I recently received an email from a member of the Lakota people, asking me to remove the reference to Wallace Black Elk from the  NAHA White Paper about the risks involved in Rain Drop Therapy. I would have gladly complied, but I was not the author of the paper and didn’t feel it was right to alter the original authors’ words. (The fact that essential oils are NOT used in traditional Native American healing is an indication of the veracity of Don Gary Young, but that’s another subject.)

Instead of altering the paper as published, using Young’s own writings as a reference, I asked permission to quote her email, below.

Greetings, It saddens my heart to see misinformation continuing to pop up in regard to our Dear Grandfather Wallace Black Elk.

Per your website search: “Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates…”

Don Gary Young is a known quack who has claimed to have learned and modified a “technique” from Grandfather Wallace. Don was a “monkey” (and there have been many) who hung around Grandfather, he was “monkey-see, monkey-do.” He would imitate things he saw without knowledge, without wisdom and without any knowledge of our& Grandfather. He never “worked with” nor was he ever taught, endorsed or recognized by Grandfather. He has stained our beautiful Grandfather’s name and it has to stop.

Thank you for exposing Don Gary Young for the sick individual that he is, but, please, take it one step further and correct all the information. Please support our Grandfather and his memory and remove this lie from your website. It will be a blessing to us all.

Further correspondence bought the following:

Perhaps a posted copy of my email message would be appropriate. I would definitely appreciate not having my private email put “out there” for all to see and attack. Each time I reach out to a person in regard to this matter I take a risk, so I thank you for your kind nature. If I may share with you…

This misinformation has been taught by this man, Don Gary Young, for many years. It is not uncommon, but it is very untrue. My information comes directly from Grandfather Wallace’s biological children and my own experience directly knowing Grandfather. He was a beautiful, generous spirit during his time on Earth and I want nothing more than to set the truth free — even if is takes me one person at a time. It is my heart’s hope that, like a pebble in a pond, as we reach out in a good way to each person, that this information will travel and reach everyone and in doing so bring light and truth forth and wash away this untrue stain from Grandfather’s life. It causes great pain to his family daily and more than I can share, it is getting worse as the lie travels with the power of the internet.

Our Lakota Medicine Men and Women and their ways are Sacred and all too often bastardized by “wanna-bees.” There is no “raindrop,” it was completely fabricated by Don Gary Young. It is possible that Mr. Young heard Grandfather’s stories, as he told many. Often to teach, send a message or simply to bring laughter forth. It is also possible that he witnessed healing ceremonies performed by Grandfather as a Medicine Man. But to claim to have been directly taught or instructed by Grandfather is simply an untruth. It is a way for him to gain trust and access to your finances.

The best “translated” book about Grandfather Wallace was written by a man who did actually spend time with Grandfather and was allowed to record his words on audiotape, William S. Lyon. Mr. Lyon is very clear in his representation of himself as translator to the best of his ability and honored Grandfather in doing so. It is simply humanly impossible to capture the depth and essence of such a human in words. 

Sitting with Grandfather, for even an hour, was worth more than a lifetime of attempting to “describe” anything about him. At any rate, the book is called “Black Elk, The Sacred Ways of A Lakota.” I think you will enjoy it. Try to get a copy at your local library so you don’t have to spend your money.

Additional information on DGY… www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/young.html

Be safe, live in the light and close to the Earth. Thank you for spending a few moments with me. Please toss your own pebble of truth into the pond and help us spread the word.

I request you send me a copy of what you would post to your website prior to posting it.

Namaste’

Anni
Black Hills, South Dakota

The following white paper is presented by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, detailing why responsible members of the Aromatherapy Community are aware of the risks and dangers inherent in the practice of so called “Raindrop Therapy.”

Raindrop Therapy White Paper

The use of essential oils is an ancient practice dating back to Egypt. Like many other practices with roots in the past, it has been highly commercialized to the public. It should rightly hold a respected position in alternative, complementary health practices. In some parts of the world, such as France, it may be practiced with care and skill. However, the general public in the USA, is still in an initiate stage of understanding the use and benefits of the oils. As such, this white paper is intended to educate the consumer of essential oils and practices which they may be exposed to in their explorations. While there is a sense that because it is “natural”, “they are safe”, this paper is intended to give you information about a practice promoted within one company. The practice is called “Raindrop Therapy”, and is promoted within the Young Living Company. While this paper does not make comment regarding the company or its product, it does take a critical stand against the use of the oils in “Raindrop Therapy.”

In the USA, The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) has defined standard curriculum for certification for “Aromatherapy Practitioner”. There are persons performing “Raindrop Therapy” (RDT), who have not received training, observing similar curriculum standards. These public demonstrations and conferences have been presented to the general public as well as audiences of health care professionals including physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, and massage therapists. The purpose of this paper is to assert a position against the use of a technique called “Raindrop Therapy” as it currently cannot be supported as a recognized aromatherapy “best practice.” This position is intended to educate and inform the public as a part of the role of members of the Aromatherapy Community.

“Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Mr. Gary Young is not to be regarded as a best practice because:

• It promotes the unsafe use of essential oils, putting people at risk of skin irritation and
• There is no published empirical substantiation to support its claims that RDT is a “tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis.” ^[1]

Foundation of Conclusions

Current research of formal testing regarding the chemical structure, per cutaneous absorption and dermal metabolism of essential oils as well as potential skin reactions, including irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity and essential oil toxicity, determines existing standard safety guidelines.Safety guidelines are based on the assumption that essential oils used in aromatherapy will be used at safe dilution levels for external use.

In addition to standard dilution guidelines, the aromatherapy practitioner must be aware of those individuals who are identified as a greater risk for developing potential skin reactions, including persons with known allergies, history of asthma, eczema, psoriasis, fair-haired, light skinned, and those with a history of multiple allergies and medical complications. ^[2] (Although this procedure does not preclude sensitization, only potential irritation), “in order to avoid potential skin reactions”, those “at-risk” should receive skin “patch-testing” at “double the concentration planned to use, prior to application of each essential oil.” ^[3]

There is no published clinical evidence to support that RDT has any correcting value as a tool to be used to adjust spinal curvatures caused by scoliosis, or align electric and structural elements, even if the essential oils were to be used at correct dilution levels and the individual’s skin was patch-tested prior to application. Therefore, because of the unsafe use of undiluted essential oils as well as unpublished claims, “Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Gary Young is not supported as a “best practice.”

The discussion that follows will present a description of 1) Raindrop Therapy technique along with 2) current known safety standard guidelines regarding the dermal application of essential oils used in RDT practice and 3) literature regarding unfounded claims of the rationale for use of RDT.

SUPPORTING LITERATURE RESEARCH

This position is based on the following publications, which describe the technique and claims, from the following sources in print and video, as well as information found on the World Wide Web.

Essential Oils Desk Reference,Second Edition, 2001 Essential Science Publishing, pp. 191–198

The Science and Application of Essential Oils,D. Gary Young, ND, “Aromatologist,” YoungLiving Oils, (Video), 1994

Excerpts fromAromatherapy, The Essential Beginningby Gary Young, no longer in print, pp 1–7

Description of Raindrop Therapy (Excerpts)

Step 2
“Next comes the application of the oils of thyme and oregano. Hold the bottle approximately six inches above the skin and let five drops of each oil drop from the bottle evenly spaced along the spine frombottom to top (sacrum to atlas or 1stcervical). Try to stay in the electrical field as much as possible. Itdoes not matter which oil is applied first. Apply one oil and then layer it by gently spreading it evenly alongthe curvature of the spine. Apply the second oils the same way. You don’t need large drops, and more isnot better. Then apply 10 to 15 drops of the V-6 Mixing Oil to prevent any discomfort…

…Now apply the oils ofCypress, Birch, Basil and Peppermint in that order. Apply four to five drops of the first oil along the length of the spine. Layer it in by evenly spreading it with your fingertips. Then do the same with the other three. Starting on one side of the spine, gently massage the oils in along the spine. Do not work directly on the spine. Do not force it or apply direct pressure. Start at the sacrum and use the fingertips of both hands placed side-by-side, and in a circular clockwise motion, work up the side of the spine to the atlas, pushing or pulling the tissue in the direction you want the spine to move. This technique helps to create a “space” for the spine to move. After finishing one side of the spine, walk around to the other side of the individual and begin on the second side starting from the sacrum working up to the atlas. Repeat this two more times.

Step 5
Pay close attention because the back can become very hot!

The heat will generally build slowly in intensity to where it will peak in five to eight minutes and then cool down to where it feels pleasant. The water in the towel drives the oils deeper into the skin. The more out of balance, the more virus or bacteria activity in the body, or the more inflammation in the spine, the hotter the area will become along the spine. Some people will experience no heat, for some it will be mild and very pleasant, while for others it may be hot and a little uncomfortable. Pay attention to what the person is saying. Ask questions. If it gets too uncomfortable, remove the towels and apply V-6 Mixing Oil on the back and work it in. This will usually remove the heat in minutes.

After putting the towels on, wait a few minutes to see how the person is responding. If the back does not become very hot, have the person roll over so the back is against the towels on the table. This usually creates more heat.”

Step 6
“Take the four oils of Birch, Cypress, Basil and Peppermint, in that order, and apply two to three drops of each oil along the inside of the lower legs along the shin bone from the bottom of the knee area to the top of the big toes. Apply one at a time and layer each oil in before applying the next oil. Place fingers of one hand along the inside of the shin bone just below the knee, work down to the ankle, and then along the foot up to the top of the big toe using the Vita Flex Technique. Roll your fingers up and then over onto the nails of the fingers, applying slightly more pressure at the top of the roll and releasing as you come over onto the nails. Short nails would be appreciated by the person on whom you are working. Do this three times on each leg….”

Step 8
“Have the person on the table roll back so he or she is again face down. Rest the head in the head-cradle of the massage table again and make sure the person is lying straight. Remove the towels and then examine the spine. Corrections may or may not be visible. At this point you may add another therapy as desired. Sometimes the desired results do not come immediately, and yet the body will continue to respond for days, at which time you may begin to see gradual changes…

This is the basic Raindrop Therapy, although there are several variations. Everybody is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Different body types respond to the applications in ways not expected. Learn to be sensitive to the person to whom you are working so that you can respond to his or her needs.”

The question is often asked, “How long does this application last? Again, everybody responds differently. Generally speaking, the level of health and proper diet are key factors, as are exercise and mental attitude. One application may last months for one person, but then for another it may be necessary to have the application done every week until the body begins to respond. The key is to retrain the body. In some cases, you will have to develop a new memory in the tissue in order for the body to stay where it should be. This may take a few weeks or even a full year.” ^[4]

The Video Presentation Variation
In the video, in which Mr. Young describes the process, he uses the oils of Oregano 4 drops, and 5 drops of Thyme. He also states that if there are arthritic or compressed disks, then to use 6 drops birch, 3 drops lemongrass, 4-5 drops marjoram, 4-5 drops cypress and a couple of drops of Peppermint.

He further goes on to explain that certain essential oils are known to be caustic to the skin, such as the citrus, coneriferous and spice oils, such as clove, nutmeg. He states that these oils are OK to use neat as in drops on the spine, but for a larger area, like the whole back, to dilute them 15-30 drops to one ounce, and children and the elderly should be 15 drops to an ounce. ^[5]

Notes on Description of Oils Getting Hot

In both of his publications of RDT, Mr. Young describes the oils as “may be feeling hot on the skin”

While the sensation of heat and a burning is a symptom of irritation to the skin from using undiluted oils, the precautions he offers is in Essential Oils Desk Reference.

Caution: Special care must be taken with this step (referring to allowing the heat from a wet towel to penetrate usually about 8-10 minutes). The greater the inflammation and viral infection along the spine, “the hotter the area along the spine will become.“ ^[6]

Discussion

The practice of applying these essential oils undiluted to the skin is not consistent with “best practice” taught in standard curriculum for professional aromatherapy education recognized by NAHA. The use of the undiluted essential oils promoted within Raindrop Therapy, are not supported in safety manuals.

Safety Data References of Essential Oils Which are Used in RDT

Oregano Essential Oil

From:Plant Aromatics

Origanum Oil

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Botanical Name: Thymus capitatus Hoffmgg.et Link, and other varieties. ^[7]

A 2% solution of Origanum oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[8]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Oregano (Spanish) (P)

Thymus capitatus, and Origanum vulgare, a table on page 209 list it as moderately irritant as well as having mucous membrane irritant.

Toxicity data and recommendations: Undiluted oregano oil was severely irritating when applied to mouse skin, and moderately irritating when applied to rabbit skin. Tested at 2% it produced no reaction after a patch test on human subjects.

Therefore, Oregano should not be used neat as promoted in Raindrop Therapy as it can and is known to cause cutaneous irritation. As well, the dilution rate for overall use is 2%. Likewise it should not be used at all on hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under 2 years of age. In the video, a ratio of 5% dilution for overall use was recommended (15-30 drops per ounce), and at 2.5% dilution rate for children or the elderly (15 drops to one ounce). ^[9]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Oregano Oil on humans.

Thyme Oil

From: Essential Oil Safety, referring to Thymus vulgaris L., and Thymus Zygis L.

Irritation/Sensitization-Red Thyme oil-nil at 8% however when applied to animal skin undiluted it proved severely irritating. ^[9]

External applications as a rubefacient and counter-irritant include dilution with olive or other oils. ^[10]

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Genus: Thymus

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris Linn. T. serpyllum L. T. zygis L.T. mastichiria L. and dozens of other species with hundreds of varieties and cultivars, with tremendous chemical compositional variation. ^[11]

An 8% solution of Thyme oil (red unrectified) caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[12]

T. vulgaris, other species and different genera, yield thymol, which can produce irritation of the skin. ^[13] Both Thyme oil and thymol have been recorded as being a cause of adverse dermal reactions including dermatitis, cheilitis and severe inflammation. ^[14]

Undiluted thyme oils were severely irritating to both mouse and rabbit skin: tested at 12% it produced no irritation on human subjects.

Again dermal cautions were noted for hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age. ^[15]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Thyme Oil on humans.

Birch Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Betulaceae

Genus: Betula

Botanical Name: Betula lenta Linn. and other varieties. ^[16]

A 4% solution of Sweet Birch oil cased no irritation or sensitization on human. ^[17]

A 1% solution of Birch oil applied to the skin, can cause dermal eruptions. B.P.C. 1934

Birch extracts have caused adverse reactions in up to 50% of people with an allergy to Birch pollen. ^[18]

Methyl salicylate is freely absorbed by the skin and can lead to high blood levels of Salicylic acid. ^[19]

MANY OTHER REPORTS OF ADVERSE EFFECTS ARE RECORDED. Fetal abnormalities and reduce growth rates in rats. It can pass into breast mild and therefore should NEVER BE USED DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION. ^[20]

Although Birch oil (sweet) has shown no irritation or sensitization at 4%, it is NOT RECOMMENDED. ^[21]

Birch Tar Oil: There are many reports in the literature about birch tree extracts causing dermatitis.This extract should not be used unless you are very confident of what you are doing. [22]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Botanical Name: Betula lenta

Notable salicylate 98%

Methyl salicylate can be absorbed transdermally in sufficient quantities to cause poisoning in humans. Topically applied methyl salicylate can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, causing side effects such as internal hemorrhage. A similar interaction is possible, but by no means certain, with other anticoagulants such as aspirin and heparin. Many liniments contain methyl salicylate or wintergreen oil.

Comments: There have been sufficient cased of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils containing it that it would be prudent to avoid use of this oil in aromatherapy. Virtually all “sweet birch oils” are in fact synthetic methyl salicylate.

Compare: Wintergreen ^[23]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Birch Oil on humans.

Wintergreen Oil

From: Plant Aromatics.

Family: Ericacea.

Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Linn.

This oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing for adverse dermal effects by the usual International organizations. ^[24]

Cutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate (the major component of the oil) is rapid.

It has been detected in the urine half an hour after application to the skin. It can also cause dermal eruptions. (AUTHORS NOTE: There is very little genuine wintergreen oil available, as it has mainly been replaced with synthetic methyl salicylate. Due to this and the risks associated from the application of this chemical to the skin, this product should be reserved for local application only, ideally undertaken by someone who has been trained in the use of this hazardous substance.) ^[25]

Contraindications: should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally; do not use if taking anticoagulants

Comments: Virtually all commercial “wintergreen oil” is in fact synthetic methyl salicylate. There have been sufficient cases of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils contain it that it would be prudent to avoid all use of this oil. ^[26]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Wintergreen Oil on humans.

Peppermint Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labietae)

Genus: Mentha with at least 25 species

Botanical Name: Menta x piperita (Peppermint).M arvensis (Corn mint, and numerous varieties and clones of both plants.)

Peppermint oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing procedures for dermal irritation and sensitization; therefore this oil should only be used on the skin at very low levels. ^[27]

“Isolated incidents due to accidental or inappropriate use of the products suggest caution in the handling and application of the oil or menthol, particularly the application of the neat oil to treat rheumatism.” ^[28]

Menthol is irritant in high concentration especially if evaporation from the skin is prevented. ^[29]

Mentha piperita var.Vulgaris

Safety data: tested at low dose non-toxic, NO FORMAL TESTING on skin effects. Use diluted: possible sensitization (menthol): keep away from nostrils of infants because of risk of spasm of glottis: avoid in pregnancy, Lactation. ^[30] It has been reported that some patients with particular enzyme deficits or specific conditions may be effected by certain essential oils. ^[31]

People with G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme-deficiency can develop a toxic build-up of menthol in the body. G-6-PD is the enzyme responsible for liver detoxification of menthol. ^[32]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Peppermint Oil on humans.

Basil Oil

(Although there are safer chemotypes of Basil oil available to use, Raindrop Therapy uses the estragole chemotypeaka: methyl chavicol) ^[33]

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Chemical constituents: Methyl chavicol (70-75%)

Ocimum Basilicum: Bush Basil

Untested Oil; Avoid use on Sensitive or Damaged Skin

Safety Data, No Formal Testing-Avoid in Pregnancy, with babies, children: possible irritation: avoid sensitive skin, appears in low dose non-toxic (Methyl chavicol) is moderately toxic. Excess produces stupefying effect. ^[34]

A 4% solution of Basil Oil (O. basilicum, M. chavicolcirca 55%) caused no irritation or sensitization humans. Some people could react to the eugenol content of some Basil oils. ^[35]

Maximum recommended usage levels in percentage dilution: Basil M. chavicol 55%, 4% dilution

The chemotype Estragole, is reported as having 70-75% methyl chavicol. ^[36]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Basil Oil, chemotype estragole, on humans.

Lemongrass Oil

Botanical Name: Cymbopogen flexuosus

Botanical Family: Graminaceae

Common name: Lemongrass, East Indian Lemongrass

Class: aldehyde

Notable constituents: Citral 85%, Limonene 5%

Safety Data: Possible dermal irritation and sensitization: avoid in pregnancy, with babies and children. ^[37]

“Caution C. flexuosus should never be used neat on the skin because of its possible irritant properties, due mainly to the citral content because of its extensive root system. However, when diluted in a carrier, it is without hazard except on the most sensitive of skins. Treat with respect.” ^[38]

Cautions: (dermal) Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age.

Toxicity: Citral can cause a rise in ocular tension, which would be dangerous in cases of glaucoma. ^[39]

There are a few reports of skin irritation cased by hypersensitivity or prolonged exposure to the concentrated oil and sensitization may occur. ^[40] Vesicular dermatitis appeared in eight workers exposed to a cargo of Lemongrass oils and the NEAT oil is a skin irritant. ^[41] Recommended dilution is at 4-5%

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Lemongrass oil on humans.

Cypress Oil

Botanical Name: Cupressus semperivens

Botanical family: Cupressaceae

Common name: Cypress

Safety Data: Tested at LOW doses non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing; avoid in pregnancy, high blood pressure, and with cancers, uterine and breast fibrosis. ^[42]

A 5% solution of Cypress oil cased no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[43]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of cypress oil on humans.

Marjoram Oil

Botanical Name: Origanum marjorana Linn. also Marjorana hortensis Moench.

Botanical family: Lamiaceae

A 6% solution of Sweet Marjoram oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[44]

Tested at low dose non-toxic non-irritating, non-sensitizing. ^[45]

Raindrop therapy promotes the unsafe use of marjoram oil on humans

Tansy Oil

(“Blue Tansy” oil is listed as an ingredient in Raindrop Therapy’s “Valor” blend ^[46], and given the botanical name Tanacetum annuum, which, according to Sheppard-Hanger, is the botanical name for Morroccan Chamomile, also known as Blue Atlas, ^[47] not Blue Tansy. Because of the contradictory essential oil profile in G. Young’s book,Essential Oils Desk Reference, it is unclear which essential oil G. Young has included in the blend, “Valor.” For safety purposes, tansy oil will be outlined below.)

Botanical Name:Tanacetum vulgare

Common name: Tansy Oil

Botanical family: Compositae

Notable constituents: Thujones 66-81%, Camphor 5%

Contraindications: Should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally.

Toxicity data & recommendations: Toxic signs produced by tansy oil poisoning include: convulsions, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, rigid pupils, gastroenteritis, uterine bleeding, flushing, hepatitis, cramps, loss of consciousness and rapid breathing.

Comments: In light of its high thujone content, tansy oil should be avoided altogether in aromatherapy. ^[48]

Some Tansy oils contain very high levels of b-Thujone which orally is extremely toxic and which does seem to be absorbed through the skin. ^[40] On the other hand some tansy oils contain no or insignificant amount of this chemical so until such time as full analysis is declared on essential oils, it is wiser to avoid its use for application to the skin, or for room fragrances. ^[50]

No Formal Testing: Avoid in pregnancy with babies, children best to avoid as untested, substitution and doubtful production. ^[51]

Raindrop Therapy promotes the unsafe use of “Tansy” oil on humans.

Discussion Regarding the Unfounded Claims of Raindrop Therapy

Examination of the published literature on the rational for the use of Raindrop therapy, written or published by Gary Young rationalizing the use for Raindrop Therapy, has implies that the process has a curative effect on scoliosis:

Excerpts verbatim fromEssential Oils Desk Referenceby G. Young:

• Raindrop Technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine. During the years that is has been practiced, it has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and kyphosis and eliminated the need for back surgery for thousands of people.
• Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates Vita Flex and massage, utilizing the power of essential oils in bringing the body into structural and electrical alignment.
• Raindrop Technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation, which, in turn, contorts and disfigures the spinal column.
• Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the responsible viral agents. ^[52]

Scoliosis (discussion on etiology of scoliosis from the writings of Young)

While a few cases of scoliosis can be attributed to congenital deformities (such as MS. Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, or Marfan’s Syndrome), the vast majority of scoliosis types are of unknown origin.

Some medical professionals believe that many cases of scoliosis begin with hard-to-detect inflammation along the spine cased by latent viruses. Others believe that it may be due to persistent muscle spasms that have pulled the vertebrae off the spine out of alignment.

The Raindrop Techniqueis one of the most effective therapies for straightening spines misaligned due to scoliosis. ^[53]

Excerpts from: The Science and Application of Essential Oils, D. Gary Young, ND (Video), 1994

Statements on tape by G. Young:

“Raindrop Therapy is a technique that is beneficial for back problems, scoliosis, deteriorated disks and compressions.” ^[54]

The following section provides samples of information found on the World Wide Web describing Raindrop Therapy:

1. “The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment. Thyme has been scientifically proven to be anti-infections, antibacterial, and antiviral. There is some indication that scoliosis is the result of some viral and or bacterial activity that has taken place in the body at some point before the scoliosis began. These essential oils can easily penetrate the body and may help kill any virus or bacteria that may be present.” ^[55]

2.“The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment.” ^[56]

3.“Raindrop technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for helping to correct defects in the curvature of the spine. It has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and eliminated the needs for back surgery for thousands of people. Raindrop technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by virus or bacteria that are dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation which in turn controls and disfigures the spinal column. Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly anti-microbial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the viral agents responsible for it.” ^[57]

There are numerous other references like these on the World Wide Web and a simple search using the term “Raindrop Therapy” would yield many more. This information either implies or states, that the use of Raindrop Therapy, has either a corrective action on scoliosis or that it benefits person, with scoliosis, or that is somehow otherwise helps to bring the body into structural or electrical alignment.

Now let’s turn our attention to what qualified authorities on the topic of scoliosis, have to say about the etiology of scoliosis.

Literature Search on Scoliosis

Scoliosis: A rotary lateral curvature of the spine.

congenital s. Scoliosis resulting from malformation of the spine or chest.

idiopathic s. Scoliosis of unknown cause.

myopthic. S. Scoliosis due to weakness of the spinal muscles.

Neuromuscular S. Scoliosis caused by any of various diseases affecting the motor nerve cells.

Osteopathic s. Lateral curvature resulting from pathologic conditions of the vertebrae, such as tuberculosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and tumors

Static s. Scoliosis due to difference in the length of the legs. ^[58]

The focus of the search for whether one might give credibility to the rationale for the use of RDT lies in examining idiopathic scoliosis, as it is the only type, which is of “unknown cause”. An inquiry to the NSF (National Scoliosis Foundation, questioning Young’s theory of a “dormant viral or bacterial etiology” for idiopathic scoliosis prompted the following reply:

E-mail Response from National Scoliosis Foundation (Oct 22, 2001 on file):

“Thank you for writing the NSF. Unfortunately, I have not read anything about the statement. There are a few helpful websites that we can refer you to for information regarding scoliosis. The addresses are www.spineuniverse.com, www.orthospine.com, www.iscoliosis.com, www.aaos.org, www.scoliosis.org. These sites have much information as well as links to other sites.”

Note: a search of these sites yields no mention of the dormant virus theory. There is a consistency across these sites that idiopathic scoliosis shows strong evidence of being hereditary. The following are representative of findings.

From The Genetics of Scoliosis by John T. Smith, M.D.:

“Despite a tremendous amount of scientific research, the cause of some type of scoliosis remain largely unknown. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be a disease that is inherited as a genetic trait, much like some other diseases, such as sickle cell anemia. The gene that causes scoliosis remains undiscovered, but scientists are trying to find this gene using new techniques for analyzing genetic inheritance. Defining the role of genetic in scoliosis is currently the focus of intense research at a number of Academic centers throughout the world.

“There is strong evidence that an abnormal gene is partially responsible for some forms of scoliosis. It is possible that genetic factors may influence important aspects of scoliosis such as the pattern of curvature (left versus right curves), the shape of the curve, and the risk of progression. The tendency for scoliosis to appear in people who are closely related, such as mothers and their daughter, identical twins, and the first-degree relatives, suggest that scoliosis can be inherited….” ^[59]

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From National Institutes of Health:

“Researchers are looking for the cause of idiopathic scoliosis. They have studied genetic structural and biochemical alterations in the discs and muscles and central nervous changes. The changes in the discs and muscles seem to be a result of scoliosis and cause. Scientists are still hopeful that studying changes in the central nervous system with idiopathic scoliosis may reveal a cause of this disorder.” ^[60]

Treatment of Scoliosis

From Scoliosis Research Society: Bracing may be a consideration in children with spinal deformity and curve magnitudes of 25-40 degrees. The primary goal is to stop curve progression. Surgery for idiopathic scoliosis is suggested when curve magnitude is 50 degrees or more. Curves are measured in degrees and persons with curves measuring under thirty degrees entering adulthood are considered having a mild curve while those over 60 degrees are considered severe. ^[61]

What Does NOT Demonstrate Effectiveness:

Both of these sources, also state “ Numerous studies have failed to show any benefit from exercise, manipulation, meditation or drugs. ^[62]

There is no scientifically documented role for exercises, manipulation or electrical stimulation in the management of scoliosis. ^[63]

Some people have tried other ways to treat scoliosis, including manipulation by electrical stimulation, dietary supplements and corrective exercises. So far studies following treatments have not been show to prevent curve progression… ^[64]

How is Scoliosis Measured?

The standard measurements for scoliosis are done through X-ray evaluation, Curve measurement, and MRI.

Summary of Points

• Idiopathic Scoliosisis of an unknown cause, but current thinking is that it may be hereditary and genetic in etiology.
• Review of the leading organizations doing research on idiopathic scoliosis reveals no dormant viral or bacterial theories.
• Research has demonstrated no significant impact of exercise, manipulation, diet supplements or electrical stimulation has any effect on stopping the progression of idiopathic scoliosis.
• Objective evaluation of scoliosis is done with X-rays, degrees of measurement, and in some cases MRI.

Proof of Claims in Effectiveness of Raindrop Therapy on Scoliosis?

• Thus far we have shown that there is no support of a viral/bacterial theory which is the underpinning of the use of RDT for claims of benefits to idiopathic scoliosis and alignment
• Nor does manipulation of the spine benefit idiopathic scoliosis.

But let us suppose for a moment that we suspend our concerns about etiology and standard treatment of scoliosis. Raindrop Therapy does not have any published scientific proof of their claims. Although the proponents of RDT say that is has benefited “thousands of people”, there are no citations to published scientific studies of these claims within any of the RDT referenced literature or in our broad search of the practice. There is no reference to any published clinical research using known data measurements (i.e. X-rays, degrees of curvature, or MRI.).

Scope of Practice

It must also be noted that within any profession there is a scope of practice which is to be observed. These are governed by state laws. While persons may be practicing under a medical license, using essential oils, persons using and training Raindrop Therapy, require no licensure. As well, although they may be trained in massage, for example, this does not necessarily include training as an Aromatherapy Professional.

Raindrop Therapy requires “hands-on” application of essential oils, massage, and manipulation of the back. Each state has individual legal requirements and definition of a scope of practice, determining qualification to use hands- on techniques required with this RDT practice. The use of essential oils are often integrated within an existing therapeutic practice (e.g. nursing, massage therapy, esthetics, OT, PT, Chiropractic, Orthopedic, M.D.). Therefore, we urge the consumer to inquire as to credentials, and scope of practice.

Summary and Conclusion

Until such time as:

• the scientific efficacy of Raindrop Therapy on the progression of idiopathic Scoliosis, (or any other type of scoliosis) can be shown,
• and safe use of essential oils are observed,

Raindrop Therapy technique does not have the support as a “best practice” within a large segment of the professional community of aromatherapy practitioners. As a wise consumer, we hope you benefit from this critical viewpoint, and hope that it enhances your safe use of essential oil and practices.

© Barber, K., Gagnon-Warr, J., November 25, 2001, revised May 12, 2002. The following may not be reproduced and distributed without the permission of the authors.

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2. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group, 79.

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4. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 191–198.

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11. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

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16. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

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18. Lahti, A. et al. 1980:Contact Dermatitis, (6) 464-5, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

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21. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics. Witham: Watts, Sets 1–4, chart 1, 20.

22. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics,Sets 1–4, 30.

23. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 173.

24. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4.

25. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 179.

26. ibid.

27. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 138.

28. Grieve, M. 1931:A Modern Herbal.Hammondsworth: Penguin, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

29. Harry, R. 1948:Cosmetic Materials. Vol. 2, London, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

30. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 289.

31. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing.San Diego, CA, 84.

32. Owole, S.A. and Ramson-Kuto, O. 1980: The risk of jaundice in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient babies exposed to menthol.Acta Paediatrica Scandinavia69, 341-345, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

33. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 34.

34. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 317.

35. Kligman, A. 1972: Report to the RIFM, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

36. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4, 56 and 77.

37. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 197.

38. Price, S. 1993:Aromatherapy Workbook. London: Thorsons, 84.

39. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 146.

40. Witham: through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 123.

41. Mendelsohn H. 1944:Arch. Derm. Syph.(50), 34, and same author and journal 1946, (53), 94, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

42. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA: 191.

43. Witham through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 103.

44. Watt, M. 1996:Essential Oil Monographs. Tampa, FLA, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy.

45. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 327.

46. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2000. USA, Essential Science Publishing, 123.

47. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 145.

48. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.London: Churchill Livingstone, 172.

49. Witham: thorugh Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics:32.

50. Meyer, R. 1959:Arzneimittel-Forcsh,(9), 516, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

51. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA. Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 403.

52. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2001, USA, Essential Science Publishing, 191.

53. Ibid, 347.

54. www.worlddirect.net.aro9.html

55. www.hypnosis-reiki.com/treatments.html

56. Dox, I., MD, Melloni, J. PhD, et al,The Harper Collins Illustrated Medical Dictionary,429-430.

57. www.iscoliosis.com/completegenetics.php3

58. www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scoliosis/default.asp>

59. www.scoliosisx.com

60. ibid

61. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

62. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

63. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

64. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

Safety First

Be aware that there is NO WAY to predict what oils can or will trigger an attack in an individual. Quite obviously, if you know you are allergic to, let’s say pine and spruce trees, then avoid the use of the various conifer (needle) oils. If most flowers bring on an attack, avoid the floral oils, and so on.

Any oil you intend to try should first be “tested.” Put a drop of the essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball and hold it at arms length from the sufferer. If it seems well tolerated, gradually bring it closer until the tissue or cotton ball is right under the nose. If it can be inhaled with no negative effects it is safe to try.

Do not try testing more than two essential oils per day, separated by several hours.

Warning: Please don’t use any of the essential oils in a steam inhalation during an asthma attack. The use of steam almost always worsens the attack.

Prevention

There are two oils that are said to have “antihistamine-like” properties and are said to prevent asthma attacks.

There are authorities who state that  Blue Tansy  oil (Tanecetum anuum) can halt an asthma attack in its tracks (Jeanne Rose is one of them) and I have clients who say that diffusing a bit of this oil in an aromalamp each morning has allowed them to cut way down on allergy medications. Blue Tansy may prove useful both as an antihistamine to help prevent attacks, and as a treatment during an attack.

Ammi Visnaga  (Khella) oil is supposed to have a similar effect, however it’s only fair to say that most people enjoy the scent of Blue Tansy (sweet and apple scented) and find the scent of Ammi reminiscent of last years coffee grounds. The drug Intal (cromolyn sodium) has its origins from Ammi Visnaga. Khella oil must be used (by inhalation) on a daily basis, not just when an attack threatens.

Treating the Symptoms

One of my French mentors wrote, years ago: “Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things.” It is because of the oils’ powerful effects on the respiratory tract that well tolerated essential oils can bring swift relief to asthma sufferers.

Essential Oils That Have Proven Helpful for Some Asthma Victims

The following oils are listed in order by both their ability to be tolerated without causing a reaction, and their effectiveness.

Blue Tansy (Tanecetuum anuum)
Jeanne Rose states that Blue Tansy is a natural source of theophylline, a bronchiodilator, which would explain its being recommended for asthma crisises. And many sources write ofthe links between childhood asthma and adult eczema and other dermatitis conditions. Although we do not recommend internal usage, she says she personally uses one drop of this oil on a sugar cube for bring her asthma attack to a halt.

Kurt Schaubelt extolls this magnificent deep indigo oil for its antihistaminic/anti-allergin properties. He suggests using it (applied to the solar plexus) in blends for asthma, or diffusing it in blends for emphasema… blending Pine, Cypress and just a touch of this lovely Tansy. (Obviously it is first necessary to test all the oils before blending!)

Hyssop montana/canescens (ex decumbens)
My French mentor writes that in his experience this particular Hyssop (and no others!) is the safest essential oil to use with asthma sufferers. It appears that the pino-camphone content in this hyssop chemotype is very low. So I believe there is no toxicity, compared with the other hyssop types. I have years of experience with it, mainly with diffusers and really love the oil! Best results with asthma patients, little children and allergic people. He says it is the first oil he will reach for in cases of asthma. This hyssop ssp montana/canescens (ex decumbens) is only found in the Haute Provence, France.

Blue Tansy and this Hyssop are the first two essential oils I would test.

Myrtle (Myrtys communis)
Soft, gentle respiratory oil, very good for use with children, normally well tolerated. A very gentle expectorant that can ease coughing while loosening tight mucous.

Litsea cubeba
Litsea, sometimes called May Chang, has clear lemony scent that also has bronchio-dilator and antispasmodic effects. It is normally well tolerated, but should be tested. It also blends aromatically well with amni visnaga (see above) and makes inhalation of the Khella Oil a lot more palatable.

Cypress Oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
All of the conifers may help with respiratory problems. Cypress, in addition, is an antispasmodic which can help relieve bronchial spasms. However, any of the “Evergreen” oils can cause an allergic reaction to many people, so please be very sure to test this with your asthma patient. (See test method above.)

My mentor suggests, if the above oils are all well-tolerated, a blend of one drop each of Hyssop, Litsea, and Cypress inhaled from a cotton ball when breathing first begins to feel constricted. If this blend, or any single oil proves effective you might want to look at making a personal inhaler for the patient to carry with him.

My instinct says to start with the citrus oils…they are normally well tolerated…and wonderful mood lighteners…since there is normally an emotional component to asthma, they might be helpful…

IF they can tolerate the eucalyptus oils, they might help with breathing…other oils that can help with bronchial problems are frankincense, cedarwood…but test first.

If the patient can tolerate Lavender, it would help promote sleep at night, a general “relaxant”…and litsea cubeba is said to help with the bronchial spasms…but TEST first!!!! I’d want to very carefully check for possible reactions to any/all of them individually before blending. For asthma, with the same caveats, I look to hyssop, our Sweet Spanish Eucalyptus (another globulous, but gentler and softer, since most Eucalyptus globulous on the market is rectified to increase its cineole content. Frankincense (which either will be wonderful, or will really cause a problem) or Elemi. Atlas Cedarwood is a good addition to general chest congestion blends, as is Scotch Pine i>(Pinus sylvestris).

Oils that are Useful for General Support of the Respiratory System

Frankincense slows and deepens the breathing…our favorite is the Boswellia carterii.

Black Spruce and Atlas Cedarwood are both good for respiratory support, Atlas Cedarwood is very grounding, which might be helpful if the asthma has an emotional/anxiety component. Black Spruce is wonderful for immune system support, specifically for the adrenals!

Of the Eucalyptus oils, my choice for “chest stuff” is our unrectified Spanish Sweet Eucalyptus, although in all honesty most of the authorities recommend Eucalyptus radiata (but most of the authorities haven’t sampled our spanish euc;)!

We might also look at relaxing oils if the asthma seems to be more emotionally caused rather than allergic; however most of the “relaxers” are I suspect also more apt to trigger allergies.

Antiseptic or Antibacterial

Dr. Valnet—one of the founders of the modern aromatherapy, describes the antiseptic effects of essential oils which by evaporation kill bacteria and other micro-organisms. Most of the essential oils are more or less antiseptic, but the following oils are of special value by the treatment of flu, common cold, sore throat, tonsillitis and other respiratory infections: Thyme, Eucalyptus, Salvia, Pine, Cajeput, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Lemon, and Angelica.

Antispasmodic

These essential oils have an effect in calming and soothing spasms in the smooth muscles tissues and are applied by the treatment of asthma, dry cough, and pertussis (whooping cough): Cedar, cajaput, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, sandalwood, and thyme.

Expectorant

An expectorant helps to promote the removal of mucous from the respiratory system by means of coughing and spitting. According to Boyd an expectorant can be pharmacologically defined as a substance that increases the production of moisture in the bronchial tubes. Expectorant oils are therefore applied to help this removal process and to soothing coughing: green anise, cajaput, fennel, helichrysum, eucalyptus, olibanum, spike lavender, myrrh, myrtle, pine, sandalwood, and thyme.

Immunity Stimulating

Essential oils can assist and improve an immunity reaction in two different manners: By means of counter-acting threatening micro orgasm or by stimulating the immunity system. Oils like cajaput, lavender, lemon, rosemary and Tea tree combat a large range of bacteria, whereby at the same time they increase the immunity reaction. In holistic aromatherapy the improvement of the immunity reaction is considered one of the major aims.

During a crisis the inhalation or breathing of antispasmodic oils or the application on specific parts of the body, quickly results in relief. If one prefers inhalation a few drops on a tissue or even smelling at the bottle, will be effective. The use of steam to which oils are added is not advisable. The heath of the steam will only increase the inflammation of the mucous membranes. Moisture however is beneficial, so a few drops essential oil added to an air moisturizer is an excellent treatment.

Between application of the oils to certain areas and veins of the chest and back, is also advisable. The choice of oil is determined by:

1. The presence of an infection
2. The presence of emotional factors
3. Possible allergic reactions.

By treating asthma by means of aromatherapy we have to distinguish two groups of patients.

First, the patient with a long history of asthmatic problems and in connection therewith the long dependency on conventional medicine. Second, the patient who has asthmatic complaints for a relative short period, with little or no dependency on conventional medicine. These two groups are the basis for different aromatherapeutic treatments.

By the first group of people who have been suffering with these complaints for many years asthma has developed into a physical problem. Treatment will be carried out in different phases. By the second group, those with a short complaint history, the first two phases of aromatherapeutic treatment should suffice. This is because their complaints have not turned into a physical problem yet, the asthma so to speak hasn’t given a physical imprint in their organs. In this case symptoms occur through emotional and physical stimulus and in general supporting and strengthening aromatherapy is usually sufficient, but equally often with amazing results.

PHASE 1

This phase we could call the “introduction phase.” Asthma patients can slowly and carefully be introduced to the use of essential oils. Especially is they are unfamiliar with these oils. A short explanation of what oils do, how they were used during many centuries, and with examples (think of the story of the three Kings visiting the manger after Jesus was born, carrying Myrrh, Olibanum and Gold) will give the patient confidence. Most people only know synthetic fragrances and that essential oils are natural with a high degree of purity, is something they never heard of. Let the patient smell the different oils and then apply a light relaxing massage, meanwhile observing the patients reactions carefully. The best oils to apply during this first introduction are pleasantly smelling oils or compositions. Take as an example one or more oils from the following spasmodic range:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• Roman Chamomille (Chamaemelum nobile)
• Jatamansi (Nardus jatamansi)
• Petit Grain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris lanaloferum)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Benzoe (Stryrax benzoin)
• Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum or Jasminum sambac)

In fact, all oils which the patient finds pleasant can be used. Asthma patients usually react well to either single oils or compositions and feel well after such a first introduction. This first phase can of course consist out of multiple sessions. Massage the chest and the back, apply oils to certain areas of the feet, on the arms and in the neck. Important is that the patient getting used to—and finding the oils pleasant.

PHASE 2

This phase is aimed at the introduction of expectorant oils, which help to remove excessive mucous from the respiratory system. A good choice of oils here are Eucalyptus smithii, Eucalyptus radiata and/or Ravensara aromatica. Practically all oils with a 1,8-cineol are a good choice in this phase. Examples are:

• All eucalyptus oils with the exception of Eucalyptus citriodora.
• Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) especially the varieties with a high cineol content.
• Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora = M quinquenervia viridiflora)
• Spike Lavender (Lavandula spica)
• Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
• Myrtle (Myrtus communis)(Melaleuca leucadenra = M. cajeputi)

It is noticeable that especially members of the Myrtaceae botanical family are useful as expectorants. All kind of applications are useful. In a bath or shower oil, in a diffuser, in a massage oil and by applying the oil (diluted) to certain parts of the body and veins). The Ravensara or the Eucalyptus smithii show a remarkable effect by asthma patients, due to the presence of terpene alcohols.

It the patient shows positive results to this phase, a few weeks later a more intense treatment can be entered into.

PHASE 3

Although there is a lot of similarity between the different symptoms, it is useful to distinguish between the nervous/allergic reactions and the patient who’s asthma has been transformed into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma accompanied by strong physical weakness.

For the nervous and allergic asthma patient anti-spasmodic and anxiolitics (anxiety decreasing) oils are to be applied. A mixture of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Verbenon chemotype, is excellent for inhalation. Inhalation should occur on a daily basis. These oils or mixture can also be applied to the soles of the feet, certain parts of the body and neck and added to a shower or bath oil or foam. To this mixture can further be added, to make an effective massage oil, Cypres-leaf (Cupressus sempervirens), Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) or Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). For all these applications e dilution of 2–5% is advisable.

Patients whose complaints have turned into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma, should benefit from stimulating oils lik Oregano (Oreganum vulgare), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype) and/or Savory (Satureja hortensis or Montana). The advantage of these oils is that they are a great stimulant to the immunity system.

PHASE 4

Within aromatherapy there are a few oils known to have strong mucolytic (dissolving or breaking down mucous) and at the same time spasmolytic (prevents and eases spasms or convulsions) effects. Khella (Amni visnaga) and Sweet Inula (Inula graveolens). In France these oils are applied to the body by means of a suppository. But to those not familiar with this method it is advisable to apply these oils in diluted form or by inhalation or through massage. They can also be applied in diluted form to certain parts of the body and veins.

These oils are used where an asthmatic crisis situation occurs and when these oils are applied, the patient will have had already a considerable experience with aromatherapy and is undergoing treatment from an aromatherapist knowing his or her profession. Oils like Khella with the active ingredients khelline and visnadine and Sweet Inula with the ingredient alantolactone, can loosen a large quantity of phlegm. When applied in diluted form to the skin, especially in the case of sweet Inula, always do a small allergy test before.

Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things. The following is what I would do. I advise you to think about everyone’s advice. My choices of EOs are based on some very good books but tempered by what I think you can actually do. Fancy recipes aren’t worth much if you don’t have the equipment or can’t find the ingredients.

Essential Oils: Try them in this order: Hyssop, Myrtle, Cypress, Lavender, Litsea cubeba (if you can’t find this one, skip it), Petitgrain (or Mandarine).

Mixtures: Hyssop EO and Cypress EO and Litsea cubeba EO (if you found it): One drop of each on a cotton ball to smell at will whenever breathing feels constricted. Try the combination and if the effect is positive, mix as follows. Get a couple of small amber (not clear or blue) bottles where you got your oils or from a pharmacist. Try to get the dropper goodie that goes in the top (called an orifice reducer) also. Mix equal amounts of the oils together. You might use a stainless steel 1/4 tsp to measure. Also, it will help if you can find a small funnel to keep from spilling stuff. Once you have made the mixture, be sure and label it! (Put tape over the label to keep the ink from running.) Then he can have the mixture to use whenever he wishes.

Myrtle EO and Lavender EO and Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO): This is a more complicated mixture. You will also need some Sweet Almond Oil or other carrier oil. The Swteet Almond is widely available and cheaper than some of the others. Either buy a 4 oz bottle or a larger bottle of oil and a 4 oz empty bottle. (You will find yourself saving nice bottles that you have emptied of other things. Glass bottles and plastic tops wash best.) For your trial of this mixture, take one tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil, add 7 drops Myrtle EO, 3 drops Lavender EO, and 3 drops Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). Use this as a massage oil on the young man’s BACK, not chest. If the reaction is a good one, mix up some more as follows: 7 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil (this should be what is left in your 4 oz bottle if that is what you bought). Add 1/2 tsp Myrtle EO, 1/4 tsp Lavender EO and 1/4 tsp Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). If you have some, puncture and squeeze a couple of capsules of Vit E into the mixture as a preservative. This is a massage oil for his back. It can also be used on his wrists or ankles. It should be used every 15 minutes or oftener during an attack. It will not hurt him to use it once or twice a day as a regular thing if he thinks it makes his condition better. If he does decide to use it regularly, you may consider using castor oil instead of Sweet Almond sometime and seeing if that improves things. Castor Oil “packs” (kind of like compresses) are popular for removing congestion in the abdominal area and may also help with the respiratory system. It is something to try.

I don’t know if these oils will help or not but as long as he has no negative reaction to them, they shouldn’t hurt. Have you tried Cajuput, this opens the bronchi, so that you can breathe. You can inhale it by putting a drop on your hanky. This oil is very useful if you are suffering from an allergic reaction and you cannot breathe, I use it.
—
Mike and Suzie Broderick: I’ve had success with a number of clients this winter with various degrees of chest congestion (none with pneumonia though), with a blend used in adiffuser and diluted in a massage oil, or in a hot castor oil pack, similar to what you describe. I used the following oils: helichrysum, 20 drops; tea tree, 30 drops; pine, 30 drops; frankincense, 23 drops; yarrow, 10 drops; red thyme, 10 drops. Instructions to clients were to add 4–6 drops to a humidifier, or in a steam inhalation. Or I used maximum 10 drops of this blend to 1 oz of massage oil, or castor oil in a hot pack.

Wanda Sellar’s Directory of Essential Oils, lists Immortelle (helichrysum) as “a general aid to the respiratory system soothing feverish colds, influenza, bronchitis, coughs and asthma. Helps to remove mucous from the lungs and induces relaxation and sleep.” —Danila  at Nature’s Gift

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) Testimonials

Regular readers of our newsletter know that I believe our Helichrysum italicuum is the most healing essential oil I have ever seen. A friend recently asked me to collect “anecdotal evidence” of Helichrysum’s effects, and this document was the result. She urged me to share it online, so here it is. (We have recently found these testimonials posted verbatim on other websites, selling other helichrysum species. We can’t be responsible for the effects of using ANY helichrysum other than our certified organic Helichrysum italicuum from the island of Corsica.)

Read about, and order, our  Helichrysum Essential Oil here. Or our  Helichrysum Hydrosol  on our hydrosol pages.

Rosacea

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

A few months ago I asked you for some advice re a Rosacea client. I used your Rosacea synergy and formulated a lotion and soap for him, as well as providing him with Helichrysum Hydrosol to use as a toner. He has been using them for about six weeks, and called me yesterday to tell me that these products have really helped him and that he wanted to order more! He had previously sought treatment with a dermatologist and found that nothing had helped, but had actually caused more irritation to his skin. Just wanted to share with you another success story and to thank you for your help!

From a client who wished to remain anonymous:

I just received my first order – very promptly, I might add- thank you, and am already seeing results from using the combination of clarifying soap, helichrysum hydrosol, and rosacea synergy. It’s been just five days! My skin thanks you!!

From Julia Mulcahey:

Thank you! I have had a small patch of rosacea on my face for nearly 6 months. Your clarifying soap and helichrysum hydrosol seem to be working their magic – it’s nearly disappeared! Thank you!

Bruising

From Kati Toney (w/ Marge’s comments in 2nd paragraph):

Anyway, my point to all this is, I got the BIGGEST, UGLIEST bruises on my legs from climbing that tree & when I got home I put the Helichrysum sample I got from you on it (b/c I remembered you saying that it was good for bruises!) and the next day they were faded & within a day or two were completely gone! I was AMAZED!!! I usually keep bruises for quite awhile & ones that deep & big mighta hung around for a couple of weeks! I was SO excited & it didn’t take much at all! Matter of fact, I still have half of that sample left!

Wonderful!!! That is exactly what it was SUPPOSED to do…but I’m so delighted that it worked for you…that it DID do what it was supposed to. Now you see why I say it’s one of those ‘desert island’ oils…the ones I wouldn’t be without. 

More on Bruising

Mary Hayne, from Denton, Texas recently wrote:

I have to tell you though, I had another mishap — I was getting into the back seat of a friend’s minivan when a friend getting into the front seat closed her door — on my hand (I didn’t realize my hand was holding on so close to her door frame). She got the door back open pretty quickly. That was the panic part. The exciting part is that I iced, took homeopathic Traumeel, and slathered on your 10% Helichrysum. My hand never bruised!

There are two small red spots on my knuckles where my hand was particularly pinched, and a very slight bit of swelling — but that is it and the red spots are fading fast. I also didn’t have any pain — tenderness, yes — pain, no. This is all particularly nice as I had an eight hour exam the next day (right hand crushed, right-handed writer). But the best part was my friend’s face the next morning when she looked at my hand. She was completely dumbfounded. She was so sure it was so bad that she was going to have to take me to the doctor. There my hand was, looking like nothing ever happened. I have read that Helichrysum has “powerful antibruise properties” but this experience has really blown my mind too.

And I have run out of the stuff, so I am ordering more. Thanks so much Marge. Your work really makes a big difference in my life.

Louise, from The Netherlands writes:

Dear Marge,

A few days ago I asked your advice how to avoid bruises in my face due to injections which I unfortunately had to have in my face.

The doctor had told me that I would get very nasty bruises in my face and but that was just one of the facts I had to endure and that they would fade in a week or so.

Then I asked you and I want to tell you that there are no nasty bruises at all! There is a little swelling but very little only myself can notice that because nobody noticed!

Anyway, I want to tell you that I used 25 ml of St.John’s wort infused oil, 20 drops of Helichrysum italicum and 5 drops of Lavender augustifolia. Yesterday (after the injections) I applied it immediately after I came home and then I continued to apply it during the day. This morning I looked in the mirror and was very pleased to see a normal color of skin, so I will apply it again several times today!

So Thank you Marge for your advice and please feel free to give this recipe to others.

I have to see the doctor in a few days and I am already enjoying the look on his face when he sees me. I will certainly tell him what I did to avoid those nasty bruises!

Kindest regards, Louise

Alexis Stegall recently wrote:

I had some heli and did use it full strength the first couple of times on a HUGE (6 in diameter at least) bruise on my thigh and then used the 10% in Rose Hip Seed Oil (because that was all that I had) couldn’t believe how fast the bruise went away. 

Normally I will have bruises for a couple of weeks, this one was virtually gone in about 5 or 6 days. It worked great.

You may quote me if you like.

Even More on Bruising

Susan Farr, acupuncturist, recently wrote:

It’s good to be back in touch and to see you too — checking out your website made me hungry for oils again!! I know you have tons of feedback on your helichrysums, but I want you to know that my bottle (10% in FCO) stayed in the acupuncture clinic the whole time I was an intern, and gradually replaced the arnica and chinese ointments as everyone’s treatment of choice when they realized that a puncture was going to leave a bruise (which happens fairly commonly). And the patients (at least mine) loved the smell, too. I never even tried the recommended chinese remedies, as I knew from personal experience how well the heli works. That’ll be my next order!

Take care, Susan

Scarring

Ellen W. Ray from Alchemical Essence Aromatherapy wrote:

I used the Helichrysum Italicum and Rose Hip Seed Oil blend for an injury to my face that occurred from a dog bite and it helped tremendously. There’s barely the trace of a scar on my lip and none on my face. The doctor who removed the stitches was amazed and asked for the name of the Essential Oil and Carrier Oil. He kept looking back at his notes from the emergency room, remembered the incident, and said the healing was incredible. He also asked where it could be purchased. 

From Leslie Robinson:

I can vouch for Marge’s suggested rose hip seed oil/heli blend for scars. In July, I fell and impaled my face on a piece of rebar. An ugly accident. I used this combination an average of 3 times daily — I have no visible scar. Have used this on a year-old mastectomy scar for a few months and notice that it is beginning to flatten and fade a bit.

Wondrous things these oils are!!!”

From Vicki Camp, Reporting back on the Helichrysum Experiment:

I asked you on the Cosmetics List some time ago if you thought Helichrysum Italicuum would be good on old scars. You replied something to the effect of ‘no guarantees; I’m not certain,’ although I note you’re really fond of its properties. However, I went ahead and tried it anyway. Had a breast needle biopsy last July (benign, benign) – 2 separate entrances on the same breast. While the scars were not huge and there was no raised marking (is that called a keloid, I think?) they were noticeably red and each about 1/4 – 1/2 inch in size. I am of Scandinavian-American descent and have this fair, fair skin. No allergies of note, although living in Michigan automatically qualifies me for itchy skin spots and sinus in the allergy season.:D Natural soap prevents most of the skin issues.

So hey, having given you the background – HERE’s the amazing results. I put a drop of Heli, neat, on each spot. Rubbed them a bit. Didn’t give much thought to it. Never tried it again. This morning in the shower I happened to notice that the scars are all but invisible. I guess I’m so used to them NOT being there that I don’t give it a thought very often. But what do you suppose made THAT happen, after a year of visible scars?

I ‘m off to try it on some ‘whitish’ scars on my arm that I got when coming in contact with a hot iron years ago. Will let you know. This is fun! Hugs and smiles!”

MY NOTE: I do NOT recommend using Helichrysum (or any other essential oil) neat the way Vicki did. Proper and appropriate dilution might take a bit longer to see results, but it is safer for you, and less wasteful of a precious limited resource.

Barbara McBee wrote:

I had a benign cellular tumor removed from my neck nearly three years ago. The scar was 4 inches, very tight and inflamed. Nothing over the counter worked—I am very sensitive to chemicals and additives. My doctor thought this was the best I would heal, though I never keloid. I searched around and found your sight approx. one and one half years after my surgery-I have ordered helio with rosehips, (my orders have included peppermint and argan oil.but for this purpose I stuck with helio and rosehips).

I applied religiously for several months at night-I could not wear anything against my neck, and had trouble sleeping because my poor skin seemed to be pulled so tight.I am small, and great care was taken to pull everything back together.I am back to wearing turtlenecks, and the scar(including the turkey-wobble that brought the sutures to a complete close) are so minimal that one has to search for it.

More Scarring (Keloids)

A story I had forgotten about, until a friend recently quoted it on a list we share:

A friend who had a brain tumor removed… I saw her about 4 weeks after the surgery, and it was the worst single scar I have ever seen… from about an inch in front of her temple, running around the back of her head to the other side of her forehead… maybe two inches of whole skin between the two ends of the scar… swollen keloidal tissue, bigger than my thumb, and bright burgundy wine color… 

I gave her some heli in rose hip with the ‘standard instructions’…didn’t see her for about a month, and she had stopped using it “because the scar was all healed”… it hadn’t totally disappeared…but it was faded to white, and looked as though you had taken a very sharp pencil and drawn a white line on her skin… no wider than a thread. Now, the thing is, she had stopped using the heli blend several days earlier because she considered it healed… but it’s my belief that if she had continued using it, there would be NO scar… —Marge Clark

And Sharon Finch shares her two daughters’ results:

About six months before my oldest was married, she ended up in the hospital for over 14 days and ended up having surgery for her Crohns disease. Due to the nature of her surgery, her scar is runs up and down. Her condition was so severe they thought she would have to wear an ostomy bag. Fortunately, she did not, however, she did have a very mean red ugly scar. Marge, being the person she is, sent me a bottle of her Helichrysum in Rose Hip seed oil for Jessica to use. Jessica actually wore a bikini to Jamaica after her wedding. Today, the only reason you know there is a scar is there is a very faint line.

My middle daughter was in a halo for seven months; until April, 2000. She had pretty large indentions on her forehead that were red and just plain ugly and two actual openings on the back of her head where the halo was screwed in. Jessica had surgery in 2002. Aubrey used some of the blend Marge had sent to Jessica. You can hardly notice the markings on her forehead.”

Dawn St. Clair wrote:

Marge recommended Rosehip Seed Oil mixed with Helichrysum as a remedy for scars. She said it was best to use on new scars, but could also be useful on old ones. Well, my daughter, Ashley, had a large Keloid scar (we are of Mediterranian origin) on her thigh where a pre-cancerous mole was removed. She had this scar for over a year, so it was not a new scar. I used Marge’s formula, with a little added emu oil, twice a day, every day. This is not a quick fix. It took a couple of months, however, the skin has lightened from dark gray to her own skin tone, and even smoothed out a great deal. It is not visible now unless you are looking for it.

Janice Sheplar, quoted below re the dark circles, first started using the Helichrysum in Rosehip Seed oil for a surgical scar on her neck. She emailed me that she has the sort of skin that automatically forms keloids and sent me a picture of the “before” picture, a truly nasty vertical scar from her collarbone to her jaw, deeply coloured and raised up. I managed to lose the “after” photo, but the scar was impossible to see in a close up photograph. She was thrilled with the results!

Eczema

“I must say, I am *hugely* impressed with what the Helichrysum and Roman Chamomile hydrosols have done for my skin! I was having a bad bout of what I’d always termed “seasonal eczema” {it always happens with the change of seasons and is sometimes tough to shake}. My skin {face} had been downright scaly and was oozing a little in spots as well. I ordered the hydrosols, received them and used them that night. The very next day there was strong, visible improvement! By the 3rd day my skin was basically back to normal! Wonderful stuff.”—Name withheld by request

Back Pain

“Hi, got the order Friday (I think). Have been enjoying the rosewood and helichrysum (sp? I’m away from the bottle) especially. They help relieve my painful back and make me smell wonderful!”—Name withheld by request

More Pain Relief

Stacey Miller writes:

Last night I made a 5% dilution of equal parts Helichrysum italicum and Lavender stoechas in jojoba for my stepmom to use for pain relief. Evidently it worked pretty well. She used it on her broken foot and said the analgesic effect was almost instant. (I was skeptical about getting any pain relief at all for something this intense.) She liked the scent and didn’t need a pain pill before bed.

Kathy Mijares writes:

Also, I just wanted to add that I am absolutely in LOVE with the Helichrysum! It smells SO wonderful. This is my first experience with this lovely oil! I mixed up a pain treatment in a carrier oil with a little of the Heli, black pepper and my lavender right away because I have disabling chronic back pain…..and the change in the weather (cold and rainy here) was causing me to be very uncomfortable. It worked so fast I was amazed! No more pain pills for me….now that I have my Helichrysum! I’ll definitely be back for more!

Carole Bland recently wrote:

Comments: Broke my ankle back in March. Had surgery to repair both the tib and fib (w/hardware). The helichrysum has helped tremendously with both the pain from the injury and fading the scar. Thank you for offering such a great product.

Rheumatoid Arthritis — Bone Spurs?

Our client Prakash recently shared this anecdote:

Dear Marge,

I want to share an interesting story with you–something unexpected from using Helichrysum & St. John’s Wort.

Earlier this week, I felt a flareup of rheumatoid arthritis starting. I’d recently gotten some of your infused St. John’s Wort, and I’ve been playing with your amazing (on many levels) Helichrysum in Fractionated Coconut Oil for about a month. So, as the sharp pain started in my joints, I slathered on the St. John’s…let it soak in for a few minutes, then followed with a healthy dose of Helichrysum gently massaged on top. (joints involved: many, including elbows) After a while, I began to feel a “softening” of the pain.

*BUT* that’s not why I’m writing. The next morning, I noticed a big brown bruise near my elbow. A few weeks ago, I’d felt a bump there–like a bone-spur. I’d chalked it up to the RA and planned to check in with my doctor about it. Anyway, this big bruise (looking like it was an old bruise; though there’d been nothing there the day before) was right over that spur/bump. Hmmm. Felt it; it felt sort of like little crystals were in there, maybe a bit of break up of the spur? Anyway, I decided to rub my elbow each evening with the same combo of St. John’s & Helichrysum.

I started all this on Tuesday night. This morning–Sunday–that spur/bump is barely there, maybe 1/8 of what it was earlier in the week.

I don’t know if this was from the Helichrysum or the St. John’s Wort or the combo of the two. I just know I’m delighted.

Side note: Just smelling that marvelous Helichrysum soothes my bones, my heart, and my soul.

Thanks, Marge.:-)

Prakash

Chemical Burn Scarring

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

This is some background about how my face was scarred. In January 1996 my former dermatologist gave me glycolic acid, which was too strong for me to perform at home, and it literally ate into my skin. It would have been fine if he performed the glycolic peel in his office so he could monitor it but the peel was not meant for an inexperienced patient to do at home. The result of the peel was equivalent to a second-degree burn and it left significant scarring on one side of my face. I spent so much money for products and procedures like expensive herbal peels in trying to heal the scar but it never improved. I searched hours on the Internet and ordering products that were formulated for scars but nothing worked. I looked in numerous books to try to find a solution but I couldn’t find anything that would specifically work for scars, only ways to prevent them from forming. I kept coming across rosehip oil and helichrysum as being healing and regenerative to scar tissue and I did more research into them. When I decided to try the oils I made a commitment to stay with it until the scar improved. It was several months before I could see a major difference but I am amazed at how much the scar has diminished. The scar is blending into the surrounding skin and it’s not thick anymore.

The texture is so much smoother and with a light layer of foundation my scar is hardly noticeable. I feel confident that the scar will be completely resolved because of how much improvement I have seen. I also massage the scar on a daily basis and I feel that has also made a tremendous difference. Some other things that I am using as well are aloe vera and a few other essential oils but I believe that it is the rosehip and helichrysum that is regenerating the skin to normal. When I feel the skin where the scar is the texture feels so smooth and normal. I feel that the reason I got such good results is that I am very consistent, I’ve haven’t missed a single day of using rosehip oil and helichrysum since I started my regime. That makes a huge difference. It does take time, my scars were well formed, and I’m going to continue with the oils until they are resolved. Thank you for letting me share my experience.

Bumps and Bruises

Monique Macintosh writes:

Your Helichrysum with German Chamomile CO2 is doing wonders for my scrapes from playing volleyball and rescuing one of my pine trees from a huge wild rose bush. A good test is my slow pitch softball team mate who loves to slide in shorts. He has a patch of healing skin on his right leg. I “loaned” him my bottle of H w/ GC CO2 and he says he already feels the difference in a day.

Dark Circles

My friend Janice recently had surgery, so we sent her some Helichrysum in RoseHipSeed oil. She has been raving about its effect on the scar from her surgery on another mail list. But she also shared that she’s been using it to fade under eye circles…and that it’s working amazingly well. That one felt like a “DUH…why didn’t I think of that?”…as effective as Helichrysum is at healing bruises, it stands to reason that it might well be useful for the dark circles some of us (especially me!) get under our eyes. I don’t think the Rosehip Seed Oil is an essential part of that combination…it would be the Helichrysum Italicuum that would do the work, so you could dilute it in the carrier of your choice. Please dilute it well, and, as always, be VERY careful using any essential oil around the eyes!

Bursitis

My friend Mary Jane writes from Michigan:

I woke up this morning and could hardly walk. I have bursitis in my right hip. I used a mixture of helichrysum, vetiver, black pepper, and jojoba oil. The pain decreased in about 10 minutes. I could walk without a limp for six hours. It was great! I have also been in a horrible mood for the last few days. I must say, the synergy did wonders for my attitude. I walked around relaxed and on cloud nine all day.

Maybe you could pass along the recipe to fellow sufferers. 

So I did ;).

Chigger Bites

Another client just wrote: “Also want you to know the Helichrysum oil (in carrier) did WONDERS with a chigger bite I had on my leg! Good God! Swelling (welt) and itching immediately reduced to almost NOTHING. Last time this happened, I itched for about one solid week and the nasty bites left almost scars and darkened spots that remained for a long time.” (Now, if she had used our  SkeeterBeater  in advance, she’d not have had to worry about the chiggers, but that’s another story.”)

Skin Irritation

Manisha recently wrote:

I hope this email finds you happy and healthy. I wrote to you several years ago when I carelessly and hastily used hair removal wax meant for arms on my face (to remove facial hair above my upper lip). You rushed me Helichrysum oil and rose hip seed oil for the carrier. This combination worked wonderfully! I healed quickly without any scarring. Thank you so very much for your advice and quick shipment.

I recently received an email from a member of the Lakota people, asking me to remove the reference to Wallace Black Elk from the  NAHA White Paper about the risks involved in Rain Drop Therapy. I would have gladly complied, but I was not the author of the paper and didn’t feel it was right to alter the original authors’ words. (The fact that essential oils are NOT used in traditional Native American healing is an indication of the veracity of Don Gary Young, but that’s another subject.)

Instead of altering the paper as published, using Young’s own writings as a reference, I asked permission to quote her email, below.

Greetings, It saddens my heart to see misinformation continuing to pop up in regard to our Dear Grandfather Wallace Black Elk.

Per your website search: “Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates…”

Don Gary Young is a known quack who has claimed to have learned and modified a “technique” from Grandfather Wallace. Don was a “monkey” (and there have been many) who hung around Grandfather, he was “monkey-see, monkey-do.” He would imitate things he saw without knowledge, without wisdom and without any knowledge of our& Grandfather. He never “worked with” nor was he ever taught, endorsed or recognized by Grandfather. He has stained our beautiful Grandfather’s name and it has to stop.

Thank you for exposing Don Gary Young for the sick individual that he is, but, please, take it one step further and correct all the information. Please support our Grandfather and his memory and remove this lie from your website. It will be a blessing to us all.

Further correspondence bought the following:

Perhaps a posted copy of my email message would be appropriate. I would definitely appreciate not having my private email put “out there” for all to see and attack. Each time I reach out to a person in regard to this matter I take a risk, so I thank you for your kind nature. If I may share with you…

This misinformation has been taught by this man, Don Gary Young, for many years. It is not uncommon, but it is very untrue. My information comes directly from Grandfather Wallace’s biological children and my own experience directly knowing Grandfather. He was a beautiful, generous spirit during his time on Earth and I want nothing more than to set the truth free — even if is takes me one person at a time. It is my heart’s hope that, like a pebble in a pond, as we reach out in a good way to each person, that this information will travel and reach everyone and in doing so bring light and truth forth and wash away this untrue stain from Grandfather’s life. It causes great pain to his family daily and more than I can share, it is getting worse as the lie travels with the power of the internet.

Our Lakota Medicine Men and Women and their ways are Sacred and all too often bastardized by “wanna-bees.” There is no “raindrop,” it was completely fabricated by Don Gary Young. It is possible that Mr. Young heard Grandfather’s stories, as he told many. Often to teach, send a message or simply to bring laughter forth. It is also possible that he witnessed healing ceremonies performed by Grandfather as a Medicine Man. But to claim to have been directly taught or instructed by Grandfather is simply an untruth. It is a way for him to gain trust and access to your finances.

The best “translated” book about Grandfather Wallace was written by a man who did actually spend time with Grandfather and was allowed to record his words on audiotape, William S. Lyon. Mr. Lyon is very clear in his representation of himself as translator to the best of his ability and honored Grandfather in doing so. It is simply humanly impossible to capture the depth and essence of such a human in words. 

Sitting with Grandfather, for even an hour, was worth more than a lifetime of attempting to “describe” anything about him. At any rate, the book is called “Black Elk, The Sacred Ways of A Lakota.” I think you will enjoy it. Try to get a copy at your local library so you don’t have to spend your money.

Additional information on DGY… www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/young.html

Be safe, live in the light and close to the Earth. Thank you for spending a few moments with me. Please toss your own pebble of truth into the pond and help us spread the word.

I request you send me a copy of what you would post to your website prior to posting it.

Namaste’

Anni
Black Hills, South Dakota

The following white paper is presented by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, detailing why responsible members of the Aromatherapy Community are aware of the risks and dangers inherent in the practice of so called “Raindrop Therapy.”

Raindrop Therapy White Paper

The use of essential oils is an ancient practice dating back to Egypt. Like many other practices with roots in the past, it has been highly commercialized to the public. It should rightly hold a respected position in alternative, complementary health practices. In some parts of the world, such as France, it may be practiced with care and skill. However, the general public in the USA, is still in an initiate stage of understanding the use and benefits of the oils. As such, this white paper is intended to educate the consumer of essential oils and practices which they may be exposed to in their explorations. While there is a sense that because it is “natural”, “they are safe”, this paper is intended to give you information about a practice promoted within one company. The practice is called “Raindrop Therapy”, and is promoted within the Young Living Company. While this paper does not make comment regarding the company or its product, it does take a critical stand against the use of the oils in “Raindrop Therapy.”

In the USA, The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) has defined standard curriculum for certification for “Aromatherapy Practitioner”. There are persons performing “Raindrop Therapy” (RDT), who have not received training, observing similar curriculum standards. These public demonstrations and conferences have been presented to the general public as well as audiences of health care professionals including physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, and massage therapists. The purpose of this paper is to assert a position against the use of a technique called “Raindrop Therapy” as it currently cannot be supported as a recognized aromatherapy “best practice.” This position is intended to educate and inform the public as a part of the role of members of the Aromatherapy Community.

“Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Mr. Gary Young is not to be regarded as a best practice because:

• It promotes the unsafe use of essential oils, putting people at risk of skin irritation and
• There is no published empirical substantiation to support its claims that RDT is a “tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis.” ^[1]

Foundation of Conclusions

Current research of formal testing regarding the chemical structure, per cutaneous absorption and dermal metabolism of essential oils as well as potential skin reactions, including irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity and essential oil toxicity, determines existing standard safety guidelines.Safety guidelines are based on the assumption that essential oils used in aromatherapy will be used at safe dilution levels for external use.

In addition to standard dilution guidelines, the aromatherapy practitioner must be aware of those individuals who are identified as a greater risk for developing potential skin reactions, including persons with known allergies, history of asthma, eczema, psoriasis, fair-haired, light skinned, and those with a history of multiple allergies and medical complications. ^[2] (Although this procedure does not preclude sensitization, only potential irritation), “in order to avoid potential skin reactions”, those “at-risk” should receive skin “patch-testing” at “double the concentration planned to use, prior to application of each essential oil.” ^[3]

There is no published clinical evidence to support that RDT has any correcting value as a tool to be used to adjust spinal curvatures caused by scoliosis, or align electric and structural elements, even if the essential oils were to be used at correct dilution levels and the individual’s skin was patch-tested prior to application. Therefore, because of the unsafe use of undiluted essential oils as well as unpublished claims, “Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Gary Young is not supported as a “best practice.”

The discussion that follows will present a description of 1) Raindrop Therapy technique along with 2) current known safety standard guidelines regarding the dermal application of essential oils used in RDT practice and 3) literature regarding unfounded claims of the rationale for use of RDT.

SUPPORTING LITERATURE RESEARCH

This position is based on the following publications, which describe the technique and claims, from the following sources in print and video, as well as information found on the World Wide Web.

Essential Oils Desk Reference,Second Edition, 2001 Essential Science Publishing, pp. 191–198

The Science and Application of Essential Oils,D. Gary Young, ND, “Aromatologist,” YoungLiving Oils, (Video), 1994

Excerpts fromAromatherapy, The Essential Beginningby Gary Young, no longer in print, pp 1–7

Description of Raindrop Therapy (Excerpts)

Step 2
“Next comes the application of the oils of thyme and oregano. Hold the bottle approximately six inches above the skin and let five drops of each oil drop from the bottle evenly spaced along the spine frombottom to top (sacrum to atlas or 1stcervical). Try to stay in the electrical field as much as possible. Itdoes not matter which oil is applied first. Apply one oil and then layer it by gently spreading it evenly alongthe curvature of the spine. Apply the second oils the same way. You don’t need large drops, and more isnot better. Then apply 10 to 15 drops of the V-6 Mixing Oil to prevent any discomfort…

…Now apply the oils ofCypress, Birch, Basil and Peppermint in that order. Apply four to five drops of the first oil along the length of the spine. Layer it in by evenly spreading it with your fingertips. Then do the same with the other three. Starting on one side of the spine, gently massage the oils in along the spine. Do not work directly on the spine. Do not force it or apply direct pressure. Start at the sacrum and use the fingertips of both hands placed side-by-side, and in a circular clockwise motion, work up the side of the spine to the atlas, pushing or pulling the tissue in the direction you want the spine to move. This technique helps to create a “space” for the spine to move. After finishing one side of the spine, walk around to the other side of the individual and begin on the second side starting from the sacrum working up to the atlas. Repeat this two more times.

Step 5
Pay close attention because the back can become very hot!

The heat will generally build slowly in intensity to where it will peak in five to eight minutes and then cool down to where it feels pleasant. The water in the towel drives the oils deeper into the skin. The more out of balance, the more virus or bacteria activity in the body, or the more inflammation in the spine, the hotter the area will become along the spine. Some people will experience no heat, for some it will be mild and very pleasant, while for others it may be hot and a little uncomfortable. Pay attention to what the person is saying. Ask questions. If it gets too uncomfortable, remove the towels and apply V-6 Mixing Oil on the back and work it in. This will usually remove the heat in minutes.

After putting the towels on, wait a few minutes to see how the person is responding. If the back does not become very hot, have the person roll over so the back is against the towels on the table. This usually creates more heat.”

Step 6
“Take the four oils of Birch, Cypress, Basil and Peppermint, in that order, and apply two to three drops of each oil along the inside of the lower legs along the shin bone from the bottom of the knee area to the top of the big toes. Apply one at a time and layer each oil in before applying the next oil. Place fingers of one hand along the inside of the shin bone just below the knee, work down to the ankle, and then along the foot up to the top of the big toe using the Vita Flex Technique. Roll your fingers up and then over onto the nails of the fingers, applying slightly more pressure at the top of the roll and releasing as you come over onto the nails. Short nails would be appreciated by the person on whom you are working. Do this three times on each leg….”

Step 8
“Have the person on the table roll back so he or she is again face down. Rest the head in the head-cradle of the massage table again and make sure the person is lying straight. Remove the towels and then examine the spine. Corrections may or may not be visible. At this point you may add another therapy as desired. Sometimes the desired results do not come immediately, and yet the body will continue to respond for days, at which time you may begin to see gradual changes…

This is the basic Raindrop Therapy, although there are several variations. Everybody is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Different body types respond to the applications in ways not expected. Learn to be sensitive to the person to whom you are working so that you can respond to his or her needs.”

The question is often asked, “How long does this application last? Again, everybody responds differently. Generally speaking, the level of health and proper diet are key factors, as are exercise and mental attitude. One application may last months for one person, but then for another it may be necessary to have the application done every week until the body begins to respond. The key is to retrain the body. In some cases, you will have to develop a new memory in the tissue in order for the body to stay where it should be. This may take a few weeks or even a full year.” ^[4]

The Video Presentation Variation
In the video, in which Mr. Young describes the process, he uses the oils of Oregano 4 drops, and 5 drops of Thyme. He also states that if there are arthritic or compressed disks, then to use 6 drops birch, 3 drops lemongrass, 4-5 drops marjoram, 4-5 drops cypress and a couple of drops of Peppermint.

He further goes on to explain that certain essential oils are known to be caustic to the skin, such as the citrus, coneriferous and spice oils, such as clove, nutmeg. He states that these oils are OK to use neat as in drops on the spine, but for a larger area, like the whole back, to dilute them 15-30 drops to one ounce, and children and the elderly should be 15 drops to an ounce. ^[5]

Notes on Description of Oils Getting Hot

In both of his publications of RDT, Mr. Young describes the oils as “may be feeling hot on the skin”

While the sensation of heat and a burning is a symptom of irritation to the skin from using undiluted oils, the precautions he offers is in Essential Oils Desk Reference.

Caution: Special care must be taken with this step (referring to allowing the heat from a wet towel to penetrate usually about 8-10 minutes). The greater the inflammation and viral infection along the spine, “the hotter the area along the spine will become.“ ^[6]

Discussion

The practice of applying these essential oils undiluted to the skin is not consistent with “best practice” taught in standard curriculum for professional aromatherapy education recognized by NAHA. The use of the undiluted essential oils promoted within Raindrop Therapy, are not supported in safety manuals.

Safety Data References of Essential Oils Which are Used in RDT

Oregano Essential Oil

From:Plant Aromatics

Origanum Oil

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Botanical Name: Thymus capitatus Hoffmgg.et Link, and other varieties. ^[7]

A 2% solution of Origanum oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[8]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Oregano (Spanish) (P)

Thymus capitatus, and Origanum vulgare, a table on page 209 list it as moderately irritant as well as having mucous membrane irritant.

Toxicity data and recommendations: Undiluted oregano oil was severely irritating when applied to mouse skin, and moderately irritating when applied to rabbit skin. Tested at 2% it produced no reaction after a patch test on human subjects.

Therefore, Oregano should not be used neat as promoted in Raindrop Therapy as it can and is known to cause cutaneous irritation. As well, the dilution rate for overall use is 2%. Likewise it should not be used at all on hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under 2 years of age. In the video, a ratio of 5% dilution for overall use was recommended (15-30 drops per ounce), and at 2.5% dilution rate for children or the elderly (15 drops to one ounce). ^[9]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Oregano Oil on humans.

Thyme Oil

From: Essential Oil Safety, referring to Thymus vulgaris L., and Thymus Zygis L.

Irritation/Sensitization-Red Thyme oil-nil at 8% however when applied to animal skin undiluted it proved severely irritating. ^[9]

External applications as a rubefacient and counter-irritant include dilution with olive or other oils. ^[10]

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Genus: Thymus

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris Linn. T. serpyllum L. T. zygis L.T. mastichiria L. and dozens of other species with hundreds of varieties and cultivars, with tremendous chemical compositional variation. ^[11]

An 8% solution of Thyme oil (red unrectified) caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[12]

T. vulgaris, other species and different genera, yield thymol, which can produce irritation of the skin. ^[13] Both Thyme oil and thymol have been recorded as being a cause of adverse dermal reactions including dermatitis, cheilitis and severe inflammation. ^[14]

Undiluted thyme oils were severely irritating to both mouse and rabbit skin: tested at 12% it produced no irritation on human subjects.

Again dermal cautions were noted for hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age. ^[15]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Thyme Oil on humans.

Birch Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Betulaceae

Genus: Betula

Botanical Name: Betula lenta Linn. and other varieties. ^[16]

A 4% solution of Sweet Birch oil cased no irritation or sensitization on human. ^[17]

A 1% solution of Birch oil applied to the skin, can cause dermal eruptions. B.P.C. 1934

Birch extracts have caused adverse reactions in up to 50% of people with an allergy to Birch pollen. ^[18]

Methyl salicylate is freely absorbed by the skin and can lead to high blood levels of Salicylic acid. ^[19]

MANY OTHER REPORTS OF ADVERSE EFFECTS ARE RECORDED. Fetal abnormalities and reduce growth rates in rats. It can pass into breast mild and therefore should NEVER BE USED DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION. ^[20]

Although Birch oil (sweet) has shown no irritation or sensitization at 4%, it is NOT RECOMMENDED. ^[21]

Birch Tar Oil: There are many reports in the literature about birch tree extracts causing dermatitis.This extract should not be used unless you are very confident of what you are doing. [22]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Botanical Name: Betula lenta

Notable salicylate 98%

Methyl salicylate can be absorbed transdermally in sufficient quantities to cause poisoning in humans. Topically applied methyl salicylate can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, causing side effects such as internal hemorrhage. A similar interaction is possible, but by no means certain, with other anticoagulants such as aspirin and heparin. Many liniments contain methyl salicylate or wintergreen oil.

Comments: There have been sufficient cased of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils containing it that it would be prudent to avoid use of this oil in aromatherapy. Virtually all “sweet birch oils” are in fact synthetic methyl salicylate.

Compare: Wintergreen ^[23]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Birch Oil on humans.

Wintergreen Oil

From: Plant Aromatics.

Family: Ericacea.

Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Linn.

This oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing for adverse dermal effects by the usual International organizations. ^[24]

Cutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate (the major component of the oil) is rapid.

It has been detected in the urine half an hour after application to the skin. It can also cause dermal eruptions. (AUTHORS NOTE: There is very little genuine wintergreen oil available, as it has mainly been replaced with synthetic methyl salicylate. Due to this and the risks associated from the application of this chemical to the skin, this product should be reserved for local application only, ideally undertaken by someone who has been trained in the use of this hazardous substance.) ^[25]

Contraindications: should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally; do not use if taking anticoagulants

Comments: Virtually all commercial “wintergreen oil” is in fact synthetic methyl salicylate. There have been sufficient cases of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils contain it that it would be prudent to avoid all use of this oil. ^[26]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Wintergreen Oil on humans.

Peppermint Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labietae)

Genus: Mentha with at least 25 species

Botanical Name: Menta x piperita (Peppermint).M arvensis (Corn mint, and numerous varieties and clones of both plants.)

Peppermint oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing procedures for dermal irritation and sensitization; therefore this oil should only be used on the skin at very low levels. ^[27]

“Isolated incidents due to accidental or inappropriate use of the products suggest caution in the handling and application of the oil or menthol, particularly the application of the neat oil to treat rheumatism.” ^[28]

Menthol is irritant in high concentration especially if evaporation from the skin is prevented. ^[29]

Mentha piperita var.Vulgaris

Safety data: tested at low dose non-toxic, NO FORMAL TESTING on skin effects. Use diluted: possible sensitization (menthol): keep away from nostrils of infants because of risk of spasm of glottis: avoid in pregnancy, Lactation. ^[30] It has been reported that some patients with particular enzyme deficits or specific conditions may be effected by certain essential oils. ^[31]

People with G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme-deficiency can develop a toxic build-up of menthol in the body. G-6-PD is the enzyme responsible for liver detoxification of menthol. ^[32]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Peppermint Oil on humans.

Basil Oil

(Although there are safer chemotypes of Basil oil available to use, Raindrop Therapy uses the estragole chemotypeaka: methyl chavicol) ^[33]

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Chemical constituents: Methyl chavicol (70-75%)

Ocimum Basilicum: Bush Basil

Untested Oil; Avoid use on Sensitive or Damaged Skin

Safety Data, No Formal Testing-Avoid in Pregnancy, with babies, children: possible irritation: avoid sensitive skin, appears in low dose non-toxic (Methyl chavicol) is moderately toxic. Excess produces stupefying effect. ^[34]

A 4% solution of Basil Oil (O. basilicum, M. chavicolcirca 55%) caused no irritation or sensitization humans. Some people could react to the eugenol content of some Basil oils. ^[35]

Maximum recommended usage levels in percentage dilution: Basil M. chavicol 55%, 4% dilution

The chemotype Estragole, is reported as having 70-75% methyl chavicol. ^[36]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Basil Oil, chemotype estragole, on humans.

Lemongrass Oil

Botanical Name: Cymbopogen flexuosus

Botanical Family: Graminaceae

Common name: Lemongrass, East Indian Lemongrass

Class: aldehyde

Notable constituents: Citral 85%, Limonene 5%

Safety Data: Possible dermal irritation and sensitization: avoid in pregnancy, with babies and children. ^[37]

“Caution C. flexuosus should never be used neat on the skin because of its possible irritant properties, due mainly to the citral content because of its extensive root system. However, when diluted in a carrier, it is without hazard except on the most sensitive of skins. Treat with respect.” ^[38]

Cautions: (dermal) Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age.

Toxicity: Citral can cause a rise in ocular tension, which would be dangerous in cases of glaucoma. ^[39]

There are a few reports of skin irritation cased by hypersensitivity or prolonged exposure to the concentrated oil and sensitization may occur. ^[40] Vesicular dermatitis appeared in eight workers exposed to a cargo of Lemongrass oils and the NEAT oil is a skin irritant. ^[41] Recommended dilution is at 4-5%

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Lemongrass oil on humans.

Cypress Oil

Botanical Name: Cupressus semperivens

Botanical family: Cupressaceae

Common name: Cypress

Safety Data: Tested at LOW doses non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing; avoid in pregnancy, high blood pressure, and with cancers, uterine and breast fibrosis. ^[42]

A 5% solution of Cypress oil cased no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[43]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of cypress oil on humans.

Marjoram Oil

Botanical Name: Origanum marjorana Linn. also Marjorana hortensis Moench.

Botanical family: Lamiaceae

A 6% solution of Sweet Marjoram oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[44]

Tested at low dose non-toxic non-irritating, non-sensitizing. ^[45]

Raindrop therapy promotes the unsafe use of marjoram oil on humans

Tansy Oil

(“Blue Tansy” oil is listed as an ingredient in Raindrop Therapy’s “Valor” blend ^[46], and given the botanical name Tanacetum annuum, which, according to Sheppard-Hanger, is the botanical name for Morroccan Chamomile, also known as Blue Atlas, ^[47] not Blue Tansy. Because of the contradictory essential oil profile in G. Young’s book,Essential Oils Desk Reference, it is unclear which essential oil G. Young has included in the blend, “Valor.” For safety purposes, tansy oil will be outlined below.)

Botanical Name:Tanacetum vulgare

Common name: Tansy Oil

Botanical family: Compositae

Notable constituents: Thujones 66-81%, Camphor 5%

Contraindications: Should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally.

Toxicity data & recommendations: Toxic signs produced by tansy oil poisoning include: convulsions, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, rigid pupils, gastroenteritis, uterine bleeding, flushing, hepatitis, cramps, loss of consciousness and rapid breathing.

Comments: In light of its high thujone content, tansy oil should be avoided altogether in aromatherapy. ^[48]

Some Tansy oils contain very high levels of b-Thujone which orally is extremely toxic and which does seem to be absorbed through the skin. ^[40] On the other hand some tansy oils contain no or insignificant amount of this chemical so until such time as full analysis is declared on essential oils, it is wiser to avoid its use for application to the skin, or for room fragrances. ^[50]

No Formal Testing: Avoid in pregnancy with babies, children best to avoid as untested, substitution and doubtful production. ^[51]

Raindrop Therapy promotes the unsafe use of “Tansy” oil on humans.

Discussion Regarding the Unfounded Claims of Raindrop Therapy

Examination of the published literature on the rational for the use of Raindrop therapy, written or published by Gary Young rationalizing the use for Raindrop Therapy, has implies that the process has a curative effect on scoliosis:

Excerpts verbatim fromEssential Oils Desk Referenceby G. Young:

• Raindrop Technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine. During the years that is has been practiced, it has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and kyphosis and eliminated the need for back surgery for thousands of people.
• Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates Vita Flex and massage, utilizing the power of essential oils in bringing the body into structural and electrical alignment.
• Raindrop Technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation, which, in turn, contorts and disfigures the spinal column.
• Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the responsible viral agents. ^[52]

Scoliosis (discussion on etiology of scoliosis from the writings of Young)

While a few cases of scoliosis can be attributed to congenital deformities (such as MS. Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, or Marfan’s Syndrome), the vast majority of scoliosis types are of unknown origin.

Some medical professionals believe that many cases of scoliosis begin with hard-to-detect inflammation along the spine cased by latent viruses. Others believe that it may be due to persistent muscle spasms that have pulled the vertebrae off the spine out of alignment.

The Raindrop Techniqueis one of the most effective therapies for straightening spines misaligned due to scoliosis. ^[53]

Excerpts from: The Science and Application of Essential Oils, D. Gary Young, ND (Video), 1994

Statements on tape by G. Young:

“Raindrop Therapy is a technique that is beneficial for back problems, scoliosis, deteriorated disks and compressions.” ^[54]

The following section provides samples of information found on the World Wide Web describing Raindrop Therapy:

1. “The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment. Thyme has been scientifically proven to be anti-infections, antibacterial, and antiviral. There is some indication that scoliosis is the result of some viral and or bacterial activity that has taken place in the body at some point before the scoliosis began. These essential oils can easily penetrate the body and may help kill any virus or bacteria that may be present.” ^[55]

2.“The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment.” ^[56]

3.“Raindrop technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for helping to correct defects in the curvature of the spine. It has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and eliminated the needs for back surgery for thousands of people. Raindrop technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by virus or bacteria that are dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation which in turn controls and disfigures the spinal column. Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly anti-microbial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the viral agents responsible for it.” ^[57]

There are numerous other references like these on the World Wide Web and a simple search using the term “Raindrop Therapy” would yield many more. This information either implies or states, that the use of Raindrop Therapy, has either a corrective action on scoliosis or that it benefits person, with scoliosis, or that is somehow otherwise helps to bring the body into structural or electrical alignment.

Now let’s turn our attention to what qualified authorities on the topic of scoliosis, have to say about the etiology of scoliosis.

Literature Search on Scoliosis

Scoliosis: A rotary lateral curvature of the spine.

congenital s. Scoliosis resulting from malformation of the spine or chest.

idiopathic s. Scoliosis of unknown cause.

myopthic. S. Scoliosis due to weakness of the spinal muscles.

Neuromuscular S. Scoliosis caused by any of various diseases affecting the motor nerve cells.

Osteopathic s. Lateral curvature resulting from pathologic conditions of the vertebrae, such as tuberculosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and tumors

Static s. Scoliosis due to difference in the length of the legs. ^[58]

The focus of the search for whether one might give credibility to the rationale for the use of RDT lies in examining idiopathic scoliosis, as it is the only type, which is of “unknown cause”. An inquiry to the NSF (National Scoliosis Foundation, questioning Young’s theory of a “dormant viral or bacterial etiology” for idiopathic scoliosis prompted the following reply:

E-mail Response from National Scoliosis Foundation (Oct 22, 2001 on file):

“Thank you for writing the NSF. Unfortunately, I have not read anything about the statement. There are a few helpful websites that we can refer you to for information regarding scoliosis. The addresses are www.spineuniverse.com, www.orthospine.com, www.iscoliosis.com, www.aaos.org, www.scoliosis.org. These sites have much information as well as links to other sites.”

Note: a search of these sites yields no mention of the dormant virus theory. There is a consistency across these sites that idiopathic scoliosis shows strong evidence of being hereditary. The following are representative of findings.

From The Genetics of Scoliosis by John T. Smith, M.D.:

“Despite a tremendous amount of scientific research, the cause of some type of scoliosis remain largely unknown. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be a disease that is inherited as a genetic trait, much like some other diseases, such as sickle cell anemia. The gene that causes scoliosis remains undiscovered, but scientists are trying to find this gene using new techniques for analyzing genetic inheritance. Defining the role of genetic in scoliosis is currently the focus of intense research at a number of Academic centers throughout the world.

“There is strong evidence that an abnormal gene is partially responsible for some forms of scoliosis. It is possible that genetic factors may influence important aspects of scoliosis such as the pattern of curvature (left versus right curves), the shape of the curve, and the risk of progression. The tendency for scoliosis to appear in people who are closely related, such as mothers and their daughter, identical twins, and the first-degree relatives, suggest that scoliosis can be inherited….” ^[59]

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From National Institutes of Health:

“Researchers are looking for the cause of idiopathic scoliosis. They have studied genetic structural and biochemical alterations in the discs and muscles and central nervous changes. The changes in the discs and muscles seem to be a result of scoliosis and cause. Scientists are still hopeful that studying changes in the central nervous system with idiopathic scoliosis may reveal a cause of this disorder.” ^[60]

Treatment of Scoliosis

From Scoliosis Research Society: Bracing may be a consideration in children with spinal deformity and curve magnitudes of 25-40 degrees. The primary goal is to stop curve progression. Surgery for idiopathic scoliosis is suggested when curve magnitude is 50 degrees or more. Curves are measured in degrees and persons with curves measuring under thirty degrees entering adulthood are considered having a mild curve while those over 60 degrees are considered severe. ^[61]

What Does NOT Demonstrate Effectiveness:

Both of these sources, also state “ Numerous studies have failed to show any benefit from exercise, manipulation, meditation or drugs. ^[62]

There is no scientifically documented role for exercises, manipulation or electrical stimulation in the management of scoliosis. ^[63]

Some people have tried other ways to treat scoliosis, including manipulation by electrical stimulation, dietary supplements and corrective exercises. So far studies following treatments have not been show to prevent curve progression… ^[64]

How is Scoliosis Measured?

The standard measurements for scoliosis are done through X-ray evaluation, Curve measurement, and MRI.

Summary of Points

• Idiopathic Scoliosisis of an unknown cause, but current thinking is that it may be hereditary and genetic in etiology.
• Review of the leading organizations doing research on idiopathic scoliosis reveals no dormant viral or bacterial theories.
• Research has demonstrated no significant impact of exercise, manipulation, diet supplements or electrical stimulation has any effect on stopping the progression of idiopathic scoliosis.
• Objective evaluation of scoliosis is done with X-rays, degrees of measurement, and in some cases MRI.

Proof of Claims in Effectiveness of Raindrop Therapy on Scoliosis?

• Thus far we have shown that there is no support of a viral/bacterial theory which is the underpinning of the use of RDT for claims of benefits to idiopathic scoliosis and alignment
• Nor does manipulation of the spine benefit idiopathic scoliosis.

But let us suppose for a moment that we suspend our concerns about etiology and standard treatment of scoliosis. Raindrop Therapy does not have any published scientific proof of their claims. Although the proponents of RDT say that is has benefited “thousands of people”, there are no citations to published scientific studies of these claims within any of the RDT referenced literature or in our broad search of the practice. There is no reference to any published clinical research using known data measurements (i.e. X-rays, degrees of curvature, or MRI.).

Scope of Practice

It must also be noted that within any profession there is a scope of practice which is to be observed. These are governed by state laws. While persons may be practicing under a medical license, using essential oils, persons using and training Raindrop Therapy, require no licensure. As well, although they may be trained in massage, for example, this does not necessarily include training as an Aromatherapy Professional.

Raindrop Therapy requires “hands-on” application of essential oils, massage, and manipulation of the back. Each state has individual legal requirements and definition of a scope of practice, determining qualification to use hands- on techniques required with this RDT practice. The use of essential oils are often integrated within an existing therapeutic practice (e.g. nursing, massage therapy, esthetics, OT, PT, Chiropractic, Orthopedic, M.D.). Therefore, we urge the consumer to inquire as to credentials, and scope of practice.

Summary and Conclusion

Until such time as:

• the scientific efficacy of Raindrop Therapy on the progression of idiopathic Scoliosis, (or any other type of scoliosis) can be shown,
• and safe use of essential oils are observed,

Raindrop Therapy technique does not have the support as a “best practice” within a large segment of the professional community of aromatherapy practitioners. As a wise consumer, we hope you benefit from this critical viewpoint, and hope that it enhances your safe use of essential oil and practices.

© Barber, K., Gagnon-Warr, J., November 25, 2001, revised May 12, 2002. The following may not be reproduced and distributed without the permission of the authors.

1. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 191–198.

2. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group, 79.

3. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety. London: Churchill Livingstone, 78.

4. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 191–198.

5. Young, Gary.The Science and Application of Essential Oils, Young Living Oils, (Video) 1994.

6. Young, G., Aromatherapy,The Essential Beginning(no longer in print). Essential Science Publishing, 1–7.

7. Witham: Watts, Sets 1–4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

8. Kligman, A.Report to the R.I.F.M., 1973, through Watt, M. 1994: Plant Aromatics.

9. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995: Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.London: Churchill Livingstone, 156–7.

10. Lis-Balchin, M. 1995:Aroma Science, The Chemistry and Bioactivity of Essential Oils,Amberwood Publishing.

11. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

12. Kligman, A.Report to the R.I.F.M., 1973. through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

13. Greenberg L. and Lester D.Handbook of Cosmetic Material, New York, Interscience, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

14. Mitchell J. and Rook A. 1979: Botanical Dermatology (out of print), through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

15. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 176.

16. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

17. Epstein, W. 1974:Report to the R.I.F.M.,through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

18. Lahti, A. et al. 1980:Contact Dermatitis, (6) 464-5, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

19. Davison, C. 1961:J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therapies, (132) 207-11, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

20. De. Smet, P. 1992:Adverse Effect of Herbal Drugs. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

21. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics. Witham: Watts, Sets 1–4, chart 1, 20.

22. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics,Sets 1–4, 30.

23. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 173.

24. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4.

25. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 179.

26. ibid.

27. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 138.

28. Grieve, M. 1931:A Modern Herbal.Hammondsworth: Penguin, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

29. Harry, R. 1948:Cosmetic Materials. Vol. 2, London, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

30. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 289.

31. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing.San Diego, CA, 84.

32. Owole, S.A. and Ramson-Kuto, O. 1980: The risk of jaundice in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient babies exposed to menthol.Acta Paediatrica Scandinavia69, 341-345, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

33. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 34.

34. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 317.

35. Kligman, A. 1972: Report to the RIFM, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

36. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4, 56 and 77.

37. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 197.

38. Price, S. 1993:Aromatherapy Workbook. London: Thorsons, 84.

39. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 146.

40. Witham: through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 123.

41. Mendelsohn H. 1944:Arch. Derm. Syph.(50), 34, and same author and journal 1946, (53), 94, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

42. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA: 191.

43. Witham through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 103.

44. Watt, M. 1996:Essential Oil Monographs. Tampa, FLA, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy.

45. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 327.

46. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2000. USA, Essential Science Publishing, 123.

47. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 145.

48. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.London: Churchill Livingstone, 172.

49. Witham: thorugh Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics:32.

50. Meyer, R. 1959:Arzneimittel-Forcsh,(9), 516, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

51. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA. Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 403.

52. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2001, USA, Essential Science Publishing, 191.

53. Ibid, 347.

54. www.worlddirect.net.aro9.html

55. www.hypnosis-reiki.com/treatments.html

56. Dox, I., MD, Melloni, J. PhD, et al,The Harper Collins Illustrated Medical Dictionary,429-430.

57. www.iscoliosis.com/completegenetics.php3

58. www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scoliosis/default.asp>

59. www.scoliosisx.com

60. ibid

61. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

62. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

63. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

64. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

Safety First

Be aware that there is NO WAY to predict what oils can or will trigger an attack in an individual. Quite obviously, if you know you are allergic to, let’s say pine and spruce trees, then avoid the use of the various conifer (needle) oils. If most flowers bring on an attack, avoid the floral oils, and so on.

Any oil you intend to try should first be “tested.” Put a drop of the essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball and hold it at arms length from the sufferer. If it seems well tolerated, gradually bring it closer until the tissue or cotton ball is right under the nose. If it can be inhaled with no negative effects it is safe to try.

Do not try testing more than two essential oils per day, separated by several hours.

Warning: Please don’t use any of the essential oils in a steam inhalation during an asthma attack. The use of steam almost always worsens the attack.

Prevention

There are two oils that are said to have “antihistamine-like” properties and are said to prevent asthma attacks.

There are authorities who state that  Blue Tansy  oil (Tanecetum anuum) can halt an asthma attack in its tracks (Jeanne Rose is one of them) and I have clients who say that diffusing a bit of this oil in an aromalamp each morning has allowed them to cut way down on allergy medications. Blue Tansy may prove useful both as an antihistamine to help prevent attacks, and as a treatment during an attack.

Ammi Visnaga  (Khella) oil is supposed to have a similar effect, however it’s only fair to say that most people enjoy the scent of Blue Tansy (sweet and apple scented) and find the scent of Ammi reminiscent of last years coffee grounds. The drug Intal (cromolyn sodium) has its origins from Ammi Visnaga. Khella oil must be used (by inhalation) on a daily basis, not just when an attack threatens.

Treating the Symptoms

One of my French mentors wrote, years ago: “Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things.” It is because of the oils’ powerful effects on the respiratory tract that well tolerated essential oils can bring swift relief to asthma sufferers.

Essential Oils That Have Proven Helpful for Some Asthma Victims

The following oils are listed in order by both their ability to be tolerated without causing a reaction, and their effectiveness.

Blue Tansy (Tanecetuum anuum)
Jeanne Rose states that Blue Tansy is a natural source of theophylline, a bronchiodilator, which would explain its being recommended for asthma crisises. And many sources write ofthe links between childhood asthma and adult eczema and other dermatitis conditions. Although we do not recommend internal usage, she says she personally uses one drop of this oil on a sugar cube for bring her asthma attack to a halt.

Kurt Schaubelt extolls this magnificent deep indigo oil for its antihistaminic/anti-allergin properties. He suggests using it (applied to the solar plexus) in blends for asthma, or diffusing it in blends for emphasema… blending Pine, Cypress and just a touch of this lovely Tansy. (Obviously it is first necessary to test all the oils before blending!)

Hyssop montana/canescens (ex decumbens)
My French mentor writes that in his experience this particular Hyssop (and no others!) is the safest essential oil to use with asthma sufferers. It appears that the pino-camphone content in this hyssop chemotype is very low. So I believe there is no toxicity, compared with the other hyssop types. I have years of experience with it, mainly with diffusers and really love the oil! Best results with asthma patients, little children and allergic people. He says it is the first oil he will reach for in cases of asthma. This hyssop ssp montana/canescens (ex decumbens) is only found in the Haute Provence, France.

Blue Tansy and this Hyssop are the first two essential oils I would test.

Myrtle (Myrtys communis)
Soft, gentle respiratory oil, very good for use with children, normally well tolerated. A very gentle expectorant that can ease coughing while loosening tight mucous.

Litsea cubeba
Litsea, sometimes called May Chang, has clear lemony scent that also has bronchio-dilator and antispasmodic effects. It is normally well tolerated, but should be tested. It also blends aromatically well with amni visnaga (see above) and makes inhalation of the Khella Oil a lot more palatable.

Cypress Oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
All of the conifers may help with respiratory problems. Cypress, in addition, is an antispasmodic which can help relieve bronchial spasms. However, any of the “Evergreen” oils can cause an allergic reaction to many people, so please be very sure to test this with your asthma patient. (See test method above.)

My mentor suggests, if the above oils are all well-tolerated, a blend of one drop each of Hyssop, Litsea, and Cypress inhaled from a cotton ball when breathing first begins to feel constricted. If this blend, or any single oil proves effective you might want to look at making a personal inhaler for the patient to carry with him.

My instinct says to start with the citrus oils…they are normally well tolerated…and wonderful mood lighteners…since there is normally an emotional component to asthma, they might be helpful…

IF they can tolerate the eucalyptus oils, they might help with breathing…other oils that can help with bronchial problems are frankincense, cedarwood…but test first.

If the patient can tolerate Lavender, it would help promote sleep at night, a general “relaxant”…and litsea cubeba is said to help with the bronchial spasms…but TEST first!!!! I’d want to very carefully check for possible reactions to any/all of them individually before blending. For asthma, with the same caveats, I look to hyssop, our Sweet Spanish Eucalyptus (another globulous, but gentler and softer, since most Eucalyptus globulous on the market is rectified to increase its cineole content. Frankincense (which either will be wonderful, or will really cause a problem) or Elemi. Atlas Cedarwood is a good addition to general chest congestion blends, as is Scotch Pine i>(Pinus sylvestris).

Oils that are Useful for General Support of the Respiratory System

Frankincense slows and deepens the breathing…our favorite is the Boswellia carterii.

Black Spruce and Atlas Cedarwood are both good for respiratory support, Atlas Cedarwood is very grounding, which might be helpful if the asthma has an emotional/anxiety component. Black Spruce is wonderful for immune system support, specifically for the adrenals!

Of the Eucalyptus oils, my choice for “chest stuff” is our unrectified Spanish Sweet Eucalyptus, although in all honesty most of the authorities recommend Eucalyptus radiata (but most of the authorities haven’t sampled our spanish euc;)!

We might also look at relaxing oils if the asthma seems to be more emotionally caused rather than allergic; however most of the “relaxers” are I suspect also more apt to trigger allergies.

Antiseptic or Antibacterial

Dr. Valnet—one of the founders of the modern aromatherapy, describes the antiseptic effects of essential oils which by evaporation kill bacteria and other micro-organisms. Most of the essential oils are more or less antiseptic, but the following oils are of special value by the treatment of flu, common cold, sore throat, tonsillitis and other respiratory infections: Thyme, Eucalyptus, Salvia, Pine, Cajeput, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Lemon, and Angelica.

Antispasmodic

These essential oils have an effect in calming and soothing spasms in the smooth muscles tissues and are applied by the treatment of asthma, dry cough, and pertussis (whooping cough): Cedar, cajaput, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, sandalwood, and thyme.

Expectorant

An expectorant helps to promote the removal of mucous from the respiratory system by means of coughing and spitting. According to Boyd an expectorant can be pharmacologically defined as a substance that increases the production of moisture in the bronchial tubes. Expectorant oils are therefore applied to help this removal process and to soothing coughing: green anise, cajaput, fennel, helichrysum, eucalyptus, olibanum, spike lavender, myrrh, myrtle, pine, sandalwood, and thyme.

Immunity Stimulating

Essential oils can assist and improve an immunity reaction in two different manners: By means of counter-acting threatening micro orgasm or by stimulating the immunity system. Oils like cajaput, lavender, lemon, rosemary and Tea tree combat a large range of bacteria, whereby at the same time they increase the immunity reaction. In holistic aromatherapy the improvement of the immunity reaction is considered one of the major aims.

During a crisis the inhalation or breathing of antispasmodic oils or the application on specific parts of the body, quickly results in relief. If one prefers inhalation a few drops on a tissue or even smelling at the bottle, will be effective. The use of steam to which oils are added is not advisable. The heath of the steam will only increase the inflammation of the mucous membranes. Moisture however is beneficial, so a few drops essential oil added to an air moisturizer is an excellent treatment.

Between application of the oils to certain areas and veins of the chest and back, is also advisable. The choice of oil is determined by:

1. The presence of an infection
2. The presence of emotional factors
3. Possible allergic reactions.

By treating asthma by means of aromatherapy we have to distinguish two groups of patients.

First, the patient with a long history of asthmatic problems and in connection therewith the long dependency on conventional medicine. Second, the patient who has asthmatic complaints for a relative short period, with little or no dependency on conventional medicine. These two groups are the basis for different aromatherapeutic treatments.

By the first group of people who have been suffering with these complaints for many years asthma has developed into a physical problem. Treatment will be carried out in different phases. By the second group, those with a short complaint history, the first two phases of aromatherapeutic treatment should suffice. This is because their complaints have not turned into a physical problem yet, the asthma so to speak hasn’t given a physical imprint in their organs. In this case symptoms occur through emotional and physical stimulus and in general supporting and strengthening aromatherapy is usually sufficient, but equally often with amazing results.

PHASE 1

This phase we could call the “introduction phase.” Asthma patients can slowly and carefully be introduced to the use of essential oils. Especially is they are unfamiliar with these oils. A short explanation of what oils do, how they were used during many centuries, and with examples (think of the story of the three Kings visiting the manger after Jesus was born, carrying Myrrh, Olibanum and Gold) will give the patient confidence. Most people only know synthetic fragrances and that essential oils are natural with a high degree of purity, is something they never heard of. Let the patient smell the different oils and then apply a light relaxing massage, meanwhile observing the patients reactions carefully. The best oils to apply during this first introduction are pleasantly smelling oils or compositions. Take as an example one or more oils from the following spasmodic range:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• Roman Chamomille (Chamaemelum nobile)
• Jatamansi (Nardus jatamansi)
• Petit Grain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris lanaloferum)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Benzoe (Stryrax benzoin)
• Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum or Jasminum sambac)

In fact, all oils which the patient finds pleasant can be used. Asthma patients usually react well to either single oils or compositions and feel well after such a first introduction. This first phase can of course consist out of multiple sessions. Massage the chest and the back, apply oils to certain areas of the feet, on the arms and in the neck. Important is that the patient getting used to—and finding the oils pleasant.

PHASE 2

This phase is aimed at the introduction of expectorant oils, which help to remove excessive mucous from the respiratory system. A good choice of oils here are Eucalyptus smithii, Eucalyptus radiata and/or Ravensara aromatica. Practically all oils with a 1,8-cineol are a good choice in this phase. Examples are:

• All eucalyptus oils with the exception of Eucalyptus citriodora.
• Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) especially the varieties with a high cineol content.
• Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora = M quinquenervia viridiflora)
• Spike Lavender (Lavandula spica)
• Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
• Myrtle (Myrtus communis)(Melaleuca leucadenra = M. cajeputi)

It is noticeable that especially members of the Myrtaceae botanical family are useful as expectorants. All kind of applications are useful. In a bath or shower oil, in a diffuser, in a massage oil and by applying the oil (diluted) to certain parts of the body and veins). The Ravensara or the Eucalyptus smithii show a remarkable effect by asthma patients, due to the presence of terpene alcohols.

It the patient shows positive results to this phase, a few weeks later a more intense treatment can be entered into.

PHASE 3

Although there is a lot of similarity between the different symptoms, it is useful to distinguish between the nervous/allergic reactions and the patient who’s asthma has been transformed into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma accompanied by strong physical weakness.

For the nervous and allergic asthma patient anti-spasmodic and anxiolitics (anxiety decreasing) oils are to be applied. A mixture of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Verbenon chemotype, is excellent for inhalation. Inhalation should occur on a daily basis. These oils or mixture can also be applied to the soles of the feet, certain parts of the body and neck and added to a shower or bath oil or foam. To this mixture can further be added, to make an effective massage oil, Cypres-leaf (Cupressus sempervirens), Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) or Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). For all these applications e dilution of 2–5% is advisable.

Patients whose complaints have turned into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma, should benefit from stimulating oils lik Oregano (Oreganum vulgare), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype) and/or Savory (Satureja hortensis or Montana). The advantage of these oils is that they are a great stimulant to the immunity system.

PHASE 4

Within aromatherapy there are a few oils known to have strong mucolytic (dissolving or breaking down mucous) and at the same time spasmolytic (prevents and eases spasms or convulsions) effects. Khella (Amni visnaga) and Sweet Inula (Inula graveolens). In France these oils are applied to the body by means of a suppository. But to those not familiar with this method it is advisable to apply these oils in diluted form or by inhalation or through massage. They can also be applied in diluted form to certain parts of the body and veins.

These oils are used where an asthmatic crisis situation occurs and when these oils are applied, the patient will have had already a considerable experience with aromatherapy and is undergoing treatment from an aromatherapist knowing his or her profession. Oils like Khella with the active ingredients khelline and visnadine and Sweet Inula with the ingredient alantolactone, can loosen a large quantity of phlegm. When applied in diluted form to the skin, especially in the case of sweet Inula, always do a small allergy test before.

Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things. The following is what I would do. I advise you to think about everyone’s advice. My choices of EOs are based on some very good books but tempered by what I think you can actually do. Fancy recipes aren’t worth much if you don’t have the equipment or can’t find the ingredients.

Essential Oils: Try them in this order: Hyssop, Myrtle, Cypress, Lavender, Litsea cubeba (if you can’t find this one, skip it), Petitgrain (or Mandarine).

Mixtures: Hyssop EO and Cypress EO and Litsea cubeba EO (if you found it): One drop of each on a cotton ball to smell at will whenever breathing feels constricted. Try the combination and if the effect is positive, mix as follows. Get a couple of small amber (not clear or blue) bottles where you got your oils or from a pharmacist. Try to get the dropper goodie that goes in the top (called an orifice reducer) also. Mix equal amounts of the oils together. You might use a stainless steel 1/4 tsp to measure. Also, it will help if you can find a small funnel to keep from spilling stuff. Once you have made the mixture, be sure and label it! (Put tape over the label to keep the ink from running.) Then he can have the mixture to use whenever he wishes.

Myrtle EO and Lavender EO and Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO): This is a more complicated mixture. You will also need some Sweet Almond Oil or other carrier oil. The Swteet Almond is widely available and cheaper than some of the others. Either buy a 4 oz bottle or a larger bottle of oil and a 4 oz empty bottle. (You will find yourself saving nice bottles that you have emptied of other things. Glass bottles and plastic tops wash best.) For your trial of this mixture, take one tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil, add 7 drops Myrtle EO, 3 drops Lavender EO, and 3 drops Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). Use this as a massage oil on the young man’s BACK, not chest. If the reaction is a good one, mix up some more as follows: 7 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil (this should be what is left in your 4 oz bottle if that is what you bought). Add 1/2 tsp Myrtle EO, 1/4 tsp Lavender EO and 1/4 tsp Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). If you have some, puncture and squeeze a couple of capsules of Vit E into the mixture as a preservative. This is a massage oil for his back. It can also be used on his wrists or ankles. It should be used every 15 minutes or oftener during an attack. It will not hurt him to use it once or twice a day as a regular thing if he thinks it makes his condition better. If he does decide to use it regularly, you may consider using castor oil instead of Sweet Almond sometime and seeing if that improves things. Castor Oil “packs” (kind of like compresses) are popular for removing congestion in the abdominal area and may also help with the respiratory system. It is something to try.

I don’t know if these oils will help or not but as long as he has no negative reaction to them, they shouldn’t hurt. Have you tried Cajuput, this opens the bronchi, so that you can breathe. You can inhale it by putting a drop on your hanky. This oil is very useful if you are suffering from an allergic reaction and you cannot breathe, I use it.
—
Mike and Suzie Broderick: I’ve had success with a number of clients this winter with various degrees of chest congestion (none with pneumonia though), with a blend used in adiffuser and diluted in a massage oil, or in a hot castor oil pack, similar to what you describe. I used the following oils: helichrysum, 20 drops; tea tree, 30 drops; pine, 30 drops; frankincense, 23 drops; yarrow, 10 drops; red thyme, 10 drops. Instructions to clients were to add 4–6 drops to a humidifier, or in a steam inhalation. Or I used maximum 10 drops of this blend to 1 oz of massage oil, or castor oil in a hot pack.

Wanda Sellar’s Directory of Essential Oils, lists Immortelle (helichrysum) as “a general aid to the respiratory system soothing feverish colds, influenza, bronchitis, coughs and asthma. Helps to remove mucous from the lungs and induces relaxation and sleep.” —Danila  at Nature’s Gift

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) Testimonials

Regular readers of our newsletter know that I believe our Helichrysum italicuum is the most healing essential oil I have ever seen. A friend recently asked me to collect “anecdotal evidence” of Helichrysum’s effects, and this document was the result. She urged me to share it online, so here it is. (We have recently found these testimonials posted verbatim on other websites, selling other helichrysum species. We can’t be responsible for the effects of using ANY helichrysum other than our certified organic Helichrysum italicuum from the island of Corsica.)

Read about, and order, our  Helichrysum Essential Oil here. Or our  Helichrysum Hydrosol  on our hydrosol pages.

Rosacea

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

A few months ago I asked you for some advice re a Rosacea client. I used your Rosacea synergy and formulated a lotion and soap for him, as well as providing him with Helichrysum Hydrosol to use as a toner. He has been using them for about six weeks, and called me yesterday to tell me that these products have really helped him and that he wanted to order more! He had previously sought treatment with a dermatologist and found that nothing had helped, but had actually caused more irritation to his skin. Just wanted to share with you another success story and to thank you for your help!

From a client who wished to remain anonymous:

I just received my first order – very promptly, I might add- thank you, and am already seeing results from using the combination of clarifying soap, helichrysum hydrosol, and rosacea synergy. It’s been just five days! My skin thanks you!!

From Julia Mulcahey:

Thank you! I have had a small patch of rosacea on my face for nearly 6 months. Your clarifying soap and helichrysum hydrosol seem to be working their magic – it’s nearly disappeared! Thank you!

Bruising

From Kati Toney (w/ Marge’s comments in 2nd paragraph):

Anyway, my point to all this is, I got the BIGGEST, UGLIEST bruises on my legs from climbing that tree & when I got home I put the Helichrysum sample I got from you on it (b/c I remembered you saying that it was good for bruises!) and the next day they were faded & within a day or two were completely gone! I was AMAZED!!! I usually keep bruises for quite awhile & ones that deep & big mighta hung around for a couple of weeks! I was SO excited & it didn’t take much at all! Matter of fact, I still have half of that sample left!

Wonderful!!! That is exactly what it was SUPPOSED to do…but I’m so delighted that it worked for you…that it DID do what it was supposed to. Now you see why I say it’s one of those ‘desert island’ oils…the ones I wouldn’t be without. 

More on Bruising

Mary Hayne, from Denton, Texas recently wrote:

I have to tell you though, I had another mishap — I was getting into the back seat of a friend’s minivan when a friend getting into the front seat closed her door — on my hand (I didn’t realize my hand was holding on so close to her door frame). She got the door back open pretty quickly. That was the panic part. The exciting part is that I iced, took homeopathic Traumeel, and slathered on your 10% Helichrysum. My hand never bruised!

There are two small red spots on my knuckles where my hand was particularly pinched, and a very slight bit of swelling — but that is it and the red spots are fading fast. I also didn’t have any pain — tenderness, yes — pain, no. This is all particularly nice as I had an eight hour exam the next day (right hand crushed, right-handed writer). But the best part was my friend’s face the next morning when she looked at my hand. She was completely dumbfounded. She was so sure it was so bad that she was going to have to take me to the doctor. There my hand was, looking like nothing ever happened. I have read that Helichrysum has “powerful antibruise properties” but this experience has really blown my mind too.

And I have run out of the stuff, so I am ordering more. Thanks so much Marge. Your work really makes a big difference in my life.

Louise, from The Netherlands writes:

Dear Marge,

A few days ago I asked your advice how to avoid bruises in my face due to injections which I unfortunately had to have in my face.

The doctor had told me that I would get very nasty bruises in my face and but that was just one of the facts I had to endure and that they would fade in a week or so.

Then I asked you and I want to tell you that there are no nasty bruises at all! There is a little swelling but very little only myself can notice that because nobody noticed!

Anyway, I want to tell you that I used 25 ml of St.John’s wort infused oil, 20 drops of Helichrysum italicum and 5 drops of Lavender augustifolia. Yesterday (after the injections) I applied it immediately after I came home and then I continued to apply it during the day. This morning I looked in the mirror and was very pleased to see a normal color of skin, so I will apply it again several times today!

So Thank you Marge for your advice and please feel free to give this recipe to others.

I have to see the doctor in a few days and I am already enjoying the look on his face when he sees me. I will certainly tell him what I did to avoid those nasty bruises!

Kindest regards, Louise

Alexis Stegall recently wrote:

I had some heli and did use it full strength the first couple of times on a HUGE (6 in diameter at least) bruise on my thigh and then used the 10% in Rose Hip Seed Oil (because that was all that I had) couldn’t believe how fast the bruise went away. 

Normally I will have bruises for a couple of weeks, this one was virtually gone in about 5 or 6 days. It worked great.

You may quote me if you like.

Even More on Bruising

Susan Farr, acupuncturist, recently wrote:

It’s good to be back in touch and to see you too — checking out your website made me hungry for oils again!! I know you have tons of feedback on your helichrysums, but I want you to know that my bottle (10% in FCO) stayed in the acupuncture clinic the whole time I was an intern, and gradually replaced the arnica and chinese ointments as everyone’s treatment of choice when they realized that a puncture was going to leave a bruise (which happens fairly commonly). And the patients (at least mine) loved the smell, too. I never even tried the recommended chinese remedies, as I knew from personal experience how well the heli works. That’ll be my next order!

Take care, Susan

Scarring

Ellen W. Ray from Alchemical Essence Aromatherapy wrote:

I used the Helichrysum Italicum and Rose Hip Seed Oil blend for an injury to my face that occurred from a dog bite and it helped tremendously. There’s barely the trace of a scar on my lip and none on my face. The doctor who removed the stitches was amazed and asked for the name of the Essential Oil and Carrier Oil. He kept looking back at his notes from the emergency room, remembered the incident, and said the healing was incredible. He also asked where it could be purchased. 

From Leslie Robinson:

I can vouch for Marge’s suggested rose hip seed oil/heli blend for scars. In July, I fell and impaled my face on a piece of rebar. An ugly accident. I used this combination an average of 3 times daily — I have no visible scar. Have used this on a year-old mastectomy scar for a few months and notice that it is beginning to flatten and fade a bit.

Wondrous things these oils are!!!”

From Vicki Camp, Reporting back on the Helichrysum Experiment:

I asked you on the Cosmetics List some time ago if you thought Helichrysum Italicuum would be good on old scars. You replied something to the effect of ‘no guarantees; I’m not certain,’ although I note you’re really fond of its properties. However, I went ahead and tried it anyway. Had a breast needle biopsy last July (benign, benign) – 2 separate entrances on the same breast. While the scars were not huge and there was no raised marking (is that called a keloid, I think?) they were noticeably red and each about 1/4 – 1/2 inch in size. I am of Scandinavian-American descent and have this fair, fair skin. No allergies of note, although living in Michigan automatically qualifies me for itchy skin spots and sinus in the allergy season.:D Natural soap prevents most of the skin issues.

So hey, having given you the background – HERE’s the amazing results. I put a drop of Heli, neat, on each spot. Rubbed them a bit. Didn’t give much thought to it. Never tried it again. This morning in the shower I happened to notice that the scars are all but invisible. I guess I’m so used to them NOT being there that I don’t give it a thought very often. But what do you suppose made THAT happen, after a year of visible scars?

I ‘m off to try it on some ‘whitish’ scars on my arm that I got when coming in contact with a hot iron years ago. Will let you know. This is fun! Hugs and smiles!”

MY NOTE: I do NOT recommend using Helichrysum (or any other essential oil) neat the way Vicki did. Proper and appropriate dilution might take a bit longer to see results, but it is safer for you, and less wasteful of a precious limited resource.

Barbara McBee wrote:

I had a benign cellular tumor removed from my neck nearly three years ago. The scar was 4 inches, very tight and inflamed. Nothing over the counter worked—I am very sensitive to chemicals and additives. My doctor thought this was the best I would heal, though I never keloid. I searched around and found your sight approx. one and one half years after my surgery-I have ordered helio with rosehips, (my orders have included peppermint and argan oil.but for this purpose I stuck with helio and rosehips).

I applied religiously for several months at night-I could not wear anything against my neck, and had trouble sleeping because my poor skin seemed to be pulled so tight.I am small, and great care was taken to pull everything back together.I am back to wearing turtlenecks, and the scar(including the turkey-wobble that brought the sutures to a complete close) are so minimal that one has to search for it.

More Scarring (Keloids)

A story I had forgotten about, until a friend recently quoted it on a list we share:

A friend who had a brain tumor removed… I saw her about 4 weeks after the surgery, and it was the worst single scar I have ever seen… from about an inch in front of her temple, running around the back of her head to the other side of her forehead… maybe two inches of whole skin between the two ends of the scar… swollen keloidal tissue, bigger than my thumb, and bright burgundy wine color… 

I gave her some heli in rose hip with the ‘standard instructions’…didn’t see her for about a month, and she had stopped using it “because the scar was all healed”… it hadn’t totally disappeared…but it was faded to white, and looked as though you had taken a very sharp pencil and drawn a white line on her skin… no wider than a thread. Now, the thing is, she had stopped using the heli blend several days earlier because she considered it healed… but it’s my belief that if she had continued using it, there would be NO scar… —Marge Clark

And Sharon Finch shares her two daughters’ results:

About six months before my oldest was married, she ended up in the hospital for over 14 days and ended up having surgery for her Crohns disease. Due to the nature of her surgery, her scar is runs up and down. Her condition was so severe they thought she would have to wear an ostomy bag. Fortunately, she did not, however, she did have a very mean red ugly scar. Marge, being the person she is, sent me a bottle of her Helichrysum in Rose Hip seed oil for Jessica to use. Jessica actually wore a bikini to Jamaica after her wedding. Today, the only reason you know there is a scar is there is a very faint line.

My middle daughter was in a halo for seven months; until April, 2000. She had pretty large indentions on her forehead that were red and just plain ugly and two actual openings on the back of her head where the halo was screwed in. Jessica had surgery in 2002. Aubrey used some of the blend Marge had sent to Jessica. You can hardly notice the markings on her forehead.”

Dawn St. Clair wrote:

Marge recommended Rosehip Seed Oil mixed with Helichrysum as a remedy for scars. She said it was best to use on new scars, but could also be useful on old ones. Well, my daughter, Ashley, had a large Keloid scar (we are of Mediterranian origin) on her thigh where a pre-cancerous mole was removed. She had this scar for over a year, so it was not a new scar. I used Marge’s formula, with a little added emu oil, twice a day, every day. This is not a quick fix. It took a couple of months, however, the skin has lightened from dark gray to her own skin tone, and even smoothed out a great deal. It is not visible now unless you are looking for it.

Janice Sheplar, quoted below re the dark circles, first started using the Helichrysum in Rosehip Seed oil for a surgical scar on her neck. She emailed me that she has the sort of skin that automatically forms keloids and sent me a picture of the “before” picture, a truly nasty vertical scar from her collarbone to her jaw, deeply coloured and raised up. I managed to lose the “after” photo, but the scar was impossible to see in a close up photograph. She was thrilled with the results!

Eczema

“I must say, I am *hugely* impressed with what the Helichrysum and Roman Chamomile hydrosols have done for my skin! I was having a bad bout of what I’d always termed “seasonal eczema” {it always happens with the change of seasons and is sometimes tough to shake}. My skin {face} had been downright scaly and was oozing a little in spots as well. I ordered the hydrosols, received them and used them that night. The very next day there was strong, visible improvement! By the 3rd day my skin was basically back to normal! Wonderful stuff.”—Name withheld by request

Back Pain

“Hi, got the order Friday (I think). Have been enjoying the rosewood and helichrysum (sp? I’m away from the bottle) especially. They help relieve my painful back and make me smell wonderful!”—Name withheld by request

More Pain Relief

Stacey Miller writes:

Last night I made a 5% dilution of equal parts Helichrysum italicum and Lavender stoechas in jojoba for my stepmom to use for pain relief. Evidently it worked pretty well. She used it on her broken foot and said the analgesic effect was almost instant. (I was skeptical about getting any pain relief at all for something this intense.) She liked the scent and didn’t need a pain pill before bed.

Kathy Mijares writes:

Also, I just wanted to add that I am absolutely in LOVE with the Helichrysum! It smells SO wonderful. This is my first experience with this lovely oil! I mixed up a pain treatment in a carrier oil with a little of the Heli, black pepper and my lavender right away because I have disabling chronic back pain…..and the change in the weather (cold and rainy here) was causing me to be very uncomfortable. It worked so fast I was amazed! No more pain pills for me….now that I have my Helichrysum! I’ll definitely be back for more!

Carole Bland recently wrote:

Comments: Broke my ankle back in March. Had surgery to repair both the tib and fib (w/hardware). The helichrysum has helped tremendously with both the pain from the injury and fading the scar. Thank you for offering such a great product.

Rheumatoid Arthritis — Bone Spurs?

Our client Prakash recently shared this anecdote:

Dear Marge,

I want to share an interesting story with you–something unexpected from using Helichrysum & St. John’s Wort.

Earlier this week, I felt a flareup of rheumatoid arthritis starting. I’d recently gotten some of your infused St. John’s Wort, and I’ve been playing with your amazing (on many levels) Helichrysum in Fractionated Coconut Oil for about a month. So, as the sharp pain started in my joints, I slathered on the St. John’s…let it soak in for a few minutes, then followed with a healthy dose of Helichrysum gently massaged on top. (joints involved: many, including elbows) After a while, I began to feel a “softening” of the pain.

*BUT* that’s not why I’m writing. The next morning, I noticed a big brown bruise near my elbow. A few weeks ago, I’d felt a bump there–like a bone-spur. I’d chalked it up to the RA and planned to check in with my doctor about it. Anyway, this big bruise (looking like it was an old bruise; though there’d been nothing there the day before) was right over that spur/bump. Hmmm. Felt it; it felt sort of like little crystals were in there, maybe a bit of break up of the spur? Anyway, I decided to rub my elbow each evening with the same combo of St. John’s & Helichrysum.

I started all this on Tuesday night. This morning–Sunday–that spur/bump is barely there, maybe 1/8 of what it was earlier in the week.

I don’t know if this was from the Helichrysum or the St. John’s Wort or the combo of the two. I just know I’m delighted.

Side note: Just smelling that marvelous Helichrysum soothes my bones, my heart, and my soul.

Thanks, Marge.:-)

Prakash

Chemical Burn Scarring

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

This is some background about how my face was scarred. In January 1996 my former dermatologist gave me glycolic acid, which was too strong for me to perform at home, and it literally ate into my skin. It would have been fine if he performed the glycolic peel in his office so he could monitor it but the peel was not meant for an inexperienced patient to do at home. The result of the peel was equivalent to a second-degree burn and it left significant scarring on one side of my face. I spent so much money for products and procedures like expensive herbal peels in trying to heal the scar but it never improved. I searched hours on the Internet and ordering products that were formulated for scars but nothing worked. I looked in numerous books to try to find a solution but I couldn’t find anything that would specifically work for scars, only ways to prevent them from forming. I kept coming across rosehip oil and helichrysum as being healing and regenerative to scar tissue and I did more research into them. When I decided to try the oils I made a commitment to stay with it until the scar improved. It was several months before I could see a major difference but I am amazed at how much the scar has diminished. The scar is blending into the surrounding skin and it’s not thick anymore.

The texture is so much smoother and with a light layer of foundation my scar is hardly noticeable. I feel confident that the scar will be completely resolved because of how much improvement I have seen. I also massage the scar on a daily basis and I feel that has also made a tremendous difference. Some other things that I am using as well are aloe vera and a few other essential oils but I believe that it is the rosehip and helichrysum that is regenerating the skin to normal. When I feel the skin where the scar is the texture feels so smooth and normal. I feel that the reason I got such good results is that I am very consistent, I’ve haven’t missed a single day of using rosehip oil and helichrysum since I started my regime. That makes a huge difference. It does take time, my scars were well formed, and I’m going to continue with the oils until they are resolved. Thank you for letting me share my experience.

Bumps and Bruises

Monique Macintosh writes:

Your Helichrysum with German Chamomile CO2 is doing wonders for my scrapes from playing volleyball and rescuing one of my pine trees from a huge wild rose bush. A good test is my slow pitch softball team mate who loves to slide in shorts. He has a patch of healing skin on his right leg. I “loaned” him my bottle of H w/ GC CO2 and he says he already feels the difference in a day.

Dark Circles

My friend Janice recently had surgery, so we sent her some Helichrysum in RoseHipSeed oil. She has been raving about its effect on the scar from her surgery on another mail list. But she also shared that she’s been using it to fade under eye circles…and that it’s working amazingly well. That one felt like a “DUH…why didn’t I think of that?”…as effective as Helichrysum is at healing bruises, it stands to reason that it might well be useful for the dark circles some of us (especially me!) get under our eyes. I don’t think the Rosehip Seed Oil is an essential part of that combination…it would be the Helichrysum Italicuum that would do the work, so you could dilute it in the carrier of your choice. Please dilute it well, and, as always, be VERY careful using any essential oil around the eyes!

Bursitis

My friend Mary Jane writes from Michigan:

I woke up this morning and could hardly walk. I have bursitis in my right hip. I used a mixture of helichrysum, vetiver, black pepper, and jojoba oil. The pain decreased in about 10 minutes. I could walk without a limp for six hours. It was great! I have also been in a horrible mood for the last few days. I must say, the synergy did wonders for my attitude. I walked around relaxed and on cloud nine all day.

Maybe you could pass along the recipe to fellow sufferers. 

So I did ;).

Chigger Bites

Another client just wrote: “Also want you to know the Helichrysum oil (in carrier) did WONDERS with a chigger bite I had on my leg! Good God! Swelling (welt) and itching immediately reduced to almost NOTHING. Last time this happened, I itched for about one solid week and the nasty bites left almost scars and darkened spots that remained for a long time.” (Now, if she had used our  SkeeterBeater  in advance, she’d not have had to worry about the chiggers, but that’s another story.”)

Skin Irritation

Manisha recently wrote:

I hope this email finds you happy and healthy. I wrote to you several years ago when I carelessly and hastily used hair removal wax meant for arms on my face (to remove facial hair above my upper lip). You rushed me Helichrysum oil and rose hip seed oil for the carrier. This combination worked wonderfully! I healed quickly without any scarring. Thank you so very much for your advice and quick shipment.

I recently received an email from a member of the Lakota people, asking me to remove the reference to Wallace Black Elk from the  NAHA White Paper about the risks involved in Rain Drop Therapy. I would have gladly complied, but I was not the author of the paper and didn’t feel it was right to alter the original authors’ words. (The fact that essential oils are NOT used in traditional Native American healing is an indication of the veracity of Don Gary Young, but that’s another subject.)

Instead of altering the paper as published, using Young’s own writings as a reference, I asked permission to quote her email, below.

Greetings, It saddens my heart to see misinformation continuing to pop up in regard to our Dear Grandfather Wallace Black Elk.

Per your website search: “Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates…”

Don Gary Young is a known quack who has claimed to have learned and modified a “technique” from Grandfather Wallace. Don was a “monkey” (and there have been many) who hung around Grandfather, he was “monkey-see, monkey-do.” He would imitate things he saw without knowledge, without wisdom and without any knowledge of our& Grandfather. He never “worked with” nor was he ever taught, endorsed or recognized by Grandfather. He has stained our beautiful Grandfather’s name and it has to stop.

Thank you for exposing Don Gary Young for the sick individual that he is, but, please, take it one step further and correct all the information. Please support our Grandfather and his memory and remove this lie from your website. It will be a blessing to us all.

Further correspondence bought the following:

Perhaps a posted copy of my email message would be appropriate. I would definitely appreciate not having my private email put “out there” for all to see and attack. Each time I reach out to a person in regard to this matter I take a risk, so I thank you for your kind nature. If I may share with you…

This misinformation has been taught by this man, Don Gary Young, for many years. It is not uncommon, but it is very untrue. My information comes directly from Grandfather Wallace’s biological children and my own experience directly knowing Grandfather. He was a beautiful, generous spirit during his time on Earth and I want nothing more than to set the truth free — even if is takes me one person at a time. It is my heart’s hope that, like a pebble in a pond, as we reach out in a good way to each person, that this information will travel and reach everyone and in doing so bring light and truth forth and wash away this untrue stain from Grandfather’s life. It causes great pain to his family daily and more than I can share, it is getting worse as the lie travels with the power of the internet.

Our Lakota Medicine Men and Women and their ways are Sacred and all too often bastardized by “wanna-bees.” There is no “raindrop,” it was completely fabricated by Don Gary Young. It is possible that Mr. Young heard Grandfather’s stories, as he told many. Often to teach, send a message or simply to bring laughter forth. It is also possible that he witnessed healing ceremonies performed by Grandfather as a Medicine Man. But to claim to have been directly taught or instructed by Grandfather is simply an untruth. It is a way for him to gain trust and access to your finances.

The best “translated” book about Grandfather Wallace was written by a man who did actually spend time with Grandfather and was allowed to record his words on audiotape, William S. Lyon. Mr. Lyon is very clear in his representation of himself as translator to the best of his ability and honored Grandfather in doing so. It is simply humanly impossible to capture the depth and essence of such a human in words. 

Sitting with Grandfather, for even an hour, was worth more than a lifetime of attempting to “describe” anything about him. At any rate, the book is called “Black Elk, The Sacred Ways of A Lakota.” I think you will enjoy it. Try to get a copy at your local library so you don’t have to spend your money.

Additional information on DGY… www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/young.html

Be safe, live in the light and close to the Earth. Thank you for spending a few moments with me. Please toss your own pebble of truth into the pond and help us spread the word.

I request you send me a copy of what you would post to your website prior to posting it.

Namaste’

Anni
Black Hills, South Dakota

The following white paper is presented by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, detailing why responsible members of the Aromatherapy Community are aware of the risks and dangers inherent in the practice of so called “Raindrop Therapy.”

Raindrop Therapy White Paper

The use of essential oils is an ancient practice dating back to Egypt. Like many other practices with roots in the past, it has been highly commercialized to the public. It should rightly hold a respected position in alternative, complementary health practices. In some parts of the world, such as France, it may be practiced with care and skill. However, the general public in the USA, is still in an initiate stage of understanding the use and benefits of the oils. As such, this white paper is intended to educate the consumer of essential oils and practices which they may be exposed to in their explorations. While there is a sense that because it is “natural”, “they are safe”, this paper is intended to give you information about a practice promoted within one company. The practice is called “Raindrop Therapy”, and is promoted within the Young Living Company. While this paper does not make comment regarding the company or its product, it does take a critical stand against the use of the oils in “Raindrop Therapy.”

In the USA, The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) has defined standard curriculum for certification for “Aromatherapy Practitioner”. There are persons performing “Raindrop Therapy” (RDT), who have not received training, observing similar curriculum standards. These public demonstrations and conferences have been presented to the general public as well as audiences of health care professionals including physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, and massage therapists. The purpose of this paper is to assert a position against the use of a technique called “Raindrop Therapy” as it currently cannot be supported as a recognized aromatherapy “best practice.” This position is intended to educate and inform the public as a part of the role of members of the Aromatherapy Community.

“Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Mr. Gary Young is not to be regarded as a best practice because:

• It promotes the unsafe use of essential oils, putting people at risk of skin irritation and
• There is no published empirical substantiation to support its claims that RDT is a “tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis.” ^[1]

Foundation of Conclusions

Current research of formal testing regarding the chemical structure, per cutaneous absorption and dermal metabolism of essential oils as well as potential skin reactions, including irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity and essential oil toxicity, determines existing standard safety guidelines.Safety guidelines are based on the assumption that essential oils used in aromatherapy will be used at safe dilution levels for external use.

In addition to standard dilution guidelines, the aromatherapy practitioner must be aware of those individuals who are identified as a greater risk for developing potential skin reactions, including persons with known allergies, history of asthma, eczema, psoriasis, fair-haired, light skinned, and those with a history of multiple allergies and medical complications. ^[2] (Although this procedure does not preclude sensitization, only potential irritation), “in order to avoid potential skin reactions”, those “at-risk” should receive skin “patch-testing” at “double the concentration planned to use, prior to application of each essential oil.” ^[3]

There is no published clinical evidence to support that RDT has any correcting value as a tool to be used to adjust spinal curvatures caused by scoliosis, or align electric and structural elements, even if the essential oils were to be used at correct dilution levels and the individual’s skin was patch-tested prior to application. Therefore, because of the unsafe use of undiluted essential oils as well as unpublished claims, “Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Gary Young is not supported as a “best practice.”

The discussion that follows will present a description of 1) Raindrop Therapy technique along with 2) current known safety standard guidelines regarding the dermal application of essential oils used in RDT practice and 3) literature regarding unfounded claims of the rationale for use of RDT.

SUPPORTING LITERATURE RESEARCH

This position is based on the following publications, which describe the technique and claims, from the following sources in print and video, as well as information found on the World Wide Web.

Essential Oils Desk Reference,Second Edition, 2001 Essential Science Publishing, pp. 191–198

The Science and Application of Essential Oils,D. Gary Young, ND, “Aromatologist,” YoungLiving Oils, (Video), 1994

Excerpts fromAromatherapy, The Essential Beginningby Gary Young, no longer in print, pp 1–7

Description of Raindrop Therapy (Excerpts)

Step 2
“Next comes the application of the oils of thyme and oregano. Hold the bottle approximately six inches above the skin and let five drops of each oil drop from the bottle evenly spaced along the spine frombottom to top (sacrum to atlas or 1stcervical). Try to stay in the electrical field as much as possible. Itdoes not matter which oil is applied first. Apply one oil and then layer it by gently spreading it evenly alongthe curvature of the spine. Apply the second oils the same way. You don’t need large drops, and more isnot better. Then apply 10 to 15 drops of the V-6 Mixing Oil to prevent any discomfort…

…Now apply the oils ofCypress, Birch, Basil and Peppermint in that order. Apply four to five drops of the first oil along the length of the spine. Layer it in by evenly spreading it with your fingertips. Then do the same with the other three. Starting on one side of the spine, gently massage the oils in along the spine. Do not work directly on the spine. Do not force it or apply direct pressure. Start at the sacrum and use the fingertips of both hands placed side-by-side, and in a circular clockwise motion, work up the side of the spine to the atlas, pushing or pulling the tissue in the direction you want the spine to move. This technique helps to create a “space” for the spine to move. After finishing one side of the spine, walk around to the other side of the individual and begin on the second side starting from the sacrum working up to the atlas. Repeat this two more times.

Step 5
Pay close attention because the back can become very hot!

The heat will generally build slowly in intensity to where it will peak in five to eight minutes and then cool down to where it feels pleasant. The water in the towel drives the oils deeper into the skin. The more out of balance, the more virus or bacteria activity in the body, or the more inflammation in the spine, the hotter the area will become along the spine. Some people will experience no heat, for some it will be mild and very pleasant, while for others it may be hot and a little uncomfortable. Pay attention to what the person is saying. Ask questions. If it gets too uncomfortable, remove the towels and apply V-6 Mixing Oil on the back and work it in. This will usually remove the heat in minutes.

After putting the towels on, wait a few minutes to see how the person is responding. If the back does not become very hot, have the person roll over so the back is against the towels on the table. This usually creates more heat.”

Step 6
“Take the four oils of Birch, Cypress, Basil and Peppermint, in that order, and apply two to three drops of each oil along the inside of the lower legs along the shin bone from the bottom of the knee area to the top of the big toes. Apply one at a time and layer each oil in before applying the next oil. Place fingers of one hand along the inside of the shin bone just below the knee, work down to the ankle, and then along the foot up to the top of the big toe using the Vita Flex Technique. Roll your fingers up and then over onto the nails of the fingers, applying slightly more pressure at the top of the roll and releasing as you come over onto the nails. Short nails would be appreciated by the person on whom you are working. Do this three times on each leg….”

Step 8
“Have the person on the table roll back so he or she is again face down. Rest the head in the head-cradle of the massage table again and make sure the person is lying straight. Remove the towels and then examine the spine. Corrections may or may not be visible. At this point you may add another therapy as desired. Sometimes the desired results do not come immediately, and yet the body will continue to respond for days, at which time you may begin to see gradual changes…

This is the basic Raindrop Therapy, although there are several variations. Everybody is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Different body types respond to the applications in ways not expected. Learn to be sensitive to the person to whom you are working so that you can respond to his or her needs.”

The question is often asked, “How long does this application last? Again, everybody responds differently. Generally speaking, the level of health and proper diet are key factors, as are exercise and mental attitude. One application may last months for one person, but then for another it may be necessary to have the application done every week until the body begins to respond. The key is to retrain the body. In some cases, you will have to develop a new memory in the tissue in order for the body to stay where it should be. This may take a few weeks or even a full year.” ^[4]

The Video Presentation Variation
In the video, in which Mr. Young describes the process, he uses the oils of Oregano 4 drops, and 5 drops of Thyme. He also states that if there are arthritic or compressed disks, then to use 6 drops birch, 3 drops lemongrass, 4-5 drops marjoram, 4-5 drops cypress and a couple of drops of Peppermint.

He further goes on to explain that certain essential oils are known to be caustic to the skin, such as the citrus, coneriferous and spice oils, such as clove, nutmeg. He states that these oils are OK to use neat as in drops on the spine, but for a larger area, like the whole back, to dilute them 15-30 drops to one ounce, and children and the elderly should be 15 drops to an ounce. ^[5]

Notes on Description of Oils Getting Hot

In both of his publications of RDT, Mr. Young describes the oils as “may be feeling hot on the skin”

While the sensation of heat and a burning is a symptom of irritation to the skin from using undiluted oils, the precautions he offers is in Essential Oils Desk Reference.

Caution: Special care must be taken with this step (referring to allowing the heat from a wet towel to penetrate usually about 8-10 minutes). The greater the inflammation and viral infection along the spine, “the hotter the area along the spine will become.“ ^[6]

Discussion

The practice of applying these essential oils undiluted to the skin is not consistent with “best practice” taught in standard curriculum for professional aromatherapy education recognized by NAHA. The use of the undiluted essential oils promoted within Raindrop Therapy, are not supported in safety manuals.

Safety Data References of Essential Oils Which are Used in RDT

Oregano Essential Oil

From:Plant Aromatics

Origanum Oil

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Botanical Name: Thymus capitatus Hoffmgg.et Link, and other varieties. ^[7]

A 2% solution of Origanum oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[8]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Oregano (Spanish) (P)

Thymus capitatus, and Origanum vulgare, a table on page 209 list it as moderately irritant as well as having mucous membrane irritant.

Toxicity data and recommendations: Undiluted oregano oil was severely irritating when applied to mouse skin, and moderately irritating when applied to rabbit skin. Tested at 2% it produced no reaction after a patch test on human subjects.

Therefore, Oregano should not be used neat as promoted in Raindrop Therapy as it can and is known to cause cutaneous irritation. As well, the dilution rate for overall use is 2%. Likewise it should not be used at all on hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under 2 years of age. In the video, a ratio of 5% dilution for overall use was recommended (15-30 drops per ounce), and at 2.5% dilution rate for children or the elderly (15 drops to one ounce). ^[9]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Oregano Oil on humans.

Thyme Oil

From: Essential Oil Safety, referring to Thymus vulgaris L., and Thymus Zygis L.

Irritation/Sensitization-Red Thyme oil-nil at 8% however when applied to animal skin undiluted it proved severely irritating. ^[9]

External applications as a rubefacient and counter-irritant include dilution with olive or other oils. ^[10]

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Genus: Thymus

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris Linn. T. serpyllum L. T. zygis L.T. mastichiria L. and dozens of other species with hundreds of varieties and cultivars, with tremendous chemical compositional variation. ^[11]

An 8% solution of Thyme oil (red unrectified) caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[12]

T. vulgaris, other species and different genera, yield thymol, which can produce irritation of the skin. ^[13] Both Thyme oil and thymol have been recorded as being a cause of adverse dermal reactions including dermatitis, cheilitis and severe inflammation. ^[14]

Undiluted thyme oils were severely irritating to both mouse and rabbit skin: tested at 12% it produced no irritation on human subjects.

Again dermal cautions were noted for hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age. ^[15]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Thyme Oil on humans.

Birch Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Betulaceae

Genus: Betula

Botanical Name: Betula lenta Linn. and other varieties. ^[16]

A 4% solution of Sweet Birch oil cased no irritation or sensitization on human. ^[17]

A 1% solution of Birch oil applied to the skin, can cause dermal eruptions. B.P.C. 1934

Birch extracts have caused adverse reactions in up to 50% of people with an allergy to Birch pollen. ^[18]

Methyl salicylate is freely absorbed by the skin and can lead to high blood levels of Salicylic acid. ^[19]

MANY OTHER REPORTS OF ADVERSE EFFECTS ARE RECORDED. Fetal abnormalities and reduce growth rates in rats. It can pass into breast mild and therefore should NEVER BE USED DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION. ^[20]

Although Birch oil (sweet) has shown no irritation or sensitization at 4%, it is NOT RECOMMENDED. ^[21]

Birch Tar Oil: There are many reports in the literature about birch tree extracts causing dermatitis.This extract should not be used unless you are very confident of what you are doing. [22]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Botanical Name: Betula lenta

Notable salicylate 98%

Methyl salicylate can be absorbed transdermally in sufficient quantities to cause poisoning in humans. Topically applied methyl salicylate can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, causing side effects such as internal hemorrhage. A similar interaction is possible, but by no means certain, with other anticoagulants such as aspirin and heparin. Many liniments contain methyl salicylate or wintergreen oil.

Comments: There have been sufficient cased of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils containing it that it would be prudent to avoid use of this oil in aromatherapy. Virtually all “sweet birch oils” are in fact synthetic methyl salicylate.

Compare: Wintergreen ^[23]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Birch Oil on humans.

Wintergreen Oil

From: Plant Aromatics.

Family: Ericacea.

Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Linn.

This oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing for adverse dermal effects by the usual International organizations. ^[24]

Cutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate (the major component of the oil) is rapid.

It has been detected in the urine half an hour after application to the skin. It can also cause dermal eruptions. (AUTHORS NOTE: There is very little genuine wintergreen oil available, as it has mainly been replaced with synthetic methyl salicylate. Due to this and the risks associated from the application of this chemical to the skin, this product should be reserved for local application only, ideally undertaken by someone who has been trained in the use of this hazardous substance.) ^[25]

Contraindications: should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally; do not use if taking anticoagulants

Comments: Virtually all commercial “wintergreen oil” is in fact synthetic methyl salicylate. There have been sufficient cases of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils contain it that it would be prudent to avoid all use of this oil. ^[26]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Wintergreen Oil on humans.

Peppermint Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labietae)

Genus: Mentha with at least 25 species

Botanical Name: Menta x piperita (Peppermint).M arvensis (Corn mint, and numerous varieties and clones of both plants.)

Peppermint oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing procedures for dermal irritation and sensitization; therefore this oil should only be used on the skin at very low levels. ^[27]

“Isolated incidents due to accidental or inappropriate use of the products suggest caution in the handling and application of the oil or menthol, particularly the application of the neat oil to treat rheumatism.” ^[28]

Menthol is irritant in high concentration especially if evaporation from the skin is prevented. ^[29]

Mentha piperita var.Vulgaris

Safety data: tested at low dose non-toxic, NO FORMAL TESTING on skin effects. Use diluted: possible sensitization (menthol): keep away from nostrils of infants because of risk of spasm of glottis: avoid in pregnancy, Lactation. ^[30] It has been reported that some patients with particular enzyme deficits or specific conditions may be effected by certain essential oils. ^[31]

People with G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme-deficiency can develop a toxic build-up of menthol in the body. G-6-PD is the enzyme responsible for liver detoxification of menthol. ^[32]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Peppermint Oil on humans.

Basil Oil

(Although there are safer chemotypes of Basil oil available to use, Raindrop Therapy uses the estragole chemotypeaka: methyl chavicol) ^[33]

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Chemical constituents: Methyl chavicol (70-75%)

Ocimum Basilicum: Bush Basil

Untested Oil; Avoid use on Sensitive or Damaged Skin

Safety Data, No Formal Testing-Avoid in Pregnancy, with babies, children: possible irritation: avoid sensitive skin, appears in low dose non-toxic (Methyl chavicol) is moderately toxic. Excess produces stupefying effect. ^[34]

A 4% solution of Basil Oil (O. basilicum, M. chavicolcirca 55%) caused no irritation or sensitization humans. Some people could react to the eugenol content of some Basil oils. ^[35]

Maximum recommended usage levels in percentage dilution: Basil M. chavicol 55%, 4% dilution

The chemotype Estragole, is reported as having 70-75% methyl chavicol. ^[36]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Basil Oil, chemotype estragole, on humans.

Lemongrass Oil

Botanical Name: Cymbopogen flexuosus

Botanical Family: Graminaceae

Common name: Lemongrass, East Indian Lemongrass

Class: aldehyde

Notable constituents: Citral 85%, Limonene 5%

Safety Data: Possible dermal irritation and sensitization: avoid in pregnancy, with babies and children. ^[37]

“Caution C. flexuosus should never be used neat on the skin because of its possible irritant properties, due mainly to the citral content because of its extensive root system. However, when diluted in a carrier, it is without hazard except on the most sensitive of skins. Treat with respect.” ^[38]

Cautions: (dermal) Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age.

Toxicity: Citral can cause a rise in ocular tension, which would be dangerous in cases of glaucoma. ^[39]

There are a few reports of skin irritation cased by hypersensitivity or prolonged exposure to the concentrated oil and sensitization may occur. ^[40] Vesicular dermatitis appeared in eight workers exposed to a cargo of Lemongrass oils and the NEAT oil is a skin irritant. ^[41] Recommended dilution is at 4-5%

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Lemongrass oil on humans.

Cypress Oil

Botanical Name: Cupressus semperivens

Botanical family: Cupressaceae

Common name: Cypress

Safety Data: Tested at LOW doses non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing; avoid in pregnancy, high blood pressure, and with cancers, uterine and breast fibrosis. ^[42]

A 5% solution of Cypress oil cased no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[43]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of cypress oil on humans.

Marjoram Oil

Botanical Name: Origanum marjorana Linn. also Marjorana hortensis Moench.

Botanical family: Lamiaceae

A 6% solution of Sweet Marjoram oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[44]

Tested at low dose non-toxic non-irritating, non-sensitizing. ^[45]

Raindrop therapy promotes the unsafe use of marjoram oil on humans

Tansy Oil

(“Blue Tansy” oil is listed as an ingredient in Raindrop Therapy’s “Valor” blend ^[46], and given the botanical name Tanacetum annuum, which, according to Sheppard-Hanger, is the botanical name for Morroccan Chamomile, also known as Blue Atlas, ^[47] not Blue Tansy. Because of the contradictory essential oil profile in G. Young’s book,Essential Oils Desk Reference, it is unclear which essential oil G. Young has included in the blend, “Valor.” For safety purposes, tansy oil will be outlined below.)

Botanical Name:Tanacetum vulgare

Common name: Tansy Oil

Botanical family: Compositae

Notable constituents: Thujones 66-81%, Camphor 5%

Contraindications: Should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally.

Toxicity data & recommendations: Toxic signs produced by tansy oil poisoning include: convulsions, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, rigid pupils, gastroenteritis, uterine bleeding, flushing, hepatitis, cramps, loss of consciousness and rapid breathing.

Comments: In light of its high thujone content, tansy oil should be avoided altogether in aromatherapy. ^[48]

Some Tansy oils contain very high levels of b-Thujone which orally is extremely toxic and which does seem to be absorbed through the skin. ^[40] On the other hand some tansy oils contain no or insignificant amount of this chemical so until such time as full analysis is declared on essential oils, it is wiser to avoid its use for application to the skin, or for room fragrances. ^[50]

No Formal Testing: Avoid in pregnancy with babies, children best to avoid as untested, substitution and doubtful production. ^[51]

Raindrop Therapy promotes the unsafe use of “Tansy” oil on humans.

Discussion Regarding the Unfounded Claims of Raindrop Therapy

Examination of the published literature on the rational for the use of Raindrop therapy, written or published by Gary Young rationalizing the use for Raindrop Therapy, has implies that the process has a curative effect on scoliosis:

Excerpts verbatim fromEssential Oils Desk Referenceby G. Young:

• Raindrop Technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine. During the years that is has been practiced, it has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and kyphosis and eliminated the need for back surgery for thousands of people.
• Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates Vita Flex and massage, utilizing the power of essential oils in bringing the body into structural and electrical alignment.
• Raindrop Technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation, which, in turn, contorts and disfigures the spinal column.
• Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the responsible viral agents. ^[52]

Scoliosis (discussion on etiology of scoliosis from the writings of Young)

While a few cases of scoliosis can be attributed to congenital deformities (such as MS. Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, or Marfan’s Syndrome), the vast majority of scoliosis types are of unknown origin.

Some medical professionals believe that many cases of scoliosis begin with hard-to-detect inflammation along the spine cased by latent viruses. Others believe that it may be due to persistent muscle spasms that have pulled the vertebrae off the spine out of alignment.

The Raindrop Techniqueis one of the most effective therapies for straightening spines misaligned due to scoliosis. ^[53]

Excerpts from: The Science and Application of Essential Oils, D. Gary Young, ND (Video), 1994

Statements on tape by G. Young:

“Raindrop Therapy is a technique that is beneficial for back problems, scoliosis, deteriorated disks and compressions.” ^[54]

The following section provides samples of information found on the World Wide Web describing Raindrop Therapy:

1. “The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment. Thyme has been scientifically proven to be anti-infections, antibacterial, and antiviral. There is some indication that scoliosis is the result of some viral and or bacterial activity that has taken place in the body at some point before the scoliosis began. These essential oils can easily penetrate the body and may help kill any virus or bacteria that may be present.” ^[55]

2.“The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment.” ^[56]

3.“Raindrop technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for helping to correct defects in the curvature of the spine. It has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and eliminated the needs for back surgery for thousands of people. Raindrop technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by virus or bacteria that are dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation which in turn controls and disfigures the spinal column. Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly anti-microbial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the viral agents responsible for it.” ^[57]

There are numerous other references like these on the World Wide Web and a simple search using the term “Raindrop Therapy” would yield many more. This information either implies or states, that the use of Raindrop Therapy, has either a corrective action on scoliosis or that it benefits person, with scoliosis, or that is somehow otherwise helps to bring the body into structural or electrical alignment.

Now let’s turn our attention to what qualified authorities on the topic of scoliosis, have to say about the etiology of scoliosis.

Literature Search on Scoliosis

Scoliosis: A rotary lateral curvature of the spine.

congenital s. Scoliosis resulting from malformation of the spine or chest.

idiopathic s. Scoliosis of unknown cause.

myopthic. S. Scoliosis due to weakness of the spinal muscles.

Neuromuscular S. Scoliosis caused by any of various diseases affecting the motor nerve cells.

Osteopathic s. Lateral curvature resulting from pathologic conditions of the vertebrae, such as tuberculosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and tumors

Static s. Scoliosis due to difference in the length of the legs. ^[58]

The focus of the search for whether one might give credibility to the rationale for the use of RDT lies in examining idiopathic scoliosis, as it is the only type, which is of “unknown cause”. An inquiry to the NSF (National Scoliosis Foundation, questioning Young’s theory of a “dormant viral or bacterial etiology” for idiopathic scoliosis prompted the following reply:

E-mail Response from National Scoliosis Foundation (Oct 22, 2001 on file):

“Thank you for writing the NSF. Unfortunately, I have not read anything about the statement. There are a few helpful websites that we can refer you to for information regarding scoliosis. The addresses are www.spineuniverse.com, www.orthospine.com, www.iscoliosis.com, www.aaos.org, www.scoliosis.org. These sites have much information as well as links to other sites.”

Note: a search of these sites yields no mention of the dormant virus theory. There is a consistency across these sites that idiopathic scoliosis shows strong evidence of being hereditary. The following are representative of findings.

From The Genetics of Scoliosis by John T. Smith, M.D.:

“Despite a tremendous amount of scientific research, the cause of some type of scoliosis remain largely unknown. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be a disease that is inherited as a genetic trait, much like some other diseases, such as sickle cell anemia. The gene that causes scoliosis remains undiscovered, but scientists are trying to find this gene using new techniques for analyzing genetic inheritance. Defining the role of genetic in scoliosis is currently the focus of intense research at a number of Academic centers throughout the world.

“There is strong evidence that an abnormal gene is partially responsible for some forms of scoliosis. It is possible that genetic factors may influence important aspects of scoliosis such as the pattern of curvature (left versus right curves), the shape of the curve, and the risk of progression. The tendency for scoliosis to appear in people who are closely related, such as mothers and their daughter, identical twins, and the first-degree relatives, suggest that scoliosis can be inherited….” ^[59]

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From National Institutes of Health:

“Researchers are looking for the cause of idiopathic scoliosis. They have studied genetic structural and biochemical alterations in the discs and muscles and central nervous changes. The changes in the discs and muscles seem to be a result of scoliosis and cause. Scientists are still hopeful that studying changes in the central nervous system with idiopathic scoliosis may reveal a cause of this disorder.” ^[60]

Treatment of Scoliosis

From Scoliosis Research Society: Bracing may be a consideration in children with spinal deformity and curve magnitudes of 25-40 degrees. The primary goal is to stop curve progression. Surgery for idiopathic scoliosis is suggested when curve magnitude is 50 degrees or more. Curves are measured in degrees and persons with curves measuring under thirty degrees entering adulthood are considered having a mild curve while those over 60 degrees are considered severe. ^[61]

What Does NOT Demonstrate Effectiveness:

Both of these sources, also state “ Numerous studies have failed to show any benefit from exercise, manipulation, meditation or drugs. ^[62]

There is no scientifically documented role for exercises, manipulation or electrical stimulation in the management of scoliosis. ^[63]

Some people have tried other ways to treat scoliosis, including manipulation by electrical stimulation, dietary supplements and corrective exercises. So far studies following treatments have not been show to prevent curve progression… ^[64]

How is Scoliosis Measured?

The standard measurements for scoliosis are done through X-ray evaluation, Curve measurement, and MRI.

Summary of Points

• Idiopathic Scoliosisis of an unknown cause, but current thinking is that it may be hereditary and genetic in etiology.
• Review of the leading organizations doing research on idiopathic scoliosis reveals no dormant viral or bacterial theories.
• Research has demonstrated no significant impact of exercise, manipulation, diet supplements or electrical stimulation has any effect on stopping the progression of idiopathic scoliosis.
• Objective evaluation of scoliosis is done with X-rays, degrees of measurement, and in some cases MRI.

Proof of Claims in Effectiveness of Raindrop Therapy on Scoliosis?

• Thus far we have shown that there is no support of a viral/bacterial theory which is the underpinning of the use of RDT for claims of benefits to idiopathic scoliosis and alignment
• Nor does manipulation of the spine benefit idiopathic scoliosis.

But let us suppose for a moment that we suspend our concerns about etiology and standard treatment of scoliosis. Raindrop Therapy does not have any published scientific proof of their claims. Although the proponents of RDT say that is has benefited “thousands of people”, there are no citations to published scientific studies of these claims within any of the RDT referenced literature or in our broad search of the practice. There is no reference to any published clinical research using known data measurements (i.e. X-rays, degrees of curvature, or MRI.).

Scope of Practice

It must also be noted that within any profession there is a scope of practice which is to be observed. These are governed by state laws. While persons may be practicing under a medical license, using essential oils, persons using and training Raindrop Therapy, require no licensure. As well, although they may be trained in massage, for example, this does not necessarily include training as an Aromatherapy Professional.

Raindrop Therapy requires “hands-on” application of essential oils, massage, and manipulation of the back. Each state has individual legal requirements and definition of a scope of practice, determining qualification to use hands- on techniques required with this RDT practice. The use of essential oils are often integrated within an existing therapeutic practice (e.g. nursing, massage therapy, esthetics, OT, PT, Chiropractic, Orthopedic, M.D.). Therefore, we urge the consumer to inquire as to credentials, and scope of practice.

Summary and Conclusion

Until such time as:

• the scientific efficacy of Raindrop Therapy on the progression of idiopathic Scoliosis, (or any other type of scoliosis) can be shown,
• and safe use of essential oils are observed,

Raindrop Therapy technique does not have the support as a “best practice” within a large segment of the professional community of aromatherapy practitioners. As a wise consumer, we hope you benefit from this critical viewpoint, and hope that it enhances your safe use of essential oil and practices.

© Barber, K., Gagnon-Warr, J., November 25, 2001, revised May 12, 2002. The following may not be reproduced and distributed without the permission of the authors.

1. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 191–198.

2. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group, 79.

3. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety. London: Churchill Livingstone, 78.

4. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 191–198.

5. Young, Gary.The Science and Application of Essential Oils, Young Living Oils, (Video) 1994.

6. Young, G., Aromatherapy,The Essential Beginning(no longer in print). Essential Science Publishing, 1–7.

7. Witham: Watts, Sets 1–4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

8. Kligman, A.Report to the R.I.F.M., 1973, through Watt, M. 1994: Plant Aromatics.

9. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995: Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.London: Churchill Livingstone, 156–7.

10. Lis-Balchin, M. 1995:Aroma Science, The Chemistry and Bioactivity of Essential Oils,Amberwood Publishing.

11. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

12. Kligman, A.Report to the R.I.F.M., 1973. through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

13. Greenberg L. and Lester D.Handbook of Cosmetic Material, New York, Interscience, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

14. Mitchell J. and Rook A. 1979: Botanical Dermatology (out of print), through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

15. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 176.

16. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

17. Epstein, W. 1974:Report to the R.I.F.M.,through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

18. Lahti, A. et al. 1980:Contact Dermatitis, (6) 464-5, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

19. Davison, C. 1961:J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therapies, (132) 207-11, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

20. De. Smet, P. 1992:Adverse Effect of Herbal Drugs. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

21. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics. Witham: Watts, Sets 1–4, chart 1, 20.

22. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics,Sets 1–4, 30.

23. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 173.

24. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4.

25. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 179.

26. ibid.

27. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 138.

28. Grieve, M. 1931:A Modern Herbal.Hammondsworth: Penguin, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

29. Harry, R. 1948:Cosmetic Materials. Vol. 2, London, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

30. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 289.

31. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing.San Diego, CA, 84.

32. Owole, S.A. and Ramson-Kuto, O. 1980: The risk of jaundice in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient babies exposed to menthol.Acta Paediatrica Scandinavia69, 341-345, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

33. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 34.

34. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 317.

35. Kligman, A. 1972: Report to the RIFM, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

36. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4, 56 and 77.

37. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 197.

38. Price, S. 1993:Aromatherapy Workbook. London: Thorsons, 84.

39. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 146.

40. Witham: through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 123.

41. Mendelsohn H. 1944:Arch. Derm. Syph.(50), 34, and same author and journal 1946, (53), 94, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

42. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA: 191.

43. Witham through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 103.

44. Watt, M. 1996:Essential Oil Monographs. Tampa, FLA, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy.

45. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 327.

46. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2000. USA, Essential Science Publishing, 123.

47. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 145.

48. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.London: Churchill Livingstone, 172.

49. Witham: thorugh Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics:32.

50. Meyer, R. 1959:Arzneimittel-Forcsh,(9), 516, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

51. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA. Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 403.

52. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2001, USA, Essential Science Publishing, 191.

53. Ibid, 347.

54. www.worlddirect.net.aro9.html

55. www.hypnosis-reiki.com/treatments.html

56. Dox, I., MD, Melloni, J. PhD, et al,The Harper Collins Illustrated Medical Dictionary,429-430.

57. www.iscoliosis.com/completegenetics.php3

58. www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scoliosis/default.asp>

59. www.scoliosisx.com

60. ibid

61. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

62. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

63. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

64. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

Safety First

Be aware that there is NO WAY to predict what oils can or will trigger an attack in an individual. Quite obviously, if you know you are allergic to, let’s say pine and spruce trees, then avoid the use of the various conifer (needle) oils. If most flowers bring on an attack, avoid the floral oils, and so on.

Any oil you intend to try should first be “tested.” Put a drop of the essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball and hold it at arms length from the sufferer. If it seems well tolerated, gradually bring it closer until the tissue or cotton ball is right under the nose. If it can be inhaled with no negative effects it is safe to try.

Do not try testing more than two essential oils per day, separated by several hours.

Warning: Please don’t use any of the essential oils in a steam inhalation during an asthma attack. The use of steam almost always worsens the attack.

Prevention

There are two oils that are said to have “antihistamine-like” properties and are said to prevent asthma attacks.

There are authorities who state that  Blue Tansy  oil (Tanecetum anuum) can halt an asthma attack in its tracks (Jeanne Rose is one of them) and I have clients who say that diffusing a bit of this oil in an aromalamp each morning has allowed them to cut way down on allergy medications. Blue Tansy may prove useful both as an antihistamine to help prevent attacks, and as a treatment during an attack.

Ammi Visnaga  (Khella) oil is supposed to have a similar effect, however it’s only fair to say that most people enjoy the scent of Blue Tansy (sweet and apple scented) and find the scent of Ammi reminiscent of last years coffee grounds. The drug Intal (cromolyn sodium) has its origins from Ammi Visnaga. Khella oil must be used (by inhalation) on a daily basis, not just when an attack threatens.

Treating the Symptoms

One of my French mentors wrote, years ago: “Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things.” It is because of the oils’ powerful effects on the respiratory tract that well tolerated essential oils can bring swift relief to asthma sufferers.

Essential Oils That Have Proven Helpful for Some Asthma Victims

The following oils are listed in order by both their ability to be tolerated without causing a reaction, and their effectiveness.

Blue Tansy (Tanecetuum anuum)
Jeanne Rose states that Blue Tansy is a natural source of theophylline, a bronchiodilator, which would explain its being recommended for asthma crisises. And many sources write ofthe links between childhood asthma and adult eczema and other dermatitis conditions. Although we do not recommend internal usage, she says she personally uses one drop of this oil on a sugar cube for bring her asthma attack to a halt.

Kurt Schaubelt extolls this magnificent deep indigo oil for its antihistaminic/anti-allergin properties. He suggests using it (applied to the solar plexus) in blends for asthma, or diffusing it in blends for emphasema… blending Pine, Cypress and just a touch of this lovely Tansy. (Obviously it is first necessary to test all the oils before blending!)

Hyssop montana/canescens (ex decumbens)
My French mentor writes that in his experience this particular Hyssop (and no others!) is the safest essential oil to use with asthma sufferers. It appears that the pino-camphone content in this hyssop chemotype is very low. So I believe there is no toxicity, compared with the other hyssop types. I have years of experience with it, mainly with diffusers and really love the oil! Best results with asthma patients, little children and allergic people. He says it is the first oil he will reach for in cases of asthma. This hyssop ssp montana/canescens (ex decumbens) is only found in the Haute Provence, France.

Blue Tansy and this Hyssop are the first two essential oils I would test.

Myrtle (Myrtys communis)
Soft, gentle respiratory oil, very good for use with children, normally well tolerated. A very gentle expectorant that can ease coughing while loosening tight mucous.

Litsea cubeba
Litsea, sometimes called May Chang, has clear lemony scent that also has bronchio-dilator and antispasmodic effects. It is normally well tolerated, but should be tested. It also blends aromatically well with amni visnaga (see above) and makes inhalation of the Khella Oil a lot more palatable.

Cypress Oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
All of the conifers may help with respiratory problems. Cypress, in addition, is an antispasmodic which can help relieve bronchial spasms. However, any of the “Evergreen” oils can cause an allergic reaction to many people, so please be very sure to test this with your asthma patient. (See test method above.)

My mentor suggests, if the above oils are all well-tolerated, a blend of one drop each of Hyssop, Litsea, and Cypress inhaled from a cotton ball when breathing first begins to feel constricted. If this blend, or any single oil proves effective you might want to look at making a personal inhaler for the patient to carry with him.

My instinct says to start with the citrus oils…they are normally well tolerated…and wonderful mood lighteners…since there is normally an emotional component to asthma, they might be helpful…

IF they can tolerate the eucalyptus oils, they might help with breathing…other oils that can help with bronchial problems are frankincense, cedarwood…but test first.

If the patient can tolerate Lavender, it would help promote sleep at night, a general “relaxant”…and litsea cubeba is said to help with the bronchial spasms…but TEST first!!!! I’d want to very carefully check for possible reactions to any/all of them individually before blending. For asthma, with the same caveats, I look to hyssop, our Sweet Spanish Eucalyptus (another globulous, but gentler and softer, since most Eucalyptus globulous on the market is rectified to increase its cineole content. Frankincense (which either will be wonderful, or will really cause a problem) or Elemi. Atlas Cedarwood is a good addition to general chest congestion blends, as is Scotch Pine i>(Pinus sylvestris).

Oils that are Useful for General Support of the Respiratory System

Frankincense slows and deepens the breathing…our favorite is the Boswellia carterii.

Black Spruce and Atlas Cedarwood are both good for respiratory support, Atlas Cedarwood is very grounding, which might be helpful if the asthma has an emotional/anxiety component. Black Spruce is wonderful for immune system support, specifically for the adrenals!

Of the Eucalyptus oils, my choice for “chest stuff” is our unrectified Spanish Sweet Eucalyptus, although in all honesty most of the authorities recommend Eucalyptus radiata (but most of the authorities haven’t sampled our spanish euc;)!

We might also look at relaxing oils if the asthma seems to be more emotionally caused rather than allergic; however most of the “relaxers” are I suspect also more apt to trigger allergies.

Antiseptic or Antibacterial

Dr. Valnet—one of the founders of the modern aromatherapy, describes the antiseptic effects of essential oils which by evaporation kill bacteria and other micro-organisms. Most of the essential oils are more or less antiseptic, but the following oils are of special value by the treatment of flu, common cold, sore throat, tonsillitis and other respiratory infections: Thyme, Eucalyptus, Salvia, Pine, Cajeput, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Lemon, and Angelica.

Antispasmodic

These essential oils have an effect in calming and soothing spasms in the smooth muscles tissues and are applied by the treatment of asthma, dry cough, and pertussis (whooping cough): Cedar, cajaput, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, sandalwood, and thyme.

Expectorant

An expectorant helps to promote the removal of mucous from the respiratory system by means of coughing and spitting. According to Boyd an expectorant can be pharmacologically defined as a substance that increases the production of moisture in the bronchial tubes. Expectorant oils are therefore applied to help this removal process and to soothing coughing: green anise, cajaput, fennel, helichrysum, eucalyptus, olibanum, spike lavender, myrrh, myrtle, pine, sandalwood, and thyme.

Immunity Stimulating

Essential oils can assist and improve an immunity reaction in two different manners: By means of counter-acting threatening micro orgasm or by stimulating the immunity system. Oils like cajaput, lavender, lemon, rosemary and Tea tree combat a large range of bacteria, whereby at the same time they increase the immunity reaction. In holistic aromatherapy the improvement of the immunity reaction is considered one of the major aims.

During a crisis the inhalation or breathing of antispasmodic oils or the application on specific parts of the body, quickly results in relief. If one prefers inhalation a few drops on a tissue or even smelling at the bottle, will be effective. The use of steam to which oils are added is not advisable. The heath of the steam will only increase the inflammation of the mucous membranes. Moisture however is beneficial, so a few drops essential oil added to an air moisturizer is an excellent treatment.

Between application of the oils to certain areas and veins of the chest and back, is also advisable. The choice of oil is determined by:

1. The presence of an infection
2. The presence of emotional factors
3. Possible allergic reactions.

By treating asthma by means of aromatherapy we have to distinguish two groups of patients.

First, the patient with a long history of asthmatic problems and in connection therewith the long dependency on conventional medicine. Second, the patient who has asthmatic complaints for a relative short period, with little or no dependency on conventional medicine. These two groups are the basis for different aromatherapeutic treatments.

By the first group of people who have been suffering with these complaints for many years asthma has developed into a physical problem. Treatment will be carried out in different phases. By the second group, those with a short complaint history, the first two phases of aromatherapeutic treatment should suffice. This is because their complaints have not turned into a physical problem yet, the asthma so to speak hasn’t given a physical imprint in their organs. In this case symptoms occur through emotional and physical stimulus and in general supporting and strengthening aromatherapy is usually sufficient, but equally often with amazing results.

PHASE 1

This phase we could call the “introduction phase.” Asthma patients can slowly and carefully be introduced to the use of essential oils. Especially is they are unfamiliar with these oils. A short explanation of what oils do, how they were used during many centuries, and with examples (think of the story of the three Kings visiting the manger after Jesus was born, carrying Myrrh, Olibanum and Gold) will give the patient confidence. Most people only know synthetic fragrances and that essential oils are natural with a high degree of purity, is something they never heard of. Let the patient smell the different oils and then apply a light relaxing massage, meanwhile observing the patients reactions carefully. The best oils to apply during this first introduction are pleasantly smelling oils or compositions. Take as an example one or more oils from the following spasmodic range:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• Roman Chamomille (Chamaemelum nobile)
• Jatamansi (Nardus jatamansi)
• Petit Grain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris lanaloferum)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Benzoe (Stryrax benzoin)
• Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum or Jasminum sambac)

In fact, all oils which the patient finds pleasant can be used. Asthma patients usually react well to either single oils or compositions and feel well after such a first introduction. This first phase can of course consist out of multiple sessions. Massage the chest and the back, apply oils to certain areas of the feet, on the arms and in the neck. Important is that the patient getting used to—and finding the oils pleasant.

PHASE 2

This phase is aimed at the introduction of expectorant oils, which help to remove excessive mucous from the respiratory system. A good choice of oils here are Eucalyptus smithii, Eucalyptus radiata and/or Ravensara aromatica. Practically all oils with a 1,8-cineol are a good choice in this phase. Examples are:

• All eucalyptus oils with the exception of Eucalyptus citriodora.
• Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) especially the varieties with a high cineol content.
• Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora = M quinquenervia viridiflora)
• Spike Lavender (Lavandula spica)
• Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
• Myrtle (Myrtus communis)(Melaleuca leucadenra = M. cajeputi)

It is noticeable that especially members of the Myrtaceae botanical family are useful as expectorants. All kind of applications are useful. In a bath or shower oil, in a diffuser, in a massage oil and by applying the oil (diluted) to certain parts of the body and veins). The Ravensara or the Eucalyptus smithii show a remarkable effect by asthma patients, due to the presence of terpene alcohols.

It the patient shows positive results to this phase, a few weeks later a more intense treatment can be entered into.

PHASE 3

Although there is a lot of similarity between the different symptoms, it is useful to distinguish between the nervous/allergic reactions and the patient who’s asthma has been transformed into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma accompanied by strong physical weakness.

For the nervous and allergic asthma patient anti-spasmodic and anxiolitics (anxiety decreasing) oils are to be applied. A mixture of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Verbenon chemotype, is excellent for inhalation. Inhalation should occur on a daily basis. These oils or mixture can also be applied to the soles of the feet, certain parts of the body and neck and added to a shower or bath oil or foam. To this mixture can further be added, to make an effective massage oil, Cypres-leaf (Cupressus sempervirens), Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) or Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). For all these applications e dilution of 2–5% is advisable.

Patients whose complaints have turned into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma, should benefit from stimulating oils lik Oregano (Oreganum vulgare), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype) and/or Savory (Satureja hortensis or Montana). The advantage of these oils is that they are a great stimulant to the immunity system.

PHASE 4

Within aromatherapy there are a few oils known to have strong mucolytic (dissolving or breaking down mucous) and at the same time spasmolytic (prevents and eases spasms or convulsions) effects. Khella (Amni visnaga) and Sweet Inula (Inula graveolens). In France these oils are applied to the body by means of a suppository. But to those not familiar with this method it is advisable to apply these oils in diluted form or by inhalation or through massage. They can also be applied in diluted form to certain parts of the body and veins.

These oils are used where an asthmatic crisis situation occurs and when these oils are applied, the patient will have had already a considerable experience with aromatherapy and is undergoing treatment from an aromatherapist knowing his or her profession. Oils like Khella with the active ingredients khelline and visnadine and Sweet Inula with the ingredient alantolactone, can loosen a large quantity of phlegm. When applied in diluted form to the skin, especially in the case of sweet Inula, always do a small allergy test before.

Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things. The following is what I would do. I advise you to think about everyone’s advice. My choices of EOs are based on some very good books but tempered by what I think you can actually do. Fancy recipes aren’t worth much if you don’t have the equipment or can’t find the ingredients.

Essential Oils: Try them in this order: Hyssop, Myrtle, Cypress, Lavender, Litsea cubeba (if you can’t find this one, skip it), Petitgrain (or Mandarine).

Mixtures: Hyssop EO and Cypress EO and Litsea cubeba EO (if you found it): One drop of each on a cotton ball to smell at will whenever breathing feels constricted. Try the combination and if the effect is positive, mix as follows. Get a couple of small amber (not clear or blue) bottles where you got your oils or from a pharmacist. Try to get the dropper goodie that goes in the top (called an orifice reducer) also. Mix equal amounts of the oils together. You might use a stainless steel 1/4 tsp to measure. Also, it will help if you can find a small funnel to keep from spilling stuff. Once you have made the mixture, be sure and label it! (Put tape over the label to keep the ink from running.) Then he can have the mixture to use whenever he wishes.

Myrtle EO and Lavender EO and Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO): This is a more complicated mixture. You will also need some Sweet Almond Oil or other carrier oil. The Swteet Almond is widely available and cheaper than some of the others. Either buy a 4 oz bottle or a larger bottle of oil and a 4 oz empty bottle. (You will find yourself saving nice bottles that you have emptied of other things. Glass bottles and plastic tops wash best.) For your trial of this mixture, take one tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil, add 7 drops Myrtle EO, 3 drops Lavender EO, and 3 drops Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). Use this as a massage oil on the young man’s BACK, not chest. If the reaction is a good one, mix up some more as follows: 7 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil (this should be what is left in your 4 oz bottle if that is what you bought). Add 1/2 tsp Myrtle EO, 1/4 tsp Lavender EO and 1/4 tsp Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). If you have some, puncture and squeeze a couple of capsules of Vit E into the mixture as a preservative. This is a massage oil for his back. It can also be used on his wrists or ankles. It should be used every 15 minutes or oftener during an attack. It will not hurt him to use it once or twice a day as a regular thing if he thinks it makes his condition better. If he does decide to use it regularly, you may consider using castor oil instead of Sweet Almond sometime and seeing if that improves things. Castor Oil “packs” (kind of like compresses) are popular for removing congestion in the abdominal area and may also help with the respiratory system. It is something to try.

I don’t know if these oils will help or not but as long as he has no negative reaction to them, they shouldn’t hurt. Have you tried Cajuput, this opens the bronchi, so that you can breathe. You can inhale it by putting a drop on your hanky. This oil is very useful if you are suffering from an allergic reaction and you cannot breathe, I use it.
—
Mike and Suzie Broderick: I’ve had success with a number of clients this winter with various degrees of chest congestion (none with pneumonia though), with a blend used in adiffuser and diluted in a massage oil, or in a hot castor oil pack, similar to what you describe. I used the following oils: helichrysum, 20 drops; tea tree, 30 drops; pine, 30 drops; frankincense, 23 drops; yarrow, 10 drops; red thyme, 10 drops. Instructions to clients were to add 4–6 drops to a humidifier, or in a steam inhalation. Or I used maximum 10 drops of this blend to 1 oz of massage oil, or castor oil in a hot pack.

Wanda Sellar’s Directory of Essential Oils, lists Immortelle (helichrysum) as “a general aid to the respiratory system soothing feverish colds, influenza, bronchitis, coughs and asthma. Helps to remove mucous from the lungs and induces relaxation and sleep.” —Danila  at Nature’s Gift

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) Testimonials

Regular readers of our newsletter know that I believe our Helichrysum italicuum is the most healing essential oil I have ever seen. A friend recently asked me to collect “anecdotal evidence” of Helichrysum’s effects, and this document was the result. She urged me to share it online, so here it is. (We have recently found these testimonials posted verbatim on other websites, selling other helichrysum species. We can’t be responsible for the effects of using ANY helichrysum other than our certified organic Helichrysum italicuum from the island of Corsica.)

Read about, and order, our  Helichrysum Essential Oil here. Or our  Helichrysum Hydrosol  on our hydrosol pages.

Rosacea

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

A few months ago I asked you for some advice re a Rosacea client. I used your Rosacea synergy and formulated a lotion and soap for him, as well as providing him with Helichrysum Hydrosol to use as a toner. He has been using them for about six weeks, and called me yesterday to tell me that these products have really helped him and that he wanted to order more! He had previously sought treatment with a dermatologist and found that nothing had helped, but had actually caused more irritation to his skin. Just wanted to share with you another success story and to thank you for your help!

From a client who wished to remain anonymous:

I just received my first order – very promptly, I might add- thank you, and am already seeing results from using the combination of clarifying soap, helichrysum hydrosol, and rosacea synergy. It’s been just five days! My skin thanks you!!

From Julia Mulcahey:

Thank you! I have had a small patch of rosacea on my face for nearly 6 months. Your clarifying soap and helichrysum hydrosol seem to be working their magic – it’s nearly disappeared! Thank you!

Bruising

From Kati Toney (w/ Marge’s comments in 2nd paragraph):

Anyway, my point to all this is, I got the BIGGEST, UGLIEST bruises on my legs from climbing that tree & when I got home I put the Helichrysum sample I got from you on it (b/c I remembered you saying that it was good for bruises!) and the next day they were faded & within a day or two were completely gone! I was AMAZED!!! I usually keep bruises for quite awhile & ones that deep & big mighta hung around for a couple of weeks! I was SO excited & it didn’t take much at all! Matter of fact, I still have half of that sample left!

Wonderful!!! That is exactly what it was SUPPOSED to do…but I’m so delighted that it worked for you…that it DID do what it was supposed to. Now you see why I say it’s one of those ‘desert island’ oils…the ones I wouldn’t be without. 

More on Bruising

Mary Hayne, from Denton, Texas recently wrote:

I have to tell you though, I had another mishap — I was getting into the back seat of a friend’s minivan when a friend getting into the front seat closed her door — on my hand (I didn’t realize my hand was holding on so close to her door frame). She got the door back open pretty quickly. That was the panic part. The exciting part is that I iced, took homeopathic Traumeel, and slathered on your 10% Helichrysum. My hand never bruised!

There are two small red spots on my knuckles where my hand was particularly pinched, and a very slight bit of swelling — but that is it and the red spots are fading fast. I also didn’t have any pain — tenderness, yes — pain, no. This is all particularly nice as I had an eight hour exam the next day (right hand crushed, right-handed writer). But the best part was my friend’s face the next morning when she looked at my hand. She was completely dumbfounded. She was so sure it was so bad that she was going to have to take me to the doctor. There my hand was, looking like nothing ever happened. I have read that Helichrysum has “powerful antibruise properties” but this experience has really blown my mind too.

And I have run out of the stuff, so I am ordering more. Thanks so much Marge. Your work really makes a big difference in my life.

Louise, from The Netherlands writes:

Dear Marge,

A few days ago I asked your advice how to avoid bruises in my face due to injections which I unfortunately had to have in my face.

The doctor had told me that I would get very nasty bruises in my face and but that was just one of the facts I had to endure and that they would fade in a week or so.

Then I asked you and I want to tell you that there are no nasty bruises at all! There is a little swelling but very little only myself can notice that because nobody noticed!

Anyway, I want to tell you that I used 25 ml of St.John’s wort infused oil, 20 drops of Helichrysum italicum and 5 drops of Lavender augustifolia. Yesterday (after the injections) I applied it immediately after I came home and then I continued to apply it during the day. This morning I looked in the mirror and was very pleased to see a normal color of skin, so I will apply it again several times today!

So Thank you Marge for your advice and please feel free to give this recipe to others.

I have to see the doctor in a few days and I am already enjoying the look on his face when he sees me. I will certainly tell him what I did to avoid those nasty bruises!

Kindest regards, Louise

Alexis Stegall recently wrote:

I had some heli and did use it full strength the first couple of times on a HUGE (6 in diameter at least) bruise on my thigh and then used the 10% in Rose Hip Seed Oil (because that was all that I had) couldn’t believe how fast the bruise went away. 

Normally I will have bruises for a couple of weeks, this one was virtually gone in about 5 or 6 days. It worked great.

You may quote me if you like.

Even More on Bruising

Susan Farr, acupuncturist, recently wrote:

It’s good to be back in touch and to see you too — checking out your website made me hungry for oils again!! I know you have tons of feedback on your helichrysums, but I want you to know that my bottle (10% in FCO) stayed in the acupuncture clinic the whole time I was an intern, and gradually replaced the arnica and chinese ointments as everyone’s treatment of choice when they realized that a puncture was going to leave a bruise (which happens fairly commonly). And the patients (at least mine) loved the smell, too. I never even tried the recommended chinese remedies, as I knew from personal experience how well the heli works. That’ll be my next order!

Take care, Susan

Scarring

Ellen W. Ray from Alchemical Essence Aromatherapy wrote:

I used the Helichrysum Italicum and Rose Hip Seed Oil blend for an injury to my face that occurred from a dog bite and it helped tremendously. There’s barely the trace of a scar on my lip and none on my face. The doctor who removed the stitches was amazed and asked for the name of the Essential Oil and Carrier Oil. He kept looking back at his notes from the emergency room, remembered the incident, and said the healing was incredible. He also asked where it could be purchased. 

From Leslie Robinson:

I can vouch for Marge’s suggested rose hip seed oil/heli blend for scars. In July, I fell and impaled my face on a piece of rebar. An ugly accident. I used this combination an average of 3 times daily — I have no visible scar. Have used this on a year-old mastectomy scar for a few months and notice that it is beginning to flatten and fade a bit.

Wondrous things these oils are!!!”

From Vicki Camp, Reporting back on the Helichrysum Experiment:

I asked you on the Cosmetics List some time ago if you thought Helichrysum Italicuum would be good on old scars. You replied something to the effect of ‘no guarantees; I’m not certain,’ although I note you’re really fond of its properties. However, I went ahead and tried it anyway. Had a breast needle biopsy last July (benign, benign) – 2 separate entrances on the same breast. While the scars were not huge and there was no raised marking (is that called a keloid, I think?) they were noticeably red and each about 1/4 – 1/2 inch in size. I am of Scandinavian-American descent and have this fair, fair skin. No allergies of note, although living in Michigan automatically qualifies me for itchy skin spots and sinus in the allergy season.:D Natural soap prevents most of the skin issues.

So hey, having given you the background – HERE’s the amazing results. I put a drop of Heli, neat, on each spot. Rubbed them a bit. Didn’t give much thought to it. Never tried it again. This morning in the shower I happened to notice that the scars are all but invisible. I guess I’m so used to them NOT being there that I don’t give it a thought very often. But what do you suppose made THAT happen, after a year of visible scars?

I ‘m off to try it on some ‘whitish’ scars on my arm that I got when coming in contact with a hot iron years ago. Will let you know. This is fun! Hugs and smiles!”

MY NOTE: I do NOT recommend using Helichrysum (or any other essential oil) neat the way Vicki did. Proper and appropriate dilution might take a bit longer to see results, but it is safer for you, and less wasteful of a precious limited resource.

Barbara McBee wrote:

I had a benign cellular tumor removed from my neck nearly three years ago. The scar was 4 inches, very tight and inflamed. Nothing over the counter worked—I am very sensitive to chemicals and additives. My doctor thought this was the best I would heal, though I never keloid. I searched around and found your sight approx. one and one half years after my surgery-I have ordered helio with rosehips, (my orders have included peppermint and argan oil.but for this purpose I stuck with helio and rosehips).

I applied religiously for several months at night-I could not wear anything against my neck, and had trouble sleeping because my poor skin seemed to be pulled so tight.I am small, and great care was taken to pull everything back together.I am back to wearing turtlenecks, and the scar(including the turkey-wobble that brought the sutures to a complete close) are so minimal that one has to search for it.

More Scarring (Keloids)

A story I had forgotten about, until a friend recently quoted it on a list we share:

A friend who had a brain tumor removed… I saw her about 4 weeks after the surgery, and it was the worst single scar I have ever seen… from about an inch in front of her temple, running around the back of her head to the other side of her forehead… maybe two inches of whole skin between the two ends of the scar… swollen keloidal tissue, bigger than my thumb, and bright burgundy wine color… 

I gave her some heli in rose hip with the ‘standard instructions’…didn’t see her for about a month, and she had stopped using it “because the scar was all healed”… it hadn’t totally disappeared…but it was faded to white, and looked as though you had taken a very sharp pencil and drawn a white line on her skin… no wider than a thread. Now, the thing is, she had stopped using the heli blend several days earlier because she considered it healed… but it’s my belief that if she had continued using it, there would be NO scar… —Marge Clark

And Sharon Finch shares her two daughters’ results:

About six months before my oldest was married, she ended up in the hospital for over 14 days and ended up having surgery for her Crohns disease. Due to the nature of her surgery, her scar is runs up and down. Her condition was so severe they thought she would have to wear an ostomy bag. Fortunately, she did not, however, she did have a very mean red ugly scar. Marge, being the person she is, sent me a bottle of her Helichrysum in Rose Hip seed oil for Jessica to use. Jessica actually wore a bikini to Jamaica after her wedding. Today, the only reason you know there is a scar is there is a very faint line.

My middle daughter was in a halo for seven months; until April, 2000. She had pretty large indentions on her forehead that were red and just plain ugly and two actual openings on the back of her head where the halo was screwed in. Jessica had surgery in 2002. Aubrey used some of the blend Marge had sent to Jessica. You can hardly notice the markings on her forehead.”

Dawn St. Clair wrote:

Marge recommended Rosehip Seed Oil mixed with Helichrysum as a remedy for scars. She said it was best to use on new scars, but could also be useful on old ones. Well, my daughter, Ashley, had a large Keloid scar (we are of Mediterranian origin) on her thigh where a pre-cancerous mole was removed. She had this scar for over a year, so it was not a new scar. I used Marge’s formula, with a little added emu oil, twice a day, every day. This is not a quick fix. It took a couple of months, however, the skin has lightened from dark gray to her own skin tone, and even smoothed out a great deal. It is not visible now unless you are looking for it.

Janice Sheplar, quoted below re the dark circles, first started using the Helichrysum in Rosehip Seed oil for a surgical scar on her neck. She emailed me that she has the sort of skin that automatically forms keloids and sent me a picture of the “before” picture, a truly nasty vertical scar from her collarbone to her jaw, deeply coloured and raised up. I managed to lose the “after” photo, but the scar was impossible to see in a close up photograph. She was thrilled with the results!

Eczema

“I must say, I am *hugely* impressed with what the Helichrysum and Roman Chamomile hydrosols have done for my skin! I was having a bad bout of what I’d always termed “seasonal eczema” {it always happens with the change of seasons and is sometimes tough to shake}. My skin {face} had been downright scaly and was oozing a little in spots as well. I ordered the hydrosols, received them and used them that night. The very next day there was strong, visible improvement! By the 3rd day my skin was basically back to normal! Wonderful stuff.”—Name withheld by request

Back Pain

“Hi, got the order Friday (I think). Have been enjoying the rosewood and helichrysum (sp? I’m away from the bottle) especially. They help relieve my painful back and make me smell wonderful!”—Name withheld by request

More Pain Relief

Stacey Miller writes:

Last night I made a 5% dilution of equal parts Helichrysum italicum and Lavender stoechas in jojoba for my stepmom to use for pain relief. Evidently it worked pretty well. She used it on her broken foot and said the analgesic effect was almost instant. (I was skeptical about getting any pain relief at all for something this intense.) She liked the scent and didn’t need a pain pill before bed.

Kathy Mijares writes:

Also, I just wanted to add that I am absolutely in LOVE with the Helichrysum! It smells SO wonderful. This is my first experience with this lovely oil! I mixed up a pain treatment in a carrier oil with a little of the Heli, black pepper and my lavender right away because I have disabling chronic back pain…..and the change in the weather (cold and rainy here) was causing me to be very uncomfortable. It worked so fast I was amazed! No more pain pills for me….now that I have my Helichrysum! I’ll definitely be back for more!

Carole Bland recently wrote:

Comments: Broke my ankle back in March. Had surgery to repair both the tib and fib (w/hardware). The helichrysum has helped tremendously with both the pain from the injury and fading the scar. Thank you for offering such a great product.

Rheumatoid Arthritis — Bone Spurs?

Our client Prakash recently shared this anecdote:

Dear Marge,

I want to share an interesting story with you–something unexpected from using Helichrysum & St. John’s Wort.

Earlier this week, I felt a flareup of rheumatoid arthritis starting. I’d recently gotten some of your infused St. John’s Wort, and I’ve been playing with your amazing (on many levels) Helichrysum in Fractionated Coconut Oil for about a month. So, as the sharp pain started in my joints, I slathered on the St. John’s…let it soak in for a few minutes, then followed with a healthy dose of Helichrysum gently massaged on top. (joints involved: many, including elbows) After a while, I began to feel a “softening” of the pain.

*BUT* that’s not why I’m writing. The next morning, I noticed a big brown bruise near my elbow. A few weeks ago, I’d felt a bump there–like a bone-spur. I’d chalked it up to the RA and planned to check in with my doctor about it. Anyway, this big bruise (looking like it was an old bruise; though there’d been nothing there the day before) was right over that spur/bump. Hmmm. Felt it; it felt sort of like little crystals were in there, maybe a bit of break up of the spur? Anyway, I decided to rub my elbow each evening with the same combo of St. John’s & Helichrysum.

I started all this on Tuesday night. This morning–Sunday–that spur/bump is barely there, maybe 1/8 of what it was earlier in the week.

I don’t know if this was from the Helichrysum or the St. John’s Wort or the combo of the two. I just know I’m delighted.

Side note: Just smelling that marvelous Helichrysum soothes my bones, my heart, and my soul.

Thanks, Marge.:-)

Prakash

Chemical Burn Scarring

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

This is some background about how my face was scarred. In January 1996 my former dermatologist gave me glycolic acid, which was too strong for me to perform at home, and it literally ate into my skin. It would have been fine if he performed the glycolic peel in his office so he could monitor it but the peel was not meant for an inexperienced patient to do at home. The result of the peel was equivalent to a second-degree burn and it left significant scarring on one side of my face. I spent so much money for products and procedures like expensive herbal peels in trying to heal the scar but it never improved. I searched hours on the Internet and ordering products that were formulated for scars but nothing worked. I looked in numerous books to try to find a solution but I couldn’t find anything that would specifically work for scars, only ways to prevent them from forming. I kept coming across rosehip oil and helichrysum as being healing and regenerative to scar tissue and I did more research into them. When I decided to try the oils I made a commitment to stay with it until the scar improved. It was several months before I could see a major difference but I am amazed at how much the scar has diminished. The scar is blending into the surrounding skin and it’s not thick anymore.

The texture is so much smoother and with a light layer of foundation my scar is hardly noticeable. I feel confident that the scar will be completely resolved because of how much improvement I have seen. I also massage the scar on a daily basis and I feel that has also made a tremendous difference. Some other things that I am using as well are aloe vera and a few other essential oils but I believe that it is the rosehip and helichrysum that is regenerating the skin to normal. When I feel the skin where the scar is the texture feels so smooth and normal. I feel that the reason I got such good results is that I am very consistent, I’ve haven’t missed a single day of using rosehip oil and helichrysum since I started my regime. That makes a huge difference. It does take time, my scars were well formed, and I’m going to continue with the oils until they are resolved. Thank you for letting me share my experience.

Bumps and Bruises

Monique Macintosh writes:

Your Helichrysum with German Chamomile CO2 is doing wonders for my scrapes from playing volleyball and rescuing one of my pine trees from a huge wild rose bush. A good test is my slow pitch softball team mate who loves to slide in shorts. He has a patch of healing skin on his right leg. I “loaned” him my bottle of H w/ GC CO2 and he says he already feels the difference in a day.

Dark Circles

My friend Janice recently had surgery, so we sent her some Helichrysum in RoseHipSeed oil. She has been raving about its effect on the scar from her surgery on another mail list. But she also shared that she’s been using it to fade under eye circles…and that it’s working amazingly well. That one felt like a “DUH…why didn’t I think of that?”…as effective as Helichrysum is at healing bruises, it stands to reason that it might well be useful for the dark circles some of us (especially me!) get under our eyes. I don’t think the Rosehip Seed Oil is an essential part of that combination…it would be the Helichrysum Italicuum that would do the work, so you could dilute it in the carrier of your choice. Please dilute it well, and, as always, be VERY careful using any essential oil around the eyes!

Bursitis

My friend Mary Jane writes from Michigan:

I woke up this morning and could hardly walk. I have bursitis in my right hip. I used a mixture of helichrysum, vetiver, black pepper, and jojoba oil. The pain decreased in about 10 minutes. I could walk without a limp for six hours. It was great! I have also been in a horrible mood for the last few days. I must say, the synergy did wonders for my attitude. I walked around relaxed and on cloud nine all day.

Maybe you could pass along the recipe to fellow sufferers. 

So I did ;).

Chigger Bites

Another client just wrote: “Also want you to know the Helichrysum oil (in carrier) did WONDERS with a chigger bite I had on my leg! Good God! Swelling (welt) and itching immediately reduced to almost NOTHING. Last time this happened, I itched for about one solid week and the nasty bites left almost scars and darkened spots that remained for a long time.” (Now, if she had used our  SkeeterBeater  in advance, she’d not have had to worry about the chiggers, but that’s another story.”)

Skin Irritation

Manisha recently wrote:

I hope this email finds you happy and healthy. I wrote to you several years ago when I carelessly and hastily used hair removal wax meant for arms on my face (to remove facial hair above my upper lip). You rushed me Helichrysum oil and rose hip seed oil for the carrier. This combination worked wonderfully! I healed quickly without any scarring. Thank you so very much for your advice and quick shipment.

I recently received an email from a member of the Lakota people, asking me to remove the reference to Wallace Black Elk from the  NAHA White Paper about the risks involved in Rain Drop Therapy. I would have gladly complied, but I was not the author of the paper and didn’t feel it was right to alter the original authors’ words. (The fact that essential oils are NOT used in traditional Native American healing is an indication of the veracity of Don Gary Young, but that’s another subject.)

Instead of altering the paper as published, using Young’s own writings as a reference, I asked permission to quote her email, below.

Greetings, It saddens my heart to see misinformation continuing to pop up in regard to our Dear Grandfather Wallace Black Elk.

Per your website search: “Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates…”

Don Gary Young is a known quack who has claimed to have learned and modified a “technique” from Grandfather Wallace. Don was a “monkey” (and there have been many) who hung around Grandfather, he was “monkey-see, monkey-do.” He would imitate things he saw without knowledge, without wisdom and without any knowledge of our& Grandfather. He never “worked with” nor was he ever taught, endorsed or recognized by Grandfather. He has stained our beautiful Grandfather’s name and it has to stop.

Thank you for exposing Don Gary Young for the sick individual that he is, but, please, take it one step further and correct all the information. Please support our Grandfather and his memory and remove this lie from your website. It will be a blessing to us all.

Further correspondence bought the following:

Perhaps a posted copy of my email message would be appropriate. I would definitely appreciate not having my private email put “out there” for all to see and attack. Each time I reach out to a person in regard to this matter I take a risk, so I thank you for your kind nature. If I may share with you…

This misinformation has been taught by this man, Don Gary Young, for many years. It is not uncommon, but it is very untrue. My information comes directly from Grandfather Wallace’s biological children and my own experience directly knowing Grandfather. He was a beautiful, generous spirit during his time on Earth and I want nothing more than to set the truth free — even if is takes me one person at a time. It is my heart’s hope that, like a pebble in a pond, as we reach out in a good way to each person, that this information will travel and reach everyone and in doing so bring light and truth forth and wash away this untrue stain from Grandfather’s life. It causes great pain to his family daily and more than I can share, it is getting worse as the lie travels with the power of the internet.

Our Lakota Medicine Men and Women and their ways are Sacred and all too often bastardized by “wanna-bees.” There is no “raindrop,” it was completely fabricated by Don Gary Young. It is possible that Mr. Young heard Grandfather’s stories, as he told many. Often to teach, send a message or simply to bring laughter forth. It is also possible that he witnessed healing ceremonies performed by Grandfather as a Medicine Man. But to claim to have been directly taught or instructed by Grandfather is simply an untruth. It is a way for him to gain trust and access to your finances.

The best “translated” book about Grandfather Wallace was written by a man who did actually spend time with Grandfather and was allowed to record his words on audiotape, William S. Lyon. Mr. Lyon is very clear in his representation of himself as translator to the best of his ability and honored Grandfather in doing so. It is simply humanly impossible to capture the depth and essence of such a human in words. 

Sitting with Grandfather, for even an hour, was worth more than a lifetime of attempting to “describe” anything about him. At any rate, the book is called “Black Elk, The Sacred Ways of A Lakota.” I think you will enjoy it. Try to get a copy at your local library so you don’t have to spend your money.

Additional information on DGY… www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/young.html

Be safe, live in the light and close to the Earth. Thank you for spending a few moments with me. Please toss your own pebble of truth into the pond and help us spread the word.

I request you send me a copy of what you would post to your website prior to posting it.

Namaste’

Anni
Black Hills, South Dakota

The following white paper is presented by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, detailing why responsible members of the Aromatherapy Community are aware of the risks and dangers inherent in the practice of so called “Raindrop Therapy.”

Raindrop Therapy White Paper

The use of essential oils is an ancient practice dating back to Egypt. Like many other practices with roots in the past, it has been highly commercialized to the public. It should rightly hold a respected position in alternative, complementary health practices. In some parts of the world, such as France, it may be practiced with care and skill. However, the general public in the USA, is still in an initiate stage of understanding the use and benefits of the oils. As such, this white paper is intended to educate the consumer of essential oils and practices which they may be exposed to in their explorations. While there is a sense that because it is “natural”, “they are safe”, this paper is intended to give you information about a practice promoted within one company. The practice is called “Raindrop Therapy”, and is promoted within the Young Living Company. While this paper does not make comment regarding the company or its product, it does take a critical stand against the use of the oils in “Raindrop Therapy.”

In the USA, The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) has defined standard curriculum for certification for “Aromatherapy Practitioner”. There are persons performing “Raindrop Therapy” (RDT), who have not received training, observing similar curriculum standards. These public demonstrations and conferences have been presented to the general public as well as audiences of health care professionals including physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, and massage therapists. The purpose of this paper is to assert a position against the use of a technique called “Raindrop Therapy” as it currently cannot be supported as a recognized aromatherapy “best practice.” This position is intended to educate and inform the public as a part of the role of members of the Aromatherapy Community.

“Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Mr. Gary Young is not to be regarded as a best practice because:

• It promotes the unsafe use of essential oils, putting people at risk of skin irritation and
• There is no published empirical substantiation to support its claims that RDT is a “tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis.” ^[1]

Foundation of Conclusions

Current research of formal testing regarding the chemical structure, per cutaneous absorption and dermal metabolism of essential oils as well as potential skin reactions, including irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity and essential oil toxicity, determines existing standard safety guidelines.Safety guidelines are based on the assumption that essential oils used in aromatherapy will be used at safe dilution levels for external use.

In addition to standard dilution guidelines, the aromatherapy practitioner must be aware of those individuals who are identified as a greater risk for developing potential skin reactions, including persons with known allergies, history of asthma, eczema, psoriasis, fair-haired, light skinned, and those with a history of multiple allergies and medical complications. ^[2] (Although this procedure does not preclude sensitization, only potential irritation), “in order to avoid potential skin reactions”, those “at-risk” should receive skin “patch-testing” at “double the concentration planned to use, prior to application of each essential oil.” ^[3]

There is no published clinical evidence to support that RDT has any correcting value as a tool to be used to adjust spinal curvatures caused by scoliosis, or align electric and structural elements, even if the essential oils were to be used at correct dilution levels and the individual’s skin was patch-tested prior to application. Therefore, because of the unsafe use of undiluted essential oils as well as unpublished claims, “Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Gary Young is not supported as a “best practice.”

The discussion that follows will present a description of 1) Raindrop Therapy technique along with 2) current known safety standard guidelines regarding the dermal application of essential oils used in RDT practice and 3) literature regarding unfounded claims of the rationale for use of RDT.

SUPPORTING LITERATURE RESEARCH

This position is based on the following publications, which describe the technique and claims, from the following sources in print and video, as well as information found on the World Wide Web.

Essential Oils Desk Reference,Second Edition, 2001 Essential Science Publishing, pp. 191–198

The Science and Application of Essential Oils,D. Gary Young, ND, “Aromatologist,” YoungLiving Oils, (Video), 1994

Excerpts fromAromatherapy, The Essential Beginningby Gary Young, no longer in print, pp 1–7

Description of Raindrop Therapy (Excerpts)

Step 2
“Next comes the application of the oils of thyme and oregano. Hold the bottle approximately six inches above the skin and let five drops of each oil drop from the bottle evenly spaced along the spine frombottom to top (sacrum to atlas or 1stcervical). Try to stay in the electrical field as much as possible. Itdoes not matter which oil is applied first. Apply one oil and then layer it by gently spreading it evenly alongthe curvature of the spine. Apply the second oils the same way. You don’t need large drops, and more isnot better. Then apply 10 to 15 drops of the V-6 Mixing Oil to prevent any discomfort…

…Now apply the oils ofCypress, Birch, Basil and Peppermint in that order. Apply four to five drops of the first oil along the length of the spine. Layer it in by evenly spreading it with your fingertips. Then do the same with the other three. Starting on one side of the spine, gently massage the oils in along the spine. Do not work directly on the spine. Do not force it or apply direct pressure. Start at the sacrum and use the fingertips of both hands placed side-by-side, and in a circular clockwise motion, work up the side of the spine to the atlas, pushing or pulling the tissue in the direction you want the spine to move. This technique helps to create a “space” for the spine to move. After finishing one side of the spine, walk around to the other side of the individual and begin on the second side starting from the sacrum working up to the atlas. Repeat this two more times.

Step 5
Pay close attention because the back can become very hot!

The heat will generally build slowly in intensity to where it will peak in five to eight minutes and then cool down to where it feels pleasant. The water in the towel drives the oils deeper into the skin. The more out of balance, the more virus or bacteria activity in the body, or the more inflammation in the spine, the hotter the area will become along the spine. Some people will experience no heat, for some it will be mild and very pleasant, while for others it may be hot and a little uncomfortable. Pay attention to what the person is saying. Ask questions. If it gets too uncomfortable, remove the towels and apply V-6 Mixing Oil on the back and work it in. This will usually remove the heat in minutes.

After putting the towels on, wait a few minutes to see how the person is responding. If the back does not become very hot, have the person roll over so the back is against the towels on the table. This usually creates more heat.”

Step 6
“Take the four oils of Birch, Cypress, Basil and Peppermint, in that order, and apply two to three drops of each oil along the inside of the lower legs along the shin bone from the bottom of the knee area to the top of the big toes. Apply one at a time and layer each oil in before applying the next oil. Place fingers of one hand along the inside of the shin bone just below the knee, work down to the ankle, and then along the foot up to the top of the big toe using the Vita Flex Technique. Roll your fingers up and then over onto the nails of the fingers, applying slightly more pressure at the top of the roll and releasing as you come over onto the nails. Short nails would be appreciated by the person on whom you are working. Do this three times on each leg….”

Step 8
“Have the person on the table roll back so he or she is again face down. Rest the head in the head-cradle of the massage table again and make sure the person is lying straight. Remove the towels and then examine the spine. Corrections may or may not be visible. At this point you may add another therapy as desired. Sometimes the desired results do not come immediately, and yet the body will continue to respond for days, at which time you may begin to see gradual changes…

This is the basic Raindrop Therapy, although there are several variations. Everybody is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Different body types respond to the applications in ways not expected. Learn to be sensitive to the person to whom you are working so that you can respond to his or her needs.”

The question is often asked, “How long does this application last? Again, everybody responds differently. Generally speaking, the level of health and proper diet are key factors, as are exercise and mental attitude. One application may last months for one person, but then for another it may be necessary to have the application done every week until the body begins to respond. The key is to retrain the body. In some cases, you will have to develop a new memory in the tissue in order for the body to stay where it should be. This may take a few weeks or even a full year.” ^[4]

The Video Presentation Variation
In the video, in which Mr. Young describes the process, he uses the oils of Oregano 4 drops, and 5 drops of Thyme. He also states that if there are arthritic or compressed disks, then to use 6 drops birch, 3 drops lemongrass, 4-5 drops marjoram, 4-5 drops cypress and a couple of drops of Peppermint.

He further goes on to explain that certain essential oils are known to be caustic to the skin, such as the citrus, coneriferous and spice oils, such as clove, nutmeg. He states that these oils are OK to use neat as in drops on the spine, but for a larger area, like the whole back, to dilute them 15-30 drops to one ounce, and children and the elderly should be 15 drops to an ounce. ^[5]

Notes on Description of Oils Getting Hot

In both of his publications of RDT, Mr. Young describes the oils as “may be feeling hot on the skin”

While the sensation of heat and a burning is a symptom of irritation to the skin from using undiluted oils, the precautions he offers is in Essential Oils Desk Reference.

Caution: Special care must be taken with this step (referring to allowing the heat from a wet towel to penetrate usually about 8-10 minutes). The greater the inflammation and viral infection along the spine, “the hotter the area along the spine will become.“ ^[6]

Discussion

The practice of applying these essential oils undiluted to the skin is not consistent with “best practice” taught in standard curriculum for professional aromatherapy education recognized by NAHA. The use of the undiluted essential oils promoted within Raindrop Therapy, are not supported in safety manuals.

Safety Data References of Essential Oils Which are Used in RDT

Oregano Essential Oil

From:Plant Aromatics

Origanum Oil

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Botanical Name: Thymus capitatus Hoffmgg.et Link, and other varieties. ^[7]

A 2% solution of Origanum oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[8]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Oregano (Spanish) (P)

Thymus capitatus, and Origanum vulgare, a table on page 209 list it as moderately irritant as well as having mucous membrane irritant.

Toxicity data and recommendations: Undiluted oregano oil was severely irritating when applied to mouse skin, and moderately irritating when applied to rabbit skin. Tested at 2% it produced no reaction after a patch test on human subjects.

Therefore, Oregano should not be used neat as promoted in Raindrop Therapy as it can and is known to cause cutaneous irritation. As well, the dilution rate for overall use is 2%. Likewise it should not be used at all on hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under 2 years of age. In the video, a ratio of 5% dilution for overall use was recommended (15-30 drops per ounce), and at 2.5% dilution rate for children or the elderly (15 drops to one ounce). ^[9]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Oregano Oil on humans.

Thyme Oil

From: Essential Oil Safety, referring to Thymus vulgaris L., and Thymus Zygis L.

Irritation/Sensitization-Red Thyme oil-nil at 8% however when applied to animal skin undiluted it proved severely irritating. ^[9]

External applications as a rubefacient and counter-irritant include dilution with olive or other oils. ^[10]

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Genus: Thymus

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris Linn. T. serpyllum L. T. zygis L.T. mastichiria L. and dozens of other species with hundreds of varieties and cultivars, with tremendous chemical compositional variation. ^[11]

An 8% solution of Thyme oil (red unrectified) caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[12]

T. vulgaris, other species and different genera, yield thymol, which can produce irritation of the skin. ^[13] Both Thyme oil and thymol have been recorded as being a cause of adverse dermal reactions including dermatitis, cheilitis and severe inflammation. ^[14]

Undiluted thyme oils were severely irritating to both mouse and rabbit skin: tested at 12% it produced no irritation on human subjects.

Again dermal cautions were noted for hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age. ^[15]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Thyme Oil on humans.

Birch Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Betulaceae

Genus: Betula

Botanical Name: Betula lenta Linn. and other varieties. ^[16]

A 4% solution of Sweet Birch oil cased no irritation or sensitization on human. ^[17]

A 1% solution of Birch oil applied to the skin, can cause dermal eruptions. B.P.C. 1934

Birch extracts have caused adverse reactions in up to 50% of people with an allergy to Birch pollen. ^[18]

Methyl salicylate is freely absorbed by the skin and can lead to high blood levels of Salicylic acid. ^[19]

MANY OTHER REPORTS OF ADVERSE EFFECTS ARE RECORDED. Fetal abnormalities and reduce growth rates in rats. It can pass into breast mild and therefore should NEVER BE USED DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION. ^[20]

Although Birch oil (sweet) has shown no irritation or sensitization at 4%, it is NOT RECOMMENDED. ^[21]

Birch Tar Oil: There are many reports in the literature about birch tree extracts causing dermatitis.This extract should not be used unless you are very confident of what you are doing. [22]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Botanical Name: Betula lenta

Notable salicylate 98%

Methyl salicylate can be absorbed transdermally in sufficient quantities to cause poisoning in humans. Topically applied methyl salicylate can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, causing side effects such as internal hemorrhage. A similar interaction is possible, but by no means certain, with other anticoagulants such as aspirin and heparin. Many liniments contain methyl salicylate or wintergreen oil.

Comments: There have been sufficient cased of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils containing it that it would be prudent to avoid use of this oil in aromatherapy. Virtually all “sweet birch oils” are in fact synthetic methyl salicylate.

Compare: Wintergreen ^[23]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Birch Oil on humans.

Wintergreen Oil

From: Plant Aromatics.

Family: Ericacea.

Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Linn.

This oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing for adverse dermal effects by the usual International organizations. ^[24]

Cutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate (the major component of the oil) is rapid.

It has been detected in the urine half an hour after application to the skin. It can also cause dermal eruptions. (AUTHORS NOTE: There is very little genuine wintergreen oil available, as it has mainly been replaced with synthetic methyl salicylate. Due to this and the risks associated from the application of this chemical to the skin, this product should be reserved for local application only, ideally undertaken by someone who has been trained in the use of this hazardous substance.) ^[25]

Contraindications: should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally; do not use if taking anticoagulants

Comments: Virtually all commercial “wintergreen oil” is in fact synthetic methyl salicylate. There have been sufficient cases of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils contain it that it would be prudent to avoid all use of this oil. ^[26]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Wintergreen Oil on humans.

Peppermint Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labietae)

Genus: Mentha with at least 25 species

Botanical Name: Menta x piperita (Peppermint).M arvensis (Corn mint, and numerous varieties and clones of both plants.)

Peppermint oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing procedures for dermal irritation and sensitization; therefore this oil should only be used on the skin at very low levels. ^[27]

“Isolated incidents due to accidental or inappropriate use of the products suggest caution in the handling and application of the oil or menthol, particularly the application of the neat oil to treat rheumatism.” ^[28]

Menthol is irritant in high concentration especially if evaporation from the skin is prevented. ^[29]

Mentha piperita var.Vulgaris

Safety data: tested at low dose non-toxic, NO FORMAL TESTING on skin effects. Use diluted: possible sensitization (menthol): keep away from nostrils of infants because of risk of spasm of glottis: avoid in pregnancy, Lactation. ^[30] It has been reported that some patients with particular enzyme deficits or specific conditions may be effected by certain essential oils. ^[31]

People with G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme-deficiency can develop a toxic build-up of menthol in the body. G-6-PD is the enzyme responsible for liver detoxification of menthol. ^[32]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Peppermint Oil on humans.

Basil Oil

(Although there are safer chemotypes of Basil oil available to use, Raindrop Therapy uses the estragole chemotypeaka: methyl chavicol) ^[33]

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Chemical constituents: Methyl chavicol (70-75%)

Ocimum Basilicum: Bush Basil

Untested Oil; Avoid use on Sensitive or Damaged Skin

Safety Data, No Formal Testing-Avoid in Pregnancy, with babies, children: possible irritation: avoid sensitive skin, appears in low dose non-toxic (Methyl chavicol) is moderately toxic. Excess produces stupefying effect. ^[34]

A 4% solution of Basil Oil (O. basilicum, M. chavicolcirca 55%) caused no irritation or sensitization humans. Some people could react to the eugenol content of some Basil oils. ^[35]

Maximum recommended usage levels in percentage dilution: Basil M. chavicol 55%, 4% dilution

The chemotype Estragole, is reported as having 70-75% methyl chavicol. ^[36]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Basil Oil, chemotype estragole, on humans.

Lemongrass Oil

Botanical Name: Cymbopogen flexuosus

Botanical Family: Graminaceae

Common name: Lemongrass, East Indian Lemongrass

Class: aldehyde

Notable constituents: Citral 85%, Limonene 5%

Safety Data: Possible dermal irritation and sensitization: avoid in pregnancy, with babies and children. ^[37]

“Caution C. flexuosus should never be used neat on the skin because of its possible irritant properties, due mainly to the citral content because of its extensive root system. However, when diluted in a carrier, it is without hazard except on the most sensitive of skins. Treat with respect.” ^[38]

Cautions: (dermal) Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age.

Toxicity: Citral can cause a rise in ocular tension, which would be dangerous in cases of glaucoma. ^[39]

There are a few reports of skin irritation cased by hypersensitivity or prolonged exposure to the concentrated oil and sensitization may occur. ^[40] Vesicular dermatitis appeared in eight workers exposed to a cargo of Lemongrass oils and the NEAT oil is a skin irritant. ^[41] Recommended dilution is at 4-5%

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Lemongrass oil on humans.

Cypress Oil

Botanical Name: Cupressus semperivens

Botanical family: Cupressaceae

Common name: Cypress

Safety Data: Tested at LOW doses non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing; avoid in pregnancy, high blood pressure, and with cancers, uterine and breast fibrosis. ^[42]

A 5% solution of Cypress oil cased no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[43]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of cypress oil on humans.

Marjoram Oil

Botanical Name: Origanum marjorana Linn. also Marjorana hortensis Moench.

Botanical family: Lamiaceae

A 6% solution of Sweet Marjoram oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[44]

Tested at low dose non-toxic non-irritating, non-sensitizing. ^[45]

Raindrop therapy promotes the unsafe use of marjoram oil on humans

Tansy Oil

(“Blue Tansy” oil is listed as an ingredient in Raindrop Therapy’s “Valor” blend ^[46], and given the botanical name Tanacetum annuum, which, according to Sheppard-Hanger, is the botanical name for Morroccan Chamomile, also known as Blue Atlas, ^[47] not Blue Tansy. Because of the contradictory essential oil profile in G. Young’s book,Essential Oils Desk Reference, it is unclear which essential oil G. Young has included in the blend, “Valor.” For safety purposes, tansy oil will be outlined below.)

Botanical Name:Tanacetum vulgare

Common name: Tansy Oil

Botanical family: Compositae

Notable constituents: Thujones 66-81%, Camphor 5%

Contraindications: Should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally.

Toxicity data & recommendations: Toxic signs produced by tansy oil poisoning include: convulsions, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, rigid pupils, gastroenteritis, uterine bleeding, flushing, hepatitis, cramps, loss of consciousness and rapid breathing.

Comments: In light of its high thujone content, tansy oil should be avoided altogether in aromatherapy. ^[48]

Some Tansy oils contain very high levels of b-Thujone which orally is extremely toxic and which does seem to be absorbed through the skin. ^[40] On the other hand some tansy oils contain no or insignificant amount of this chemical so until such time as full analysis is declared on essential oils, it is wiser to avoid its use for application to the skin, or for room fragrances. ^[50]

No Formal Testing: Avoid in pregnancy with babies, children best to avoid as untested, substitution and doubtful production. ^[51]

Raindrop Therapy promotes the unsafe use of “Tansy” oil on humans.

Discussion Regarding the Unfounded Claims of Raindrop Therapy

Examination of the published literature on the rational for the use of Raindrop therapy, written or published by Gary Young rationalizing the use for Raindrop Therapy, has implies that the process has a curative effect on scoliosis:

Excerpts verbatim fromEssential Oils Desk Referenceby G. Young:

• Raindrop Technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine. During the years that is has been practiced, it has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and kyphosis and eliminated the need for back surgery for thousands of people.
• Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates Vita Flex and massage, utilizing the power of essential oils in bringing the body into structural and electrical alignment.
• Raindrop Technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation, which, in turn, contorts and disfigures the spinal column.
• Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the responsible viral agents. ^[52]

Scoliosis (discussion on etiology of scoliosis from the writings of Young)

While a few cases of scoliosis can be attributed to congenital deformities (such as MS. Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, or Marfan’s Syndrome), the vast majority of scoliosis types are of unknown origin.

Some medical professionals believe that many cases of scoliosis begin with hard-to-detect inflammation along the spine cased by latent viruses. Others believe that it may be due to persistent muscle spasms that have pulled the vertebrae off the spine out of alignment.

The Raindrop Techniqueis one of the most effective therapies for straightening spines misaligned due to scoliosis. ^[53]

Excerpts from: The Science and Application of Essential Oils, D. Gary Young, ND (Video), 1994

Statements on tape by G. Young:

“Raindrop Therapy is a technique that is beneficial for back problems, scoliosis, deteriorated disks and compressions.” ^[54]

The following section provides samples of information found on the World Wide Web describing Raindrop Therapy:

1. “The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment. Thyme has been scientifically proven to be anti-infections, antibacterial, and antiviral. There is some indication that scoliosis is the result of some viral and or bacterial activity that has taken place in the body at some point before the scoliosis began. These essential oils can easily penetrate the body and may help kill any virus or bacteria that may be present.” ^[55]

2.“The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment.” ^[56]

3.“Raindrop technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for helping to correct defects in the curvature of the spine. It has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and eliminated the needs for back surgery for thousands of people. Raindrop technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by virus or bacteria that are dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation which in turn controls and disfigures the spinal column. Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly anti-microbial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the viral agents responsible for it.” ^[57]

There are numerous other references like these on the World Wide Web and a simple search using the term “Raindrop Therapy” would yield many more. This information either implies or states, that the use of Raindrop Therapy, has either a corrective action on scoliosis or that it benefits person, with scoliosis, or that is somehow otherwise helps to bring the body into structural or electrical alignment.

Now let’s turn our attention to what qualified authorities on the topic of scoliosis, have to say about the etiology of scoliosis.

Literature Search on Scoliosis

Scoliosis: A rotary lateral curvature of the spine.

congenital s. Scoliosis resulting from malformation of the spine or chest.

idiopathic s. Scoliosis of unknown cause.

myopthic. S. Scoliosis due to weakness of the spinal muscles.

Neuromuscular S. Scoliosis caused by any of various diseases affecting the motor nerve cells.

Osteopathic s. Lateral curvature resulting from pathologic conditions of the vertebrae, such as tuberculosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and tumors

Static s. Scoliosis due to difference in the length of the legs. ^[58]

The focus of the search for whether one might give credibility to the rationale for the use of RDT lies in examining idiopathic scoliosis, as it is the only type, which is of “unknown cause”. An inquiry to the NSF (National Scoliosis Foundation, questioning Young’s theory of a “dormant viral or bacterial etiology” for idiopathic scoliosis prompted the following reply:

E-mail Response from National Scoliosis Foundation (Oct 22, 2001 on file):

“Thank you for writing the NSF. Unfortunately, I have not read anything about the statement. There are a few helpful websites that we can refer you to for information regarding scoliosis. The addresses are www.spineuniverse.com, www.orthospine.com, www.iscoliosis.com, www.aaos.org, www.scoliosis.org. These sites have much information as well as links to other sites.”

Note: a search of these sites yields no mention of the dormant virus theory. There is a consistency across these sites that idiopathic scoliosis shows strong evidence of being hereditary. The following are representative of findings.

From The Genetics of Scoliosis by John T. Smith, M.D.:

“Despite a tremendous amount of scientific research, the cause of some type of scoliosis remain largely unknown. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be a disease that is inherited as a genetic trait, much like some other diseases, such as sickle cell anemia. The gene that causes scoliosis remains undiscovered, but scientists are trying to find this gene using new techniques for analyzing genetic inheritance. Defining the role of genetic in scoliosis is currently the focus of intense research at a number of Academic centers throughout the world.

“There is strong evidence that an abnormal gene is partially responsible for some forms of scoliosis. It is possible that genetic factors may influence important aspects of scoliosis such as the pattern of curvature (left versus right curves), the shape of the curve, and the risk of progression. The tendency for scoliosis to appear in people who are closely related, such as mothers and their daughter, identical twins, and the first-degree relatives, suggest that scoliosis can be inherited….” ^[59]

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From National Institutes of Health:

“Researchers are looking for the cause of idiopathic scoliosis. They have studied genetic structural and biochemical alterations in the discs and muscles and central nervous changes. The changes in the discs and muscles seem to be a result of scoliosis and cause. Scientists are still hopeful that studying changes in the central nervous system with idiopathic scoliosis may reveal a cause of this disorder.” ^[60]

Treatment of Scoliosis

From Scoliosis Research Society: Bracing may be a consideration in children with spinal deformity and curve magnitudes of 25-40 degrees. The primary goal is to stop curve progression. Surgery for idiopathic scoliosis is suggested when curve magnitude is 50 degrees or more. Curves are measured in degrees and persons with curves measuring under thirty degrees entering adulthood are considered having a mild curve while those over 60 degrees are considered severe. ^[61]

What Does NOT Demonstrate Effectiveness:

Both of these sources, also state “ Numerous studies have failed to show any benefit from exercise, manipulation, meditation or drugs. ^[62]

There is no scientifically documented role for exercises, manipulation or electrical stimulation in the management of scoliosis. ^[63]

Some people have tried other ways to treat scoliosis, including manipulation by electrical stimulation, dietary supplements and corrective exercises. So far studies following treatments have not been show to prevent curve progression… ^[64]

How is Scoliosis Measured?

The standard measurements for scoliosis are done through X-ray evaluation, Curve measurement, and MRI.

Summary of Points

• Idiopathic Scoliosisis of an unknown cause, but current thinking is that it may be hereditary and genetic in etiology.
• Review of the leading organizations doing research on idiopathic scoliosis reveals no dormant viral or bacterial theories.
• Research has demonstrated no significant impact of exercise, manipulation, diet supplements or electrical stimulation has any effect on stopping the progression of idiopathic scoliosis.
• Objective evaluation of scoliosis is done with X-rays, degrees of measurement, and in some cases MRI.

Proof of Claims in Effectiveness of Raindrop Therapy on Scoliosis?

• Thus far we have shown that there is no support of a viral/bacterial theory which is the underpinning of the use of RDT for claims of benefits to idiopathic scoliosis and alignment
• Nor does manipulation of the spine benefit idiopathic scoliosis.

But let us suppose for a moment that we suspend our concerns about etiology and standard treatment of scoliosis. Raindrop Therapy does not have any published scientific proof of their claims. Although the proponents of RDT say that is has benefited “thousands of people”, there are no citations to published scientific studies of these claims within any of the RDT referenced literature or in our broad search of the practice. There is no reference to any published clinical research using known data measurements (i.e. X-rays, degrees of curvature, or MRI.).

Scope of Practice

It must also be noted that within any profession there is a scope of practice which is to be observed. These are governed by state laws. While persons may be practicing under a medical license, using essential oils, persons using and training Raindrop Therapy, require no licensure. As well, although they may be trained in massage, for example, this does not necessarily include training as an Aromatherapy Professional.

Raindrop Therapy requires “hands-on” application of essential oils, massage, and manipulation of the back. Each state has individual legal requirements and definition of a scope of practice, determining qualification to use hands- on techniques required with this RDT practice. The use of essential oils are often integrated within an existing therapeutic practice (e.g. nursing, massage therapy, esthetics, OT, PT, Chiropractic, Orthopedic, M.D.). Therefore, we urge the consumer to inquire as to credentials, and scope of practice.

Summary and Conclusion

Until such time as:

• the scientific efficacy of Raindrop Therapy on the progression of idiopathic Scoliosis, (or any other type of scoliosis) can be shown,
• and safe use of essential oils are observed,

Raindrop Therapy technique does not have the support as a “best practice” within a large segment of the professional community of aromatherapy practitioners. As a wise consumer, we hope you benefit from this critical viewpoint, and hope that it enhances your safe use of essential oil and practices.

© Barber, K., Gagnon-Warr, J., November 25, 2001, revised May 12, 2002. The following may not be reproduced and distributed without the permission of the authors.

1. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 191–198.

2. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group, 79.

3. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety. London: Churchill Livingstone, 78.

4. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 191–198.

5. Young, Gary.The Science and Application of Essential Oils, Young Living Oils, (Video) 1994.

6. Young, G., Aromatherapy,The Essential Beginning(no longer in print). Essential Science Publishing, 1–7.

7. Witham: Watts, Sets 1–4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

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9. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995: Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.London: Churchill Livingstone, 156–7.

10. Lis-Balchin, M. 1995:Aroma Science, The Chemistry and Bioactivity of Essential Oils,Amberwood Publishing.

11. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

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16. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

17. Epstein, W. 1974:Report to the R.I.F.M.,through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

18. Lahti, A. et al. 1980:Contact Dermatitis, (6) 464-5, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

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21. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics. Witham: Watts, Sets 1–4, chart 1, 20.

22. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics,Sets 1–4, 30.

23. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 173.

24. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4.

25. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 179.

26. ibid.

27. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 138.

28. Grieve, M. 1931:A Modern Herbal.Hammondsworth: Penguin, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

29. Harry, R. 1948:Cosmetic Materials. Vol. 2, London, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

30. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 289.

31. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing.San Diego, CA, 84.

32. Owole, S.A. and Ramson-Kuto, O. 1980: The risk of jaundice in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient babies exposed to menthol.Acta Paediatrica Scandinavia69, 341-345, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

33. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 34.

34. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 317.

35. Kligman, A. 1972: Report to the RIFM, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

36. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4, 56 and 77.

37. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 197.

38. Price, S. 1993:Aromatherapy Workbook. London: Thorsons, 84.

39. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 146.

40. Witham: through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 123.

41. Mendelsohn H. 1944:Arch. Derm. Syph.(50), 34, and same author and journal 1946, (53), 94, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

42. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA: 191.

43. Witham through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 103.

44. Watt, M. 1996:Essential Oil Monographs. Tampa, FLA, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy.

45. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 327.

46. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2000. USA, Essential Science Publishing, 123.

47. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 145.

48. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.London: Churchill Livingstone, 172.

49. Witham: thorugh Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics:32.

50. Meyer, R. 1959:Arzneimittel-Forcsh,(9), 516, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

51. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA. Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 403.

52. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2001, USA, Essential Science Publishing, 191.

53. Ibid, 347.

54. www.worlddirect.net.aro9.html

55. www.hypnosis-reiki.com/treatments.html

56. Dox, I., MD, Melloni, J. PhD, et al,The Harper Collins Illustrated Medical Dictionary,429-430.

57. www.iscoliosis.com/completegenetics.php3

58. www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scoliosis/default.asp>

59. www.scoliosisx.com

60. ibid

61. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

62. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

63. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

64. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

Safety First

Be aware that there is NO WAY to predict what oils can or will trigger an attack in an individual. Quite obviously, if you know you are allergic to, let’s say pine and spruce trees, then avoid the use of the various conifer (needle) oils. If most flowers bring on an attack, avoid the floral oils, and so on.

Any oil you intend to try should first be “tested.” Put a drop of the essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball and hold it at arms length from the sufferer. If it seems well tolerated, gradually bring it closer until the tissue or cotton ball is right under the nose. If it can be inhaled with no negative effects it is safe to try.

Do not try testing more than two essential oils per day, separated by several hours.

Warning: Please don’t use any of the essential oils in a steam inhalation during an asthma attack. The use of steam almost always worsens the attack.

Prevention

There are two oils that are said to have “antihistamine-like” properties and are said to prevent asthma attacks.

There are authorities who state that  Blue Tansy  oil (Tanecetum anuum) can halt an asthma attack in its tracks (Jeanne Rose is one of them) and I have clients who say that diffusing a bit of this oil in an aromalamp each morning has allowed them to cut way down on allergy medications. Blue Tansy may prove useful both as an antihistamine to help prevent attacks, and as a treatment during an attack.

Ammi Visnaga  (Khella) oil is supposed to have a similar effect, however it’s only fair to say that most people enjoy the scent of Blue Tansy (sweet and apple scented) and find the scent of Ammi reminiscent of last years coffee grounds. The drug Intal (cromolyn sodium) has its origins from Ammi Visnaga. Khella oil must be used (by inhalation) on a daily basis, not just when an attack threatens.

Treating the Symptoms

One of my French mentors wrote, years ago: “Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things.” It is because of the oils’ powerful effects on the respiratory tract that well tolerated essential oils can bring swift relief to asthma sufferers.

Essential Oils That Have Proven Helpful for Some Asthma Victims

The following oils are listed in order by both their ability to be tolerated without causing a reaction, and their effectiveness.

Blue Tansy (Tanecetuum anuum)
Jeanne Rose states that Blue Tansy is a natural source of theophylline, a bronchiodilator, which would explain its being recommended for asthma crisises. And many sources write ofthe links between childhood asthma and adult eczema and other dermatitis conditions. Although we do not recommend internal usage, she says she personally uses one drop of this oil on a sugar cube for bring her asthma attack to a halt.

Kurt Schaubelt extolls this magnificent deep indigo oil for its antihistaminic/anti-allergin properties. He suggests using it (applied to the solar plexus) in blends for asthma, or diffusing it in blends for emphasema… blending Pine, Cypress and just a touch of this lovely Tansy. (Obviously it is first necessary to test all the oils before blending!)

Hyssop montana/canescens (ex decumbens)
My French mentor writes that in his experience this particular Hyssop (and no others!) is the safest essential oil to use with asthma sufferers. It appears that the pino-camphone content in this hyssop chemotype is very low. So I believe there is no toxicity, compared with the other hyssop types. I have years of experience with it, mainly with diffusers and really love the oil! Best results with asthma patients, little children and allergic people. He says it is the first oil he will reach for in cases of asthma. This hyssop ssp montana/canescens (ex decumbens) is only found in the Haute Provence, France.

Blue Tansy and this Hyssop are the first two essential oils I would test.

Myrtle (Myrtys communis)
Soft, gentle respiratory oil, very good for use with children, normally well tolerated. A very gentle expectorant that can ease coughing while loosening tight mucous.

Litsea cubeba
Litsea, sometimes called May Chang, has clear lemony scent that also has bronchio-dilator and antispasmodic effects. It is normally well tolerated, but should be tested. It also blends aromatically well with amni visnaga (see above) and makes inhalation of the Khella Oil a lot more palatable.

Cypress Oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
All of the conifers may help with respiratory problems. Cypress, in addition, is an antispasmodic which can help relieve bronchial spasms. However, any of the “Evergreen” oils can cause an allergic reaction to many people, so please be very sure to test this with your asthma patient. (See test method above.)

My mentor suggests, if the above oils are all well-tolerated, a blend of one drop each of Hyssop, Litsea, and Cypress inhaled from a cotton ball when breathing first begins to feel constricted. If this blend, or any single oil proves effective you might want to look at making a personal inhaler for the patient to carry with him.

My instinct says to start with the citrus oils…they are normally well tolerated…and wonderful mood lighteners…since there is normally an emotional component to asthma, they might be helpful…

IF they can tolerate the eucalyptus oils, they might help with breathing…other oils that can help with bronchial problems are frankincense, cedarwood…but test first.

If the patient can tolerate Lavender, it would help promote sleep at night, a general “relaxant”…and litsea cubeba is said to help with the bronchial spasms…but TEST first!!!! I’d want to very carefully check for possible reactions to any/all of them individually before blending. For asthma, with the same caveats, I look to hyssop, our Sweet Spanish Eucalyptus (another globulous, but gentler and softer, since most Eucalyptus globulous on the market is rectified to increase its cineole content. Frankincense (which either will be wonderful, or will really cause a problem) or Elemi. Atlas Cedarwood is a good addition to general chest congestion blends, as is Scotch Pine i>(Pinus sylvestris).

Oils that are Useful for General Support of the Respiratory System

Frankincense slows and deepens the breathing…our favorite is the Boswellia carterii.

Black Spruce and Atlas Cedarwood are both good for respiratory support, Atlas Cedarwood is very grounding, which might be helpful if the asthma has an emotional/anxiety component. Black Spruce is wonderful for immune system support, specifically for the adrenals!

Of the Eucalyptus oils, my choice for “chest stuff” is our unrectified Spanish Sweet Eucalyptus, although in all honesty most of the authorities recommend Eucalyptus radiata (but most of the authorities haven’t sampled our spanish euc;)!

We might also look at relaxing oils if the asthma seems to be more emotionally caused rather than allergic; however most of the “relaxers” are I suspect also more apt to trigger allergies.

Antiseptic or Antibacterial

Dr. Valnet—one of the founders of the modern aromatherapy, describes the antiseptic effects of essential oils which by evaporation kill bacteria and other micro-organisms. Most of the essential oils are more or less antiseptic, but the following oils are of special value by the treatment of flu, common cold, sore throat, tonsillitis and other respiratory infections: Thyme, Eucalyptus, Salvia, Pine, Cajeput, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Lemon, and Angelica.

Antispasmodic

These essential oils have an effect in calming and soothing spasms in the smooth muscles tissues and are applied by the treatment of asthma, dry cough, and pertussis (whooping cough): Cedar, cajaput, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, sandalwood, and thyme.

Expectorant

An expectorant helps to promote the removal of mucous from the respiratory system by means of coughing and spitting. According to Boyd an expectorant can be pharmacologically defined as a substance that increases the production of moisture in the bronchial tubes. Expectorant oils are therefore applied to help this removal process and to soothing coughing: green anise, cajaput, fennel, helichrysum, eucalyptus, olibanum, spike lavender, myrrh, myrtle, pine, sandalwood, and thyme.

Immunity Stimulating

Essential oils can assist and improve an immunity reaction in two different manners: By means of counter-acting threatening micro orgasm or by stimulating the immunity system. Oils like cajaput, lavender, lemon, rosemary and Tea tree combat a large range of bacteria, whereby at the same time they increase the immunity reaction. In holistic aromatherapy the improvement of the immunity reaction is considered one of the major aims.

During a crisis the inhalation or breathing of antispasmodic oils or the application on specific parts of the body, quickly results in relief. If one prefers inhalation a few drops on a tissue or even smelling at the bottle, will be effective. The use of steam to which oils are added is not advisable. The heath of the steam will only increase the inflammation of the mucous membranes. Moisture however is beneficial, so a few drops essential oil added to an air moisturizer is an excellent treatment.

Between application of the oils to certain areas and veins of the chest and back, is also advisable. The choice of oil is determined by:

1. The presence of an infection
2. The presence of emotional factors
3. Possible allergic reactions.

By treating asthma by means of aromatherapy we have to distinguish two groups of patients.

First, the patient with a long history of asthmatic problems and in connection therewith the long dependency on conventional medicine. Second, the patient who has asthmatic complaints for a relative short period, with little or no dependency on conventional medicine. These two groups are the basis for different aromatherapeutic treatments.

By the first group of people who have been suffering with these complaints for many years asthma has developed into a physical problem. Treatment will be carried out in different phases. By the second group, those with a short complaint history, the first two phases of aromatherapeutic treatment should suffice. This is because their complaints have not turned into a physical problem yet, the asthma so to speak hasn’t given a physical imprint in their organs. In this case symptoms occur through emotional and physical stimulus and in general supporting and strengthening aromatherapy is usually sufficient, but equally often with amazing results.

PHASE 1

This phase we could call the “introduction phase.” Asthma patients can slowly and carefully be introduced to the use of essential oils. Especially is they are unfamiliar with these oils. A short explanation of what oils do, how they were used during many centuries, and with examples (think of the story of the three Kings visiting the manger after Jesus was born, carrying Myrrh, Olibanum and Gold) will give the patient confidence. Most people only know synthetic fragrances and that essential oils are natural with a high degree of purity, is something they never heard of. Let the patient smell the different oils and then apply a light relaxing massage, meanwhile observing the patients reactions carefully. The best oils to apply during this first introduction are pleasantly smelling oils or compositions. Take as an example one or more oils from the following spasmodic range:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• Roman Chamomille (Chamaemelum nobile)
• Jatamansi (Nardus jatamansi)
• Petit Grain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris lanaloferum)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Benzoe (Stryrax benzoin)
• Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum or Jasminum sambac)

In fact, all oils which the patient finds pleasant can be used. Asthma patients usually react well to either single oils or compositions and feel well after such a first introduction. This first phase can of course consist out of multiple sessions. Massage the chest and the back, apply oils to certain areas of the feet, on the arms and in the neck. Important is that the patient getting used to—and finding the oils pleasant.

PHASE 2

This phase is aimed at the introduction of expectorant oils, which help to remove excessive mucous from the respiratory system. A good choice of oils here are Eucalyptus smithii, Eucalyptus radiata and/or Ravensara aromatica. Practically all oils with a 1,8-cineol are a good choice in this phase. Examples are:

• All eucalyptus oils with the exception of Eucalyptus citriodora.
• Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) especially the varieties with a high cineol content.
• Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora = M quinquenervia viridiflora)
• Spike Lavender (Lavandula spica)
• Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
• Myrtle (Myrtus communis)(Melaleuca leucadenra = M. cajeputi)

It is noticeable that especially members of the Myrtaceae botanical family are useful as expectorants. All kind of applications are useful. In a bath or shower oil, in a diffuser, in a massage oil and by applying the oil (diluted) to certain parts of the body and veins). The Ravensara or the Eucalyptus smithii show a remarkable effect by asthma patients, due to the presence of terpene alcohols.

It the patient shows positive results to this phase, a few weeks later a more intense treatment can be entered into.

PHASE 3

Although there is a lot of similarity between the different symptoms, it is useful to distinguish between the nervous/allergic reactions and the patient who’s asthma has been transformed into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma accompanied by strong physical weakness.

For the nervous and allergic asthma patient anti-spasmodic and anxiolitics (anxiety decreasing) oils are to be applied. A mixture of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Verbenon chemotype, is excellent for inhalation. Inhalation should occur on a daily basis. These oils or mixture can also be applied to the soles of the feet, certain parts of the body and neck and added to a shower or bath oil or foam. To this mixture can further be added, to make an effective massage oil, Cypres-leaf (Cupressus sempervirens), Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) or Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). For all these applications e dilution of 2–5% is advisable.

Patients whose complaints have turned into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma, should benefit from stimulating oils lik Oregano (Oreganum vulgare), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype) and/or Savory (Satureja hortensis or Montana). The advantage of these oils is that they are a great stimulant to the immunity system.

PHASE 4

Within aromatherapy there are a few oils known to have strong mucolytic (dissolving or breaking down mucous) and at the same time spasmolytic (prevents and eases spasms or convulsions) effects. Khella (Amni visnaga) and Sweet Inula (Inula graveolens). In France these oils are applied to the body by means of a suppository. But to those not familiar with this method it is advisable to apply these oils in diluted form or by inhalation or through massage. They can also be applied in diluted form to certain parts of the body and veins.

These oils are used where an asthmatic crisis situation occurs and when these oils are applied, the patient will have had already a considerable experience with aromatherapy and is undergoing treatment from an aromatherapist knowing his or her profession. Oils like Khella with the active ingredients khelline and visnadine and Sweet Inula with the ingredient alantolactone, can loosen a large quantity of phlegm. When applied in diluted form to the skin, especially in the case of sweet Inula, always do a small allergy test before.

Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things. The following is what I would do. I advise you to think about everyone’s advice. My choices of EOs are based on some very good books but tempered by what I think you can actually do. Fancy recipes aren’t worth much if you don’t have the equipment or can’t find the ingredients.

Essential Oils: Try them in this order: Hyssop, Myrtle, Cypress, Lavender, Litsea cubeba (if you can’t find this one, skip it), Petitgrain (or Mandarine).

Mixtures: Hyssop EO and Cypress EO and Litsea cubeba EO (if you found it): One drop of each on a cotton ball to smell at will whenever breathing feels constricted. Try the combination and if the effect is positive, mix as follows. Get a couple of small amber (not clear or blue) bottles where you got your oils or from a pharmacist. Try to get the dropper goodie that goes in the top (called an orifice reducer) also. Mix equal amounts of the oils together. You might use a stainless steel 1/4 tsp to measure. Also, it will help if you can find a small funnel to keep from spilling stuff. Once you have made the mixture, be sure and label it! (Put tape over the label to keep the ink from running.) Then he can have the mixture to use whenever he wishes.

Myrtle EO and Lavender EO and Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO): This is a more complicated mixture. You will also need some Sweet Almond Oil or other carrier oil. The Swteet Almond is widely available and cheaper than some of the others. Either buy a 4 oz bottle or a larger bottle of oil and a 4 oz empty bottle. (You will find yourself saving nice bottles that you have emptied of other things. Glass bottles and plastic tops wash best.) For your trial of this mixture, take one tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil, add 7 drops Myrtle EO, 3 drops Lavender EO, and 3 drops Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). Use this as a massage oil on the young man’s BACK, not chest. If the reaction is a good one, mix up some more as follows: 7 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil (this should be what is left in your 4 oz bottle if that is what you bought). Add 1/2 tsp Myrtle EO, 1/4 tsp Lavender EO and 1/4 tsp Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). If you have some, puncture and squeeze a couple of capsules of Vit E into the mixture as a preservative. This is a massage oil for his back. It can also be used on his wrists or ankles. It should be used every 15 minutes or oftener during an attack. It will not hurt him to use it once or twice a day as a regular thing if he thinks it makes his condition better. If he does decide to use it regularly, you may consider using castor oil instead of Sweet Almond sometime and seeing if that improves things. Castor Oil “packs” (kind of like compresses) are popular for removing congestion in the abdominal area and may also help with the respiratory system. It is something to try.

I don’t know if these oils will help or not but as long as he has no negative reaction to them, they shouldn’t hurt. Have you tried Cajuput, this opens the bronchi, so that you can breathe. You can inhale it by putting a drop on your hanky. This oil is very useful if you are suffering from an allergic reaction and you cannot breathe, I use it.
—
Mike and Suzie Broderick: I’ve had success with a number of clients this winter with various degrees of chest congestion (none with pneumonia though), with a blend used in adiffuser and diluted in a massage oil, or in a hot castor oil pack, similar to what you describe. I used the following oils: helichrysum, 20 drops; tea tree, 30 drops; pine, 30 drops; frankincense, 23 drops; yarrow, 10 drops; red thyme, 10 drops. Instructions to clients were to add 4–6 drops to a humidifier, or in a steam inhalation. Or I used maximum 10 drops of this blend to 1 oz of massage oil, or castor oil in a hot pack.

Wanda Sellar’s Directory of Essential Oils, lists Immortelle (helichrysum) as “a general aid to the respiratory system soothing feverish colds, influenza, bronchitis, coughs and asthma. Helps to remove mucous from the lungs and induces relaxation and sleep.” —Danila  at Nature’s Gift

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) Testimonials

Regular readers of our newsletter know that I believe our Helichrysum italicuum is the most healing essential oil I have ever seen. A friend recently asked me to collect “anecdotal evidence” of Helichrysum’s effects, and this document was the result. She urged me to share it online, so here it is. (We have recently found these testimonials posted verbatim on other websites, selling other helichrysum species. We can’t be responsible for the effects of using ANY helichrysum other than our certified organic Helichrysum italicuum from the island of Corsica.)

Read about, and order, our  Helichrysum Essential Oil here. Or our  Helichrysum Hydrosol  on our hydrosol pages.

Rosacea

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

A few months ago I asked you for some advice re a Rosacea client. I used your Rosacea synergy and formulated a lotion and soap for him, as well as providing him with Helichrysum Hydrosol to use as a toner. He has been using them for about six weeks, and called me yesterday to tell me that these products have really helped him and that he wanted to order more! He had previously sought treatment with a dermatologist and found that nothing had helped, but had actually caused more irritation to his skin. Just wanted to share with you another success story and to thank you for your help!

From a client who wished to remain anonymous:

I just received my first order – very promptly, I might add- thank you, and am already seeing results from using the combination of clarifying soap, helichrysum hydrosol, and rosacea synergy. It’s been just five days! My skin thanks you!!

From Julia Mulcahey:

Thank you! I have had a small patch of rosacea on my face for nearly 6 months. Your clarifying soap and helichrysum hydrosol seem to be working their magic – it’s nearly disappeared! Thank you!

Bruising

From Kati Toney (w/ Marge’s comments in 2nd paragraph):

Anyway, my point to all this is, I got the BIGGEST, UGLIEST bruises on my legs from climbing that tree & when I got home I put the Helichrysum sample I got from you on it (b/c I remembered you saying that it was good for bruises!) and the next day they were faded & within a day or two were completely gone! I was AMAZED!!! I usually keep bruises for quite awhile & ones that deep & big mighta hung around for a couple of weeks! I was SO excited & it didn’t take much at all! Matter of fact, I still have half of that sample left!

Wonderful!!! That is exactly what it was SUPPOSED to do…but I’m so delighted that it worked for you…that it DID do what it was supposed to. Now you see why I say it’s one of those ‘desert island’ oils…the ones I wouldn’t be without. 

More on Bruising

Mary Hayne, from Denton, Texas recently wrote:

I have to tell you though, I had another mishap — I was getting into the back seat of a friend’s minivan when a friend getting into the front seat closed her door — on my hand (I didn’t realize my hand was holding on so close to her door frame). She got the door back open pretty quickly. That was the panic part. The exciting part is that I iced, took homeopathic Traumeel, and slathered on your 10% Helichrysum. My hand never bruised!

There are two small red spots on my knuckles where my hand was particularly pinched, and a very slight bit of swelling — but that is it and the red spots are fading fast. I also didn’t have any pain — tenderness, yes — pain, no. This is all particularly nice as I had an eight hour exam the next day (right hand crushed, right-handed writer). But the best part was my friend’s face the next morning when she looked at my hand. She was completely dumbfounded. She was so sure it was so bad that she was going to have to take me to the doctor. There my hand was, looking like nothing ever happened. I have read that Helichrysum has “powerful antibruise properties” but this experience has really blown my mind too.

And I have run out of the stuff, so I am ordering more. Thanks so much Marge. Your work really makes a big difference in my life.

Louise, from The Netherlands writes:

Dear Marge,

A few days ago I asked your advice how to avoid bruises in my face due to injections which I unfortunately had to have in my face.

The doctor had told me that I would get very nasty bruises in my face and but that was just one of the facts I had to endure and that they would fade in a week or so.

Then I asked you and I want to tell you that there are no nasty bruises at all! There is a little swelling but very little only myself can notice that because nobody noticed!

Anyway, I want to tell you that I used 25 ml of St.John’s wort infused oil, 20 drops of Helichrysum italicum and 5 drops of Lavender augustifolia. Yesterday (after the injections) I applied it immediately after I came home and then I continued to apply it during the day. This morning I looked in the mirror and was very pleased to see a normal color of skin, so I will apply it again several times today!

So Thank you Marge for your advice and please feel free to give this recipe to others.

I have to see the doctor in a few days and I am already enjoying the look on his face when he sees me. I will certainly tell him what I did to avoid those nasty bruises!

Kindest regards, Louise

Alexis Stegall recently wrote:

I had some heli and did use it full strength the first couple of times on a HUGE (6 in diameter at least) bruise on my thigh and then used the 10% in Rose Hip Seed Oil (because that was all that I had) couldn’t believe how fast the bruise went away. 

Normally I will have bruises for a couple of weeks, this one was virtually gone in about 5 or 6 days. It worked great.

You may quote me if you like.

Even More on Bruising

Susan Farr, acupuncturist, recently wrote:

It’s good to be back in touch and to see you too — checking out your website made me hungry for oils again!! I know you have tons of feedback on your helichrysums, but I want you to know that my bottle (10% in FCO) stayed in the acupuncture clinic the whole time I was an intern, and gradually replaced the arnica and chinese ointments as everyone’s treatment of choice when they realized that a puncture was going to leave a bruise (which happens fairly commonly). And the patients (at least mine) loved the smell, too. I never even tried the recommended chinese remedies, as I knew from personal experience how well the heli works. That’ll be my next order!

Take care, Susan

Scarring

Ellen W. Ray from Alchemical Essence Aromatherapy wrote:

I used the Helichrysum Italicum and Rose Hip Seed Oil blend for an injury to my face that occurred from a dog bite and it helped tremendously. There’s barely the trace of a scar on my lip and none on my face. The doctor who removed the stitches was amazed and asked for the name of the Essential Oil and Carrier Oil. He kept looking back at his notes from the emergency room, remembered the incident, and said the healing was incredible. He also asked where it could be purchased. 

From Leslie Robinson:

I can vouch for Marge’s suggested rose hip seed oil/heli blend for scars. In July, I fell and impaled my face on a piece of rebar. An ugly accident. I used this combination an average of 3 times daily — I have no visible scar. Have used this on a year-old mastectomy scar for a few months and notice that it is beginning to flatten and fade a bit.

Wondrous things these oils are!!!”

From Vicki Camp, Reporting back on the Helichrysum Experiment:

I asked you on the Cosmetics List some time ago if you thought Helichrysum Italicuum would be good on old scars. You replied something to the effect of ‘no guarantees; I’m not certain,’ although I note you’re really fond of its properties. However, I went ahead and tried it anyway. Had a breast needle biopsy last July (benign, benign) – 2 separate entrances on the same breast. While the scars were not huge and there was no raised marking (is that called a keloid, I think?) they were noticeably red and each about 1/4 – 1/2 inch in size. I am of Scandinavian-American descent and have this fair, fair skin. No allergies of note, although living in Michigan automatically qualifies me for itchy skin spots and sinus in the allergy season.:D Natural soap prevents most of the skin issues.

So hey, having given you the background – HERE’s the amazing results. I put a drop of Heli, neat, on each spot. Rubbed them a bit. Didn’t give much thought to it. Never tried it again. This morning in the shower I happened to notice that the scars are all but invisible. I guess I’m so used to them NOT being there that I don’t give it a thought very often. But what do you suppose made THAT happen, after a year of visible scars?

I ‘m off to try it on some ‘whitish’ scars on my arm that I got when coming in contact with a hot iron years ago. Will let you know. This is fun! Hugs and smiles!”

MY NOTE: I do NOT recommend using Helichrysum (or any other essential oil) neat the way Vicki did. Proper and appropriate dilution might take a bit longer to see results, but it is safer for you, and less wasteful of a precious limited resource.

Barbara McBee wrote:

I had a benign cellular tumor removed from my neck nearly three years ago. The scar was 4 inches, very tight and inflamed. Nothing over the counter worked—I am very sensitive to chemicals and additives. My doctor thought this was the best I would heal, though I never keloid. I searched around and found your sight approx. one and one half years after my surgery-I have ordered helio with rosehips, (my orders have included peppermint and argan oil.but for this purpose I stuck with helio and rosehips).

I applied religiously for several months at night-I could not wear anything against my neck, and had trouble sleeping because my poor skin seemed to be pulled so tight.I am small, and great care was taken to pull everything back together.I am back to wearing turtlenecks, and the scar(including the turkey-wobble that brought the sutures to a complete close) are so minimal that one has to search for it.

More Scarring (Keloids)

A story I had forgotten about, until a friend recently quoted it on a list we share:

A friend who had a brain tumor removed… I saw her about 4 weeks after the surgery, and it was the worst single scar I have ever seen… from about an inch in front of her temple, running around the back of her head to the other side of her forehead… maybe two inches of whole skin between the two ends of the scar… swollen keloidal tissue, bigger than my thumb, and bright burgundy wine color… 

I gave her some heli in rose hip with the ‘standard instructions’…didn’t see her for about a month, and she had stopped using it “because the scar was all healed”… it hadn’t totally disappeared…but it was faded to white, and looked as though you had taken a very sharp pencil and drawn a white line on her skin… no wider than a thread. Now, the thing is, she had stopped using the heli blend several days earlier because she considered it healed… but it’s my belief that if she had continued using it, there would be NO scar… —Marge Clark

And Sharon Finch shares her two daughters’ results:

About six months before my oldest was married, she ended up in the hospital for over 14 days and ended up having surgery for her Crohns disease. Due to the nature of her surgery, her scar is runs up and down. Her condition was so severe they thought she would have to wear an ostomy bag. Fortunately, she did not, however, she did have a very mean red ugly scar. Marge, being the person she is, sent me a bottle of her Helichrysum in Rose Hip seed oil for Jessica to use. Jessica actually wore a bikini to Jamaica after her wedding. Today, the only reason you know there is a scar is there is a very faint line.

My middle daughter was in a halo for seven months; until April, 2000. She had pretty large indentions on her forehead that were red and just plain ugly and two actual openings on the back of her head where the halo was screwed in. Jessica had surgery in 2002. Aubrey used some of the blend Marge had sent to Jessica. You can hardly notice the markings on her forehead.”

Dawn St. Clair wrote:

Marge recommended Rosehip Seed Oil mixed with Helichrysum as a remedy for scars. She said it was best to use on new scars, but could also be useful on old ones. Well, my daughter, Ashley, had a large Keloid scar (we are of Mediterranian origin) on her thigh where a pre-cancerous mole was removed. She had this scar for over a year, so it was not a new scar. I used Marge’s formula, with a little added emu oil, twice a day, every day. This is not a quick fix. It took a couple of months, however, the skin has lightened from dark gray to her own skin tone, and even smoothed out a great deal. It is not visible now unless you are looking for it.

Janice Sheplar, quoted below re the dark circles, first started using the Helichrysum in Rosehip Seed oil for a surgical scar on her neck. She emailed me that she has the sort of skin that automatically forms keloids and sent me a picture of the “before” picture, a truly nasty vertical scar from her collarbone to her jaw, deeply coloured and raised up. I managed to lose the “after” photo, but the scar was impossible to see in a close up photograph. She was thrilled with the results!

Eczema

“I must say, I am *hugely* impressed with what the Helichrysum and Roman Chamomile hydrosols have done for my skin! I was having a bad bout of what I’d always termed “seasonal eczema” {it always happens with the change of seasons and is sometimes tough to shake}. My skin {face} had been downright scaly and was oozing a little in spots as well. I ordered the hydrosols, received them and used them that night. The very next day there was strong, visible improvement! By the 3rd day my skin was basically back to normal! Wonderful stuff.”—Name withheld by request

Back Pain

“Hi, got the order Friday (I think). Have been enjoying the rosewood and helichrysum (sp? I’m away from the bottle) especially. They help relieve my painful back and make me smell wonderful!”—Name withheld by request

More Pain Relief

Stacey Miller writes:

Last night I made a 5% dilution of equal parts Helichrysum italicum and Lavender stoechas in jojoba for my stepmom to use for pain relief. Evidently it worked pretty well. She used it on her broken foot and said the analgesic effect was almost instant. (I was skeptical about getting any pain relief at all for something this intense.) She liked the scent and didn’t need a pain pill before bed.

Kathy Mijares writes:

Also, I just wanted to add that I am absolutely in LOVE with the Helichrysum! It smells SO wonderful. This is my first experience with this lovely oil! I mixed up a pain treatment in a carrier oil with a little of the Heli, black pepper and my lavender right away because I have disabling chronic back pain…..and the change in the weather (cold and rainy here) was causing me to be very uncomfortable. It worked so fast I was amazed! No more pain pills for me….now that I have my Helichrysum! I’ll definitely be back for more!

Carole Bland recently wrote:

Comments: Broke my ankle back in March. Had surgery to repair both the tib and fib (w/hardware). The helichrysum has helped tremendously with both the pain from the injury and fading the scar. Thank you for offering such a great product.

Rheumatoid Arthritis — Bone Spurs?

Our client Prakash recently shared this anecdote:

Dear Marge,

I want to share an interesting story with you–something unexpected from using Helichrysum & St. John’s Wort.

Earlier this week, I felt a flareup of rheumatoid arthritis starting. I’d recently gotten some of your infused St. John’s Wort, and I’ve been playing with your amazing (on many levels) Helichrysum in Fractionated Coconut Oil for about a month. So, as the sharp pain started in my joints, I slathered on the St. John’s…let it soak in for a few minutes, then followed with a healthy dose of Helichrysum gently massaged on top. (joints involved: many, including elbows) After a while, I began to feel a “softening” of the pain.

*BUT* that’s not why I’m writing. The next morning, I noticed a big brown bruise near my elbow. A few weeks ago, I’d felt a bump there–like a bone-spur. I’d chalked it up to the RA and planned to check in with my doctor about it. Anyway, this big bruise (looking like it was an old bruise; though there’d been nothing there the day before) was right over that spur/bump. Hmmm. Felt it; it felt sort of like little crystals were in there, maybe a bit of break up of the spur? Anyway, I decided to rub my elbow each evening with the same combo of St. John’s & Helichrysum.

I started all this on Tuesday night. This morning–Sunday–that spur/bump is barely there, maybe 1/8 of what it was earlier in the week.

I don’t know if this was from the Helichrysum or the St. John’s Wort or the combo of the two. I just know I’m delighted.

Side note: Just smelling that marvelous Helichrysum soothes my bones, my heart, and my soul.

Thanks, Marge.:-)

Prakash

Chemical Burn Scarring

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

This is some background about how my face was scarred. In January 1996 my former dermatologist gave me glycolic acid, which was too strong for me to perform at home, and it literally ate into my skin. It would have been fine if he performed the glycolic peel in his office so he could monitor it but the peel was not meant for an inexperienced patient to do at home. The result of the peel was equivalent to a second-degree burn and it left significant scarring on one side of my face. I spent so much money for products and procedures like expensive herbal peels in trying to heal the scar but it never improved. I searched hours on the Internet and ordering products that were formulated for scars but nothing worked. I looked in numerous books to try to find a solution but I couldn’t find anything that would specifically work for scars, only ways to prevent them from forming. I kept coming across rosehip oil and helichrysum as being healing and regenerative to scar tissue and I did more research into them. When I decided to try the oils I made a commitment to stay with it until the scar improved. It was several months before I could see a major difference but I am amazed at how much the scar has diminished. The scar is blending into the surrounding skin and it’s not thick anymore.

The texture is so much smoother and with a light layer of foundation my scar is hardly noticeable. I feel confident that the scar will be completely resolved because of how much improvement I have seen. I also massage the scar on a daily basis and I feel that has also made a tremendous difference. Some other things that I am using as well are aloe vera and a few other essential oils but I believe that it is the rosehip and helichrysum that is regenerating the skin to normal. When I feel the skin where the scar is the texture feels so smooth and normal. I feel that the reason I got such good results is that I am very consistent, I’ve haven’t missed a single day of using rosehip oil and helichrysum since I started my regime. That makes a huge difference. It does take time, my scars were well formed, and I’m going to continue with the oils until they are resolved. Thank you for letting me share my experience.

Bumps and Bruises

Monique Macintosh writes:

Your Helichrysum with German Chamomile CO2 is doing wonders for my scrapes from playing volleyball and rescuing one of my pine trees from a huge wild rose bush. A good test is my slow pitch softball team mate who loves to slide in shorts. He has a patch of healing skin on his right leg. I “loaned” him my bottle of H w/ GC CO2 and he says he already feels the difference in a day.

Dark Circles

My friend Janice recently had surgery, so we sent her some Helichrysum in RoseHipSeed oil. She has been raving about its effect on the scar from her surgery on another mail list. But she also shared that she’s been using it to fade under eye circles…and that it’s working amazingly well. That one felt like a “DUH…why didn’t I think of that?”…as effective as Helichrysum is at healing bruises, it stands to reason that it might well be useful for the dark circles some of us (especially me!) get under our eyes. I don’t think the Rosehip Seed Oil is an essential part of that combination…it would be the Helichrysum Italicuum that would do the work, so you could dilute it in the carrier of your choice. Please dilute it well, and, as always, be VERY careful using any essential oil around the eyes!

Bursitis

My friend Mary Jane writes from Michigan:

I woke up this morning and could hardly walk. I have bursitis in my right hip. I used a mixture of helichrysum, vetiver, black pepper, and jojoba oil. The pain decreased in about 10 minutes. I could walk without a limp for six hours. It was great! I have also been in a horrible mood for the last few days. I must say, the synergy did wonders for my attitude. I walked around relaxed and on cloud nine all day.

Maybe you could pass along the recipe to fellow sufferers. 

So I did ;).

Chigger Bites

Another client just wrote: “Also want you to know the Helichrysum oil (in carrier) did WONDERS with a chigger bite I had on my leg! Good God! Swelling (welt) and itching immediately reduced to almost NOTHING. Last time this happened, I itched for about one solid week and the nasty bites left almost scars and darkened spots that remained for a long time.” (Now, if she had used our  SkeeterBeater  in advance, she’d not have had to worry about the chiggers, but that’s another story.”)

Skin Irritation

Manisha recently wrote:

I hope this email finds you happy and healthy. I wrote to you several years ago when I carelessly and hastily used hair removal wax meant for arms on my face (to remove facial hair above my upper lip). You rushed me Helichrysum oil and rose hip seed oil for the carrier. This combination worked wonderfully! I healed quickly without any scarring. Thank you so very much for your advice and quick shipment.

I recently received an email from a member of the Lakota people, asking me to remove the reference to Wallace Black Elk from the  NAHA White Paper about the risks involved in Rain Drop Therapy. I would have gladly complied, but I was not the author of the paper and didn’t feel it was right to alter the original authors’ words. (The fact that essential oils are NOT used in traditional Native American healing is an indication of the veracity of Don Gary Young, but that’s another subject.)

Instead of altering the paper as published, using Young’s own writings as a reference, I asked permission to quote her email, below.

Greetings, It saddens my heart to see misinformation continuing to pop up in regard to our Dear Grandfather Wallace Black Elk.

Per your website search: “Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates…”

Don Gary Young is a known quack who has claimed to have learned and modified a “technique” from Grandfather Wallace. Don was a “monkey” (and there have been many) who hung around Grandfather, he was “monkey-see, monkey-do.” He would imitate things he saw without knowledge, without wisdom and without any knowledge of our& Grandfather. He never “worked with” nor was he ever taught, endorsed or recognized by Grandfather. He has stained our beautiful Grandfather’s name and it has to stop.

Thank you for exposing Don Gary Young for the sick individual that he is, but, please, take it one step further and correct all the information. Please support our Grandfather and his memory and remove this lie from your website. It will be a blessing to us all.

Further correspondence bought the following:

Perhaps a posted copy of my email message would be appropriate. I would definitely appreciate not having my private email put “out there” for all to see and attack. Each time I reach out to a person in regard to this matter I take a risk, so I thank you for your kind nature. If I may share with you…

This misinformation has been taught by this man, Don Gary Young, for many years. It is not uncommon, but it is very untrue. My information comes directly from Grandfather Wallace’s biological children and my own experience directly knowing Grandfather. He was a beautiful, generous spirit during his time on Earth and I want nothing more than to set the truth free — even if is takes me one person at a time. It is my heart’s hope that, like a pebble in a pond, as we reach out in a good way to each person, that this information will travel and reach everyone and in doing so bring light and truth forth and wash away this untrue stain from Grandfather’s life. It causes great pain to his family daily and more than I can share, it is getting worse as the lie travels with the power of the internet.

Our Lakota Medicine Men and Women and their ways are Sacred and all too often bastardized by “wanna-bees.” There is no “raindrop,” it was completely fabricated by Don Gary Young. It is possible that Mr. Young heard Grandfather’s stories, as he told many. Often to teach, send a message or simply to bring laughter forth. It is also possible that he witnessed healing ceremonies performed by Grandfather as a Medicine Man. But to claim to have been directly taught or instructed by Grandfather is simply an untruth. It is a way for him to gain trust and access to your finances.

The best “translated” book about Grandfather Wallace was written by a man who did actually spend time with Grandfather and was allowed to record his words on audiotape, William S. Lyon. Mr. Lyon is very clear in his representation of himself as translator to the best of his ability and honored Grandfather in doing so. It is simply humanly impossible to capture the depth and essence of such a human in words. 

Sitting with Grandfather, for even an hour, was worth more than a lifetime of attempting to “describe” anything about him. At any rate, the book is called “Black Elk, The Sacred Ways of A Lakota.” I think you will enjoy it. Try to get a copy at your local library so you don’t have to spend your money.

Additional information on DGY… www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/young.html

Be safe, live in the light and close to the Earth. Thank you for spending a few moments with me. Please toss your own pebble of truth into the pond and help us spread the word.

I request you send me a copy of what you would post to your website prior to posting it.

Namaste’

Anni
Black Hills, South Dakota

The following white paper is presented by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, detailing why responsible members of the Aromatherapy Community are aware of the risks and dangers inherent in the practice of so called “Raindrop Therapy.”

Raindrop Therapy White Paper

The use of essential oils is an ancient practice dating back to Egypt. Like many other practices with roots in the past, it has been highly commercialized to the public. It should rightly hold a respected position in alternative, complementary health practices. In some parts of the world, such as France, it may be practiced with care and skill. However, the general public in the USA, is still in an initiate stage of understanding the use and benefits of the oils. As such, this white paper is intended to educate the consumer of essential oils and practices which they may be exposed to in their explorations. While there is a sense that because it is “natural”, “they are safe”, this paper is intended to give you information about a practice promoted within one company. The practice is called “Raindrop Therapy”, and is promoted within the Young Living Company. While this paper does not make comment regarding the company or its product, it does take a critical stand against the use of the oils in “Raindrop Therapy.”

In the USA, The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) has defined standard curriculum for certification for “Aromatherapy Practitioner”. There are persons performing “Raindrop Therapy” (RDT), who have not received training, observing similar curriculum standards. These public demonstrations and conferences have been presented to the general public as well as audiences of health care professionals including physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, and massage therapists. The purpose of this paper is to assert a position against the use of a technique called “Raindrop Therapy” as it currently cannot be supported as a recognized aromatherapy “best practice.” This position is intended to educate and inform the public as a part of the role of members of the Aromatherapy Community.

“Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Mr. Gary Young is not to be regarded as a best practice because:

• It promotes the unsafe use of essential oils, putting people at risk of skin irritation and
• There is no published empirical substantiation to support its claims that RDT is a “tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis.” ^[1]

Foundation of Conclusions

Current research of formal testing regarding the chemical structure, per cutaneous absorption and dermal metabolism of essential oils as well as potential skin reactions, including irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity and essential oil toxicity, determines existing standard safety guidelines.Safety guidelines are based on the assumption that essential oils used in aromatherapy will be used at safe dilution levels for external use.

In addition to standard dilution guidelines, the aromatherapy practitioner must be aware of those individuals who are identified as a greater risk for developing potential skin reactions, including persons with known allergies, history of asthma, eczema, psoriasis, fair-haired, light skinned, and those with a history of multiple allergies and medical complications. ^[2] (Although this procedure does not preclude sensitization, only potential irritation), “in order to avoid potential skin reactions”, those “at-risk” should receive skin “patch-testing” at “double the concentration planned to use, prior to application of each essential oil.” ^[3]

There is no published clinical evidence to support that RDT has any correcting value as a tool to be used to adjust spinal curvatures caused by scoliosis, or align electric and structural elements, even if the essential oils were to be used at correct dilution levels and the individual’s skin was patch-tested prior to application. Therefore, because of the unsafe use of undiluted essential oils as well as unpublished claims, “Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Gary Young is not supported as a “best practice.”

The discussion that follows will present a description of 1) Raindrop Therapy technique along with 2) current known safety standard guidelines regarding the dermal application of essential oils used in RDT practice and 3) literature regarding unfounded claims of the rationale for use of RDT.

SUPPORTING LITERATURE RESEARCH

This position is based on the following publications, which describe the technique and claims, from the following sources in print and video, as well as information found on the World Wide Web.

Essential Oils Desk Reference,Second Edition, 2001 Essential Science Publishing, pp. 191–198

The Science and Application of Essential Oils,D. Gary Young, ND, “Aromatologist,” YoungLiving Oils, (Video), 1994

Excerpts fromAromatherapy, The Essential Beginningby Gary Young, no longer in print, pp 1–7

Description of Raindrop Therapy (Excerpts)

Step 2
“Next comes the application of the oils of thyme and oregano. Hold the bottle approximately six inches above the skin and let five drops of each oil drop from the bottle evenly spaced along the spine frombottom to top (sacrum to atlas or 1stcervical). Try to stay in the electrical field as much as possible. Itdoes not matter which oil is applied first. Apply one oil and then layer it by gently spreading it evenly alongthe curvature of the spine. Apply the second oils the same way. You don’t need large drops, and more isnot better. Then apply 10 to 15 drops of the V-6 Mixing Oil to prevent any discomfort…

…Now apply the oils ofCypress, Birch, Basil and Peppermint in that order. Apply four to five drops of the first oil along the length of the spine. Layer it in by evenly spreading it with your fingertips. Then do the same with the other three. Starting on one side of the spine, gently massage the oils in along the spine. Do not work directly on the spine. Do not force it or apply direct pressure. Start at the sacrum and use the fingertips of both hands placed side-by-side, and in a circular clockwise motion, work up the side of the spine to the atlas, pushing or pulling the tissue in the direction you want the spine to move. This technique helps to create a “space” for the spine to move. After finishing one side of the spine, walk around to the other side of the individual and begin on the second side starting from the sacrum working up to the atlas. Repeat this two more times.

Step 5
Pay close attention because the back can become very hot!

The heat will generally build slowly in intensity to where it will peak in five to eight minutes and then cool down to where it feels pleasant. The water in the towel drives the oils deeper into the skin. The more out of balance, the more virus or bacteria activity in the body, or the more inflammation in the spine, the hotter the area will become along the spine. Some people will experience no heat, for some it will be mild and very pleasant, while for others it may be hot and a little uncomfortable. Pay attention to what the person is saying. Ask questions. If it gets too uncomfortable, remove the towels and apply V-6 Mixing Oil on the back and work it in. This will usually remove the heat in minutes.

After putting the towels on, wait a few minutes to see how the person is responding. If the back does not become very hot, have the person roll over so the back is against the towels on the table. This usually creates more heat.”

Step 6
“Take the four oils of Birch, Cypress, Basil and Peppermint, in that order, and apply two to three drops of each oil along the inside of the lower legs along the shin bone from the bottom of the knee area to the top of the big toes. Apply one at a time and layer each oil in before applying the next oil. Place fingers of one hand along the inside of the shin bone just below the knee, work down to the ankle, and then along the foot up to the top of the big toe using the Vita Flex Technique. Roll your fingers up and then over onto the nails of the fingers, applying slightly more pressure at the top of the roll and releasing as you come over onto the nails. Short nails would be appreciated by the person on whom you are working. Do this three times on each leg….”

Step 8
“Have the person on the table roll back so he or she is again face down. Rest the head in the head-cradle of the massage table again and make sure the person is lying straight. Remove the towels and then examine the spine. Corrections may or may not be visible. At this point you may add another therapy as desired. Sometimes the desired results do not come immediately, and yet the body will continue to respond for days, at which time you may begin to see gradual changes…

This is the basic Raindrop Therapy, although there are several variations. Everybody is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Different body types respond to the applications in ways not expected. Learn to be sensitive to the person to whom you are working so that you can respond to his or her needs.”

The question is often asked, “How long does this application last? Again, everybody responds differently. Generally speaking, the level of health and proper diet are key factors, as are exercise and mental attitude. One application may last months for one person, but then for another it may be necessary to have the application done every week until the body begins to respond. The key is to retrain the body. In some cases, you will have to develop a new memory in the tissue in order for the body to stay where it should be. This may take a few weeks or even a full year.” ^[4]

The Video Presentation Variation
In the video, in which Mr. Young describes the process, he uses the oils of Oregano 4 drops, and 5 drops of Thyme. He also states that if there are arthritic or compressed disks, then to use 6 drops birch, 3 drops lemongrass, 4-5 drops marjoram, 4-5 drops cypress and a couple of drops of Peppermint.

He further goes on to explain that certain essential oils are known to be caustic to the skin, such as the citrus, coneriferous and spice oils, such as clove, nutmeg. He states that these oils are OK to use neat as in drops on the spine, but for a larger area, like the whole back, to dilute them 15-30 drops to one ounce, and children and the elderly should be 15 drops to an ounce. ^[5]

Notes on Description of Oils Getting Hot

In both of his publications of RDT, Mr. Young describes the oils as “may be feeling hot on the skin”

While the sensation of heat and a burning is a symptom of irritation to the skin from using undiluted oils, the precautions he offers is in Essential Oils Desk Reference.

Caution: Special care must be taken with this step (referring to allowing the heat from a wet towel to penetrate usually about 8-10 minutes). The greater the inflammation and viral infection along the spine, “the hotter the area along the spine will become.“ ^[6]

Discussion

The practice of applying these essential oils undiluted to the skin is not consistent with “best practice” taught in standard curriculum for professional aromatherapy education recognized by NAHA. The use of the undiluted essential oils promoted within Raindrop Therapy, are not supported in safety manuals.

Safety Data References of Essential Oils Which are Used in RDT

Oregano Essential Oil

From:Plant Aromatics

Origanum Oil

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Botanical Name: Thymus capitatus Hoffmgg.et Link, and other varieties. ^[7]

A 2% solution of Origanum oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[8]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Oregano (Spanish) (P)

Thymus capitatus, and Origanum vulgare, a table on page 209 list it as moderately irritant as well as having mucous membrane irritant.

Toxicity data and recommendations: Undiluted oregano oil was severely irritating when applied to mouse skin, and moderately irritating when applied to rabbit skin. Tested at 2% it produced no reaction after a patch test on human subjects.

Therefore, Oregano should not be used neat as promoted in Raindrop Therapy as it can and is known to cause cutaneous irritation. As well, the dilution rate for overall use is 2%. Likewise it should not be used at all on hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under 2 years of age. In the video, a ratio of 5% dilution for overall use was recommended (15-30 drops per ounce), and at 2.5% dilution rate for children or the elderly (15 drops to one ounce). ^[9]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Oregano Oil on humans.

Thyme Oil

From: Essential Oil Safety, referring to Thymus vulgaris L., and Thymus Zygis L.

Irritation/Sensitization-Red Thyme oil-nil at 8% however when applied to animal skin undiluted it proved severely irritating. ^[9]

External applications as a rubefacient and counter-irritant include dilution with olive or other oils. ^[10]

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Genus: Thymus

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris Linn. T. serpyllum L. T. zygis L.T. mastichiria L. and dozens of other species with hundreds of varieties and cultivars, with tremendous chemical compositional variation. ^[11]

An 8% solution of Thyme oil (red unrectified) caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[12]

T. vulgaris, other species and different genera, yield thymol, which can produce irritation of the skin. ^[13] Both Thyme oil and thymol have been recorded as being a cause of adverse dermal reactions including dermatitis, cheilitis and severe inflammation. ^[14]

Undiluted thyme oils were severely irritating to both mouse and rabbit skin: tested at 12% it produced no irritation on human subjects.

Again dermal cautions were noted for hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age. ^[15]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Thyme Oil on humans.

Birch Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Betulaceae

Genus: Betula

Botanical Name: Betula lenta Linn. and other varieties. ^[16]

A 4% solution of Sweet Birch oil cased no irritation or sensitization on human. ^[17]

A 1% solution of Birch oil applied to the skin, can cause dermal eruptions. B.P.C. 1934

Birch extracts have caused adverse reactions in up to 50% of people with an allergy to Birch pollen. ^[18]

Methyl salicylate is freely absorbed by the skin and can lead to high blood levels of Salicylic acid. ^[19]

MANY OTHER REPORTS OF ADVERSE EFFECTS ARE RECORDED. Fetal abnormalities and reduce growth rates in rats. It can pass into breast mild and therefore should NEVER BE USED DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION. ^[20]

Although Birch oil (sweet) has shown no irritation or sensitization at 4%, it is NOT RECOMMENDED. ^[21]

Birch Tar Oil: There are many reports in the literature about birch tree extracts causing dermatitis.This extract should not be used unless you are very confident of what you are doing. [22]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Botanical Name: Betula lenta

Notable salicylate 98%

Methyl salicylate can be absorbed transdermally in sufficient quantities to cause poisoning in humans. Topically applied methyl salicylate can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, causing side effects such as internal hemorrhage. A similar interaction is possible, but by no means certain, with other anticoagulants such as aspirin and heparin. Many liniments contain methyl salicylate or wintergreen oil.

Comments: There have been sufficient cased of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils containing it that it would be prudent to avoid use of this oil in aromatherapy. Virtually all “sweet birch oils” are in fact synthetic methyl salicylate.

Compare: Wintergreen ^[23]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Birch Oil on humans.

Wintergreen Oil

From: Plant Aromatics.

Family: Ericacea.

Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Linn.

This oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing for adverse dermal effects by the usual International organizations. ^[24]

Cutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate (the major component of the oil) is rapid.

It has been detected in the urine half an hour after application to the skin. It can also cause dermal eruptions. (AUTHORS NOTE: There is very little genuine wintergreen oil available, as it has mainly been replaced with synthetic methyl salicylate. Due to this and the risks associated from the application of this chemical to the skin, this product should be reserved for local application only, ideally undertaken by someone who has been trained in the use of this hazardous substance.) ^[25]

Contraindications: should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally; do not use if taking anticoagulants

Comments: Virtually all commercial “wintergreen oil” is in fact synthetic methyl salicylate. There have been sufficient cases of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils contain it that it would be prudent to avoid all use of this oil. ^[26]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Wintergreen Oil on humans.

Peppermint Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labietae)

Genus: Mentha with at least 25 species

Botanical Name: Menta x piperita (Peppermint).M arvensis (Corn mint, and numerous varieties and clones of both plants.)

Peppermint oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing procedures for dermal irritation and sensitization; therefore this oil should only be used on the skin at very low levels. ^[27]

“Isolated incidents due to accidental or inappropriate use of the products suggest caution in the handling and application of the oil or menthol, particularly the application of the neat oil to treat rheumatism.” ^[28]

Menthol is irritant in high concentration especially if evaporation from the skin is prevented. ^[29]

Mentha piperita var.Vulgaris

Safety data: tested at low dose non-toxic, NO FORMAL TESTING on skin effects. Use diluted: possible sensitization (menthol): keep away from nostrils of infants because of risk of spasm of glottis: avoid in pregnancy, Lactation. ^[30] It has been reported that some patients with particular enzyme deficits or specific conditions may be effected by certain essential oils. ^[31]

People with G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme-deficiency can develop a toxic build-up of menthol in the body. G-6-PD is the enzyme responsible for liver detoxification of menthol. ^[32]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Peppermint Oil on humans.

Basil Oil

(Although there are safer chemotypes of Basil oil available to use, Raindrop Therapy uses the estragole chemotypeaka: methyl chavicol) ^[33]

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Chemical constituents: Methyl chavicol (70-75%)

Ocimum Basilicum: Bush Basil

Untested Oil; Avoid use on Sensitive or Damaged Skin

Safety Data, No Formal Testing-Avoid in Pregnancy, with babies, children: possible irritation: avoid sensitive skin, appears in low dose non-toxic (Methyl chavicol) is moderately toxic. Excess produces stupefying effect. ^[34]

A 4% solution of Basil Oil (O. basilicum, M. chavicolcirca 55%) caused no irritation or sensitization humans. Some people could react to the eugenol content of some Basil oils. ^[35]

Maximum recommended usage levels in percentage dilution: Basil M. chavicol 55%, 4% dilution

The chemotype Estragole, is reported as having 70-75% methyl chavicol. ^[36]