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Essential Oils as Aroma Medicine
Rose Flower
Aromatherapy Research Updates: Research continues in the world of aromatherapy and the medical and scientific applications of essential oils.

In a study released in the Journal of the Korean Academy of Nursing, "The effects of aromatherapy on stress and stress responses in adolescents" by Seo JY, the effects of regular inhalation from an aromatherapy pendant of Bergamot essential oil was shown to have significant effects on several markers of stres -- including cortisol.

Carvacrol, the primary constituent of Oregano (and found in other essential oils like Thyme and Marjoram) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects through the suppression of COX-2, an enzyme involved in inflammatory response. Other essential oils shown to have anti-inflammatory activity included clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel, and bergamot. The same pathway is affected by Curcumin, an extract of Turmeric, now a popular dietary supplement. Other essential oils traditionally used as anti-inflammatory agents include Lavender, Helichrysum, and German Chamomile.

In a study performed at the School of Medical Sciences at the Tarbiat Modares University, the efficacy of essential oils against MRSA, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, was again confirmed. The most potent of the oils tested wa Thymus vulgaris (Thyme). Previous studies have indicated Geranium and Tea Tree may also be highly effective against this antibiotic resistant bacteria strain.

All for now. Watch our Facebook page for more updates on Ananda's essential oils!
Wild Lavender Essential OilAbout Therapeutic Grade Oils from Ananda Apothecary: We carry our own select line of aromatherapy essential oils under the 'Ananda Aromatherapy' banner. It's important to us when you buy oils online, you are confident about your purchase. Our products are selected by aromatherapists from sources around the world to find you some of the finest oil available. We are not simply trying to find the least expensive aromatherapy oils, or the most rare connoisseur varieties, but the best value available in world-class grade select, wildcrafted and organic therapeutic grade oils. A few wonderful examples include our French Highland Lavender oil, a lavender with a great depth of aroma - there are essential 'notes' within this oil that are not detectable in other Lavenders we've sampled - if you like lavender, this is a real treat. Our dark aged Patchouli - we've had folks that have never liked patchouli before really appreciate this oil. It's deep, essential richness is new to many people. Many organic and wildcrafted varieties are included in the collection when these have been made available at a reasonable price. Some oils have not yet been available this way that meet all our selection criteria, though we continually seek out the highest grades and most ecologically sound production methods. We invite you to sample the high quality varieties we do carry, however! Read more about our exquisite selection process here...
Aromatherapy BottlesThe Aromatherapy Reading Room - All About Using, Choosing, and the Chemistry of Essential Oils:
We're always happy to be adding to our online information about the science and art of aromatherapy. Here are a few selections from our library; details of individual essential oils are found on their homepages, from the list above.

The Chemistry of Essential Oils - Pure oils are each made up many, sometimes hundreds of individual chemicals...Naturally! These chemical molecules are present in the pure, steam and CO2-distilled oil. Here we explain the importance of these chemicals, and why the finest of oils have a balance of these, which gives the greatest therapeutic effect and the best aroma.

How to Make Essential Oils - Making therapeutic grade oils is a complex process. Steam distillation is the most common method, and makes high quality oil. New technologies are emerging, like extraction with pressurized liquid carbon dioxide (CO2), and even 'super-critical' carbon dioxide (SCO2). Find out which oils benefit from these new processes, and which are still the right choice in steam distilled varieties.

Aromatherapy Techniques - What is aromatherapy, and how are essential oils used? Natural essential aromatics are very compatible with our physiology, are easily absorbed, and have potent effects on our tissues. Learn the basic aromatherapy techniques and how to get started.

Anti-Viral Essential Oils - Many oils have anti-viral properties; a recent study showed the oils support the immune system, not always by destroying the invader, but improving immune function on a cellular level. Oils like Ravensara, Melissa and Eucalyptus can have potent anti-viral properties. There are a great many Antibacterial essential oils aromatics as well. Other oils and individual aromatic constituents have been studied for anti-cancer effects as well—this is an especially promising area of aroma-medicine.

Anti-Anxiety and Antidepressants in Aromatherapy - Laboratory studies have now presented evidence for the stress deducing effects of aromatherapy oils. Lavender has been shown time and again to lessen stress responses for laboratory animals. Other aromatics, particularly the citrus oils like Bergamot, Orange, Lemon and Lime instill a sense of well-being. Here's a review of the latest data regarding the anxiolytic action of aromatherapy.

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