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The use of carrier oils in aromatherapy massage and their effect on skin

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Aromatherapy massage is a treatment in which essential oils are used. It combines the beneficial effects of manual massage technique, essential and carrier oils. Base oils are the mediators of aromatherapy; they improve contact between the masseur`s hands and the patient`s body and have nurturing properties. The present paper focuses on plant oils used for aromatherapy massages, such as olive, sesame, jojoba, almond, wheat germ, grape seed or peach oils.
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Copyright © 2018 Vincent Pol University in Lublin, Poland
Arch Physiother Glob Res 2018; 22 (3): 23-31
Introduction
People have been interested in care of health
and beauty for ages. An important element of this
care is massage, which is inseparably associated
with hygiene, cosmetic treatments, biological and
mental regeneration. Classical massage, in which
stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapotement and
shaking are used in a denite sequence and rate,
is to aect the locomotor system, skin, connective
tissue, adipose tissue and indirectly internal organs.
It results in therapeutic and relaxing eects [1, 2, 3,
4]. In order to enhance the eects of massaging on
the human body, some additional substances can
be applied, including essential oils [4]. Numerous
recent studies have conrmed therapeutic eects
and possible uses of essential oils in massages [5,
6, 7, 8].
Aromatherapy massage, also called fregrant
massage is a treatment performed using essential
oils to introduce active substances into the
human body. e skin extremely easily absorbs
oils, which during massaging permeate quickly
the cardiovascular system, inducing local and
general reactions [9]. e eects of aromatherapy
massage on the body and skin are multidirectional.
Aromatherapy massages relax, calm, reduce stress,
relieve pain, enhance immunity, restore body-mind
balance, smoothen and tone the tissues [5, 7, 10, 11,
12]. Such massages are most commonly associated
with relaxing massages; however, studies have also
demonstrated their therapeutic effects [10, 11,
12, 13, 14]. e study conducted in a group of 40
individuals undergoing massages with the mixture
of lavender and bergamot oils has conrmed their
positive eects on the mental status and provided
evidence for their use to treat depression or
anxiety [11]. According to Ćwirlej et al. [13], the
aromatherapeutic massage exerts better analgesic
eects, as compared to the classical massage and
is particularly useful for relieving pain when
pharmacological agents are not recommended
[14]. e essential oils of antioxidant properties,
which improve the lymph circulation and detoxify
the body (e.g. ginger, rosemary, clary sage, cypress,
geranium, juniper or sandal oils) can also be used
for enhancing the eects of lymphatic massage [15].
Aromatherapy massages combine the benecial
eects of touch with the properties of essential and
carrier oils. e main techniques used in such
massages are stroking and rubbing. In professional
e use of carrier oils in aromatherapy massage and their eect on skin
Monika Michalak
Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jan Kochanowski
University in Kielce, Poland
Abstract
Aromatherapy massage is a treatment in which essential oils are used. It combines the benecial eects
of manual massage technique, essential and carrier oils. Base oils are the mediators of aromatherapy; they
improve contact between the masseur`s hands and the patient`s body and have nurturing properties. e
present paper focuses on plant oils used for aromatherapy massages, such as olive, sesame, jojoba, almond,
wheat germ, grape seed or peach oils.
Key words: massage, essential oils, plant oils, skin
24 Monika Michalak
Arch Physiother Glob Res 2018; 22 (3): 23-31
massages, 15-30 drops of essential oils are used
together with 50 ml of plant oil. e oil or a mixture
of selected essential oils is applied for massaging
the entire body or for partial massaging, whenever
the former is contraindicated. e selection of an
appropriate oil depends on the eect the treatment
is to induce [9] (Table 1).
e oil or a mixture of oils chosen for the
treatment should be dissolved in an appropriate
carrier, most commonly in natural plant oils.
Carriers for aromatherapy massage have to dissolve
essential oils well, should be fresh and preferably
odourless [20]. Carrier oils of high quality, in other
words base oils, are not only the mediators of
aromatherapy but also facilitate the distribution of
a small amount of the essential oil over the larger
body area, improve contact between the masseur’s
hands and the patient’s body and have nurturing
properties [16,21]. Plant oils rich in essential
fatty acids (EFAs), phytosterols, fat-soluble
vitamins and other bioactive constituents have
moisturising, lipid-replenishing, regenerative,
anti-oxidative, anti-seborrhoeic, anti-wrinkle
and protective eects [22] (Table 2). anks to
EFAs (beside ceramides and cholesterol) are part
of the intercellular cement, the skin can be an
eective barrier limiting transepidermal water loss
(TEWL), providing a suitable level of epidermal
hydration and protecting the skin against external
factors [23, 24].
The most valuable plants oils used for
aromatherapy massages include olive, sesame,
sunflower, jojoba, sweet almond, wheat germ,
grape seed and peach oils [9, 21].
Table 1. Examples of essential oils used for massages and skin care
Kind of treatment/indications Essential oils
harmonising geranium, rose tree, grapefruit, neroli, Roman chamomile, sandalwood
stimulating lemon, ginger, rosemary
relaxing sandalwood, rose tree, geranium, neroli
calming lavender, Roman chamomile, sandalwood
toning colander, pepper, grapefruit, clary sage, ylang-ylang
anti-cellulite juniper, rosemary, patchouli, cedar, grapefruit, cypress, geranium, ginger, cinnamon
slimming rosemary, cypress, geranium, lemon, ginger
dry skin geranium, neroli, rose, Roman chamomile, sandalwood, jasmine
oily skin, acne skin lemon, cypress, tea tree, lavender, Roman Chamomile, bergamot, sandalwood, copaiba, jeju
combination skin geranium, ylang-ylang
sensitive skin rose tree, lemon, lavender, Roman chamomile, sandalwood, geranium
couperose skin neroli, rose, Roman chamomile, cypress, sandalwood
mature skin rose, lemon, rosemary, neroli, geranium, sandalwood
e source: [9, 16, 17, 18, 19]
Table 2. Examples of base oils used for skin massages and care
Indications Plant oils
dry and sensitive skin avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, wheat germ oil, almond (sweet) nut oil, kukui (candle nut) oil,
macadamia nut oil, green coee oil, jojoba oil, marula oil, linseed oil, blackcurrant seed oil, olive
oil
oily, combination, acne skin babassu oil, chaulmoogra oil, baobab oil, sesame oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, linseed oil,
rosehip seed oil, sesame oil, sunower oil, grape seed oil
mature skin, with the signs
of ageing
rice bran oil, wheat germ oil, corn germ oil, soybean oil, rosehip seed oil, green coee oil, grape
seed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, sesame oil, argan oil
skin of children and infants sunower oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, linseed oil, olive oil
e source: [22]
25
e use of carrier oils in aromatherapy massage and their eect on skin
Arch Physiother Glob Res 2018; 22 (3): 23-31
Olive oil
Olive oil obtained from common olive (Olea
europaea L.) belongs to the Oleaceae family. It
contains palmitic acid (11.5%), oleic acid (72.8%),
linoleic acid (10.8%), and linolenic acid (0.2%)
[25]. e phenolic compounds contained in olive
oil show several biological activities [26]. Olive oil
and its benecial properties were well known to
the ancient world. Olive oil was used for care as its
external application aected the skin elasticity and
protected against UV radiation. In ancient Greece,
massage with olive oil was used for therapeutic
purposes as an analgesic and as a preventive
measure for averting sports injuries. It was believed
that massages based on olive oil used aer physical
activity resulted in faster recovery of athletes [27].
anks to its properties, olive oil can be used
as an active constituent or as a base of various
cosmetic formulations [28]. Recent studies have
conrmed positive eects of olive oil on the skin as
it contains not only fatty acids but also tocopherols,
phytosterols, phospholipids and squalene naturally
occurring in the human skin. Olive oil contains
bioactive compounds and is therefore used for
topical external folk treatments, e.g. as a remedy
for dermatitis, eczema, xerosis, other types of
inammation [26]. Oleum Olivarum supports the
regeneration of the hydrolipid lm, have soothing,
anti-inammatory and skin moisturising eects
[29, 30]. e study conducted in a group of one
hundred and een full-term, healthy neonates
have conrmed that regular external application
of olive oil signicantly improved stratum corneum
hydration [25]. Moreover, olive oil is one of the
plant oils used for striae [31]. As an ingredient of
various preparations, it has nurturing properties,
especially in cases of dry and destroyed skin, and
shows therapeutic eects when used for massages
[29, 32]. e available data have demonstrated
positive eects of massages with olive oil on weight
gain in premature infants; the average weight
gain was 21 g daily while in infants undergoing
massages without olive oil - 7 g [32].
Sesame oil
Sesame oil obtained from Sesamum indicum L.
belongs to the Pedalicaceae family and provides
considerable amounts of protein (22%) and
high amounts of lipids (52%) [33, 34]. Besides
unsaturated fatty acids, , sesame oil contains linoleic
acid (46.9%) and oleic acid (37.4%), saturated fatty
acid, including palmitic (9.1%) and stearic (6.1%)
acids. e total tocopherol content in sesame oil
is 446 mg·kg-1, including 2.2% of α-tocopherol,
90.5% of γ-tocopherol and 7.3% of δ-tocopherol.
Due to the presence of bioactive constituents (
including these with anti-oxidative action), sesame
oil is a valuable component of pharmaceuticals,
nutraceuticals and cosmetics [34]. In Asian
countries, sesame oil has long been used for joint
pain or toothache relief [33]. Recent studies in
animal models have demonstrated analgesic eects
of sesame oil in dierent forms of administration
(topical or oral) [35]. Moreover, the available study
ndings have conrmed the ecacy of sesame
oil applied externally with other herbal extracts
for relieving pain in patients with migraine, knee
osteoarthritis, and burns. Furthermore, its low
cost, lack of adverse side eects and easy usage as
a complementary method of pain relief in patients
with limbs trauma are emphasised [33]. Besides its
therapeutic action, Oleum Sesami has nurturing
properties, such as soothing, moisturising and
smoothing. It is used in preparations for dry,
sensitive and combination skin as well as in
cosmetics for body care and sun protection [22,
34]. anks to its emollient properties, it is also
considered an excellent agent for massages [36].
Sesame oil penetrates into the skin quickly and
enters the blood stream through the capillaries
[34]. It has been demonstrated that sesame oil-
based massages may have benecial impact on
26
Arch Physiother Glob Res 2018; 22 (3): 23-31
Monika Michalak
newborn health, improved sleep patterns and
growth [37].
Sunower oil
Sunflower oil obtained from the seeds of
common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
belonging to the Asteraceae family, provides
19.6% of oil being the source of saturated acids
(palmitic (6.3%), stearic (3.5%) and unsaturated
acids (linoleic (60.9%), oleic (46.3%) [38, 39, 40].
e amount of fatty acids in sunower oil depends
on particular climate conditions. Study ndings
have demonstrated that in cooler climates the
production of omega -6 polyunsaturated fatty
acids (PUFA), including linoleic acid, is higher
while under warmer climate conditions, oleic acid
from the group of monounsaturated fatty acids
(MUFA) predominates [41]. Oleum Helianthi
strengthens the skin protective barrier, accelerates
wound healing and has anti-inammatory eects
[39]. Massages based on sunower oil have been
found to improve weight gain and enhance the
functions of the skin lipid barrier, which favours
the reduction of transepidermal water loss and
improves thermoregulation, contributing to
improved nutrition and better somatic growth
[42, 43]. Sunower oil is recommended for dry
and delicate skin as well as oily and acne skin as
it belongs to non-comedogenic oils (which do
not clog up skin pores). Furthermore, sunower
oil for cosmetic purposes is characterised by
a high content of linoleic acid (about 60%) [30,
39]. During massages it functions as a mediator of
aromatherapy but also nurtures the skin and has
healing, antibacterial and moisturising eects [30].
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is obtained from the seeds of jojoba
(Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneid.)
belonging to the Buxaceae family. Its seeds
contain up to 65% of high-quality golden-yellow,
odourless oil, which is a valuable raw material
used in industry, especially in the cosmetic and
pharmaceutical ones, and in medicine [44].
Jojoba oil is the only natural source of wax esters
[29, 45]. Moreover, it contains high amounts of
tocopherols, which aects its antioxidative and
radiation-protective properties [46]. e nurturing
eects of jojoba wax are associated with its high
content of squalene, which has anti-inammatory,
antifungal and antiradical properties [30, 46, 47].
Due to its similarity to natural sebum, jojoba oil
is widely used in the cosmetic industry [44]. It is
recommended for dry and sensitive skin as well
as oily and mature skin [29, 48]. Oleum Jojobae
is an important element of skincare preparations
having moisturising, protective, nourishing and
smoothing action [30, 49]. Applied externally
jojoba oil leads to a semiocclusion of the skin
surface, maintains moisture in the skin and reduces
TEWL [50]. Its role in cosmetic formulations is
essential due to excellent penetrating properties,
high stability and resistance to oxidation. Jojoba
wax increases absorption, stabilises and prolongs
the durability of other ingredients of preparations,
including plant oils and butters [44, 49]. anks
to its anti-inammatory eects, it is also used in
therapeutic preparations for acne, dandru, burns,
including sunburns, and hard-to-heal wounds [49,
51, 52].
Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil obtained from the seeds of
sweet almond (Amygdalus communis L.) belongs
to the Rosaceae family. Sweet almonds have been
cultivated for years, both for nutritional and
pharmaceutical purpose [53]. Almonds are a
valuable source of dietary lipids (42.57g·100g-1)
and protein (18-20g·100g-1) [54]. anks to the
dietary fiber (10.8-13.5g·100g-1), phytosterols
(141mg·100g-1 ), including campesterol,
stigmasterol and β-sitosterol, minerals (calcium,
27
Arch Physiother Glob Res 2018; 22 (3): 23-31
e use of carrier oils in aromatherapy massage and their eect on skin
copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, sodium, zinc) and vitamins
(tocopherols and tocotrienols, biotin, folate, niacin,
pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboavin, thiamine)
they contain, almonds contribute to a healthy
nutrient prole [53, 54, 55, 56]. Moreover, almonds
contain constituents, which have antioxidative
properties, including polyphenolic compounds,
such as phenolic acids (chlorogenic, gallic,
5-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, coumaric,
vanillic), flavan-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin),
avanones (eriodictyol, eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside,
naringenin), avonols (isorhamnetin, kaempferol,
quercetin) [57, 58]. The presence of various
phenolic acids and avonoids can contribute to the
prebiotic properties of almond [59].
Light yellow, transparent and odourless
sweet almond oil contains saturated fatty acids
(SFA) (8.5g·100g- 1), unsaturated fatty acids
(91.6mg·100g-1), including polyunsaturated fatty
acid (PUFA) (21.7mg·100g-1) and monounsaturated
fatty acid (MUFA) (69.9mg·100g-1) [22, 55].
According to the studies using Raman spectroscopy,
which assesses penetration and occlusive properties
of substances applied externally to the skin, sweet
almond oil penetrates only the most external
layers of stratum corneum. Moreover, it is capable
of forming the skin surface lm, which protects
against excessive loss of water comparabely to
paran oil [60]. Oleum Amygdalarum is a valuable
well- absorbed substance in cosmetology, which
does not induce the eect of heaviness and has
moisturising, lipid-replenishing, smoothing and
protective properties. It is indicated for the child`s
skin, in cases of cracked hands and feet and
chapped lips [29]. It is particularly recommended
for aromatherapy massages of dry and normal
skin as well as sensitive and easily irritable skin.
Combined with avocado and jojoba oils, sweet
almond oil is excellent for extremely dry and
damaged skin [9].
Wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil is obtained from common wheat
(Triticum aestivum L.) belonging to the Poaceae
family. Wheat germs contain proteins, sugar,
bre, minerals, thiamine, riboavin, policosanols,
tocopherols, carotenoids and phytosterols [61].
ey provide about 11% of oil, which is used in food,
pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry [40, 62, 63].
Wheat germ oil is found valuable due to its high
content of unsaturated fatty acids (80%), linoleic
(56.5%) and linolenic (8.0%) acids, in particualr.
Compared to other plant oils, it has the highest
content of tocopherols (α-tocopherol (70.0%),
β-tocopherol (19.0%), γ-tocopherol (7.0%),
known as powerful lipid-soluble antioxidants
[40, 61, 63]. e phytosterols essential for human
physiology, which are present in wheat germ oil
include campesterol (27.2%), 5-stigmasterol
(0.8%), β-sitosterol (63.0%), isofucosterol (4.0%),
7-stigmasterol (2.0%), 7-avenasterol (3.0%) [40].
Moreover, squalene, the main component of
skin surface polyunsaturated lipids, which wheat
germ oil contains, is of great importance for skin
functioning. Squalene is found to have emollient
and antioxidative properties and to ensure proper
skin moisture [47]. Oleum Tritici is recommended
in cosmetology, especially for dry, manure skin
which requires regeneration, as it aects its elasticity
and prevents ageing. It is used in nourishing and
revitalising creams, masks, ampoules and anti-sun
preparations [22]. Its density allows to use it for
aromatherapy massages combined with other oils,
e.g. from sweet almonds [29, 30].
Grape seed oil
Grape seed oil is obtained from grape (Vitis
vinifera L.) belonging to the Vitaceae family. Grape
seeds contain about 12% of oil, which is a source
of saturated (palmitic (8.0%), stearic (3.0%) and
unsaturated (linolenic (0.2%), linoleic (67.8%), oleic
(20.2%) fatty acids [29, 40]. Moreover, grape seed oil
28
Arch Physiother Glob Res 2018; 22 (3): 23-31
Monika Michalak
contains bioactive ingredients, such as tocopherols
and tocotrienols, including α-tocopherol (10.0%)
and γ-tocopherol (2.5%), plant sterols, including
campesterol (11.4%), 5-stigmasterol (10.5%),
β-sitosterol (75.6%), isofucosterol (1.0%),
7-stigmasterol (1.5%), and 7-avenasterol (0.5%).
Grape seed oil can be used for pharmaceutical
and nutritional purposes [40]. It has antibacterial,
antioxidative and anti-inammatory properties,
which is likely to be associated with polyphenolic
compounds contained in it [64]. Moreover, it
enhances the epidermal barrier, accelerates tissue
regeneration, aects wound healing and facilitates
absorption of other care preparations [29, 64].
Grape seed oil is used in cases of psoriasis, diaper
dermatitis in infants, burns, bedsores or dandru
[29]. As a carrier in aromatherapy massage, it is
particularly recommended for normal and oily
skin as it aects the composition and consistency
of sebum, normalises the function of sebaceous
glands and prevents the formation of comedones
[9, 29].
Peach oil
Peach oil is obtained from peach (Prunus
vulgaris Mill.) belonging to the Rosaceae family.
In comparison with other sources of vegetal oil
of high nutritional potential, such as sesame,
sunower, olive, peach oil contains relatively low
amounts of palmitic and palmitoleic acids, high
content of oleic acid and intermediate content of
linoleic acid [65]. e fatty acid prole of peach oil
is similar to that of olive oil, mainly because of its
high oleic acid content (64%), and to that of almond
oil due to its linoleic acid content (26%) [22, 65].
Since it contains high amounts of unsaturated
fatty acid as well as antioxidant compounds, peach
oil has therapeutic and nutritional properties [65].
Moreover, it is well tolerated by the skin, absorbs
easily, soens and smoothens the epidermis [22].
It has been demonstrated that peach oil does not
irritate the skin, and therefore is a recommended
carrier of constituents of active cosmetic and
pharmaceutical preparations [66]. Oleum
Persicarum is used for production of milks, lotions
as well as bath and massage preparations [22]. It
is recommended for all types of skin, for children
and elderly individuals, for massages in beauty
parlours and spas [30]. Scientic studies have
conrmed possible uses of peach oil as base oil.
Moreover, there are studies assessing the eects
of foot and facial massage using peach-kernel
base oil Prunus persica on vital signs and sleep
induction [67].
Conclusion
Plant oils, being the essential source of
unsaturated fatty acids, which cannot be
synthesized in the human body, as well as fat-
soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, K and
other bioactive compounds, play an important
role in food industry, are essential part of human
nutrition, and have health-promoting properties.
Furthermore, they are important for skin care and
its proper functioning. Due to their biological
properties (stabilisation of cell membranes, anti-
allergic, anti-inammatory eects), plant oils are
widely used in cosmetic recipes as active substances
or substances allowing the addition of other
substances. Many biologically active substances are
soluble in plant oils; therefore, they can be used as
carriers of essential oils in aromatherapy massages.
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Corresponding author address:
Monika Michalak
e-mail: monika.michalak@ujk.edu.pl
Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce,
Poland
Received: 09.07.2018
Accepted: 24.09.2018
Arch Physiother Glob Res 2018; 22 (3): 23-31
e use of carrier oils in aromatherapy massage and their eect on skin
... These oils can be used individually or in various combinations, sometimes blended with essential oils or herbal extracts. They are employed to massage and nourish the body during spa treatments [1,5,13]. Moreover, certain formulations may incorporate beeswax to enhance the viscosity of spa massage oil products. ...
... In the study of the chemical structure of Krabok seed oil using the 13 However, in the 13 C-NMR spectrum of FAEE synthesized from Krabok seed oil, the main structure observed is a monoglyceride compound. Nonetheless, a small amount of the precursor triglyceride structure is still detectable indicating that the reaction may not have been fully completed [16,26,40,41]. ...
... H-NMR spectrum of (a) the obtained Krabok seed oil as raw material, (b) uncompleted transesterification reaction to produce FAEE product and (c) completed transesterification reaction to produce FAEE product from Krabok seed oil.13 C-NMR spectrum of (a) the obtained Krabok seed oil as raw material and (b) 13 C-NMR spectrum of completed transesterification reaction to produce FAEE product from Krabok seed oil. ...
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This study focused on synthesizing fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) from Krabok (Irvingia malayana) seed oil via transesterification for use as the primary ingredient in herbal massage oil production. Optimal conditions included 5 wt.% of KOH catalyst compared to the oil weight, 15:1 molar ratio of ethanol to Krabok seed oil, 60 min for reaction time and reaction temperature of 78 ± 3 °C, resulting in FAEE yields as high as 99.83 ± 0.17 %. Analysis using FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, and GC techniques revealed FAEE as ester-type compounds, primarily comprising lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0), constituting 97 wt.% saturated fatty acids and 3 wt.% unsaturated fatty acids. Physicochemical properties indicated clear yellow liquids with viscosity of 1.73 ± 0.03 cSt/s, density of 0.8199 ± 0.0049 g/cm3, cloud point of +4 °C, and pour point of –1 °C. Acid value, free fatty acid content, iodine value, water content and oxidation stability were measured at 0.703 ± 0.001 mg KOH/g of oil, 0.354 ± 0.001 wt.%, 0.59 ± 0.04 g I2/100 g of oil, 1482.3 ± 6.15 ppm, and greater than 12 h, respectively. When the synthesized FAEE was used to produce herbal massage oil products, the results showed that the herbal massage oil products were characterized as a clear yellow liquid with no sediment, low viscosity, and pH in the range of 5 - 6, meeting standard criteria. Thus, FAEE derived from Krabok seed oil is suitable as a primary ingredient for herbal massage oil production, enhancing the value of local resources within the community. HIGHLIGHTS Under optimal conditions of 5 wt.% KOH catalyst, 15:1 ethanol to oil ratio, 60 min at 78 ± 3 °C, FAEE was synthesized from Krabok seed oil for herbal massage oil, yielding 99.83 ± 0.17 %. FAEE, identified via FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, and GC, comprises 97 wt.% saturated fatty acids (lauric acid and myristic acid) and 3 wt.% unsaturated. The herbal massage oil derived from FAEE as the primary ingredient meets clarity, low viscosity, and pH 5 - 6 standards. FAEE from Krabok seed oil enhances the value of local resources. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
... Massage is a complementary therapy that is widely used in palliative care. It has been shown to be physically and psychologically beneficial in reducing anxiety and tension, as well as lowering heart rate and blood pressure (Michalak, 2018;Rafii et al., 2020). ...
... Because it is a light, nonvolatile vegetable oil that is easily absorbed by the skin and has hardly any flavor of its own, sweet almond carrier oil been been chosen. Tocopherols (vitamin E) found in it are beneficial for treating skin conditions (Michalak, 2018). Lavender oil was chosen for the aromatherapy massage because of its comforting, pleasant scent, as well as its antiinflammatory, antibacterial, nontoxic, and nonirritating characteristics. ...
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Background: Palliative care is the active holistic treatment of people of all ages who have serious health-related suffering as a result of severe illness, and especially of those who are close to the end of life. Palliative care is provided to cancer patients who experience serious suffering that cannot be relieved without professional intervention and that compromises physical, social, spiritual, and emotional functioning. A straightforward, low-risk, and affordable palliative care approach may be provided through aromatherapy, a type of complementary and alternative medicine. The study objective is to assess the comparative effectiveness of massage, aromatherapy massage, and massage combined with aromatherapy inhalation on cancer patients receiving palliative care. Methods: A total of 100 participants who were divided into four groups at random. The first group, designated as the control group, received standard hospital nursing care, the second group received massage only (using the odorless almond carrier oil), the third group received massage with lavender oil, and the fourth group received combined (inhalation and massage) aromatherapy. The Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL), given two weeks after aromatherapy, was used to examine participants' perspectives of care. Results: On the RSCL, combined aromatherapy performed best. In terms of reported physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and activities, there were statistically significant differences between the scores of the control group and each of the experimental groups. Nonetheless, the total quality of life score showed no significant difference between the control group and the massage only group (t = 0.529, p = 0.60). Conclusions: When paired with aromatherapy inhalation, massage has a positive effect on physical, psychological symptoms, activities, and overall quality of life for cancer patients receiving early palliative care. Nurses and other healthcare providers are recommended to support programs that provide message therapy to reduce reported bodily symptoms, psychological problems, and limited activities among cancer patients.
... Complementary compounds enhance the efficacy and safety of aromatherapy products. Carrier oils like jojoba and sweet almond oil dilute essential oils for safe topical use and aid in skin absorption [46,47]. Waxes such as beeswax provide structural integrity to candles [48]. ...
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This chapter delves into the holistic practice of aromatherapy, which harnesses the therapeutic potential of aromatic compounds in essential oils derived from medicinal plants to support physical, emotional, and mental health. The chapter traces the historical roots of aromatherapy, emphasizing its revered role in ancient civilizations, where aromatic substances were utilized for their healing properties. Examining aromatherapy through chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological lenses underscores the diverse therapeutic applications of essential oils. A focal point of the chapter is the introduction of the aroma wheel, a tool that categorizes and elucidates the intricate scents of essential oils, aiding in their practical application. The chapter also explores the extensive trade of spices and aromatic substances—such as musk, ambergris, camphor, and sandalwood—during the medieval period, particularly in the East and Spain. A notable figure in this historical narrative is the Spanish physician and aromatherapist Albucasis, who extensively addressed the use of aromatherapy in the nineteenth book of his influential work, Kitab al-Tasrif. By offering a comprehensive overview of the historical, chemical, and therapeutic dimensions of aromatherapy, this chapter serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in natural medicine, illustrating how the power of scent can significantly enhance health and well-being.
... In this study, to make aromatherapy more safe aromatic oils were diluted in grape seed oil, grape seed oil is one of the vegetable oils that are considered odorless and plays a base oil role to ensure the harmony of the oil mixture [45]. Furthermore, aromatherapy in this study was delivered through an external 3D printed box which was put in the circle hole on the top of the nitrous oxide nasal mask that makes the odor from aromatic oils easy to remove and suppling oxygen in the case of respiratory sensitives could happen. ...
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Complementary and alternative medicine approaches are popular among some patient segments due to the perception that they are “natural” and thus are believed to be less likely to be dangerous, to have less toxic, or to cause side effects. In dermatology, these can include aromatherapy, botanicals, and essential oils (plant extracts). Preliminary evidence, biological activity studies, and small pilot clinical trials conducted outside of North America, mostly in young adults, suggest that some may have value in acne treatment. When additional research and larger clinical trials are conducted, both clinicians and patients will be able to understand the risks/benefits compared with allopathic remedies.
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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of five-day course of sunflower oil massage with moderate pressure on the weight gain and length of NICU stay in preterm infants. Methods: Forty-four healthy preterm infants with a corrected gestational age of 30-36 weeks at the time of the study, were randomly assigned to the study group receiving body massage with sunflower oil and the control group receiving only routine NICU care. The massage was performed three times per day, each session including three consecutive five-minute stages, for five days. The primary outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of a short course of moderate pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity. The secondary outcome was to compare the length of NICU stay between the two groups. Results: During the study period, the increase in the average daily and fifth-day weight gain was significant in the intervention group. The length of NICU stay was shorter in the intervention group significantly. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that even a short course of body massage with sunflower oil for only five days increases preterm infants' weight gain and decreases their duration of NICU stay significantly.
Article
Objectives: Due to adverse effects of common medications used for traumatic pain management, it is crucial to use complementary methods to alleviate this pain. Present study aimed to assess the effect of light pressure stroking massage with topical sesame oil on pain severity of patients with limbs trauma. Methods: This triple-blinded randomized trial was conducted on 40 patients with upper or lower extremities trauma in emergency department of Busheher Amir Al-Momenian Hospital, Busheher, Iran, in 2015-2016. Patients received a 5min massage with either liquid paraffin (placebo) or sesame oil on trauma site twice a day for 9days duration. Pain severity was assessed by visual analogue scale in first day (baseline), 3th, 6th and 9th days of intervention in the both groups. Results: Mean changes of pain severity between two groups was significant in the 6th (-0.20±1.36; P=0.036) and 9th (-0.36±1.12; P<0.001) days of intervention. Regarding to intake of diclofenac, no significant difference was seen between sesame oil and placebo groups during 9days of intervention (575.23±3.11 and 625.13±4.23 respectively, P=0.601). There were no adverse effects during the study in the both groups. Conclusion: Massage with topical sesame oil was associated with significant reduction in pain severity of patients with limbs trauma. Therefore, it is suggested to use this oil on complementary medicine for pain relief due to low cost, easy usage and lack of adverse effects.
Article
Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common chronic joint disease that involves middle aged and elderly people. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods: In this single-blinded, randomized clinical trial, 90 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who referred to the outpatient rheumatology clinics affiliated with Birjand University of Medical Sciences were selected through convenience sampling method. They were randomly assigned to three groups: intervention (aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil), placebo (massage with almond oil) and control (without massage). The patients were evaluated at baseline, immediately after the intervention, 1 week, and 4 weeks after the intervention in terms of pain via visual analogue scale. The data were analyzed in SPSS (version 16) using the repeated measure ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and chi-squared test. Results: Pain severity of the patients in the intervention group was significantly different immediately and 1 week after the intervention compared with their initial status (p < 0.001) and that of the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009 respectively). However, at the third phase of follow-up (i.e., 4 weeks after the intervention), there was no significant difference between the groups according to the visual analogue scale (p = 0.67). Conclusion: Aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil was found effective in relieving pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, further studies are needed to confirm findings of this study.
Article
Wax esters are used in industry for production of lubricants, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The only natural source of wax esters is jojoba oil. A much wider variety of industrial wax esters-containing oils can be generated through genetic engineering. Biotechnological production of tailor-made wax esters requires, however, a detailed substrate specificity of fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FAR) and wax synthases (WS), the two enzymes involved in wax esters synthesis. In this study we have successfully characterized the substrate specificity of jojoba FAR and jojoba WS. The genes encoding both enzymes were expressed heterologously in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the activity of tested enzymes was confirmed by in vivo studies and in vitro assays using microsomal preparations from transgenic yeast. Jojoba FAR exhibited the highest in vitro activity toward 18:0-CoA followed by 20:1-CoA and 22:1-CoA. The activity toward other 11 tested acyl-CoAs was low or undetectable as with 18:2-CoA and 18:3-CoA. In assays characterizing jojoba WS combinations of 17 fatty alcohols with 14 acyl-CoAs were tested. The enzyme displayed the highest activity toward 14:0-CoA and 16:0-CoA in combination with C16-C20 alcohols as well as toward C18 acyl-CoAs in combination with C12-C16 alcohols. 20:1-CoA was efficiently utilized in combination with most of the tested alcohols.