Aromatherapy Works! Jasmine as Powerful as Valium in New Study

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

...of course, one must wonder if the placebo effect occurs in mice.....:)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/7881819/Smell-of-jasmine-as-calming-as-valium.html


Smell of jasmine 'as calming as valium'

Published: 7:00AM BST 10 Jul 2010

Laboratory tests found the fragrance and its chemical substitute dramatically calmed mice when their cage was filled with it, causing them to cease all activity and sit quietly in a corner.

When the air was breathed in the scent molecules went from the lungs into the blood and were then transmitted to the brain.
Brain scans showed the effect on a chemical called GABA on nerve cells was enhanced by the fragrances and helped soothe, relieve anxiety and promote rest.

Professor Hanns Hatt said the results published online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry can "be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy".

[Oregone]

1. The scent of burning pot does the same for me

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

2. I make a cannabis and lavendar body rub ointment

with willow bark, arnica and calendula. It's mostly for sore muscles but it really can provide some serious relaxation.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

3. I have used Jasmine Absolute for this for years. Rose Absolute is also excellent.

[ixion]

4. Jitterbug Perfume

That was the elusive 'bass' note.

[dixiegrrrrl]

6. Cheers to Robbins.

[glowing]

5. Duh.. Take a bath with jasmine aroma in it and you will sleep like a baby.

[Dover]

8. I'll have to try that

though I don't need help sleeping. I have found, however, that taking a bath in epsom salts scented with Lavender (available at Walgreens) or with some added lavender oil, allows me to sleep very deeply and I feel rejuvenated the next day. I wonder if they've done any tests on lavender?
I'm glad to hear they are doing aromatherapy tests, though I wonder how much variation there is from person to person relative to their response? Of course this is a rather ancient health regimen that we here in the West have just been slow to adopt. It seems the West wants to understand things with their intellect first before they can accept it fully. But I experience aromatherapy more like music appreciation which is felt and absorbed.

[pipi_k]

7. Jasmine....eh...not so much for me...

The most calming scent for me is damp soil. And the smell of freshly cut hay.

:)

[elleng]

9. Thanks; need this today. Bad 'vibes' around.

[Celebration]

10. Obviously

We need to make jasmine illegal now.

[Dover]

11. Buyer Be Aware >

Thank you for coming to the website of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. We at NAHA know that when one first discovers the wonderful world of aromatherapy, it is often a very exciting time of exploration and experimentation. While we are thrilled that you are embarking upon this journey, we do want you to be aware of some misinformation you might encounter along the way, as well as a few precautions you will want to observe for the safest and most beneficial use of essential oils.

Though there are key factors which would increase the therapeutic value of an essential oil, there is no such thing as a ‘therapeutic grade essential oil’ as determined by any regulatory agency. Be wary of any distributor claiming to have the only quality essential oils. This is a marketing strategy employed by certain companies, but it is patently untrue. For details about how to find quality essential oils and hydrosols, please refer to Quality and essential oils information.
Not all essential oils are suitable for use by everyone. There are contraindications for various conditions and medications.

As a general rule, essential oils should not be applied to the skin undiluted. Additionally, some essential oils are considered toxic and not safe to use at all. Please refer to this safety statement for more details - http://www.naha.org/articles/aromatherapy%20undiluted.htm

Before allowing any practitioner to apply undiluted essential oils to your body, make sure to do your due diligence and ask questions. The best approach is to check in advance to see if your practitioner is a recognized professional through NAHA. This recognition should not come from associations that are promoting any multi-level marketing or other ‘for-profit’ companies.

If you or someone you know experiences a reaction from the application of essential oils, please use the Essential Oil Reaction Report Form to notify us.

As always, if you have any questions, NAHA is here to help. Education about the safe practice of true aromatherapy is one of our primary initiatives.


http://www.naha.org/