

First, the patent with a long history of asthmatic problems and in

connection therewith the long dependency on conventional medicine.

 

Second, the patient who has asthmatic complaints for a relative short

period, with little or no dependency on conventional medicine.

 

These two groups are the basis for different aromatherapeutic

treatments.

 

By the first group of people who have been suffering with these

complaints for many years asthma has developed into a physical

problem. Treatment will be carried out in different phases. By the

second group, those with a short complaint history, the first two

phases of aromatherapeutic treatment should suffice. This because

their complaints have not turned into a physical problem yet, the

asthma so to speak hasn't given a physical imprint in their organs.

In this case symptoms occur through emotional and physical stimulus

and in general supporting and strengthening aromatherapy is usually

sufficient, but equally often with amazing results.

 

 

PHASE 1

 

This phase we could call the " introduction phase " . Asthma patients

can slowly and carefully be introduced to the use of essential oils.

Especially is they are unfamiliar with these oils. A short

explanation of what oils do, how they were used during many

centuries, and with examples (think of the story of the three Kings

visiting the manger after Jesus was born, carrying Myrrh, Olibanum

and Gold) will give the patient confidence. Most people only know

synthetic fragrances and that essential oils are natural with a high

degree of purity, is something they never heard of. Let the patient

smell the different oils and then apply a light relaxing massage,

meanwhile observing the patients reactions carefully. The best oils

to apply during this first introduction are pleasantly smelling oils

or compositions. Take as an example one or more oils from the

following spasmodic range:

 

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Mandarin ( Citrus reticulata)

Roman Chamomille (Chamaemelum nobile)

Jatamansi (Nardus jatamansi)

Petit Grain ( Citrus aurantium var. amara)

Clary sage ( Salvia sclarea)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris lanaloferum)

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var.amara)

Benzoe (Stryrax benzoin)

Jasmin (Jasminum grandiflorum of Jasminum sambac)

In fact, all oils which the patient finds pleasant can be used.

Asthma patients usually react well to either single oils or

compositions and feel well after such a first introduction. This

first phase can of course consist out of multiple sessions. Massage

the chest and the back, apply oils to certain areas of the feet, on

the arms and in the neck. Important is that the patient getting used

to- and finding the oils pleasant.

 

PHASE 2

 

This phase is aimed at the introduction of expectorant oils, which

help to remove excessive mucous from the respiratory system. A good

choice of oils here are Eucalyptus smithii, Eucalyptus radiata and/or

Ravensara aromatica. Practical all oils with a 1,8-cineol are a good

choice in this phase.

 

Examples are: all eucalyptus oils with the exception of Eucalyptus

citriodora.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) especially the varieties with a

high cineol content.

Niaouli ( Melaleuca viridiflora = M quinquenervia viridiflora)

Spike Lavender (Lavandula spica)

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

Cajeput (Melaleuca leucadenra = M. cajeputi)

 

It is noticeable that especially members of the Myrtaceae botanical

family are useful as expectorants. All kind of applications are

useful. In a bath or shower oil, in a diffuser, in a massage oil and

by applying the oil (diluted) to certain parts of the body and

veins). The Ravensara or the Eucalyptus smithii show an remarkable

effect by asthma patients, due to the presence of terpene alcohols.

 

It the patient shows positive results to this phase, a few weeks

later a more intense treatment can be entered into.

 

PHASE 3

 

Although there is a lot of similarity between the different symptoms,

it is useful to distinguish between the nervous/allergic reactions

and the patient who's asthma has been transformed into a combination

of chronic bronchitis and asthma accompanied by strong physical

weakness.

 

For the nervous and allergic asthma patient anti-spasmodic and

anxiolitics (anxiety decreasing) oils are to be applied. A mixture of

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - verbenon chemotype, is excellent

for inhalation. Inhalation should occur on a daily basis. These oils

or mixture can also be applied to the soles of the feet, certain

parts of the body and neck and added to a shower or bath oil or foam.

To this mixture can further be added, to make an effective massage

oil, Cypres-leaf (Cupressus sempervirens), Ylang-Ylang (Cananga

odorata) or Roman Chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile). For all these

applications e dilution of 2-5% is advisable.

 

Patients whose complaints have turned into a combination of chronic

bronchitis and asthma, should benefit from stimulating oils like

Oregano (Oreganum vulgare), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris - thymol

chemotype) and/or Savory (Satureja hortensis or Montana). The

advantage of these oils is that they are a great stimulant to the

immunity system.

PHASE 4

 

Within aromatherapy there are a few oils known to have strong

mucolytic (dissolving or breaking down mucous) and at the same time

spasmolytic (prevents and eases spasms or convulsions) effects.

Khella (Amni visnaga) and Sweet Inula (Inula graveolens). In France

these oils are applied to the body by means of a suppository. But to

those not familiar with this method it is advisable to apply these

oils in diluted form or by inhalation or through massage. They can

also be applied in diluted form to certain parts of the body and

veins.

 

These oils are used where an asthmatic crisis situation occurs and

when these oils are applied, the patient will have had already a

considerable experience with aromatherapy and is undergoing treatment

from an aromatherapist knowing his or her profession. Oils like

Khella with the active ingredients khelline and visnadine and Sweet

Inula with the ingredient alantolactone, can loosen a large quantity

of phlegm.

 

When applied in diluted form to the skin, especially in the case of

sweet Inula, always do a small allergy test before.