Jennifer Peace Rhind Aromatherapeutic BLENDING

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SINGINGDRAGON

Jennifer Peace Rhind

E S S E N T I A L O I L S I N S Y N E R G Y

AromatherapeuticB L E N D I N G

Cover design: Black Dog Design

73 Collier StreetLondon N1 9BE, UK

400 Market Street, Suite 400Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

www.singingdragon.com

Synergistic blending is at the very core of aromatherapy practice. This book explores theconcept of synergy, providing evidence for its existence and significance, and gives practicalguidance on how to build aromatherapeutic blends effectively and safely.

The author covers new and exciting developments in research into the use of essential oils,explores the merits and limitations of holistic, psychosensory and molecular approaches toblending, and suggests effective ways of choosing the most suitable approach for individualclients. Evidence-based profiles of essential oils and absolutes are included and comprehensivetables summarising their actions enable easy identification of potential contenders forsynergistic blends.

‘Aromatherapeutic Blending is a book that every aromatherapy practitioner should own and everyaromatherapy educator should incorporate into their curriculum.’

– Lora Cantele, Editor of The International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy

‘Jennifer Peace Rhind draws from her many years of study, experience and exploration, andcombines her insights with a rigorous scientific understanding to shed new light on the actionsand character of individual essential oils, together with ideas on how best to combine theminto therapeutic blends.’

– Gill Farrer-Halls, LLSA, MIFA, author of The Spirit in Aromatherapy and The Aromatherapy Bible

‘I can highly recommend this book as a well-researched reference source, as well as a practicalguide to blending.’

– Julia Lawless, author of The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils and Managing Director of Aqua Oleum

Jennifer Peace Rhind is a Chartered Biologist with qualifications inmassage and aromatherapy. She has experience as a therapist and partnerin a complementary healthcare clinic and as a lecturer in ComplementaryHealthcare in Higher Education.

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Copyright Singing Dragon http://singingdragon.com/aromatherapeutic-blending.html


Aromatherapeutic BL E N DI N G


by the same author

Essential OilsA Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice Second EditionISBN 978 1 84819 089 4eISBN 978 0 85701 072 8

Listening to ScentAn Olfactory Journey with Aromatic Plants and Their ExtractsISBN 978 1 84819 125 9eISBN 978 0 85701 171 8

Fragrance and WellbeingPlant Aromatics and Their Influence on the PsycheISBN 978 1 84819 090 0eISBN 978 0 85701 073 5

A Sensory JourneyMeditations on Scent for WellbeingCard SetISBN 978 1 84819 153 2eISBN 978 0 85701 175 6


Aromatherapeutic BL E N DI N G

ESSENTIAL OILS IN SYNERGY

Jennifer Pe ace rhind

LONDON AND PHILADELPHIA


First published in 2016by Singing Dragonan imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers 73 Collier StreetLondon N1 9BE, UKand400 Market Street, Suite 400Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

www.singingdragon.com

Copyright © Jennifer Peace Rhind 2016

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing it in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of the copyright owner except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 or under the terms of a licence issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd, Saffron House, 6–10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS. Applications for the copyright owner’s written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publisher.

Warning: The doing of an unauthorised act in relation to a copyright work may result in both a civil claim for damages and criminal prosecution.

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication DataRhind, Jennifer, author. Aromatherapeutic blending : essential oils in synergy / Jennifer Peace Rhind. p. ; cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-84819-227-0 (alk. paper) I. Title. [DNLM: 1. Aromatherapy--methods. 2. Drug Synergism. 3. Oils, Volatile--therapeutic use. WB 925] RM666.A68 615.3’219--dc23 2015008188

British Library Cataloguing in Publication DataA CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 978 1 84819 227 0eISBN 978 0 85701 174 9


For Derek and Leeloo – always and forever in my heart



CONTENTS

PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Part I Principles and Practice 151 Essential Oil Synergy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 The Individual Prescription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 A Spectrum of Approaches: Science-based, Psychosensory

and Vitalistic Paradigms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344 Aromatherapeutic Blending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455 Applications, Carrier Media, Dosage and Ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566 Acne Vulgaris: A Case Study by Tamara Agnew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Part II Essential Oils and Absolutes: Actions and Evidence 737 Pain and Inflammation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758 Smooth Functioning: Antispasmodic and Anticonvulsant Actions . . . . . . . . . . 949 Health Maintenance and Enhancement: Anti-oxidant

and Anti-cancer Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10410 Infection and Immunity: Antimicrobial and Immunomodulant Actions . . . . . 11911 Respiratory Support: Expectorant, Mucolytic, Decongestant and Antitussive

Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13212 The Skin and Soft Tissues: Wound-healing, Regenerating, Anti-allergic and

Antipruritic Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14013 The Psyche: Anxiolytic, Antidepressant and Cognition-enhancing Actions . . . 162

Part III Aromatics 18714 Essential Oils and Absolutes: Evidence-based Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18915 Expanded Practice Aromatics: Abbreviated Profiles for Synergistic Blending . . 255

AFTERWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278

APPENDIX: FIXED PLANT AND MACERATED HERBAL OILS IN AROMATHERAPY . . . . . . . 282

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

RESOURCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

ESSENTIAL OILS INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

SUBJECT INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327

AUTHOR INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332



9

PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book was originally conceived as a practical blending tool – a set of cards – that could be used to explore the relationships between essential oils when formulating aromatic prescriptions. I had an idea that these cards would contain colour-coded information, and that they could be laid out in patterns – rather like tarot spreads – to illustrate the different approaches to blending described in Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice (Rhind 2012); indeed, it was to be a companion to that text. As good an idea as that sounded, it quickly became clear that the intricacies of aromatherapeutic blending demanded a much fuller investigation, not only into what constitutes synergy from the perspective of holistic aromatherapy, but also of the recently published research into the biological and therapeutic actions of essential oils and their constituents.

When I began to explore the concept of synergy and aromatic plants, it was my ‘inner biologist’ that fuelled the search for evidence, and I accessed a considerable number of papers from a wide range of journals – keeping everything as current and up to date as possible. As the first chapter progressed, I was becoming more and more aware that this robust but reductionist approach was revealing only a small, albeit important, facet of synergy; and that to give us a meaningful exploration of how we formulate aromatherapeutic blends, this approach was too narrow. This made me reflect upon what makes aromatherapy vibrant and special for us – it is not only about chemistry and biology, but also about our relationships with aroma, the natural world and indeed one another. Aromatherapy is a unique therapy – we are promoting health and wellbeing with aromatic plants, the very same species and scents that were used by our ancestors for healing. We have thousands of years of collective wisdom to help inform our practice, and we can explore some of the ancient traditional aromatic formulae too, giving us a deeper insight into what, exactly, constitutes synergy.

It was with this holistic perspective that I proceeded with my work. I broadened my vision to integrate concepts of synergy as experienced via the senses, in the natural world, within therapeutic relationships, within perfumery, within our relationships with odours; I explored ‘aromatic signatures’, and how aromatherapy draws upon traditional philosophies to give models for synergistic blending, and how we can gain esoteric insights via meditation on the aromas of essential oils. At this point, I was beginning to feel that I was no longer deconstructing the therapy that has formed such a very big part of my life; the magic was still very present.


AROMATHERAPEUTIC BLENDING

10

However, it had also become clear that this book was not just about aromatherapeutic blending! A literature search, focusing on the evidence for essential oil actions, was long overdue. This involved many hours of searching and extracting information relevant to the quest – and inevitably the inner biologist surfaced again! This all culminated in Part II, where a selection of the ‘evidence for actions’ is presented. It was very important to me that this should be accessible and useful, as it forms the basis of the information that we need in order to select appropriate essential oils, even before considering their potential synergistic interactions. This is why the actions are presented in loose groupings, and either related to physiology (e.g. pain) or directed to specific systems (e.g. respiratory), or to the psyche. Although this is, essentially, a biomedical/reductionist approach, I do feel that if we aspire to be holistic, we must be able to understand the detail, and respect the microcosm, because this can help us formulate effective aromatic prescriptions with the confidence that we are basing our practice on evidence from a variety of life and social science disciplines.

Part III is presented as a series of full and abbreviated essential oil profiles, and is an attempt at synthesising the philosophical theories presented in Part I with the evidence in Part II, revealing the opportunities for essential oil synergy. These profiles are based on the evidence for biological actions revealed in the literature search, but the blending suggestions are also informed by wider holistic and energetic perspectives, as well as my nose.

Throughout the book, I have attempted to present the ‘hard’ science in an accessible way. Aromatherapy is such a very broad subject, with its foundations in several disciplines, and very few of us are experts in all aspects. I do not claim or pretend to be an expert in anything, but I do love to explore, think, debate, communicate and write. The more you do this, the more you understand just how much you still have to learn, and I relish this journey! Where I have needed to improve upon my own education, I have shared this with you in the form of footnotes, and a glossary, which, for me, was a very useful reminder when I was on less familiar territory. I hope that you too will find this helpful. I stopped myself preparing a reference section on the known actions of specific constituents. This might have been very helpful, but it would have been the very antithesis of what this book is all about – an exploration of ideas, and a synthesis of these, to give each and every aromatherapist, regardless of their favoured or default modus operandi, an unprecedented opportunity to join me on this journey, and to dissect, analyse, reflect, and then emerge a more knowledgeable and insightful practitioner.

No book is a solo endeavour – even though the process of writing can feel somewhat lonely at times. There are several special individuals that I would like to thank: Tamara Agnew for contributing a reflective case study that probably illustrates synergistic blending better than anything else, for creating a model for blending, and for being my ‘critical friend’; Jonathan Hinde and Malte Hozzel of Oshadhi, who shared their unique philosophy and supplied many of the more unusual essential oils for sensory appreciation and description; Megan McGeever


Preface and acknowledgements

11

for sharing her pilot study exploring the role of the client in essential oil selection; Christine Donnelly for ensuring that the areas where my knowledge of physiology was murky became clarified; Kareen Hogg, a shining example of a practitioner who combines her understanding of essential oils with deep tissue massage and myofascial release; Anita James for her interest in and support of my work; and Lora Cantele for giving me the opportunity to contribute regularly to The International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy. My husband Derek is always my rock, and for an architect he can really hold his own in a conversation about the philosophical aspects of aromatherapy. Our 13-year-old Tibetan terrier Leeloo has had a difficult year, but her vitality, sparkling presence and unconditional love continue to pervade our lives; indeed many of our conversations about how this book was progressing were undertaken during her daily walks! Also, I extend my thanks to all at Singing Dragon, especially Jessica Kingsley, Jane Evans, Victoria Peters, Linda De Angelis and Anne Oppenheimer: you have given me, yet again, the chance to write about what I care about; thanks also for publishing books that ‘make a difference’. All of you have made this a better and more comprehensive book, but you have also been wonderful companions; I value your professionalism and friendship.

I hope that you will embark on this book with excitement and an open mind. You will find that evidence of my inner biologist is scattered throughout – but it happily co-exists with my love of the esoteric, symbolism, the natural world and its inhabitants, plants and all things scented – and I sincerely hope that I have managed to strike a balance between science and traditional wisdom. This is a book to be read first, and then used as a reference and companion – and as your practice evolves, you might return to it on occasions for reflection and review. It has been written for every aromatherapy student and practitioner, and it is my honour to accompany you on your professional journey. Make an aromatic difference to our world!

With love,

Jennifer 14 February 2015


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Jennifer Peace Rhind Aromatherapeutic BLENDING

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