Ginger oil is naturally yellow hence producing a yellowish color oil. Due to its oil’s hue, it could ‘paint’ ‘marks’ on shirts if ‘you’ mistakenly spilled or smeared it on your shirt. Recently, when I sniffed the odor of Ginger oil, I deemed that it did not smell so good and has a very potent odor. Due to the ‘heavy’ odor of Ginger oil, pEppermint, and Lavender oil ‘may’ not become apparent for certain ‘minutes’. The fragrance of peppermint and Lavender ‘could’ appear after a few ‘minutes’
unpleasant smell and recommended remedy
Previously, I’ve ‘made the wrong dysmenorrhea oil blend called dried perspiration odor. When I ‘made’ it, I figured out that there was something wrong with it. since the odor is unpleasant, I know that I have to make it right. What triggered me to do this was due to my curiosity, impulsiveness, and irritation. I ‘made’ an oil blend but was not mindful enough of how it would impact my Nose. Hence I thought of how to make a remedy for it. Upon ‘remembering’ what I’ve read ‘before’ I realized that I must follow what that Credible reference ‘recommended’.
Concentrated swEet Orange oil as a remedy
The remedy to correct the aroma of Ginger oil is by adding more concentrated Sweet Orange oil. The citrusy aroma of Sweet Orange oil can overpower the odor of Ginger oil. Moreover, its fragrance can cause an uplifting mood.
I think understanding swEet Orange oil and Ginger oil is good because it complements the fragrance of each other. Though these oils have some weaknesses, understanding their effect on each other is good and that’s how you get to appreciate Them even more. Though it’s challenging to communicate an accurate description of their fragrant combination, These Essential oils persevere to demonstrate their emotional effect. Ergo, people like you and me persistently choose to understand, be patient and opt to interpret accurately what These Oils wanted to tell Us. For that, I am grateful that Sweet Orange Oil complements Ginger oil’s aroma.
Anyway, because of Sweet Orange Oil, my dysmenorrhea Essential oil blend has a better aroma now.
To make an ointment, soybean wax and other waxes were already previously used. However, Formulators who prefer a much better wax choose CErtain waxes that have been proven by research that can treat Cutis better. Botanical formulators who prefers their ointment be made of natural ingredient and perfect for vegans opt to utilize rice bran wax as their ingredient. Read below to see research studies that prove that riCE bran wax does not cause irritation on the Cutis, as well as it’s antimicrobial activity against microorganisms such as Staphyllococcusaureous.
Microbiological and irritation investigation on guinea pig and goat skin
The potential use of rice bran wax as an effective oil in water emulsion type of ointment base was investigated in a 2022 animal study. To make the various ointment formulations for the study, crude rice bran wax was utilized and was then processed by purifying it and standardizing it. The prepared ointments also have a different concentration of rice bran wax. Formulation 1 has 5%, Formulation 2 has 7.5%, Formulation 3 has 10%, formulation 4 has 12.5%, and formulation 5 has 15%w/w). The ingredients in the formulated ointments were purified gondia, , white petrolatum, cetostrearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, and nutrient agar. Carnauba ointment was also prepared to have it used as a standard base for comparison. All of the formulated ointments were then compared with carnauba wax ointment (C1) and a marketed ointment. (1)
To identify the antimicrobial activity of rice bran wax against microorganisms such as Staphyllococcusaureous, Bacillus subtilis, and escherichia coli microbiological studies were conducted and guinea pigs were used. The result of the study yielded that the inhibition zone diameters of the formulated creams were comparable with the marketed formulation.
To test skin irritation, male and female guinea pigs weighing 400-500g were used. One side of the animals served as a control and the other served as a test. All the samples which include ointment formulations 1 to 5, carnauba wax ointment, and commercial formulation were applied 0.5g per animal twice a day for 7 days. The portion where the samples were applied was observed for any sensitivity and adverse reactions. The finding of the study demonstrated that the rice bran wax formulated ointments have no sensitivity reaction. (1)
Irritation results on rat skin
It has also been proven in a 2017 study that rice bran wax is ideal to be used for oleaginous type ointment bases. The researchers of the study prepared different formulations of rice bran wax. Various formulations were prepared using different amounts of the ingredients which includes hard paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, rice bran wax, and white soft paraffin. For the different formulations of Ointment of Econazole, the ingredient Econozole was incorporated into the formulation, hence the Formulation OE1 to OE4. While for the Ointment of 5 Fluorouracil, 5 Fluorouracil was added hence producing 5 formulations, which includes formulation OE5 to OE9. (2)
skin irritation study was carried out to test the various formulation. The investigation used rats that were assigned into three groups. The various formulations of rice bran wax ointment were uniformly topically applied over the shaven skin of the rats. After 24, 48, and 72 hours of topical application of the formulations, the rats’ skin were observed for swelling and redness. The test indicated that the all rice bran wax formulations have negligible irritation scores, hence safe for cutaneous application. (2) This proves that rice bran wax does not irritate Cutis.
The studies above proves the antimicrobial activity of rice bran wax against microorganisms such as Staphyllococcusaureous, bacillus subtilis, and escherichia coli. And it’s inhibiting ability is comparable to the marketed preparation. (1)
Meanwhile, with regard to cutis irritation, it has been consistently found out that various formulations using rice bran wax, do not cause cutis irritation despite that it has been tested on the skin of different animals such as rats, guinea pigs, and goats.
This demonstrates that Vegan people who want to avoid and ditch toxic substances can opt for ointments with naturally proven ingredients. The research confirms that ointments with riCE bran wax is the better choice.
Choose non-irritating ingredients ❤
Nandgave M., Lade U.B., Gotephode S. Formulation Development of Gentamicin Sulphate Ointment Using Rice Bran Wax as Novel Base for Topical Application. International Journal of Science and Research. 2022; 11 (2)
Malviya R. Khirsagar M.D. Chandewar A.V. Studies on Rice Bran Wax as Modified Pharmaceutical Excipient. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives 2017; 8 (3): 15-22
Recently I’ve posted about Five Gentle Bubbles my official hair Cleanser. It’s the only Cleanser I have and keep on formulating because ‘I’ don’t need to worry about applying it on my hair because it’s not causing any ‘toxicity’ on my cutis and hair. Also, it does not cause black patches on my cutis.
I am formulating the cleanser because I purely want to help the people around me, by providing them with a mild cleanser. Also, I am documenting the things that we do in making the cleanser because we want to only figure out our mistakes in creating the cleanser. It is our reference when we want to understand formulation issues. For people who’ve been reading my ‘posts’ for a long time, you ‘probably’ know by now that I like documenting things that happen to me, even though they are good, embarrassing, or fascinating. I hope you remember reading that in my ‘post’. Hence I am ‘now’ writing my mistakes in making the hair cleanser.
Also, my reason for analyzing and documenting the problems that we have while making the hair cleanser is that I want it to be improved so I can help the people around me, and my family. I want to prevent the stress that can be caused by repeated ‘usage’ of products that may contain toxic ingredients. I usually write about the effects of essential oils, but today I’ve written a formulation correction post, and I hope that you understand this.
In my previous post, I’ve written the complete procedure from the beginning to the bottling of the cleanser, but this does not mean that I am writing some details about those procedures again.
My focus in this post is to write the Correction I made on the hair cleanser. It is not yet perfect by the way, because I’m still in the process of improving it, but I hope it will be perfected.
In my hair Cleanser I have repeatedly preferred to have Naturally derived ingredients. The ingredients are:
Coco Glucoside
decyl glucoside
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
glycerine
xantham gum
aqua
The ingredients I used here are the ingredients I used in the other post. Previously, I dissolved xantham gum in glycerin then the zurfactant was poured on the dissolved xantham gum. This resulted in a thick texture because I over-stirred it to dissolve the xantham gum. Therefore I had to add more aqua to make the texture thinner.
To avoid repeating the same mistake, I did not follow the previous step. I dissolve the xantham gum in glycerin and then poured the mixture on the mixed surfactant. This has resulted in a thick texture because I over-stirred it to dissolve xantham gum. Hence, I added aqua
90 grams aqua
101 grams aqua
104 grams aqua
The hair cleanser became aqueous hence, it has to be corrected.
I am hoping that ‘I’ will understand the correct way of making a hair cleanser because my Ingredients are genuinely mild and not harmful to the Cutis. As for you, I hope that you also think that it is important to understand the true nature of your hair Cleanser so you won’t need to worry that it will cause you ‘toxicity’ or hurt you. You can be assured that Cleansers that are made with Gentle ingredients are honestly good for your Cutis
Different moisturizers are available in the market. some are made of Natural ingredients, while some are made of synthetic raw materials. Choosing the perfect moisturizer for your cutis matters a lot. The moisturizer ingredients that you allow to be applied in your cutis is a concern that you must focus on, as this will allow you to have a good and happy cutis.
At Oil therapy Code, we focus on Natural ingredients. We concentrate on studying Essential Oils and Natural Ingredients. The moisturizing effect of natural ingredients have been repeatedly ‘reported’ by Researchers, so Creams that contains natural moisturizers can be trusted. Due to this awareness, We target to only incorporate Natural ingredients to Every product that we ‘formulate’ like moisturizers.
Rice bran wax is one of the natural ingredients used in moisturizing creams due to its occlusive ability. In this post, we present proof of the occlusivity Effect of Rice bran wax. Different investigation methods, such as formulation, stability, and in vivo studies have already been conducted to test the moisturizing effect of rice bran wax, and It has consistently proven its occlusivity effect.
Cream formulation with a high concentration of rice bran wax
A formulation study on a moisturizing cream containing rice bran wax was conducted in 2012. Two cream formulations were created in the study and the ingredients used were rice bran wax (RBW), nasik flakes form; stearic acid, lanoline, glycerin, sorbitol plus various emulsifying agents. Cream A has 7.5% rice bran wax and Cream B has 15% rice bran wax. A comparison study was conducted on the four samples which are the 7.5% RBW Cream, 15% RBW Cream, liquid paraffin, and negative control which has uncovered filter paper.
It has been demonstrated in the comparative in vitro occlusivity test that Cream A and Cream B yielded lower percentages of water loss than the uncovered filter. Thus the occlusivity of RBW creams prevents much water evaporation. The results of the study suggests that it is possible to formulate moisturizing cream with high amounts of rice bran wax to have the occlusivity cosmetic benefits of it. The moisturizing creams containing rice bran wax showed better in-vitro occlusivity. Moreover, they also have good spreadability and cutis feel (1)
Consistent results of rice bran wax-optimized moisturizing cream formulations
The researchers of the formulation study presented above also conducted a stability study on the formulated moisturizing creams containing rice bran wax in 2012. Two optimized formulations of moisturizing cream were created and composed of rice bran wax (RBW), nasik flakes form, stearic acid, lanoline, glycerin, glyceryl monostearate, cetostearyl alcohol, sorbitol, liquid paraffin, triethanolamine, methyl and propylparaben in propylene glycol. The in vitro occlusivity test at different time intervals consistently yielded that Cream A, and Cream B, have better occlusivity. The creams were evaluated in 0 months, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. The results of the study manifested that the optimized moisturizer formulations has consistently good occlusivity for up to 12 months. (2).
Purified rice bran wax and Cream formulated rice bran wax
An in vitro study in 2007 investigated the effect of rice bran wax on transepidermal water loss through the stratum corneum and its influence on the water-holding capacity of stratum corneum of human cadaver skin. The study compared the efficacy of purified rice bran wax and rice bran wax-formulated creams as occlusive moisturizers. The rice bran Cream contains 15% purified rice bran wax , 3% stearic acid, 1.5% triethanolamine, and 100% cetyl alcohol. To see how it affects the cutis, fresh abdominal human cadaver skin was used. To determine the effect of rice bran wax on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) through the stratum corneum, the purified rice bran wax paste and the formulated cream were applied to the unextracted and extracted stratum corneum. A cream without rice bran wax was also applied to a stratum corneum to evaluate the untreated rate. Results of the study showed that purified rice bran wax changed the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values of both the extracted and unextracted specimens. Meanwhile, the findings on the effect of the formulated rice bran wax cream on transepidermal water loss were similar to the purified rice bran wax. However, there were no observed significant changes in the effect of rice bran wax on the water-holding capacity of the unextracted stratum corneum for 24 hours. But when rice bran wax formulation was applied to extracted specimens, there was an increase in water-holding capacity in the dry stratum corneum. Thus it has been concluded that adding rice bran wax to cutis creams can prevent or reduce dry and flaky skin, and proves that rice bran wax has a moisturizing effect due to its occlusive ability. (3)
By knowing that there are Natural ingredients that are proven by research to have an occlusive effect, you can be assured that your Cutis can be concentratedly moisturized by Good Ingredients.
Concentrate on moisturizing with Natural ingredients ❤
References:
(1) Maru A.D., Surawase R.K., Bodhe P.V. Development and Evaluation of Moisturizing Cream Containing Rice Bran Wax. Res. J. Topical and Cosmetic Sci. 3(1): July-Dec. 2012 page 40-44.
(2) Maru A.D., Surawase R.K., Bodhe P.V. Stability Studies of Moisturizing Creams Containing Rice Bran Wax. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research 2012, 2(3): 194-195
(3) Sabale V., Sabale P.M., Lakhotiya C.L. In vitro studies on rice bran wax as a skin moisturizer. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2007: 215-218
sAndalwood oil or santalum album L. is one of the understated drowsing oils. It is traditionally used as a sedative in traditional healing methods such as in oriental medicine. (1) Therefore in countries where its impact is acknowledged, it’s repeatedly being used for unwinding, sleeping, releasing some ‘stress’, and having a sense of tranquility. Clinical trials and animal studies demonstrate the effect of sandalwood, hence in this post, we will be presenting the impact of sandalwood oil in inducing sleep.
Using sandalwood oil to promote sleep
Essential oils containing piperonal, santol, linalool, and cedrol have a positive effect on sleep disturbance (2) as they can improve sleep length and lessen early morning awakening. To see this effect, you can simply wrap a towel with essential oil on the pillow and administer this for at least 20 days. (2)
Drowsing chemical constituent of sandalwood essential oil
sAndalwood oil’s main constituent santalol is reported to have a sedative effect. A 2007 animal study presented the impact of santalol on the sleep-wake cycle in sleep-disturbed rats. Inhalation of santalol can lessen total waking time and increase total non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time. It’s also been found that it can induce sleep even if it is not inhaled. Its drowsing effect is possible even if it passes through the circulatory system instead of the olfactory system. Santalol can take effect when it is absorbed into the blood through the respiratory mucosa. Thus, regardless that people who are having difficulty in maintaining sleep like inhaling the aroma of santalol or not, or may have scent sensitivities and preferences, they can still benefit from having santol. This santalol effect has been demonstrated when the olfactory system of the rats in the study were impaired to evaluate the effect of inhaling santalol’s aroma. The rat’s olfactory systems were impaired through the intranasal application of a 5% zinc sulfate solution. The finding of the investigation yielded that even with an impaired olfactory system, santalol can induce sleep.
Sandalwood essential oil’s effect on sleeping hormones and sleep duration
The use of essential oil with cedrol, piperonal, santol, and linalool makes the duration of the longest sustained sleep period (DLSSP) increase and the early morning awakening (EMA) reduce because the secretion of serotonin and endorphins are promoted. (2) This results in the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The hormones/body chemicals endorphins and serotonin are needed to induce sleep. Endorphins have sedative effects, while serotonin promotes drowsiness by producing melatonin (otherwise known as sleep hormone) by binding enzymes. As people age, the secretion of melatonin also declines, thus resulting in lesser and disturbed sleep and more waking time. Administrating drowsing essential oils before sleeping would help to keep endorphins and melatonin remain in the blood during the time that we need to sleep. Having enough endorphin and melatonin in our blood, would enable us to stay drowsy, go back to dozing, and nap better even if we wake up in the early morning, thus increasing our sleeping time (2)
While there’s limited research about sandalwood oil, we can see how it affects animals and respondents in clinical trials. Since people know the impact of this oil, it can be conveniently bought in brick-and-mortar stores as well as online stores. However, we like to remind you to be careful in buying as you might get a product that’s ‘adulterated’. For safety reasons, make sure that you opt for pure oils that are contained in amber bottles that are ‘sEcurely Capped’ to avoid ‘oil spills’ and product contamination.
Carefully stretch your limits ❤
(1) Okugawa, H., Ueda, R., Matsumoto, K., Kawanishi, K., & Kato, A. (1995). Effect of α-santol and β-santol from sandalwood on the central nervous system in mice. Phytomedicine: international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 2(2), 119–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0944-7113(11)80056-5
(2) Takeda A., Watanuki E., Koyama S. Effects of Inhalation Aromatherapy on Symptoms of Sleep Disturbance in the Elderly with Dementia. Hindawi Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/1902807
(3) Ohmori, A., Shinomiya, K., Utsu, Y., Tokunaga, S., Hasegawa, Y., & Kamei, C. (2007). Effect of sotalol on the sleep-wake cycle in sleep-disturbed rats. Nihon shines seishin yakurigaku Zasshi = Japanese journal of psychopharmacology, 27(4), 167–171.
Staying silent about the proven impact of Essential oils on Individuals would be too passive. We deem that being transparent is very important for our Readers to understand research discoveries, and our interpretation on them as well.
As we read ‘research,’ and learn more about Essential oils, it feels that it would be too limiting for us not to communicate our learnings and present the real effect of essential oils. Hence, We hope that you understand that part of reading ‘Our’ Articles, means you’ll be seeing our transparency and honest thoughts and interpretation about research findings. Our core values are transparency, consciousness, love, and wisdom, hence, it’s our nature to elicit that even through our blog posts or the products that we create.
Essential oil is produced from aromatic botanicals, and each essential oil has its unique aroma. This distinct odor is influenced by the plant part that they are sourCEd from.
For people who are into perfume making, understanding the Essential oil and the plant part they are derived from will allow you to better comprehend how their aroma affects an individual. It elucidates to you the kind of therapy that the Essential oil is perfect for, and how it impacts an Individual aromatically. This Engrossing Knowledge will lead you to start right and continuously create more perfume oils.
Flowers 👉 sedating and relaxing
Resins and barks 👉 heating and making body fluids move.
Leaves 👉 cooling and close to the hemoglobin structure
Roots 👉 grounding and help develop confidence
Fruits 👉 growth-oriented and produce an expanding and stimulating effect.
Exudations 👉 spiritual attainment
Having the Essential foundation for perfume-making will enable you to create endearing blends. Ergo, these essential details must always be etched in Your mind.
Etch the right blend in your heart and mind ❤
Reference:
Marwah J. Historical Study of Attars and essence making in Kannauj: Research Report
One of the things I love doing is writing about Perfume oils. However, ‘the process’ can be stubbornly complicated at times. Before we post an article about Essential oils, we undergo certain procedures to ensure that we get and provide accurate information for our Readers. Being the writer of this website I want to be careful in the content that we provide. I have to read different posts and research ‘papers’ on websites to ensure that I understand the principles and main point of ‘My’ chosen topic.
Caution and thoroughness
There are many articles about Essential oils and oil blending. They provide details like the ‘ingredients and instructions on how to make perfume oil. However, there are times that some articles sound a bit sketchy, hence I’m being careful and hesitate to ‘read’ such articles. I prefer using my time on reading research ‘papers’ with proven results because their reliability and sinCErity matter to me.
Apt reference and discussion
Due to the enormous number of available articles on the web, we are flooded with information. Reading all of them might keep you confined in your room because of the number of overwhelming details they provide. That’s why to save from consuming so much time, We prefer to prioritize reading Apt references that provide details that are well discussed. We want to obtain accurate information, so We can provide the appropriate content for You. While it’s easier to refer to printed materials, ‘vlogs’, and articles about perfume oils, We prefer to understand its Concepts by reading reliable research. We opt to have references that provide well-investigated results with properly discussed details and hypotheses by the official researchers.
Writing our perfume oil article
In Every article that we post, ‘It is our practice to seek Credible research papers. We could hastily write ‘posts’ but because We wanted to be certain that We have the Apt reference and understand it properly, we take time before we write our articles. We want to be thorough in sCrutinizing the details that we have read before ‘sharing’ any articles.
Apt Communication and good discussions are always appreciated ❤
Dryness of the skin can happen, and when this occurs, skin irritation may appear as well. Even when something goes wrong to your cutis, don’t be too hard on ‘Yourself’, understand that you need to forgive ‘Yourself.’ since having Cutis recuperation is your goal to have a good and healthy Cutis, ‘You’ have to be patient and understand. After reading ‘ health books’ ‘You’ll realize that Your Cutis needs continuous moisturizing, hence, it means that the care that your Cutis needs must be delivered.
What makes Argan oil highly moisturizing?
Argan oil or Argania spinose has a moisturizing effect due to its high triglyceride content. This constituent enables argan oil to have emollient properties. Emollient is important in moisturizing the skin, as having a higher percentage of emollient means having an increased skin moisture level as well.
Argan oil in moisturizer product
Argan oil was used as an ingredient in a formulated moisturizing serum in a 2021 study. The developers concocted five moisturizer formulations with different argan oil concentrations. The more argan oil concentration it has, the more emollient effect it provides. The five formulations are Formulation 1 (F1) which contains 1%, Formulation 2 (F2) which has 2%, Formulation 3 (F3) with 3%, Formulation 4 (F4) which contains 4%, and Formulation 5 (F5) has 5% of Argan oil. The moisturizing sErum consists of Argan oil, squalane light, triglyceride, glycerin USP, hyaluronic acid HMW, sodium EDTA, PEG-100, PEG-12 dimethicone, sodium acrylate, phenoxyethanol-SA, and distilled water. The moisturizer was rose-sCEnted due to the added concentrated rose cheek fragrance.
To test the moisturizing effect of the developed product, 15 volunteers with ages ranging from 18 to 25 years old were recruited to join the study. The five argan-containing moisturizer sErums were administered through single application.
Results of the study showed that different concentrations have different effects in increasing the skin moisture level. Formulation 3 which has 3% argan oil demonstrated a higher percentage of moisture rising. However, formulation 2 which contains 2% argan oil concentration has elicited the most satisfactory result when it comes to organoleptic, physicochemical, and stability components. Formulation 2 is found to be the best among the formulated moisturizers for having a stable and high moisturizer effect on the skin. Moreover, after 4 weeks of observation, the results showed that the moisturizer sErum was non-greasy and non-oily.
Upon knowing that there is a Carrier oil that can moisturize your Cutis by patiently applying it, Please learn more about it and have the wisdom that you need so you can be good to your cutis even more. Argan oil is called a lot of times to be an oil that has a lot of good effects. Also, please remember that the patience that ‘You’ show to Your Cutis reflects how much you deeply love and care for your Cutis. Caring for your cutis does not only mean supporting sophisticated rituals. There are times when the most modest remedies must be followed and applied even though ‘It’ may ‘sound’ stupid already just to ensure that you will have a good cutis.
To know more about the effects of Argan and Essential oils, please read our articles and follow the top tips that we will provide. We want you to have a cutis that’s good and heavenly to touch.
Moisturize without pause
Budiasih, S., Masyitah, I., Jiyauddin, K., Kaleemullah, M., Samer, A., Fadli, A. and Yusuf, E. Formulation and Characterization of Cosmetic Serum Containing Argan Oil as Moisturizing Agent. In Proceedings of BROMO Conference (BROMO 2018) – Symposium on Natural Product and Biodiversity, p.1. SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda.. (2021) DOI: 10.5220/0009846300010001
Lavandula angustifolia or lavender is the most popular and topmost choice for aromatherapy due to its versatility, fragrance, and therapeutic effects that are well supported by research. It is also the most recommended essential oil for dozing concerns.
How does lavender promote drowsiness and hypnotism
Linalyl acetate and linalool are the major compounds in lavender essential oil. These are the chemical compounds that make lavender oil have hypnotic and anxiolytic effects. (2) Furthermore, inhalation of lavender essential oil makes you drowsy because it affects your autonomic nervous system along with the factors that facilitate sleep onset such as reduced blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, and cortisol levels. (2)
Lavender essential oil on dozing quality, latency, and duration
Lavender’s efficacy on sleep quality among postpartum women was reported in 2015. In the randomized clinical trial, 158 women who had recently given birth at Zanjan University medical health center were recruited to participate in the study. These mothers were in their postpartum period. The subjects were divided into two groups, the control, and the intervention group. The control group received the placebo which was sesame carrier oil. While the patients in the intervention group were treated with lavender fragrance every night before sleeping. The aromatherapy blend used for the intervention group was composed of 10% lavender essential oil and sesame carrier oil. (1)
The inhalation therapy was carried out by dropping 4 drops of lavender fragrance on the cotton ball. The participants had to inhale lavender’s aroma for 10 deep breaths. After which, the cotton ball was placed in a container beside the patient’s pillow until morning. The container was located at the patient’s disposal that’s 20 cm away from the patient. This setup enabled them to inhale lavender’s aroma from bedtime until the next morning. The inhalation procedure was carried out nightly before sleeping. It was repeatedly done 4 times a week for 8 weeks. For the participants in the control group, the same intervention procedure was performed except that they only used sesame carrier oil. (1)
Sleep quality evaluation was done after 3 – 5 days after birth, then after four weeks (4th week), and then after the second four weeks (8th week) after labor. After 4 weeks, the improvement difference was not yet much apparent between the two groups, though there were minimal improvements. The improvement in doze quality for the intervention group only appeared after 8 weeks. It was observed after 8 weeks that there was an increased sleep quality among the intervention group participants between their pre-intervention condition, and after the interventions. Meanwhile, there was no change in the placebo group compared to the aroma group. Hence, it was confirmed that inhalation of lavender essential oil aroma has a positive effect on certain sleep quality aspects such as sleep latency and duration. (1)
Lavender essential oil’s efficacy on insomnia
Lavender essential oil’s effect among postmenopausal women with insomnia was studied in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in 2021. The subjects in this study included 35 postmenopausal women aged 48–65. Participants in both groups are mostly aged around 56 years old and clinically diagnosed with insomnia. The subjects were divided into two groups – the aroma group and the placebo group. The subjects in the aroma group inhaled lavender essential oil while the control group took sunflower oil. (2)
Though the trial lasted for 36 days, the intervention period ran for 29 days. Each participant was given an aromatic kit that contains sleeping hygiene instruction sheets, a pack of cotton balls, and 29 amber bottles (1 bottle a day). For the aroma group, the bottles contain 2ml (40 drops) of sunflower oil and 0.12ml (2.4 drops)of Lavender essential oil. 6% essential oil dilution was followed to ensure that the aroma is pleasant and make the lavender’s aroma less apparent. (2)
The participants were instructed to self-administer the inhalation of the oil provided to them. They were advised to use one bottle per day at bedtime. They were instructed to do the inhalation by removing the bottle’s cap and while sitting, they should place the bottle at neck level while making circular movements. This procedure should be done for two minutes. They were advised to lightly smell the oil instead of deeply inhaling its fragrance to prevent headaches due to excessive effort. The interval between the first inhalation and the second inhalation should be 10 minutes. During the interval period, the participants should do their hygiene routines, to prepare for dozing. After the second inhalation, the participants should pour all of the oil onto a cotton ball. To ensure that they can sniff the odor through the dozing period it should remain close to their nose and must be placed beside their pillow in the position/direction in which they usually sleep. After performing all the procedures during and after the second inhalation, the participants should be ready to doze. Evaluations were performed before and after the intervention. Each participant had to attend three appointments for evaluation with an interval of one or two weeks. (2)
Most of the volunteers in both groups reported that they did not experience any adverse effects. Moreover, no differences were observed between groups after intervention because both groups presented better sleep quality over time. All participants had significant improvement in insomnia severity as well as sleep quality, sleep onset latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and daytime sleepiness. A possible reason why both groups had improvement despite that the placebo group only received carrier oil was because of the provided sleep hygiene guidelines, instructions and weekly reminders and follow-ups, that was done before and during the intervention. These were helpful to improve the sleeping pattern and sleep quality of the participants as these assisted the participants to rethink their attitudes towards sleep. (2)
Meanwhile, researchers observed the tendency of improvement in wake-after-sleep onset (WASO) among the aroma group as it was seen that there was a decrease in WASO over time. Moreover, the aroma group had better overall sleep patterns and quality, a decrease in sleep onset latency, and increased sleep efficiency. (2)
The influence of lavender essential oil on drowsiness is without a doubt effective. However, based on the two presented researches above, we would see that to reap the efficacy of lavender, proper implementation must be ensured. Both the 2015 and 2021 randomized controlled and clinical trials have emphasized the importance of reminding the patients regarding the instructions, guidelines, procedure, and proper drowsing hygiene. These can be made possible by providing an information sheet, a checklist, and weekly reminders about the intervention through phone calls or text messages.
(1) Afshar M.K., Moghadam Z.B., Taghizadeh Z., Bekhradi R., Montazeri A., Mokhtari P. Lavender Fragrance Essential Oil and the Quality of Sleep in Postpartum Women. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal. 2015; 17(4): e25880. DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.17(4)2015.25880
(2) Lucena L.D.R., Dos Santos-junior J.G., Tufik T., Hachul H. Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 59 (2021) 102726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102726
Oil Therapy 