RE: Absorption via the skin and Inhalation/Olfactory

[Guest guest]

Butch & all,

 

I had to break out my Anatomy & Physiology book and review some of the

lectures from this semester for this. Good thing I'm studying for finals

right now anyway...

 

Paraphrased, the skin's major function (next to being a sensory organ) is as

a BARRIER. It is designed to keep things out, not let things in. It is an

environmental, biologic and immunologic barrier. Of course, this applies to

whole, healthy skin; damaged or injured skin has had it's barrier function

compromised and cannot keep things out effectively.

 

The four layers of the skin Butch mentions in one of the posts he linked

(actually five layers on palms and soles) make up the epidermis, or outer

skin. Very little penetrates through all four of these layers. There is NO

blood supply to the epidermis; the blood supply is deeper, in the dermis.

So very few things can reach the blood stream through healthy skin. Some

chemicals such as the methyl salicylate in Wintergreen or Birch oil (and all

those smelly muscle and arthritis rubs) are an exception, but most molecules

are either too large or not polar enough to penetrate completely through the

epidermis. Most don't even get completely through the outermost layer...

 

Inhalation is a much better route for chemicals to reach the blood.

Particles must be around one micron or smaller to reach the alveoli, the

microscopic bubbles where gas exchange (oxygen for carbonn dioxide) occurs.

Many of the aromatic molecules - carvacrol, linalool, geraniol, etc. found

in EO's are much less than one micron, and small enough enter the blood

stream via the lungs. This is why we don't diffuse EO around cats!

 

This is why AT is AROMA therapy not ABSORBA therapy; it is effective through

inhalation of volatile molecules AND it also affects the olfactory system

via the odor receptor cells in the nose. These cells operate much like

taste buds; when a certain class of odor is detected it generates a signal

that travels to the brain. Scent is the only sense where the nerve fibers go

*directly* to the brain (specifically the limbic system) which is believed

to be why smell is strongly linked to memory and emotion, and why people

react differently to different odors.

 

I don't have time to go deeper right now...exams start tomorrow and I need

to get back to PharmCalc instead of A & P!

 

Happy smelling!

 

Melissa Bell

1st year Pharmacy student

Gatton College of Pharmacy, ETSU

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Interesting to have a pharmacy student here! I work with a pharmacist, and he

is very knowledgeable. I bounce things off of him from time to time, and I get

an honest perspective from him that I respect. It kind of bridges the gap

between natural and modern day medicine, Integrating it, where I think it should

be!

Lori

-

Melissa Bell

Thursday, December 04, 2008 5:50 PM

[sPAM] RE: Absorption via the skin and

Inhalation/Olfactory

 

 

Butch & all,

 

I had to break out my Anatomy & Physiology book and review some of the

lectures from this semester for this. Good thing I'm studying for finals

right now anyway...

 

Paraphrased, the skin's major function (next to being a sensory organ) is as

a BARRIER. It is designed to keep things out, not let things in. It is an

environmental, biologic and immunologic barrier. Of course, this applies to

whole, healthy skin; damaged or injured skin has had it's barrier function

compromised and cannot keep things out effectively.

 

The four layers of the skin Butch mentions in one of the posts he linked

(actually five layers on palms and soles) make up the epidermis, or outer

skin. Very little penetrates through all four of these layers. There is NO

blood supply to the epidermis; the blood supply is deeper, in the dermis.

So very few things can reach the blood stream through healthy skin. Some

chemicals such as the methyl salicylate in Wintergreen or Birch oil (and all

those smelly muscle and arthritis rubs) are an exception, but most molecules

are either too large or not polar enough to penetrate completely through the

epidermis. Most don't even get completely through the outermost layer...

 

Inhalation is a much better route for chemicals to reach the blood.

Particles must be around one micron or smaller to reach the alveoli, the

microscopic bubbles where gas exchange (oxygen for carbonn dioxide) occurs.

Many of the aromatic molecules - carvacrol, linalool, geraniol, etc. found

in EO's are much less than one micron, and small enough enter the blood

stream via the lungs. This is why we don't diffuse EO around cats!

 

This is why AT is AROMA therapy not ABSORBA therapy; it is effective through

inhalation of volatile molecules AND it also affects the olfactory system

via the odor receptor cells in the nose. These cells operate much like

taste buds; when a certain class of odor is detected it generates a signal

that travels to the brain. Scent is the only sense where the nerve fibers go

*directly* to the brain (specifically the limbic system) which is believed

to be why smell is strongly linked to memory and emotion, and why people

react differently to different odors.

 

I don't have time to go deeper right now...exams start tomorrow and I need

to get back to PharmCalc instead of A & P!

 

Happy smelling!

 

Melissa Bell

1st year Pharmacy student

Gatton College of Pharmacy, ETSU

 

[Guest guest]

OMG, this is the most succinct, brilliant skewer in the fallacy of skin

absorption I've ever read. Over a decade of squabbling on the internet,

and Melissa, you have it nailed, LOL!

 

<melbell1206 wrote:

This is why AT is AROMA therapy not ABSORBA therapy; it is effective through

inhalation of volatile molecules AND it also affects the olfactory system

via the odor receptor cells in the nose.

 

--

Sincerely, Anya

- perfumes, aromatics, classes,

consultation

 

 

1600+ member Natural Perfumery group -

 

[Guest guest]

Melissa, Butch,

 

May I please pass this along on my blog?

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

, " Melissa Bell "

<melbell1206 wrote:

>

> Butch & all,

>

> I had to break out my Anatomy & Physiology book and review some of the

> lectures from this semester for this. Good thing I'm studying for

finals

> right now anyway...

>

> Paraphrased, the skin's major function (next to being a sensory

organ) is as

> a BARRIER. It is designed to keep things out, not let things in.

It is an

> environmental, biologic and immunologic barrier. Of course, this

applies to

> whole, healthy skin; damaged or injured skin has had it's barrier

function

> compromised and cannot keep things out effectively.

>

> The four layers of the skin Butch mentions in one of the posts he linked

> (actually five layers on palms and soles) make up the epidermis, or

outer

> skin. Very little penetrates through all four of these layers.

There is NO

> blood supply to the epidermis; the blood supply is deeper, in the

dermis.

> So very few things can reach the blood stream through healthy skin.

Some

> chemicals such as the methyl salicylate in Wintergreen or Birch oil

(and all

> those smelly muscle and arthritis rubs) are an exception, but most

molecules

> are either too large or not polar enough to penetrate completely

through the

> epidermis. Most don't even get completely through the outermost

layer...

>

> Inhalation is a much better route for chemicals to reach the blood.

> Particles must be around one micron or smaller to reach the alveoli, the

> microscopic bubbles where gas exchange (oxygen for carbonn dioxide)

occurs.

> Many of the aromatic molecules - carvacrol, linalool, geraniol, etc.

found

> in EO's are much less than one micron, and small enough enter the blood

> stream via the lungs. This is why we don't diffuse EO around cats!

>

> This is why AT is AROMA therapy not ABSORBA therapy; it is effective

through

> inhalation of volatile molecules AND it also affects the olfactory

system

> via the odor receptor cells in the nose. These cells operate much like

> taste buds; when a certain class of odor is detected it generates a

signal

> that travels to the brain. Scent is the only sense where the nerve

fibers go

> *directly* to the brain (specifically the limbic system) which is

believed

> to be why smell is strongly linked to memory and emotion, and why people

> react differently to different odors.

>

> I don't have time to go deeper right now...exams start tomorrow and

I need

> to get back to PharmCalc instead of A & P!

>

> Happy smelling!

>

> Melissa Bell

> 1st year Pharmacy student

> Gatton College of Pharmacy, ETSU

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I would like to recommend this book, it's a great resource for this

topic.Dermal Absorption and Toxicity AssessmentMichael S. Roberts (Editor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pub June 1998

ISBN 9780824701543

 

 

 

This volume examines the

dermal absoption process with emphasis on determining the toxicity

arising from exposure to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other

substances. It serves as a bench resource for scientists seeking

effective and time-saving means of estimating risk. Contributors also

reveal how environmental hazards such as metal compounds, contaminated

soil and water, and sun sensitivity occur and are measured through the

skin. Practical information is provided on specific products, from

analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to perfumes, sunscreens and hair

dyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel A. MarkelManaging PartnerEOILCO LABORATORIES,

LLCwww.eoilco.comhttp://ingredientmanager.eoilcolab.com

www.GreenTerpene.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

hi everyone....usually don't have time to do much more than lurk, but this is a

particular area of interest.  I've read the posts, pro and con for skin

absorption, and lots of articles too. Here is my experience.

 

    In the Intensive Care unit, I completed some small case studies and pilot

projects. One involved the use of essential oils applied topically via the

" M-technique " (a form of light touch/massage pioneered by Dr. Jane Buckle.)  on

mechanically ventilated patients. In an intubated patient, there is no air flow

in the nares. To remove all doubt,  with patients who were orally (vs nasally)

 intubated, I used the nasal clips that are used during pulmonary function tests

to block any airflow into the nasal cavity. Results of symptom relief were

achieved with pain relief, anxiety/restlessness and insomnia.  These studies

were done with and without essential oils to rule out the obviously

soothing/positive effects of touch and presence. Monitoring of arterial

pressures, central venous pressures, oximetry and in one case intracranial

pressures were continous monitored and mapped before, during and after the

treatment.  To make this short, results were

conclusive, there was a statistically positive benefit from the topical use of

essential oils in patients where the olfactory route was basically eliminated. 

Interesting!! 

 

Now, in my hospice work, I am seeing more and more medications being applied

topically in a PLO gel, or mixed with Emu oil  as a carrier. Some medications

are so lipophilic, like fentanyl that Drug companies have capitalized on the

molecular pharmacology and have formualted transdermal patches. Soon, there will

be available a fentanyl patch that is controlled by electrical current, similar

to patient controlled analgesia IV pumps!!  However, there are medications that

theorectically should not be absorbed topically, but can produce local and

sometimes systemic symptom relief.  For instance topical baclofen for relief of

spasm produced a local decrease in spasm of quadirceps muscle, but did not give

the systemic effect that the oral pill did. So, for me, seeing is believing,

even though the baclofen did not have systemic benefit, clearly it penetrated

all layers producing pharmacologic effects.

 

So, my mind is much more open to the possibility that aromatherapy is much more

than....aroma's!!

 

Aromatically,

Lori Mitchell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thanks for psting this, Lori! Very interesting!

 

 

 

Love,

 

 

 

Saskia

<http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=2070936/grpspId=1705162397/msgId

=54126/stime=1228572508/nc1=5191951/nc2=5191945/nc3=4025373>

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Good morning

Now I am totally confused? I've lost sight of whether skin absorption is really

not possible

or that it has amazing effects? So important in trying to understand essential

oils and their

benefits. If only through smell that e.o. have their true effect and power, I've

been

approaching aromatherapy all wrong!

Thanks for all the great postings.

Katherine

 

, aikiokami <aikiokami2003 wrote:

>

> hi everyone....usually don't have time to do much more than lurk, but this is

a particular

area of interest.  I've read the posts, pro and con for skin absorption, and

lots of articles

too. Here is my experience.

>  

>     In the Intensive Care unit, I completed some small case studies and pilot

projects.

One involved the use of essential oils applied topically via the " M-technique "

(a form of

light touch/massage pioneered by Dr. Jane Buckle.)  on mechanically ventilated

patients. In

an intubated patient, there is no air flow in the nares. To remove all doubt, 

with patients

who were orally (vs nasally)  intubated, I used the nasal clips that are used

during

pulmonary function tests to block any airflow into the nasal cavity. Results of

symptom

relief were achieved with pain relief, anxiety/restlessness and insomnia.  These

studies

were done with and without essential oils to rule out the obviously

soothing/positive

effects of touch and presence. Monitoring of arterial pressures, central venous

pressures,

oximetry and in one case intracranial pressures were continous monitored and

mapped

before, during and after the treatment.  To make this short, results were

> conclusive, there was a statistically positive benefit from the topical use

of essential oils

in patients where the olfactory route was basically eliminated.  Interesting!! 

>  

> Now, in my hospice work, I am seeing more and more medications being applied

topically in a PLO gel, or mixed with Emu oil  as a carrier. Some medications

are so

lipophilic, like fentanyl that Drug companies have capitalized on the molecular

pharmacology and have formualted transdermal patches. Soon, there will be

available a

fentanyl patch that is controlled by electrical current, similar to patient

controlled

analgesia IV pumps!!  However, there are medications that theorectically should

not be

absorbed topically, but can produce local and sometimes systemic symptom

relief.  For

instance topical baclofen for relief of spasm produced a local decrease in spasm

of

quadirceps muscle, but did not give the systemic effect that the oral pill did.

So, for me,

seeing is believing, even though the baclofen did not have systemic benefit,

clearly it

penetrated all layers producing pharmacologic effects.

>  

> So, my mind is much more open to the possibility that aromatherapy is much

more

than....aroma's!!

>  

> Aromatically,

> Lori Mitchell

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Chris,

 

Sure, feel free to post on your blog! If you have any questions or want

some more detail, just drop me a line, I'll be happy to help.

 

Anya, thanks for the compliment!

 

Lori- A lot of pharmacists (though not all, for sure) are a good " bridge "

between modern & natural medicines. After all, pharmacy has it's roots in

natural medicine - early " pharmacists " in the 19th century were mostly

working with plant extracts.

 

Back to the books - officially studying A & P now for Monday's Final!

 

-Melissa

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Lori,

 

Yes, medications can pass through the skin barrier, but with the exception

of the few that are naturally lipophilic like fentanyl, most require

compounding into carriers that are specifically designed to be able to pass

through the skin's natural barrier. So far, topicals and patches are

limited to a fairly small group of medication classes, although research

continues and the applications are growing. This is an area of intense

research and development since it allows the medication to bypass the " First

Pass " route through the liver that *all* orally administered meds must

take. Dermal administration can prevented unwanted transformation and

breakdown in the liver, among other things.

 

I'd love to see the studies on the massage with and without EO's in the

ventilated pts, were any peer-reviewed and published?

 

As for industrial chemicals and such, as I mentioned, there are compounds,

many of which are toxic like methyl salicylate, which can cross the skin

barrier. This is *why* such chemicals are banned, and why modern laws

require in-depth toxicology studies. The skin is not a perfect barrier, but

it is designed to function as a barrier, not a sponge.

 

-Melissa

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

As for industrial chemicals and such, as I mentioned, there are compounds,

 

many of which are toxic like methyl salicylate, which can cross the skin

 

barrier. This is *why* such chemicals are banned, and why modern laws

 

require in-depth toxicology studies. The skin is not a perfect barrier, but

 

it is designed to function as a barrier, not a sponge.

 

 

 

-Melissa

Unfortunately here is a case in point; Arielle Newman, a cross-country runner at

Notre Dame Academy on Staten

Island, died after her body absorbed high levels of methyl salicylate,

an anti-inflammatory found in sports creams such as Bengay and Icy Hot,

the New York City medical examiner said

Friday.http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/19144600/- Review the entire article here.

Be well,

Rachel Markel

 

 

[Guest guest]

I remember when that child died from using both internally and externally those

products and died.

 

I can't imagine what my husband has in his body that has been affected by some

of the scariest chemicals used in the oil fields to treat oil.....I know that I

was put on a fentanyl patch and since I tend to run a high temp normally, the

release was not as evenly gauged as it should have been and I almost died....I

flushed the remaining three patches down the toilet...

 

I have to wonder if ones personal body temp and chemistry is also influenced. I

can't help but thing my spouse has damage that is beginning to show . We could

chalk it up to age as many things are and this is where I think we fail in

healthcare with those of us who know check off the third age category in

cosmetics in the magazines (the last age to check off is simply called 'whats

the point?)....but I think his brain has had some sort of damage , I know his

cardiac is affected and these began when he was much younger, still in his 30's.

 

Just because I'm 53, it don't mean I'm in pain or sick because I'm 53 and i know

that the older one gets, some of these chemicals store in the fat cells and can

build up over time.

 

e

 

--- On Sat, 12/6/08, Rachel Markel <ramarkel wrote:

 

Rachel Markel <ramarkel

Re: RE: Absorption via the skin and

Inhalation/Olfactory

 

Saturday, December 6, 2008, 7:41 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As for industrial chemicals and such, as I mentioned, there are compounds,

 

many of which are toxic like methyl salicylate, which can cross the skin

 

barrier. This is *why* such chemicals are banned, and why modern laws

 

require in-depth toxicology studies. The skin is not a perfect barrier, but

 

it is designed to function as a barrier, not a sponge.

 

 

 

-Melissa

Unfortunately here is a case in point; Arielle Newman, a cross-country runner

at Notre Dame Academy on Staten

Island, died after her body absorbed high levels of methyl salicylate,

an anti-inflammatory found in sports creams such as Bengay and Icy Hot,

the New York City medical examiner said

Friday.http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/19144600/- Review the entire article here.

Be well,

Rachel Markel

 

 

[Guest guest]

Dear Katherine,

 

     Outside of the outrageous..okay...just gotta say it...CRAP....by MLM of ill

repute etc, I think that with some training, knowlegde and comman sense, that

maybe it is too limiting to say you have been doing aromatherapy all wrong. I've

 seen too much of the unexplainable, and there is simply way too much we do not

know about the human mind, body and spirit.

 

     Only with exploration, continued sharing and studies will we grow, and I am

very excited to think about future develpments in knowledge and application.

Fellas like Butch and many others are instumental in providing reality checks

and keeping the modality of aromatherapy respectable. Martin Watt also has so

much to contribute,  I miss reading his posts, but would sure like to have him

with me at the " bedside " for awhile. What a fanatasy I have to pull a " dream

team " of the minds and talents in aromatherapy together to build on our

experience, research, knowledge etc into a clinical setting and do some evidence

based, externally validated research......sigh!!!

 

   Continue to learn, experience and be present with the outcomes. It is all

about outcomes is it not

 

   Now that I have said that about evidence based practice, I also have to say,

that I have seen horrendous malfunctions in evidence based medicine, so it is

not in my opinion the highest standard. There are some really big holes in

alopathic medicine. Interventions are often only a small piece of the " puzzle "

of caring for another being.

 

   I'm thinking of the time I cared for a little 3 year old boy who was the only

survivor of a fatal accident that killed his entire family while they were

travelling in the Flathead Valley in an RV.  He escaped serious injury, but was

nearly catatonic, no eye contact, would not allow to be touched, would not talk

or eat. His grandparents had not yet arrived from out of town.  So I gatered by

dear friend, Ruth Singer who was one of the first students of Chalice of Repose.

She brought her folk harp, and I made some clay-dough and scented it with

Neroli, Sweet Orange and Angelica.  We walked into his room, and ever so gently 

and nonchalantly introduced ourselves, I played with the clay while Ruth

played her harp. We created a space of acceptance, love and compassion with

intent. Eventually we got eye contact, then a few chuckles as Ruth sang a silly

song as she played. As he showed an opening, I split the clay in half and gave

him some, he squeezed

and poked, and pulled and did 3 year old stuff with it. Then he put it down,

and walked over to Ruths harp and touched the wood. Ruth asked him if he would

like to play it, and he did, his eyes returned to life, his face brightened and

as Ruth began to show him how different cords on the harp would be felt in

different parts of the body, they played a game. " Where do you feel this one? "   

For a while, he was a carefree 3 year old again.  The point of this story:  was

it the aroma', the combination of aromas, was there any skin absorption (doubt

it) was it the music, the silly songs, was it our intent and combined

engergetics???   No one will ever, ever know, but WHO CARES???  The outcome set

about a very important change in this little boy, he did start eating, but

talked only when spoken to, allowed staff to bath and care for his abrasions...,

he never did cry that I knew of. Another thing I will never know, is how much

our intervention really

helped, or long term outcome or his memory of this. Maybe it was just a

coincidence...he was just getting hungry enough to eat???  This kind of

" knowing " I have come to believe is simply not for us to know, It is too easy

for ego to get involved.  Many times I have not been able to document

" positive he outcome of  " interventions " on noncommunicative patients..... I

don't need to know. (Privided I have not done something stupid like Raindrop

terrorist therapy " )  it is sure nice when someone is able to say, " Oh, I feel so

much better, " or " my wound is healing much better than before " , but, in the end,

healing on any level is intensly personal, and we are only a very small part of

it, like an enzyme...as a catalyst...then the process takes on its own life.

 

Woooo... A little long winded on that!  So, have faith in what you are doing,

and keep a comittment to just keep learning and experiencing!!!

 

Aromatically,

Lori

  --- On Sat, 12/6/08, K Slade <skydiva wrote:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Melissa!

 

     No, I have not published any of these, I was assisted by Dr. Barbara

Prescot (doctorate in nursing) in designing the studies. I have no research

background. Just don't have the time or energy. " Someday " ....you know that ol

someday routine. I'd love to publish in a nursing or hospice journal, but just

don't have the time. Too many hoops to jump through, resubmitting etc etc. Just

not a priority right now.

 

     Working with a compounding pharmacist, Elizabeth Alma is fascinating. 

There are several companies in town that do this. I have to say, I think there

are some real predatory practices based on economic gain in compounding. " Oh you

bet, we can compound a morphine and lorazepam PLO gel, it can take the place of

the pills when she cannot swallow. "   Hmmmmm........not buying that one enough to

even put one of my patients through it. By the way the price is 10x what is is

for alternate routes.BTW-topical morphine for  wound care works great as the

skin barrier is...well no longer a barrier!   But with an ethical and well

trained pharmacist, great things can be done!  I'm so thrilled to know that you

are interested in looking outside the box, and am excited for all of the

additions you will make to whatever " team " you are on some day!   The modality

of palliative care is fascinating beyonds words, and we desperately need open

minds like yours!!

(hint hint!)

 

Aromatically,

Lori

 

--- On Sat, 12/6/08, Melissa Bell <melbell1206 wrote:

 

Melissa Bell <melbell1206

RE: Absorption via the skin and Inhalation/Olfactory

 

Saturday, December 6, 2008, 11:05 AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lori,

 

Yes, medications can pass through the skin barrier, but with the exception

of the few that are naturally lipophilic like fentanyl, most require

compounding into carriers that are specifically designed to be able to pass

through the skin's natural barrier. So far, topicals and patches are

limited to a fairly small group of medication classes, although research

continues and the applications are growing. This is an area of intense

research and development since it allows the medication to bypass the " First

Pass " route through the liver that *all* orally administered meds must

take. Dermal administration can prevented unwanted transformation and

breakdown in the liver, among other things.

 

I'd love to see the studies on the massage with and without EO's in the

ventilated pts, were any peer-reviewed and published?

 

As for industrial chemicals and such, as I mentioned, there are compounds,

many of which are toxic like methyl salicylate, which can cross the skin

barrier. This is *why* such chemicals are banned, and why modern laws

require in-depth toxicology studies. The skin is not a perfect barrier, but

it is designed to function as a barrier, not a sponge.

 

-Melissa

 

 

[Guest guest]

Love this topic!I've often wondered if I had brought some oils and did some

reflexology on my daughter if just maybeher system would begin to right it self.

Of course this is all after thought, the stuff that just drives you to tearsbut

I didn't think of it. That power of 'touch' and scent and accupressure points

and just talking to her in affirmations.I would advise many who find themselves

in a similar situation to think about all of what I said and what these people

are sharing.....I cannot help but believe this would help. evie