While I was writing this post, I didn’t know the details that I will be able to read from the research papers I used as references. As I repeatedly mentioned, my focus is only to present reliable research results about oils, because Oil therapy Code is dedicated to Essential Oils and not to some synthetic substances. I just want to write everything about the effects of olive oil, but it didn’t occur to me that some details might be confusing to certain people. There are parts that are omitted here to avoid any misinterpretations that I am advising some other methods of application such as rectal insertion or mixing it with other synthetically made medicines. I want to emphasize that Oil therapy Code is only endorsing and following topical application of Essential oils.

Upon reading research results, I’ve seen the consistent efficacy of olive oil in constipation. Because ‘I’ am truly convinced that olive oil is effective, there’s no reason for me to review back some literature that’s not based on research results, nor call someone who does not have a solid knowledge about oils to verify that olive oil is effective. I prefer focusing on research results that have proven the effects of essential oils based on clinical trials.

Researchers I’ve read proves the efficacy of olive oil, Ergo, it is my choice of treatment for my tummy.
In this post, you will see the different ways in which Olive oil has been administered. But let me just clarify that olive oil is considered a vegetable oil or base oil, hence the changes being talked about here are caused by a vegetable oil.
For Essential oils, you can visit our post about lavender which shows its unchanging efficacy despite that it has been tested in different clinical trials.

1. Abdominal massage using olive oil

This Iranian single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial determined the effect of abdominal massage with extra-virgin olive oil on constipation among the elderly. 52 individuals aged ranged from 60-93 and defecating less than three times a week were enrolled in the study. They were residing at nursing homes in Shiraz, Iran from November 2018 to March 2019. The participants were assigned into three groups, yet all of the patients received the prescribed medications from the nursing home. The intervention for the first group included abdominal massage with 20 milliliters of extra virgin olive oil. It was administered once a day, for 15 minutes, at a specific period between 8 to 11 am for five consecutive days. A trained masseur performed an abdominal massage that’s based on the guidelines of the National Health System. The massage was carried out at a 2-4 cm depth by the masseur and was performed by following these eight steps: (1)

• 1- Three movements from the pubic symphysis to the navel
• 2- Three movements from the two sides of the pelvis toward the pubic symphysis
• 3- Right wise rotation from the pubic symphysis to the surroundings
• 4- Small rotation in the left lower abdomen
• 5- Repetition of step 4 in higher parts and the entire abdomen
• 6- Repetition of steps 4 and 5
• 7- Horizontal movement of the abdomen from left to right
• 8- Vibrations at all above points.

Meanwhile, the second group underwent the same eight steps of abdominal massage using water. The schedule and protocol for their intervention treatment were the same as the first group except that they used water instead of olive oil. Meanwhile, the control group did not receive any specific interventions. The constipation severity of the participants was assessed before the intervention and on the sixth day by a research assistant who was unaware of the study groups (1)

Before the intervention, there were no differences in the constipation severity among the three groups, however, after the intervention, a significant difference was observed. Comparing the pre-intervention and after-intervention constipation severity of the participants showed that the massage with extra-virgin olive oil group and massage with water group reduced constipation severity. Moreover, it was seen that constipation further decreased in the olive oil group than in the massage with water and the control group. Meanwhile, the control group’s constipation severity from before the intervention to after five days increased. Moreover, after the intervention, there was also a significant difference in abdominal distension or bloating, rectal gas pass amount changes, rectal fullness or pressure, small stool volume, and inability to pass stool among the three groups. (1)

The researchers also found out that the decrease in constipation severity of massage with olive oil group can be attributed to the absorption of oil via abdominal skin while being massage. It is effective because when the skin absorbed an aromatic oil, our body reacts to it in multiple ways. It affects us physiologically as oils can make us more relaxed or stimulated. It can also affect us psychologically when we smell it. Meanwhile, it influences us pharmacologically, when chemical and hormonal changes occur when oils enter the blood. (1)

2. Ingested olive oil

A double-blind, randomized, and controlled trial in 2015 compared the effects of olive oil, and flaxseed oil with mineral oil on constipation among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Fifty constipated patients who are above 18 years old and were having Hemodialysis therapy for at least 3 months in a single dialysis unit were recruited in the study. The patients were allocated into three groups, the control group which received mineral oil, the olive oil group, and flaxseed oil. Participants were initially required to consume an oil dose of 4 mL per day, however, if it’s needed, adjustments were made during follow-up. The intervention program duration was 4 weeks. Results of this study showed that the constipation severity of all groups has improved. Defecating frequency and consistency of stools have improved in the flaxseed oil group. Meanwhile, for those who have a constipation score of 5 from 6 constipation symptoms were reduced similarly in mineral oil and olive oil groups. Hence it’s been found that olive oil and flaxseed oil is as effective as mineral oil in the treatment of constipation in patients undergoing hemodialysis (2)

The researches presented in this post is only written to show the efficacy of olive oil. Honestly, there’s no other purpose as to why the details here were included and written the way they were written. It’s not intended to treat, nor diagnose some diseases.

Focus on Essential oils efficacy and its topical application❤

References:

• (1) Faghihi A, Najafi SS, Hashempur MH, Najafi Kalyani M. The Effect of Abdominal Massage with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil on Constipation among Elderly Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. IJCBNM. 2021;9(4):268-277. doi 10.30476/ijcbnm.2021.88206.1495.
• (2) Ramos C.I., De Lima A.F.A, Grilli D.G, Cuppari L. The Short-Term Effects of Olive Oil and Flaxseed Oil for the Treatment of Constipation in Hemodialysis Patients. Journal of Renal Nutrition 2015; 25(1):50-56. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jrn.2014.07.009(Abstract)

Understanding the symptoms of coronavirus and its severity is important to understand the appropriate treatments and essential oils to be employed to help the recovery of coronavirus patients.

In this post, we’ll be presenting a research that shows that some essential oils do not influence the length of treatment for COVID19 patients. We also included some of our insights as to how we can verify how essential oils can affect some symptoms of COVID19.

An Indonesian quasi-experimental case-control study investigated the effects of essential oil on the length of stay of COVID-19 patients in a hospital. The respondents in the study were forty COVID-19 patients that were treated in the isolation room of Koja Jakarta Hospital in February 2021. The patients were assigned into two groups. The treatment group had thieves and lemon essential oil therapy while the control group did not receive the oil treatment (1)

13 days, 17 days, or 30 days are the usual isolation time for coronavirus patients with symptoms. Typically, before COVID-positive patients are sent home it usually takes 7-10 days for them to stay in the hospital to go through intensive treatment. In Koja Jakarta Hospital, where the study was conducted, the typical length of treatment for COVID-19 patients is 14 days. (1) In the results of this case-control study, it was found out that most of the covid patients needed treatment for more than 10 days, and no patients were treated for less than ten days. Hence, most of the COVID-19 patients had a length of stay of more than 10 days. Moreover, the results showed that there was no significant difference in the length of stay between the essential oil treatment group and the control group. As the treatment group also had an average duration stay of more than 10 days despite receiving the thieves and lemon essential oils. Most of the respondents (95%) stayed in the hospital for more than 10 days, while only 5% stayed in the hospital for 10 exact days because they only have mild symptoms and no comorbidities. These patients were declared cured within 10 days, and their swab results were negative, thus, were allowed to go home.

Factors to consider to determine the efficacy of thieves and lemon essential oil on coronavirus

The researchers might have focused on how to speed up the length of treatment for COVID-19 patients, hence it was reported in this study that thieves and lemon oil therapy did not affect the length of treatment for COVID-19 patients. However, this does not mean that the essential oils do not affect the symptoms of COVID. To see the effect of essential oils on COVID symptoms, the following factors might be considered for research.

1. Focus on particular symptoms

The research study did not mention the particular COVID symptom it is targeting to address. Determining the efficacy of oil would be difficult if a study does not focus on a particular symptom. Linking the recovery and length of stay in the hospital does not say much as to how the oils affect a certain health concern or symptom, nor whether it reduced the severity of a particular symptom. The basis for improvement must be mentioned. Identifying the target symptom and how it will be measured will be helpful to determine the efficacy of an oil in addressing a certain health condition. For COVID, it would be helpful if researchers clearly identify whether their study focuses on the treatment of anosmia or loss of smell, inflammation severity, virus reduction or control, respiratory tract relaxation, clearing the airways, shortness of breath, cough, runny nose, or boosting the immune system. These are the common symptoms of COVID and choosing at least one or a few manifestations from here would be better to understand the oil’s efficacy. It seemed bias to claim that the essential oils used in this study do not have any impact nor help in improving the immune system function or other COVID symptoms. We can not determine what is effective in boosting the immune system and what is not if we do not measure it. If the essential oil used has been assessed and results vividly showed that it did not affect nor improve the immune system in the pre-treatment and post-treatment, and the effect has no significant difference between the control group and the group that used the essential oil, then it is safe to say that the essential oils do not have immunostimulator properties.

2. Application method

One of the details that were not provided in the online version of the research article is the application method used. Hence, you might find yourself being curious whether the essential oils were ingested through the mouth or inhaled. Since it has been mentioned in the research article that it’s aromatherapy, it would seem rational to suppose that the inhalation method was employed. It is important to note though, that inhaling the aroma of oils is effective if your concern is related to sleeping, boosting mood, aiding to make you feel good, or anxiolytic. The inhalation method focuses on the effect of the aroma and not absorbing the oil’s therapeutic chemical components. If the focus of this present study is anosmia, then inhalation method would be ideal to be utilized

However, if you are addressing inflammation, virucidal, antibacterial, and other symptoms, then the ingestion method or topical application is more suited. This is because the active ingredients of the oil which possess the therapeutic properties can be easily absorbed by your skin if you use topical application or by your throat if you ingest it through your mouth. Through this way, the oil can easily move through your veins, and the molecules will be absorbed by your cells hence oils can work on a cellular level.

3. Appropriate Essential oil choice

The essential oils used in the study are good for air freshening, cleaning, and household care. However since COVID is caused by a strong virus, then oils with strong antiviral properties or proven to have immune-boosting effects must also be chosen. Active ingredients, therapeutic properties and efficacy proofs must be considered when choosing an essential oil to employ. For instance, if you are treating a virus, then antiviral essential oils must be chosen. If targeting cough, then essential oils that are good for the respiratory system must be used. If you choose essential oils that do not have active ingredients that can address your symptom or health concern then most chances are it will not be effective. Moreover, if you do not identify a particular symptom or health condition to be treated at the onset of the study, then you might just choose any essential oil that you think has health benefits. However, this does not mean that its therapeutic properties match the health issue or symptom you are trying to address.

Make the right choice of essential oils ❤

Reference:

• (1) Rahayu Rahayu∗ , Achmad Fauzi, and Linda Juniati, (2022), “The Effect of Essential Oil Therapy and Lemon on the Care of COVID-19 Patients in Jakarta” in The International Virtual Conference on Nursing, KnE Life Sciences, pages 805–812. DOI 10.18502/kls.v7i2.10381

Regardless of social class, people from different parts of the world have been affected by the coronavirus. People belonging to the middle or lower class are also having difficulty due to the high cost of COVID19 medications. The agony for those who have been diagnosed with coronavirus is still ongoing for some, even though the pandemic has slowly subsided because there are people who are still being diagnosed with post-coronavirus syndrome. These people are not only having challenges with their health, but they are also having difficulty financially due to the expensive treatments.

Hence, complementary treatments that are safe and affordable for post-covid syndrome patients are being researched. As of now, there is an undersupply of clinical trials and studies that proves that natural treatments including oils can bring healing. However, it’s a good thing that a Turkish pilot study has proven that eucalyptus essential oil or eucalyptus globulus can help in improving the condition of those people who are suffering from post-coronavirus syndrome.

The signs and symptoms of the post-COVID syndrome, which is also known as long-term COVID are consistent with that of COVID-19. (1) People may have it during or after active COVID infection, and its symptoms could stay up to more than 12 weeks. (1) Fatigue, headache, dyspnea, joint and muscle pain, anxiety, cognitive impairment, depression, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal complaints are just some of the post-COVID syndrome symptoms. (1) Treating these symptoms would typically require different medications, however, it’s a good thing that Eucalyptus essential oil can help in improving the major symptoms of post-coronavirus syndrome.

Clinical trial proves the efficacy of eucalyptus essential oil

Inhalation of eucalyptus essential oil is proven to be effective in recovery from post-COVID syndrome symptoms such as dyspnea, back pain, and anxiety. A Turkish pilot study has confirmed the impact of Eucalyptus essential oil on the abovementioned post-COVID syndrome. Fifteen (15) patients that are over 18 years of age and were diagnosed with post-COVID syndrome were enrolled in the study. They were outpatients in a clinic at Adana City Training and Research Hospital. The patients were recommended to do eucalyptus inhalation aromatherapy. They were instructed to dilute 1 ml of eucalyptus oil into 10 ml of olive oil. The oil blend was advised to be applied topically on the patient’s wrist and inhale it from a two-centimeter distance for five minutes, twice a day. The patients were evaluated before and after eucalyptus oil application. Before the intervention and four weeks after it, the patients’ post-COVID syndromes symptoms such as dyspnea, back pain, and anxiety were evaluated. A significant decrease in dyspnea, and back pain, and a medium effect on anxiety were reported in the eucalyptus oil application post-treatment than in the pre-treatment evaluation.

Eucalyptus essential oil’s active ingredient and its therapeutic effect on post covid syndrome

Due to eucalyptus essential oil’s properties, it has been used in treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Various studies have shown that it has antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities, hence can help manage COVID-19 symptoms. Eucalyptus is known to be rich in monoterpene 1,8-cineol which is more commonly known as eucalyptol.

1. Antiviral and lung health

Eucalyptus’ main component, 1,8-cineol has an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and mucolytic mechanism that can be used in the treatment of COVID-19. Effective inhibitors of coronaviruses enzymes such as main protease or Mpro which is responsible for viral replication and transcription, (2) can help control COVID-19. Hence, drugs and alternative treatments that can act as Mpro inhibitors or targets Mpro are needed to treat COVID19. Research suggests that essential oil components, especially 1,8-cineol which can be found in eucalyptus can serve as a potential inhibitor without toxicity. Hence it can be used in the treatment of COVID-19.

2. Pain

Aside from 1,8-cineol, eucalyptus also has alpha-pinene. These compounds are both antioxidants with radical scavenging activity. It’s been documented that 1,8-cineol can inhibit cytokine release from T-lymphocytes, hence can reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Anxiolytic effect

Eucalyptus lipophilic property enables its component 1,8-cineol to affect neuronal enzyme and receptor activities in the central nervous system as it can cross the blood-brain barrier. 1,8-cineol can be used in the treatment of anxiety as it can prevent acetylcholinesterase activity which triggers the chemical reaction of acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, is responsible for arousal, attention, learning, memory, and involuntary muscle movement. (3)

May this pilot study about eucalyptus essential oil motivates us to search for more antiviral oils that can be used to treat post-covid19 syndrome. This will help people who are affected by this harmful virus, especially those who struggle in paying for high-cost medications.

Remain motivated to research effective oil application treatments ❤

References:

• (1) Öztürk Yaşa G, Safçi Berik S. Effects of Eucalyptus Essential Oil in Post-COVID Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Journal of Immunology and Clinical Microbiology 2022;7(4):82-87 DOI: 10.58854/jicm.1223171
• (2) Jin, Z., Du, X., Xu, Y., Deng, Y., Liu, M., Zhao, Y., Zhang, B., Li, X., Zhang, L., Peng, C., Duan, Y., Yu, J., Wang, L., Yang, K., Liu, F., Jiang, R., Yang, X., You, T., Liu, X., Yang, X., … Yang, H. (2020). Structure of Mpro from SARS-CoV-2 and discovery of its inhibitors. Nature, 582(7811), 289–293. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2223-y
• (3) Cleveland Clinic. Acetylcholine (ACh). Date retrieved: 3/22/2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24568-acetylcholine-ach

In the year 2020, many patients were Infected by the coronavirus and died. Several people in different parts of the world have suffered and passed away hence, it became alarming to US. Patients were sent to hospitals where infections can be treated, however, many struggling patients were indebted with hospital bills. People who are into Camaraderie assisted some patients by donating and processing the payment of their hospital bills. At the moment when Alot of people were Infected by coronavirus, medical treatments for it were ‘not yet developed,’ thus many suffer from ‘high’ fever, alot suddenly fall, and some died because of it. Hence, people were eager to find the medication to treat it immediately. Different conventional drugs that are made synthetically were used alternately to pacify the discomfort being experienced by Covid patients. Due to the elusiveness of effective treatments, plus expensive synthetic medications, people look for natural remedies.

People who love Effective natural cures, patiently research natural treatments. Physicians who study natural treatments believe that Coconut oil can be effective for people with COVID. On top of this, thyme oil is found to be effective too for people with COVID. Hence, Coconut oil and Thyme oil are two oils that can be consumed to help improve the symptoms of coronavirus. This post focuses on a research that proves that Thyme essential oil can boost the immune system, thus can help in improving the condition of people with coronavirus.

The main component of thyme and its therapeutic effect on coronavirus and respiratory disorders

Thyme or T. vulgaris has been used in folk medicine for treating illnesses such as gastrointestinal tract and respiratory disorders. The positive effect of thyme essential oil on the symptoms of covid 19 is noted to be due to its main constitutes, thymol and carvacrol which are both antioxidants. Due to its numerous active ingredients and high antioxidant properties, it can strengthen the immune system. Moreover, by inducing its antiviral effect, it could reduce the symptoms of coronavirus. (1)

A clinical trial that proves thyme reduces coronavirus symptoms

The therapeutic effect of thyme essential oil on relieving coronavirus disease symptoms was proven through an Iranian randomized clinical trial. 83 patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2020 that were hospitalized at Vali-e Asr Hospital, Zanjan, Iran for one week were recruited in this study. The patients were assigned into two groups. Both of the groups received their respective conventional routine medications that were prescribed by their doctors. The patients in the control group received only the treatment package of routine medications, while the intervention group was treated with thyme essential oil in addition to the conventional medical drugs. The patients in the intervention group were recommended to consume 5mL of thyme essential oil three times per day, every eight hours for seven days. The patients were assessed before and after the intervention through the use of the questionnaire designed by the researchers.

A day before the intervention, the symptoms between the two groups were not significantly different except for dyspnea and sore throat. A week after the intervention program, it was found that the improvement rate of the patients in the thyme-receiving group was higher compared to the control group. Moreover, the thyme-receiving group, showed that symptoms such as fever, dizziness, cough, dyspnea, muscular pain, headache, anorexia, weakness, lethargy, fatigue, and chest wall pain were significantly reduced. sore throat symptom also improved in the intervention group. Moreover, their blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and neutrophil count decreased. Meanwhile, their calcium and lymphocyte count have increased significantly. (1)

As this clinical trial proves that thyme essential oil can stimulate the immune system, increase the number of lymphocytes, and alleviate muscular pain, chest wall pain, and headache, it clearly suggests to us that it can be recommended for reducing the symptoms of COVID-19.

Treatment discoveries for covid 19 are being told. While some of them are long-known and controversial, Alot of them is just recently discovered. People who are into Effective treatments believe that it’s important to tell this for transparency and proper communication so that the real situation and effect of COVID on Individuals could be understood. People need to know what these Researchers know. When People are aware, They can ask people with advanced knowledge so that they could know their insight about using the discovered treatment in assisting patients Infected by coronavirus. Individuals don’t like being puzzled about the pandemic, and most of the time We don’t know how to ask. For this reason certain Individuals think that being transparent and telling about their discoveries through writing, enables them to discusss what’s in their mind, and insights about Covid, so People will understand more about Individual’s irritation and discomfort caused by Covid.

We need to understand ❤

Reference:

• (1) Sardari S., Mobaien A., Ghassemifard L., Kamali K., Khavasi N.Therapeutic Effect of Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Essential Oil on Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Advances in Medical and Biomedical Research. 2021; 29(133): 83-91 doi.10.30699/jambs.29.133.83

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that mostly affects women more than men. (1) Multiple sclerosis patients might regularly work with different therapists to seek treatments that can be costly. One of the effects of this disease is that it can impair working memory. Therapies and treatment for symptoms of this disease can be costly, but natural remedies such as essential oils are affordable. Lavender essential oil is one of the oils that help in improving the working memory function of women with MS. To know more about lavender essential oil’s influence on cognitive function, read the research below.

Clinical trial on working memory of women with multiple sclerosis

An Iranian randomized clinical trial determined the effects of lavender essential oil on the working memory of women diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). 60 patients with an age range of 20–40 and are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for at least one year have been recruited in this study. These patients were referred by an MS Clinic affiliated with Rafsanjan University, which is the clinic that the patients regularly visit to have their monthly checkups. The participants were assigned to intervention and placebo groups. During the intervention period, routine treatments were carried out and the aromatherapy inhalation method was also added to their treatment. The patients in the intervention group were instructed to inhale a cotton ball with 2 drops of pure lavender essential oil for 10 minutes. The lavender cotton ball must be placed at a 5cm distance from the patient’s nose. This was performed twice a day for two weeks. Meanwhile, the patients in the placebo group were only treated with distilled water. To determine the effect of lavender aromatherapy on the working memory of patients, some assessments had to be performed before the intervention and the day after the last intervention. The patients were tasked to analyze difficult and unrelated sentences, identify whether sentences were semantically correct, and complete sentences by writing the last word of each sentence. Moreover, the amount of information processed and the amount of information stored among patients were measured. (1)

Results of this study showed that after the intervention, the working memory score between the intervention and placebo groups had a significant difference. The intragroup comparison results yielded that the working memory improvement of the patients who received lavender aromatherapy had a significant difference before and after the intervention. Their working memory score increased after the intervention. Whereas the working memory score of the patients who were only treated with distilled water did not have a significant difference. Their working memory score was only slightly higher after the intervention than their pre-intervention score. (1)

For individuals who don’t have multiple sclerosis, it can be challenging to imagine the lifestyle of multiple sclerosis patients. What’s normal to them, might be surprising to us, and vice versa. But I do hope that they will be treated and also feel good.

Be better ❤

Reference:

• (1) Rezaie S.M., Shahabinejad M., Loripoor M., Sayadi A.R. The effect of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on the working memory of women with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Medicine and Life. 2021; 14 (6):776-781. doi 10.25122/jml-2020-0115

whether caused by an accident or anticipated events, cutaneous cuts happen, and when it does, they can be painful. It’s good to understand the cause of cuts to prevent them from happening again, but there are times when blaming what or who caused what is better be set aside to focus on what matters more, to find an effective remedy for healing. Applying the right topical will help prevent infection and worsen the condition, and good thing that there are documented essential oils that are effective in promoting cut healing.

Individuals may not understand instantly the effects of Essential oils, and may even momentarily doubt their efficacy. But by learning and reading reliable information from Research results, People can see and comprehend the effects of essential oil including for cuts and healing. With so much information that we receive, plus tricky claims that we have heard from sketchy references and witnessing how Individuals have been used repeatedly, we protect ourselves by thinking what information and references can be trusted, and what not. In a time where there’s an influx of deceitful information, it can be confusing and challenging to verify reliable details. We rely on our rational thinking to understand things and become hesitant when we don’t understand fully or have studied entirely about certain real effective remedies. Because of this, the efficacy of Essential oil is at times being doubted too and I hope that aromatherapists would understand this.

While there are people who doubt the effect of essential oils on cutaneous cuts, did you know that lavender oil can help in cut care and healing? Lavender Essential oil is the top choice for Cutis healing. This is because we have repeatedly been told that it’s good for the ‘body’and also has a fragrance that can calm and uplift your ‘mood.’ Above all, both the story of Gastofosse and Jean Valnet using lavender oil for treating cuts and burns can be located in ‘many’ literature. we may belittle this information, but it has actually an enormous impact in the field of aromatherapy. This is the reason why having a bottle of essential oil in our aromatherapy ‘boxes’ or above our medicine cabinet can be good for us.

Though others may think that the basis of lavender’s efficacy on cut healing is just based on anecdotal records, we found researches that prove it can promote healing. These studies evaluated the effect of lavender oil on episiotomy or cuts between the vagina and the anus. (3) This demonstrates that both personal anecdotes of known personalities in the field of aromatherapy and research results consistently prove and agree that lavender essential oil truly promotes cutis healing.

Lavender essential oil on pain, complication, and redness of cuts

The role of lavender essential oil in aiding episiotomy cut care and healing was investigated among 120 women who had normal spontaneous vaginal delivery and episiotomy. They were primiparous or women who have given birth only once or first timers with a singleton pregnancy which means bearing only a single fetus. This 2011 randomized control trial assigned the women into two groups. The Case group received lavender essential oil, while the control group had povidone-iodine. On the 10th day postpartum (time right after childbirth) the incision areas were evaluated. The findings of the study showed that there were more women in the case group that had no pain than in the control group. Each group had 60 patients and 25 women in the lavender group did not have pain while only 17 mothers in the control group had no pain. Meanwhile, concerning the surgery site complications, there was no observed difference. Moreover, the redness in the incision area was lesser compared to the control group. (1)

Lavender essential oil caused episiotomy wound healing improvement between pre-assessment and post assessment

A 2018 paper presented the effects of adding lavender essential oil to sitz bath on episiotomy wound healing. The quasi-experimental study was conducted in selected hospitals in Kolhapur City in February 2017. Participants in the study were postnatal mothers with episiotomy wounds who had normal vaginal delivery and instrumental vaginal delivery. Instrumental meaning with the use of tools such as vacuum and forceps. 60 patients were enrolled in the main study. 30 participants were designated to the experimental group and 30 respondents were placed in the control group. The patients in the experimental group were treated with lavender oil sitz baths. They were instructed to sit in a basin or tub with 4 liters of warm water and 5 drops of lavender oil. They had to immerse their hips, buttocks, and perineal area for 15 minutes. It was performed twice a day at 6 hours intervals. It was carried out from the first to the third day after child delivery. Meanwhile, those patients in the control had only received routine care. Post-assessment was made after three days. The result of the study showed that there was a difference in the pre-assessment and post-assessment episiotomy wound healing scores in both the lavender oil sitz bath and the routine care group. The healing scores during the pre-assessment were lower than the post-assessment. Thus it has been concluded that using lavender essential oil is effective in episiotomy wound healing

Upon knowing the efficacy of lavender essential oil, picture yourself having a bottle of it with you. Aim that it can bring a therapeutic effect to the ‘body’ as well as encourage you to have an uplifting mood due to its heavenly fragrance.

Pull up a bottle of Lavender Essential oil ❤

References:

• (1) Vakilian K., Atarha M., Bekhradi R., Chaman R. Healing advantages of lavender essential oil during episiotomy recovery: A clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2011; 17 (1): 50-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.05.006 (abstract)
• (2) Patole C.S., Bijapurkar M. Effectiveness of Lavender Oil Sitz Bath on Episiotomy Wound Healing among Postnatal Mothers Admitted in Selected Hospitals at Kolhapur City. International Journal of Science and Research. 2018;7(8): 704-709. doi: 10.21275/ART2019609
• (3) National Health Service England UK. Episiotomy and perineal tears. Date retrieved: 3/15/23 https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/episiotomy-and-perineal-tears/#:~:text=Sometimes%20a%20doctor%20or%20midwife,come%20through%20it%20more%20easily.

Ultraviolet radiation can be damaging to the skin. Wearing appropriate clothes, staying in shaded places, and avoiding too much sun exposure can help protect our skin from damage. Moreover, using natural sunscreen such as almond oil can also assist in reducing the photoaging effects of the sun. Learn this and more by reading the animal researches presented below. Let’s dig in…

Almond oil’s capability to prevent photoaging

The topical application of almond oil and its effect on reducing UV light-induced photoaging on the skin has been proven in a 2007 animal study. 20 healthy adult albino mice were used in the study and were divided into two groups. The no treatment mice group (group 1), the almond oil-treated mice (group 2), the UVB-exposed mice group (group 3) and the UVB and almond oil-treated mice (group 4). To develop photo-aging Groups 3 and 4 were exposed to light. For the first week, the mice were exposed daily to UV light for 15 minutes. Eventually, the exposure time was increased by 15 minutes every week. Noticeable wrinkles on the mice’s skin developed at the end of the 12th week, and by that week the exposure time was already 3 hours. This exposure duration was continued till the end of the experiment. To see the preventive effects of almond oil, it was topically applied on the back (dorsal) skin of groups 2 and 4, four hours before UV radiation exposure. (1)

After 12 weeks of exposure to UV radiation, wrinkles had already developed and other noticeable skin change had been observed. When the exposure time reached 2 hours and 45 minutes, erythema developed though not visibly well-defined. When the exposure time was increased to 3 hours, shrinkage of the mice’s skin had occured. It was observed that when the mice were exposed to UVB, the glutathione levels in the mice’s skin were reduced, but increased again after the treatment with almond oil. Moreover, the UV light exposure increased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), but upon the cutaneous application of almond oil, it was reduced to normal levels. Dysplasia (or an increase in abnormal cell growth, or development) and dyshesive (loss of ordered cohesion between cells) in the epidermal layer were observed in Group 3 after 12 weeks of exposure of to UV radiation. Moreover, there was an occurrence of elastosis (yellowed, thickened skin, with deep wrinkles that don’t disappear with stretching (3)) on the areas where there was no epidermal layer of the skin. (1) On the other hand, the skin of those who are in group 4 had regular epidermal layers after 12 weeks. Moreover, it had bundles of collagen fibers as well as smooth muscle fibers, thus showing the total reversibility of skin. New normal collagen was produced subepidermal after the cessation of irradiation. This new collagen pushed downward the old elastotic tissue. Moreover, group 4 had a lower degree of photo-aging damage such as dermal elastosis and skin tumors, compared to group 3. Thus, these results demonstrated that almond oil has photo-protective effect on the skin after UV exposure and it can also decrease photo-aging caused by UV light. (1)

Positive and negative effects of different almond oils

The effect of the different kinds of almond oil on photoaging caused UVB exposure as well as the development of skin lesions due to UVB and almond oil treatment were investigated in a 2019 animal study. Natural and commercial almond oils were used in this study. The natural almond oil was prepared through extraction by using an oil press, while commercial almond oil was bought. 40 adult albino mice that were six weeks old were used and grouped into four. Group A or the control group did not receive UVB irradiation nor almond oil treated. Group B was UVB irradiated. Group C was UVB irradiated and natural almond oil treated. Group D was UVB irradiated and commercial almond oil treated. Groups B to D were exposed to UVB light for 30 minutes per day, five days a week for six consecutive weeks. The animals in Group C and D received treatment of 5 drops=250µL of almond oils 15 minutes before UVB exposure and 15 minutes after UVB exposure. They were treated 5 days per week. (2)

Results of the study showed that UVB exposure increased the skin layers’ thickness with epidermal inclusion cysts. Another important finding in the study is that almond oils can be used as sunscreen as it can reduce skin thickness induced by UVB exposure. It was also confirmed that natural almond oil can help prevent skin thickness caused by UVB and has a stronger ability to reduce epidermal, dermal, and hypodermal thickness caused by UVB than commercial almond oil. Meanwhile, commercial almond oil was less photo-protective in comparison to natural almond oil. A surprising finding in the study though is that almond oils has a risk to develop or increase the number of epidermal inclusion cysts, as the oils could block the pores of the pilosebaceous apparatus. (2)

Shed some light ❤

References:

• (1) Sultana, Y., Kohli, K., Athar, M., Khar, R. K., & Aqil, M. (2007). Effect of pre-treatment of almond oil on ultraviolet B-induced cutaneous photoaging in mice. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 6(1), 14–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00293.x
• (2) Saeed A.K. Photo-protective Measurements of Almond Oil on UVB- Irradiated Mouse’s Skin and Cyclin D1 Expression. Jordan Journal of Biological Studies. 2019; 12(4): 395-401
• (3) Mayo Clinic. Sun damage: Solar elastosis. Date Retrieved: 3/13/2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/sun-damage/sls-20076973?s=6

Most of us do not have problems with our hair, however, some people are experiencing a condition called alopecia. This condition can affect the confidence of those who have it as their hair looked different than what is considered normal. There are different kinds of alopecia areata and one of them is localized alopecia. It is defined as hair loss that is confined to the scalp and is patchy in distribution. (1) One of the carrier oils that’s typically used when making oil blends to treat this condition is grapeseed oil.

Read the researches presented below to discover how this essential oil was used in different studies in treating alopecia areata.

Hair growth improvement for alopecia areata

A 1998 randomized controlled trial in Aberdeen Scotland studied the effect of lavender along with other essential oils for treating alopecia areata. 86 patients diagnosed with alopecia areata were chosen to participate in the study and were divided into two groups. The participants in the active group were instructed to nightly massage their scalps for a minimum of two minutes with blended oil. The blended oil formulation was 2 drops (88 mg) of thyme, 3 drops (108 mg) lavender, 3 drops (114 mg) rosemary, 2 drops (94mg) cedarwood and was mixed with 3ml jojoba oil, and 20ml grapeseed oil. To help the absorption of oils, a warm towel must be wrapped around their head. Meanwhile, the control group was also instructed to do the same routine nightly but with the use of carrier oils only. Hence the oils used by the two groups did not have an identical scent. (1)

The study took 7 months to complete and the follow-ups were conducted in the 3rd and 7th months. The findings of the study showed that 44% of the patients in the active group had an improvement. While only 6% in the control group had positive results on hair growth. Moreover, there were no adverse events reported in using the treatment. (1)

Hair regrowth rate and localized alopecia

The essential oils used in the 1998 randomized controlled trial were the same oils used in the 2015 randomized controlled study in Turkey. In this study though, they used a commercial product called Revigen® Areata solution. The oil blend contains the essential oils thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedrus, also known as cedarwood, and with the addition of evening primrose oil. The blended oils were diluted in a carrier oil mixture of jojoba and grapeseed oil. The study period was from June 2007 to June 2008 but the intervention implementation ran for three months (12 weeks) at the dermatology department of Gülhane Military Medical Academy in Ankara, Turkey. 40 patients that are at least five years of age and have visible localized alopecia areata patches were selected for the study. They were Turkish males and females residing in the Anatolia center. The patients were designated into two groups, the aromatherapy (active) group who received the blended oils, and the placebo group who was treated with carrier oils only. The intervention was performed daily for three months (12 weeks). (2)

The procedure and manner of evaluation employed in this Turkish study were the same as in the Scottish investigation. The researchers instructed the patients to do a two-minute scalp massage while applying the respective oils, and wrap it with a warm towel to support the absorption of the blended oils. This routine was carried out nightly. (2)

Hair regrowth and affected area size were evaluated to determine the efficacy of the blended oils. Examination periods during the intervention period were scheduled before the treatment (0 weeks) and on 4th week, 8th week, and 12th week of the treatment. To identify the continuous improvement as well as any adverse effects after the treatment program, a follow-up evaluation was conducted two months after the last treatment.The expert opinion of a dermatologist who was unaware of the oil treatment that the participants had received was sought. (2)

Consistent with the results of the previous study, the findings of this investigation yielded that the blended oil that’s diluted in grapeseed oil is effective in treating localized alopecia areata. Results demonstrated that the affected area size decreased in both the aromatherapy group and the placebo group. As for the hair regrowth rate after the intervention period, it was observed that both the aromatherapy (treatment) and the placebo groups elicited hair regrowth. However, the hair regrowth was higher in the aromatherapy group than in the placebo group. (2)

After twelve weeks of scalp treatment using the blended essential oil, 75% of patients in the aromatherapy group had a moderate to dense hair growth. While only 30% of patients in the placebo group showed improvement in hair growth and there were no patients who had dense growth. Meanwhile, the rate of minimal hair growth and no effect was higher in the placebo group compared to the aromatherapy group. (2)

Regarding adverse events such as burning sensation, pruritus, irritation, and erythema, only one case in the aromatherapy group was reported but did not withdraw from the treatment program. Meanwhile, there was no reported side effect in the placebo group.

In totality, the result of the study showed that the blended oil diluted in grapeseed oil is safe and more effective in treating localized alopecia areata. (2)

There are several drugstore-bought remedies for treating alopecia. Some of them might be effective and some of them may not. However, if you want to have natural remedies that are supported by research, then you can opt for essential oils.

Remain confident ❤

References:

• (1) Hay I.C., Jamieson M., Ormerod A.D. A Randomized Trial of Aromatherapy: Successful Treatment for Alopecia Areata. Arch Dermatology 1998; 134: 1349-1352
• (2) Özmen I., Çalişkan E., Arca E., Açikgöz G., Koç E. Efficacy of aromatherapy in the treatment of localized alopecia areata: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Gülhane Tıp Derg 2015;57: 233 – 236. doi: 10.5455/gulhane.38258