A ROMA THERAPY

IN AYURVEDA
C ONCEPT AND T HERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

N.SRIKANTH
A S S I S TA N T D I R E C TO R
C E N T R A L C O U N C I L F O R R E S E A R C H I N AY U RV E D I C S C I E N C E S
D E PA RT M E N T O F AY U S H
M I N I S T RY O F H E A LT H & F A M I LY W E L FA R E
G OVERNMENT OF I NDIA
1
2 S TART OF PROCESS

 Natural products
 Botanical
 Animal
 Mineral
origins from India have initiated the
scientific quest of Drugs since antiquity.
3
S TART OF PROCESS
E VOLUTION OF I NDIAN PHARMACOPEIA

Period Plants Remarks on changes Literature

3000 BC - 289 Building a Pharmacopoea Vedic texts
1000 BC (Atharvaveda)
1500 BC - 650 Incorporation / discarding Ayurvedic Texts
500 AD drugs •Charaka Samhita
•Sushrut Samhita
•Astanga Samgraha
500 AD- 2000 Incorporation / discarding 16 major Nighantus
1900 AD drugs (like Dhanvantari
Varieties identified Bhavprakasha, Raja upto
Substitutes identified Shaligram)
Expansion in applications
India is having the world’s richest flora, comprising of about 120 families of plants, comprising
1,30,000 species.
Ayurvedic texts cover about 2400 species of plants with their medicinal uses as described
by ancient Indian medical scholars.
10,000 herbs are used worldwide for medicinal purposes
4
R OOTS OF C LINICAL
E XPERIMENTATION AND D RUG T RIALS

Susruta’s Approach: Reverse Pharmacology

 Test intervention (Tallingatwat)

 Feasibility; observational design (Dristhaphalatwat)

 System validation (Agamaatsya)

5
R OOTS OF C LINICAL
E XPERIMENTATION AND D RUG T RIALS

Charaka’s Approach: Meticulous design &

Emphasis on Reproducibility
 Feasible ideology / Hypothesis
(Budhi psyathi ya bhavaan)
 Multi dimensional approach in planning &
assessment (Bahu karana yogajaan)
 Appropriate design (Yukti-Yogna)
 Perpetually valid outcome and reproducibility
(Yuktih trikalah)
6 S TART OF PROCESS

 Some of the Ayurvedic plants

 Interesting leads for drug discovery
 Structural modifications of active
principles leading to a cascade of new
“chemical” drugs
 In global use and pharmacology research
7 P HYTO C HEMICAL C LASS

Source: Ehrman et al, J Chem Inf Model 2007; 47(2):254-263

8 M ARKET P OTENTIAL

 Market comprising of Ayurvedic, Unani,

Siddha & Homoeopathic medicine is around
US $ 1.5 billion  Rs 8800 Crore.
 Approximate share of Ayurvedic formulations
is 84% (Homeopathy 14%, Unani 2% and
Siddha less than 1%.)
9
U SE OF T RADITIONAL
M EDICINE
CHINA 40%
CHILE 71%
COLUMBIA 40%
INDIA 80-90%*
AUSTRALIA 48%
BELGIUM 70%
CANADA 70%
FRANCE 49%
USA 42%
UK 70%
NORTH IRELAND 90%
*Status and Role of AYUSH and Local Health Traditions Under National Rural
Health Mission- Report of a Study; National Health Systems Resource Centre,
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India New Delhi; 2010
WHO traditional medicine strategy 2002-2005. Document WHO/EDM/TRM/2002.
10 A ROMA THERAPY

 AROMA indicates Fragrance &

therapy denotes treatment.
 The therapy in which Aromatic
material is used called
Aromatherapy.
11
F OUR MAJOR AREAS OF
APPLICATIONS

SNo. Areas Details

1 Aesthetic Role in beauty and skin care

2 Psychological Effects on moods /feelings

3 Holistic Body mind and sprit integration

4 Medical Maintenance of homoeostasis

12
A ROMA T HERAPY –
H ISTORICAL P ERSPECTIVE
SNo. Details Period

1 Vedic period 3000 BC.

2 Ayurveda samhitas 1500 BC - 500 AD

3 Egyptian papyri 1555 BC
4 Shine medical book 2700 BC.
5 Avicenna(Arabia) 980 AD-1037AD

6. 16 major Nighantus 500 AD-

(like Dhanvantari 1900 AD
Bhavprakasha, Raja
upto Shaligram)
13
A ROMA THERAPY -
H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

 Antiquity of use of medicinal and aromatic

plants, poly herbal, mineral based
formulations for therapeutic and cosmetic
purpose goes back to the Vedic period
 Vedic literatures recount about
 Nutritive ‘Sugandhim Pustivardhanam’

 Immune enhancing
actions attributed to aromatic properties
14
A ROMA THERAPY -
H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

 A mention of importance of cosmetics is

highlighted in Mantras and descriptions on
gods and goddesses.
 Number of Aromatic plants/ preparations
have been in use for
 Psychosomatic disorders
 As antimicrobial agents
 As antiseptics
15
A ROMA THERAPY -
H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

 Description of medicinal and cosmetic utility

plants viz
 Kustha (Sassurea lappa)
 Chandana (Santalam album)
 Kumkum (Crocus sativus)

can be traced from oldest Indian literatures like

Upanishads, epics, etc.

 Many cosmetics are described which are

aromatic in nature.
16
A ROMA THERAPY -
H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

 Lord Dhanvantari the God of Ayurveda is the

Incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
 Their description denotes the importance
and uses of Aromatic material like
 Kasturi Tilakam
 Chandan Lepanam etc.
 Gandhamadan, a mountain named after so,
harboring ample fragrant plants (Ramayan,
Vagbhata)
17 A ROMA THERAPY -
H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

18
A ROMA THERAPY -
H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK

ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

19
A ROMA THERAPY -
H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK
ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY
20
A ROMA THERAPY -
H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK
ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY
21 A ROMA THERAPY -
H ISTORICAL OUTLOOK
22
C ONCEPT OF A ROMA IN
AYURVEDA

 Aroma - as an integral component of Prithvi

Mahabhuta attributed with Gandha Guna
(fragrance)
 Categorized as
 Surabhi (compatible )
 Asurabhi(incompatible)
 Therapeutic Value:A number of aromatic
plant, animal & mineral sources attributed
with medicinal value.
 Relevance in Anatomical applications
(Phana Marma)
23 C ONCEPT ….

 Specific pharmaceutical dosage forms to

retain the aroma of the drugs. (Arka, Hima,
Phanta etc.)
 Numerous pharmaceutical & clinical
applications
 Special routes of administration of dosage
forms pertaining to aromatic properties
 Personal, Social & Environmental Hygiene
and preventive health care
24
A PPLICATIONS OF A ROMA
T HERAPY IN AYURVEDA

 Ayurvedic literatures mention the following

wide-ranging applications of Aroma in Health
Care System:
 Preventive health
 Environmental Health
 Public health
 Pharmaceuticals
 Therapeutics
 A PPLICATIONS IN
25
P REVENTIVE H EALTH

 Utility of garlands enriched with aromatic flowers

as a part of daily regime (Ch. Su. 5/96)
 Inhaling flavors/fumes of aromatic medicinal
plants as a daily regime
 Prescribed to stay in gardens having aromatic
flowers in summer seasons as a part of seasonal
regime
 Fumigation of clothing with aromatic
plants/products
 Avoidance of exposure to excessive/improper
smells/flavors
 A PPLICATIONS IN
26 E NVIRONMENTAL & P UBLIC
H EALTH

 Purification of water with aromatic

herbs
 Fumigating the environment with
aromatic plants/products to prevent
epidemics/infectious diseases
 Sterilizing the labour rooms, Pediatric
wards & OTs with antimicrobial aromatic
plants (Dashang Dhoopa)
27
A PPLICATIONS IN
P HARMACEUTICS

 Evolution of specialized dosage forms for aromatic

herbs to retain their medicinal properties (Arka
etc.)
 Fumigating the containers with aromatic
plants/products to prevent contamination &
infestations
 Sterilizing the Drug store rooms, with Anti-
microbial aromatic plants
 Determining the Pharmaceutical
specifications/end-points of manufacturing
processes of various dosage forms (Avaleha &
medicated oil/ghee etc.)
 A PPLICATIONS IN
P HARMACEUTICS
28

 Addition of aromatic excipients/Treatment of

distillates of aromatic medicinal herbs
according to targeted indications (Arka)
- For Vata Disorders : Guggulu
- For Pitta Disorders : Chandana
- For Kapha Disorders : Jatamamsi
 Use of aromatic excipients for patients’
compliance/acceptability

 Treating the oils with aromatic plants/products

before utilizing them for manufacture
(taila and ghrita murchana)
 A PPLICATIONS IN
29
T HERAPEUTICS

 Fumigation for wound-healing

 Fumigation to prevent & manage
infectious & contagious diseases
 Induction of emesis (Madanaphala-Lotus)
 Aphrodisiac agents
Nardostachys
jatamansi
 A PPLICATIONS IN
T HERAPEUTICS
30

 Nasal Administration of certain medicaments

 Management of headache
 Management of psychotic disorders to
restore the consciousness
e.g. Restoring consciousness of Lakshman is an
example of application of aromatic nasal
medicaments as narrated in Ramayana.
31
S OME AYURVEDIC A ROMATIC
M EDICINAL P LANTS
 S OME AYURVEDIC A ROMATIC
32
M EDICINAL P LANTS

Aromatic Plant Therapeutic

Indication
Karpoora (Cinnamomum Ophthalmic Use , Obesity
camphora)
Kasturi(Moschus moschiferus) Eye, Perfumes

Chandana (Santalum album) Cardiac tonic, Cosmetic

Aguru (Aquaria agalocha) Eye and Ear Diseases

Kunkuma (Crocus sativus) Hiccough, headache, Wound

healing, Cosmetic purposes
Jatiphala (Mysterica fragrans) Throat problems, Anti-
infective, cough, cold
 S OME AYURVEDIC A ROMATIC
33
M EDICINAL P LANTS

Aromatic Plant Therapeutic

Indication
Jatipatri (Mysterica fragrans) Anti-toxic, Anti-infective

Lavanga (Syzigium aromaticum) Eye diseases, Cardiac tonic

Ela (Elatorum cardamomum) Anti-toxic, Respiratory disorders,

cardiac & urinary disorders
Tamalapatra (Cinnamonum Anti-toxic, Respiratory disorders,
tamala) cardiac & urinary disorders

Twak(Syzigium zeylanicum) Anti-toxic, Respiratory disorders,

cardiac & urinary disorders
Nagakeshara (Mesua feria) Perfume, Skin diseases,
 S OME AYURVEDIC A ROMATIC
34
M EDICINAL P LANTS

Aromatic Plant Therapeutic

Indication
Talisapatra(Abbies webiana) Respiratory Diseases, Arthritis,
Jatamansi (Nordostachys Blood purifier, Skin disorders
jatamamsi)

Usheera(Vetivaria zizanoides) Skin diseases, Wound healing,

Guggulu(Commiphora mukul)
Shathi (Curcuma zedoria)
Tagara(Valleriana wallichi)
Urinary problems,
Wound healing, Obesity,
Arthritis, Skin diseases
Skin diseases, Blood purifier
Anti-infective, Anti-toxic, eye
diseases
 S OME AYURVEDIC A ROMATIC
35
M EDICINAL P LANTS

Aromatic Plant Therapeutic

Indication
Padma (Nulimbo nucifera) Blood Purifier, Anti-toxic,
skin diseases

Jati (Jasminum humile) Wound healing, Dental

problems, Blood purifier

Champaka (Michelia Urinary disorders, blood

champa) purifier

Tulasi(Ocimum sanctum) Skin diseases, Urinary

disorders, Blood purifier,
Anti-infective
36
T HERAPEUTIC VALUES O F
E SSENTIAL OILS
37
T HERAPEUTIC VALUES O F
E SSENTIAL OILS

 Arka prakasha, ancient book on Ayurveda

contributed by Ravana has elaborated
the importance of
- therapeutic utility of essential oils
-pharmaceutical SOPs for preparations of
distillates from aromatic plants for
topical and internal use.
 R OLE OF E SSENTIAL OILS IN
38
A ROMA THERAPY

 Skin health care

 Emotional care(Relieving stress)

 Respiratory diseases

 Muscular pain

 Digestive disorders

 Anti-inflammatory

 Hormonal balance
39 R OLE OF A ROMA ……

 Aroma therapy may acts as:

 An add on or adjuvant therapy with
conventional medicine
 Supports emotionally during main
therapy
40
C LASSIFICATION
OF A ROMATIC D RUGS

Aromatic Drugs may be Organic or Inorganic

Organic –Animal Origin
 Musk
 Ambar (Dried Intestinal material of whale)
Inorganic
 Clay from specific places like Padmaj Panka.
(Mud surrounding Lotus).
 Multani Mitti
41 H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

 Pandanus odorotissinus – ketaki

 Jasminum officinale – Jati
 Rosa centifolia – Taruni
 Cinnamomum – Dalchini
 Cummin Seeds – Jiram
 Alpinia galanga – Kulinjan’
42
H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

• Cyperus Rotundus – Nut grass

• Curcuma longa – Haldi
• Sussurea lappa – kushtha
• Nelumbo nucifera –Sacred lotus
• Santalum Album – Sandlewood
• Citrus medica – Matulunga
• Aqualaria agollocha – Agaru
• Crocus sativus – Kesar
43

Curcuma longa
44
H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

• Pterocarpus santalum – Red Sandal

• Butea monosperma – Palash

• Nymphaea stellata – Nilkamal

• Zingiber officinale - Dry ginger

• Cidrus Deodara – Deodar

• Michelia chapaca – Champa

45
H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

•Vetivera zizanioidis – Ushira

•Shorea robusta - Sarjarasa (Ral)

•Piper longum – Pippali

•Piper nigrum – Maricha

•Madhuca indica – Mahuva

•Cinnamonum tamala - Tejpatra

46
H ERBAL & OTHER MATERIAL

•Mesua ferrea – Nagkesar

•Callicarpa macrophylla – Priyangu
•Psoralia corylifolia – Bakuchi
•Feronia limonia – Kapittha patra
•Nardostachys jatamansi – Jatamansi
•Anethumsova – Shatpushpa
•Ellettaria cardamonum – Ela
•Parmelia perlata – stone flowers
(clove)
 Mesua ferrea
47

Nardostachys jatamansi
48
AYURVEDIC PREPARATIONS
CONTAINING A ROMATIC HERBS

 Most of the above class drugs are described

in many diseases

 But their main use is in

 Respiratory
 Cardiac
 Aphrodisiac
 Cosmetic &
 Oral preparations
 R ESPIRATORY A ROMATIC
49
P REPARATIONS

• Karpurasava
• Trijatakvati
• Tulsi tailam,
• Jivandhara inhalation
 C ARDIAC A ROMATIC
50
P REPARATIONS
• Cinnamonum camphora
Preparations
• Kasturibhairav Rasa,
• Kasturibhushan rasa
• Brihat Drakshasava
• Vidari Ghritam
• Kesharadivati
• Chaturbhujrasa
 A ROMATIC O RAL & D ENTAL
51 PREPARATIONS
M OUTH F RESHENER / PASTE /P OWDERS

•Krishnadi chuarnam
• Jatipatradi churnam
• Dantarogashani churnam
• Pathadhy churnam
• Beejpur yoga
• Mundyadi churnam
• Kushthadi yoga

• Sarivapatra churnam
 FACIAL C OMPLEXION
52
E NHANCER

•Sharpunkhadi lepa •Vatadi Lepa

•Jatiphal lepa •Haritaladi Lepa

•Lodhradi lepa •Yavadi Lepa

•Sarshapadi lepa •Ankolabijadi Lepa

•Vatpatradi lepa •Jatiphaldi Lepa

• Kunkumadi Lepa •Chandanadi Lepa

•Aaranya tulsi Lepa

52
 FACIAL C OMPLEXION
53
E NHANCER
54
55
 H AIR C ARE A ROMATIC
56
P REPARATIONS

• Gokshuradi lepa
• Nilopalodyo lepa
• Bhringadilepa
• Mansyadi lepa
• Ayorajadi lepa
• Madhukadi lepa
• Marsdenia tenacissima
 H AIR C ARE A ROMATIC
P REPARATIONS

• Marichadi lepa • Padmabijadi Yoga • Marichadi lepa

• Yashtyadi lepa • Eladilepa • Vajravalli lepa
• Karanjali tailam • Karvirlepa • Shunthyadi lepa
• Ral tailam • Karpuradilepa • Manhashivadi lepa
• Vachadi tailam • Bhallatakadi lepa • Maharastripadi lepa
• Madan tailam • Marichadi lepa
• Vajravallilepa
• Shunthyadi lepa
58
A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS
IN S EXUAL DISORDERS

• Paninashak tailam • Ashvagandhaditailam

• Rativallabhakhya tailam • Alambushadya tailam
• Brahad bringaraj tailam • Karisadya tailam
• Mahamasha tailam • Ajaypal tailam
•Gadhikaran yoga • Palashbij tailam
•Gadhikaran lepa
•Sthulikaran lepa
 A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS –
59
M ETHODS AND FORMS
Bath
Add 5-6 drops of E.O. to almond base oil and
add to your bath water.
Hand & Foot bath
Add 2-3 drops of E.O. to 5 ml. Pure almond
oil/milk. Mix this with 200 ml. Warm water in a
bowel and soak your hand or feet for 15-20
minutes.
Massage
Select any E.O. as per the condition add 5 to 20
ml. of almond oil and use for massage, this is
beneficial for massage of scalp and face but for
other parts or whole body massage use ginger or
coconut oil mixed with E.O.
 A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS –
60
M ETHODS AND FORMS

Massage
Select any E.O. as per the condition add 5 to 20 ml.
of almond oil and use for massage, this is beneficial
for massage of scalp and face but for other parts or
whole body massage use ginger or coconut oil
mixed with E.O.
Vaporisers
Add 6-10 drops of selected E.O. to warm water in oil
burner and light it, the generated vapors will give
desired effects.
 A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS –
61
M ETHODS AND FORMS

Inhalations
Add 2-3 drops of E.O. to a bowl of boiling water, cover your head and
the bowl with towel, the vaporized steam will act through respiration.
Infusions
Used for delicate aromatic herbs, leaves, flowers etc. Preparing an
infusion is like making a cup of tea.
The boiled water poured over an herb or mixture of herbs,
it is covered to 10 to 15 minutes and then can be consuming.
Decoctions
This is used for tougher and more fibrous plant material. Instead of
steeping in hot water, the plant material is boiled for a longer time to
soften the hard woody material and release active constituents.
 A ROMATIC PREPARATIONS –
62 M ETHODS AND FORMS

Tinctures
A tincture is an alcohol and water extract used when the
plants active chemicals are not very soluble in water. The
shelf-life of tinctures is more.
Macerations
Dried aromatic plant material is covered in cool water
and soaked overnight. The herb strained oil and the
liquid is taken.
Poultices and compresses
To relieve local pain or overcome poultices and
compresses are used.
63
A ROMATIC
M ATERIAL & T HERAPEUTIC U SES
Aromatic Therapeutic Uses
Material
Tulsi Respiratory problems
Mental fatigue and poor memory
Useful in spastic muscle
Relives mental tension

Bergamot it is very much useful it contains more them 300 chemical constituents
Acne, boils, cold sores, eczema, insect bites
psoriasis, insect repellent, scabies, wound,
ulcers, sore throat
Depression refreshing mind

Birch Muscle and joint pain

Increase awareness in the sensory system

Clove Useful in respiratory disorders

Toothaches
Improves oral hygiene
64
A ROMATIC
M ATERIAL & T HERAPEUTIC U SES
Coriander Anti-inflammatory
Mild sedative action
Cypress Anti-inflammatory
Heals emotions
Urinary diseases

Davana Skin smoother

Endocrine stimulator and improver
Hormonal balance
Anti-bacterial
Dill Bronchitis
Hepato-protective
Supports pancreatic function
Eucalyptus Health promoter
Bronchitis, cold
Oral hygiene
Euphoric
65
A ROMATIC
M ATERIAL & T HERAPEUTIC U SES
Corupe front Digestive disorders
Obesity
Relieves negativity
Helicrysum Tissue regenerative
Analgesic
Skin care
Euphoric
Hyssop Anti-inflammatory
Anti-viral
Mucolytic and expectorant
Anti-parasitic
Scat softening
Anti-bacterial

Jasmine Skin care

Frigidity
Depression
Myalgia
Enhances optimism
Euphonic
 A ROMATIC
66 M ATERIAL & T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Lavender Burns, rash, psoriasis

Insomnia
PMS
Fennel Relieves PMS and menopausal symptoms
Feels well being
Detoxification

Fir Arthritis
Bronchitis
Anti-infective

Frankincense Used since time of Lord Christa

Helps in meditation and spiritual awareness

Galbanum Anti-viral
Supports body strength
 A ROMATIC
67 M ATERIAL & T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Ginger Arthritis
Myalgia
Congestion
Bronchitis
Indigestion
Motion sickness
Nausea
Anti-inflammatory
Lymphatic edema
Geranium Regenerate tissue and nerves
Skin care
Balancing hormones
Release negative memories
Lemon Digestive problems
Air purifier
Feels energetic
Lemon Digestive problems
Grass Regenerate connective tissue
Creates awareness
68
A ROMATIC
M ATERIAL & T HERAPEUTIC U SES
Myrrh Skin care
Bronchitis
Oral hygiene
Digestive problems
Nutmeg Analgesic nausea anti-infective
Overcome frigidity and
Relieves nervous fatigue
Orange Stomatitis
Dyspepsia
Cold
Emotional support
Patchouli Anti-rinkle
Release anxiety
Aphrodisiac
Pipper Stimulates endocrine system
Mucolytic and expectorant
Arthritis
Increases cellular oxygenation
 A ROMATIC
69 M ATERIAL & T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Peppermint Nausea, vomiting

Phyarangitis
Oral hygiene
Rose Detoxicating
Brings body-mind balance
Anti-haemorrhagic
Prevention scarring
Bronchitis
Anti-urinkle
Creating sense of well-being
Sandalwood Similar to frankincense helps
in meditation.
Burning micturation
Removes negative thinking
Thyme Supports immune system
Overcome physical weakness
Digestive disorders
White Lotus Spiritual and emotional support
Supports immune system
Anti-cancer
Euphoric
Pious feeling
 A ROMATIC
70 M ATERIAL & T HERAPEUTIC U SES

Chemical Therapeutic Properties

Compounds of
Essential Oils
Releasing, calming and sedative, Anti-inflammatory Anti-septic,
Aldehydes Anti-microbial

Phenols Highly anti-septic and anti-microbial Stimulating immune system

Sesquiterpenol Mood balancing, Anti-inflammatory Immune system enhancer
Ketones Mind relaxer, Mucolytic and expectorant supporting respiratory
system, Stimulates cell regeneration
Esters Mind relaxer, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-fungal
Alcohol Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral
Monoterpenes Detoxifying, Diuretic, Anti-septic, Anti-viral, Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic, Immunity stimulator
Azulene Anti-histaminic, Highly anti-inflammatory, Promoting healing
Bisabolol Is the strongest sesquifterpene, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-
inflammatory
 M AJOR CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS FOUND IN
ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR THERAPEUTIC
71
PROPERTIES

Chemical Compounds Therapeutic Properties

of Essential Oils
Releasing, calming and sedative, Anti-inflammatory Anti-
Aldehydes septic, Anti-microbial

Phenols Highly anti-septic and anti-microbial Stimulating immune

system
Sesquiterpenol Mood balancing, Anti-inflammatory Immune system
enhancer

Ketones Mind relaxer, Mucolytic and expectorant supporting

respiratory system, Stimulates cell regeneration

Esters Mind relaxer, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-fungal

Alcohol Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral
Monoterpenes Detoxifying, Diuretic, Anti-septic, Anti-viral, Anti-
inflammatory Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic, Immunity
stimulator

Azulene Anti-histaminic, Highly anti-inflammatory, Promoting

healing
 M AJOR CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS FOUND IN
72 ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR THERAPEUTIC
PROPERTIES

Bisabolol
Is the strongest sesquifterpene, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-
inflammatory

Flavonoids This group of compound is thoroughly researched and found

Immunity enhancer, Anti-cancer, Preventing cardio-vascular
disorders, Improves circulation, Maintains healthy status
Farnesol Highly anti-inflammatory, Anti-bacterial
Highly anti-viral
Farnesence
Highly anti-viral
Limonene
Highly anti-bacterial, Immunity enhancer
Terpene
alcohols
Highly anti-viral
Terpene
hydrocarbons
Mucolytic and expectorant, Immunity enhancer
Thujone
 S AFETY INFORMATION PERTAINING TO
73
E SSENTIAL O ILS

• Essential oils are powerful

• Highly concentrated oils can be harmful if
misused.
• In general not to use undiluted essential oils
on skin.
• Some E.O. can cause adverse reactions,
better to do a skin patch test prior to use
for the first time.
• Place a drop of the diluted E.O. on the
inside of elbow, apply and bandage and wait
for 24 hours to observe any reaction.
74 A DVERSE REACTIONS

 Irritation-rashes, mild itching, burning.

Vanishes if oil is discontinued

 Sensitization: More serious then irritation can

cause charges into immune by stem. If used
body repeatedly then the body shows
sensitization in the form of rashes, allergic
reaction, itching etc.

 Photo sensitization – Photo toxicity

75 A DVERSE REACTIONS

• E.O. causes a reaction to ultraviolet light. Reaction

may be in the form of brown blotches to burning of
the skin.
• The condition may persists for a longer period and
may reoccur if exposed to ultraviolet light again.

• In pregnant condition Birch and winter green E.O.

should be avoided as they are readily
absorbed by the skin causing irritation.

•In epileptic patients the strong odour E.O. should be

avoided as they may initiate an epileptic attack.
 eg.Camphor, Fennel, Rosmary etc.
 SOME OF THE E.O. SHOULD BE
76
USED CAUTIOUSLY

E.O. causing Sensitization E.O. causing

photo sensitization
•Balasm •Rue oil
•Benzoin resinod and oil •Bergamot oil
•Cinnamon bark oil
E.O. with toxic action:
•Inula graveolens •Wosmseed
•Rue oil (chenopodium)
•Verbena •Tausy oil

E.O. with carcinoglenic

action:
•Calamus
•Sassafoas
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 H OW A ROMA WORKS : AYURVEDIC
83
AND CONTEMPORARY
UNDERSTANDING
•

• Affects body’s physiological system like digestive,

respiratory etc. directly or indirectly peppermint,
ginger, sandalwood etc.

• On skin – vasodilatation – producing warming

effect.

• Through olfactory route effects brain, sending

electrica messages directly into the limbic system
resulting impacts on memory, learning,
emotions, thinking and feeling etc. most of the
scents calm the nervous system, uplift spirits,
creates euphoria or sedation etc.
84 H OW A ROMA WORKS

 Mainly Aroma works through the sense of

olfaction

 Olfactory sense is highly developed in some

mammals like dog, rabbits, etc. called Macro-
somative

 But in man it is not well developed called

micro-somative.

 The sense of smell contributes greatly to the

joy of life.
85 N ASAL ROUTE ……..
 M ARMAS – ITS R OLE

86 PHANA MARMA SRINGATAKA MARMA

 T HE LIMBIC AREA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
87 EMOTIONS , PLEASURE , MEMORY, HORMONAL
BALANCE , FEAR , ETC
 Scope And Limitations of
88 Aroma Therapy

 only Aroma therapy may not be a cure for all

 it may not a complete therapy

 It may be supplemented to other therapies

 As add-on

 Adjunct

to conventional therapies
89

Thank you