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| Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Photo: Dan Hughes; Agency: Dreamstime.com. |
Mention the term “essential oils” in the US, and most people will imagine calming, stress reducing massages performed in luxurious spas. Few would think about prevention and treatment of common infectious illnesses.
The American view of essential oils reflects the English tradition of aromatherapy, which was pioneered by Marguerite Maury. This approach is based on external use of vegetable oils blended with 2–3% aromatic essential oils. This can be a highly effective adjunctive therapy for helping people to relax, but there is far more to the clinical use of aromatic essential oils than is contained in the English approach.
In France, use of essential oils from aromatic plants has a long and venerable history for treatment of many kinds of infections. If you go to the French National Library of the School of Pharmacy, you will find 800 doctoral theses written on essential oils and their active principles; if you check the “Vidal” (the French equivalent of the Physicians’ Desk Reference), you’ll find that among 7,000 officially recognized drugs, 1,047 contain essential oils—that’s 15% of all recognized medications! In French clinical practice, essential oils may be used internally as well as externally. This approach represents an effective, non-pharmaceutical approach to managing many common infectious conditions.
The Essence of Essential Oils
Essential oils or aromatic plant essences are volatile and fragrant substances produced during the process of photosynthesis; the transformation of solar energy acts specifically on plants’ secretory cells (a good example of these secretory cells are the little round sacs visible in orange peel). Aromatic plants produce essential oils to attract beneficial insects, repulse or kill pathogenic agents (like fungi, bacteria, and viruses) and block germination of other plants they are competing with.
Most essential oils are extracted by steam distillation mainly from flowers and leaves, but also wood, bark, seeds and roots. Citrus zests are cold pressed. Steam distillation techniques are quite ancient and well established. However, they require large amounts of plant material to obtain relatively small quantities of pure essential oils. Modern market pressures have, unfortunately, pushed many companies to use chemical solvents to produce so-called essential oils. Solvents should never be used for extracting therapeutic essential oils, especially oils that are to be used internally, in accordance with French therapeutic methodology.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated; on average, about 125 pounds of plant materials go into the making of 1 pound of essential oil. They are soluble in alcohol and oils, but almost insoluble in water.
When looking for therapeutic quality essential oils, make sure they are 100% pure, natural and integral essential oils. Ideally, choose those from organically grown plants (when available). Good essential oils will be labeled with full botanical identification (common and Latin names), chemotype when several species are available, and plant parts used (e.g., Thyme: Thymus vulgaris, CT thymol, head flowers).
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The French Tradition
The earliest recorded use of aromatic plant formulations in France dates back to the 14th century, but it is really in the 17th century, when missionaries of various monastic orders began to incorporate and organize the knowledge acquired in Egypt and Asia, that a more formalized botanical medicine science and essential oil pharmacology became established.
During the years 1628–1631, when the Black Plague swept through the region around Toulouse, causing 50,000 deaths, four incorrigible thieves, finding the opportunity very tempting, visited abandoned or contaminated houses. They robbed the dead and dying, taking jewels and valuables, without ever catching the plague. Eventually, the authorities caught the thieves, but promised to pardon them in exchange for information about whatever they were using to avoid the contagion.
The thieves revealed their secret: an aromatic formula that became known as “Acetum Antisepticum Vulgo des Quatres Voleurs” (“Antiseptic Vinegar of the Four Thieves”). Though their revelation did not spare them from the gallows, the thieves did avoid torture, and the formula became part of medical knowledge.
Roughly a century later, another infectious epidemic swept Marseilles. Found in the Museum of Old Marseilles is a very similar formulation, also obtained from thieves, though these met better fortune than their Toulouse “colleagues”—their lives were spared. The recipe is one of the earliest formalized aromatic plant medicine blends. It includes small amounts of absinthe, as well as rosemary, sage, mint, rue, lavender, calamus, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, camphor, acetic acid and white vinegar, infused in a varnished clay pot over hot ashes for 8 days. The formula remained in the French Pharmacopoeia from 1758 to 1884 (see illustration: cover page of the original 1758 Pharmacopoeia).
Modern essential oil therapy in France goes back to 1928, with the chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé. In 1931, he published his research describing the correlation between the biochemical structure of essential oils and their biological activities. His work was confirmed by Dr. Louis Sévelinge who created, in 1945, the first pharmaceutical line of essential oil products for internal use. The military surgeon Jean Valnet educated people at large on the efficacy of essential oils. Duraffourd, Lapraz (see Holistic Primary Care, Jan. 2002, “Endobiogenic medicine: A neuroendocrine approach to botanical medicine”), d’Hervincourt, Belaiche, all medical doctors, refined this therapeutic approach over the last 50 years.
Pierre Franchomme introduced a fundamental notion regarding efficacy and toxicity with his concept of biochemical specificity, also called “Chemotype” (CT). The concept is based on the recognition that the same aromatic plant (identical genus and species) will produce an essential oil with somewhat different aromatic components, depending on where it grows and the season during which it is harvested. Franchomme standardized a system for analyzing essential oils by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The chemotype is the aromatic marker component that defines all plants within a same family. For example, the chemotypes for essential oil from Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are CT Thujanol and CT Thymol. Each aromatic component has different properties, both beneficial and potentially toxic. The chemotype system is extremely useful for refining the prescription of essential oils, to optimize efficacy and limit toxicity of oils within a same plant family.
Multiple Synergistic Actions
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| Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Photo: Lars Madsen; Agency: Dreamstime.com. |
The French approach of using essential oils for preventing and treating common infections requires very concentrated oils: between 20 and 50%. In specific cases, essential oils are even used undiluted. Aromatic essential oils exert their anti-infectious effects on multiple and synergistic levels:
• Direct action on germs: A number of essential oils can inhibit proliferation of infectious pathogens. Some can actually destroy pathogens by rupturing their cell membranes. This is the most studied therapeutic application of essential oils, especially with “the aromatogram,” a technique for testing a series of essential oils on isolated microbial samples from a patient.
Studies show that the most potent anti-microbial essential oils like thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and oregano (Origanum hirtum) contain high levels of phenols (thymol, carvacrol and eugenol) and aromatic aldehydes (cinnamaldehydes) (see JAM. 2000; 88: 308–316, “Antimicrobial agents from plants: Antibacterial activity of plant volatile oils”). This has important therapeutic implications; since phenols are toxic to the liver, one should avoid ingesting high-phenolic oils at high doses for a long period of time. These oils are typically used for acute conditions, with the daily dose divided and spread out over the course of the day.
The second best anti-infectious oils are those like Eucalyptus radiata, Aniba rosaeodora or Ravensara aromatica, which contain monoterpenols (especially geraniol, linalool, a-terpineol, terpineol-4 and thujanol). When combined with the oxide, 1.8 cineole (which used to be called eucalyptol), they have very interesting antiviral properties. Monoterpenol essential oils have practically no side effects, and can be used for prevention as well as treatment especially for children.
It’s important to remember that essential oils are extremely complex, each containing between 100 and 500 active principles, and their composition can change, much like wine vintages. The inherent complexity of the aromatic oils makes it difficult if not impossible for bacteria to become resistant, especially if you blend the oils.
• Direct action on the biological terrain: When Louis Pasteur was on his deathbed he said, “The microbe is nothing; the terrain is everything”. What he meant was that a microbe is pathogenic only if it finds a susceptible host environment. A key facet of the French essential oil methodology, and in fact much of the European approach to botanical medicine, lies in strengthening host immunity and modulating the biological terrain so that it becomes inhospitable to pathogenic microorganisms.
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| Tea Tree (Melaleuca). Photo: Bob Denelzen; Agency: Dreamstime.com. |
To use a simple example, a temporary acidification of a tissue treated with essential oils creates a sterile environment that becomes inhospitable to germs, especially in the blood and digestive tract. Professor Louis-Claude Vincent, a hydrologist, was the first to articulate this idea: “It becomes clear that each living organism and each mineral solution can be precisely defined by 3 factors: its pH, rH2 (reducing capacity) and specific resistance”. In 1948, he invented the first Bio-electrometer, which he used to measure these three parameters in blood, urine and saliva, thus mapping out the bioelectric parameters of human health. These parameters are used in establishing the condition of the biological terrain of the body, and are used by many French practitioners to guide essential oil therapy.
Essential oils generally have a pH between 5 and 5.8, and they have strong reducing effects, with typical rH readings of about 15 (the maximum is 24).
• Indirect action on the terrain: Beyond the direct effects on tissue pH, essential oils can be used to boost the immune system (e.g., Tea Tree oil), and stimulate the organs responsible for eliminating waste products. A good example is the stimulation of the liver with lemon, rosemary (CT verbenone) and peppermint. Certain essential oils, like German chamomile promote wound healing. Others can be used to support nervous system function (e.g., Pinus sylvestris and Picea mariana). Internal use of essential oils can have beneficial effects on the intestinal flora, favoring probiotic rather than pathogenic organisms. Clinical experience shows that unlike pharmaceutical antibiotic therapies, aromatic molecules respect the intestinal saprophyte flora.
Essential Oils for Pulmonary Infections
Essential oils can be used to prevent and treat a wide range of infections. Here is a simple treatment protocol for progressive pulmonary infections with heavy mucus secretions and inflammation.
- Essential oil blend for skin application and inhalation:
Ravensara aromatica, 4 ml (1.8 cineole, monoterpenols, phenol)
Eucalyptus radiata, 4 ml (1.8 cineole, monoterpenols)
Melaleuca alternifolia, 3 ml (monoterpenols, monoterpenes)
Pinus sylvestris, 2 ml (monoterpenes)
Lavandula spica, 1 ml (monoterpenols, ketones, 1.8 cineole)
Mentha piperita, 0.5 ml (ketones, oxides, mono terpenols)
Apply 10 drops of the blend on the inside of forearms, chest, and back 3 to 4 times a day for 10 days. For sensitive skin, mix 1 part of this blend with 1 part grape seed oil. This blend can also be used for inhalation: Put 3 drops on a tissue and inhale for 2 minutes. Note that it should not be used by pregnant women or young children, as the peppermint (Mentha piperita) can trigger pharyngeal spasms in babies and very young children. - Origanum vulgare hirtum (phenols) taken internally: Take 2 capsules of 50 mg each, 3 to 4 times a day, for 5 days. Then cut back to 2 caps, 2 to 3 times a day for another 5 days. Dosage is body-weight related. DO NOT take the daily dose all at once, and do not use Oregano oils for more than 15 days at a time.
It is important to start this treatment as early as possible after onset of symptoms, to inhibit proliferation of germs. During the initial phase, use high concentrations of essential oils frequently, until you see signs of improvement, and then reduce application progressively. Some patients may find the topically applied essential oils a bit irritating, so let them know that it is advisable to apply the oils to different zones of the body, including the soles of the feet, to avoid irritation due to repeated application at the same sites.
“L’Eau de Mélisse des Carmes”
One of the oldest compound aromatic plant medicines in recorded history, “L’Eau de Mélisse des Carmes” (Carmelite Melisse Cordial) has been manufactured since 1611 by the monastic order of the Carmelites (installed in Paris by Saint Louis, King of France). Fresh leaves of lemon balm, angelica root, lemon zest, nutmeg, seeds of coriander, clove buds and cinnamon were macerated with white wine and then distilled. The elixir developed a strong reputation due to its reported benefit in treating the relentless migraines of Cardinal de Richelieu, prime minister of Louis XIII. At some point the formulation was added to the French Pharmacopoeia. The Carmelite Melisse Cordial is still sold in France today.
Essential Oil First Aid Kit
(Keep it with you at all times!)
Ravensara aromatica (Ravensare): Very antiviral yet very gentle: anti-infectious, expectorant, stimulates immune system; makes you feel invigorated, yet relaxed. Apply 10 drops on the inside of forearms and chest at first sign of cold or flu. Use pure oil every 15 minutes on an emerging cold sore until itching stops. Apply 4 drops on your solar plexus in case of insomnia.
Eucalyptus radiata: Supports respiratory function. Wonderful for children. Has antiviral and antibacterial properties and relieves coughs. Blend 3 drops with 3 drops of grape seed oil and apply on the inside of forearms and chest at first sign of cold, flu or bronchitis. Apply around the ears (not inside) in case of otitis.
Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree): Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal; boosts immune system. Tea tree is effective against MRSA (see BMC Surgery. 2001; 1: 1, “Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis”; and Burns. 2004; 30: 772–777, “The effect of essential oil on MRSA using dressing model”). At the onset of a throat infection, apply Tea Tree pure on the neck and blend 4 drops with a teaspoon of honey; ingest a little bit of the mixture every 5 minutes. To protect the skin when undergoing radiation therapy, apply pure locally for 15 minutes before treatment.
Mentha piperita (Peppermint): A must-have for jetlag: anti-infectious, tonic, supports liver function and digestion; decongestant and anesthetic. Put 1 drop on your finger and apply on your tongue; immediately improves nausea and lack of energy. Two drops on the forehead, temples and back neck lift tension headaches (keep your eyes closed during treatment). NOT for pregnant women or babies; use locally only.
Ocimum basilicum (Basil): Potent antispasmodic: sedative for the nervous system and antalgic. For abdominal cramps, indigestion or symptoms of PMS, blend 4 drops of Basil with a teaspoon of moisturizing cream and apply directly on the abdomen.
Lavandula spica (Spike lavender): Recommended as an immediate treatment for burns (1st and 2nd degree) and insect stings: antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant, antalgic and wound-healing. Apply a couple of drops on blisters or bites.
Helichrysum italicum (Everlasting): The most potent remedy for bruises: anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and expectorant. Apply a couple of drops on bruises; soothing for states of intense emotional stress or shock.
We live in a time when we are facing new and increasingly virulent strains of bacteria and viruses, with fewer effective treatments. People’s immune systems are being challenged by industrial chemicals, overuse of antibiotics, or in some places, malnutrition. This is a perfect setting in which to explore the therapeutic potential of essential oils. The World Health Organization categorically advocates a renewal of interest for medicinal plants and traditional remedies and even provides funding to selected countries (WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy, 2002–2005).
Start building your own experience today, and if you have any questions you can email me at Corinne@almarome.com.
Corinne Adrion-Israelsen studied Naturopathy in Paris at the Faculte Libre de Medecines Naturelles et d’Ethnomedecine. In 1997 she founded Sinafia-Almarome, a company that continues the French tradition of ultra high-quality organic essential oils for intensive therapy. She developed the first online database on essential oils for health professionals in France, assembling 20-plus years of research from the leading experts. In 1999 she launched Almarome Essential Oils in the US, with distribution in California and western states. Almarome continues today with the flagship product, “The Shield,” a 3-part essential oil protocol for preventing respiratory infections, developed at the request of medical doctors. Visit: www.almarome.com.
