42 replies to this topic

[middpanther88]

What's everyone's experience w lemon oil as a cognitive enhancer and as a stimulant? Worth getting?

[MrHappy]

Can't say it's been a highly researched topic here.

[middpanther88]

Will report tomorrow.

[MrHappy]

Good work.

[middpanther88]

I feel slightly stimulated. Clear-minded, akin to tht of l-tyrosine. Nice, soft addition but not a driving force.

[VerdeGo]

I'd like to provide my experience.

 

I've been experimenting with aromatherapy and essential oils lately. I used lavender oil for the first time a few weeks ago, and I was pleasantly surprised (contains linalool, which affects the serotonin 5HT1A receptor). I picked up a few more oils today, including lemon oil. Before leaving for work, I decided to take several deep inhalations of the lemon oil, and I noticed a smile emerge on my face. In fact I started laughing no reason. I passed this off as placebo, showered, and headed out the door.

 

On the drive to work I knew it was not placebo. Colors seemed brighter, I felt more connected to myself and my surroundings (a sort of oneness, if you will), music sounded slightly more enriched, and I experienced very pleasant tingling sensations all over my scalp. At work I couldn't stop smiling, and conversation came easy. Many people took notice of my elevated mood. It became quite intense at times, and it manifested as a very happy, high on life feeling. 

 

I did some research online, and apparently lemon oil also contains pinene, which antagonizes the 5HT3 receptor, the same as psychedelics like LSD activate. I came across posts from people "tripping balls" on higher doses of lemon oil (20-50 drops), and describing that same inescapable smile and zest for life as I experienced. 

 

Here's a few things I came across concerning lemon essential oil:

 

http://www.reddit.co...n_oil_tripping/

 

So I recently came across a post on the internet that said that lemon essential oil can be used as a psychedelic. At the time I was in a store, and a bottle of it was only 7 bucks so I figured why the hell not. The effects surprised me, so I'm going to give you a short trip report of my experience

0:00- drank 30 drops of lemon essential oil in water. It didnt taste good but it also didnt taste bad

0:15- feeling off

0:30- definitely feeling something- am having thoughts reminiscent of a very low does of acid. Body feels slightly different, and I feel slightly stimulated. Put another 20 drops in a glass of water and drank it.

1:00- Definitely feeling effects, am in a really good mood and am joking around with my friends. My anxiety that was there has completely been wiped away and Im feeling really happy. Music is awesome, and playing music is even better

1:30- still feeling the same effects- go out to have a cigarette and I notice very mild visuals. Everything is brighter and the clouds are moving more than normal. The cigarette also tastes notably different. 1:45- go on a bike ride. cant stop smiling, there are no negative thoughts and I feel a slight feeling of oneness.

2:30- effects are waning, but no noticeable comedown. 3:00- feel almost back to baseline, It was a good experience.

5:00- I eat dinner, pass out, wake up at 9 PM and start drinking. Effects are gone.

for such a cheap price this is a surprisingly effective psychoactive. I dosed some the next day before going to a rave and noticed the lack of anxiety about dancing like an idiot. I had a great time.

All things considered, it exceeded my expectations. 8/10 would do again. However, this isnt any kind of world rocking drug, it feels pretty nice and I have noticed no side effects. Tolerance seems to build slowly, so spacing out doses by 5 days would probably be optimal

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/17511060

 

The effect of the volatile oil from ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale), its fractions and isolated compounds on the 5-HT3 receptor complex and the serotoninergic system of the rat ileum.

Riyazi A1, Hensel A, Bauer K, Geissler N, Schaaf S, Verspohl EJ.

Author information

 

Abstract

A contribution of the volatile oil from ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on inhabiting the 5-HT3 receptor complex had been shown. In the present study a possible interaction of some compounds of the volatile oil with the 5-HT3 receptor system expressed in N1E-115 cells and with the serotoninergic system of the rat ileum was investigated. The volatile oil was obtained by steam distillation and fractionated using a silica gel column resulting in five fractions. Compounds of the fractions were identified by GC-MS. The influence of the volatile oil, its fractions and pure components on serotonin-induced [14C]guanidinium influx into N1E-115 cells was measured indicating the inhibitory interaction with the 5-HT3 receptor channel system. Most potent inhibitors of cation influx were the volatile oil, fraction 4, beta-pinene, terpinolene, alpha-copaene and alpha-phellandrene. The volatile oil and fractions 1 and 4 were not able to significantly influence either serotonin (10 microM)-induced maximum contraction of the rat ileum or the second phase of the biphasic contraction 2.5 min after serotonin addition. However, beta-pinene, terpinolene and alpha-phellandrene reduced both contractions. In conclusion, the volatile oil and distinct compounds such as terpinolene, beta-pinene and alpha-phellandrene interact with 5-HT3 receptor channel system and possess an antispasmodic effect at the rat ileum.

 

http://herbs.mxf.yuk...ic#.VWFCtPlViko

 

So far I've done 3 high dose experiments with lemon essential oil, and I've experienced psychedelic effects all 3 times.

1st experiment (30 drops lemon oil, orally):
Tried 30 drops in 1 liter of water.  About an hour later I started feeling some stimulation.  Within 3 hours, I was highly stimulated and euphoric.  I had a very loving, warm, gregarious feeling about me.  I was very social.  Mild visuals

2nd experiment (60 drops lemon oil total, orally):
T0:00 - 20 drops lemon oil taken orally in 1 liter of water
T0:30 - 20 additional drops taken orally in 1 liter of water
T1:30 - stimulation suddenly comes on and is heavy.  Similar to description from 1st experiment.
T2:00 - 20 additional drops taken orally in 1 liter of water.  Obviously, I start having to urinate often.
T2:30 - felt like a low dose of acid.  Holy crap, I'm feeling it.  Very stimulated, feel very outgoing and loving towards the world.  Visuals are intense.  At a concert and people on stage and in crowd look like they are glowing.  The walls are breathing.  I have a beer at the concert and don't feel the effects at all; I decide not to consume any more alcohol for fear of getting myself into trouble.
T6:00 - start coming down, but it isn't unpleasant.  Stimulation wears off as I head home from the concert.  I fall asleep and have a restful sleep.
Next morning - a bit tired but fine.  No soreness.

3rd experiment (40 drops lemon oil, topically):
I mixed 20 drops and 1/4 tsp of olive oil directly on my right leg and rub it in well.  I do the same dosing to my left leg, resulting in a total topical dose of 40 drops lemon essential oil.  There is some excess oil that I rubbed into my arms and torso.
T0:00 - Right after rubbing in, feel a mild heart rate increase.
T0:10 - Start feeling mentally and emotionally stimulated.
T0:30 - Wow, this is getting intense.  Feels basically like the 60 drops from above, but cleaner.  A lot of visuals again, not as much of the walls breathing, but still shapes and colors are distorted, and I notice lights and auras that are probably not there.
T1:00 (Present) - Very peaceful, loving feeling, psychostimulation, and all around pleasant psychedelic experience.

I have thus far experienced no cramps or soreness from this preparation.  I feel awesome.  I'm still coming up.  This should be a good ride.

 

And the list of experiences goes on. Unfortunately there is less ample research performed on the psychoactive effects of lemon oil. Since I'm not interested in "tripping balls", and I'm looking for a good mood elevator to use in certain situations, I think this oil should be considered. Since beta-pinene is a natural insecticide (citrus oils are great disinfectants) and can build up in the liver over time, I doubt I'll use this topically (and certainly not internally) as it can cause phototoxicity (increased chance of skin cancer if exposed to UV light). There appears to be no risk in inhalation of this oil, however. 

 

The effects wore off subtly after 4.5 hours or so, and I felt fine afterward (unlike a psychedelic experience), though I remained in a great mood. I must say, this is one of the few substances I've ever tried that almost immediately elevated my mood, sustained it, and didn't leave any other side effects or after effects. Though I'll have to see how I feel in the morning.

 

Can anybody point me to better research on lemon oil or beta-pinene? Has anyone else had an experience with this oil? 

 

Also, why would antagonizing the 5HT3 receptor elevate one's mood and create these effects? I recently tried a 5HT4 antagonist, l-lysine, and I experienced a horrible mood.

Edited by VerdeGo, 24 May 2015 - 03:31 AM.

[middpanther88]

Should I be worried about ingesting it?  I remember when I used to add it to a styrofoam cup, it add the cup away.  How does this affect the human body then?  How would one safely consume it?

[normalizing]

verdego, that reddit url you posted, super troll. its a bunch of teens laughing at some asshole troll. nothing real mature, or based on facts, perhaps scientific proof of such thing is ever present in some giggly goggly bunch of fools commenting on crap.

[VerdeGo]

I agree in regards to Reddit. Lots of trolls and an immature, hostile environment. However the depth this person went to, and the correlation to effects I experienced from inhaling it, as opposed to overdosing on it, has me curious. If it was a troll, he/she probably added some known effects to the trumped up effects they were supposedly experiencing. 

 

I know one thing for sure, lemon oil is an instant mood elevator for myself and my fiancee. She was very emotional today, in tears over family-related stress, and I talked her into taking a few deep inhalations of "therapeutic grade" lemon essential oil. She refused, but she came to me five minutes later as a last resort. Within minutes she was talkative, laughing, and happy. She also seemed more motivated, and volunteered to go for a morning walk with me, and then she did some unexpected shopping later in the afternoon. When she returned, I actually had to jokingly tell her to turn her happiness down a notch. She remained in a good mood the entire day. 

 

Luckily I'm not looking for a psychedelic experience, so I don't really care if these experiences are faked, but I still can't describe the incredible mood elevation that lasted for hours (along with euphoric sensations on my scalp and an unbreakable glowing positivity and ease of conversation that came with it). Lavender, which acts on the 5HT1A receptor, and lysine, which antagonizes the 5HT4 receptor, acts either neutrally on my mood (lavender), or worsens it (lysine). This seemed like an entirely different receptor at play, and it wouldn't surprise me if antagonizing the 5HT3 receptor could produce these effects. But I'm just going on speculation here in regards to the beta-pinene. 

 

Panther, if you take very deep breaths and inhale the scent, it should provide sustainable effects. If you want to take it a step further, you should dilute it with carrier oil and apply topically. I don't recommend ingesting any essential oil. Though toxic effects are rare, there appears to be no chance of toxicity from inhalation, followed by a very slight chance with topical applications, and followed by a greater, yet rare, increase of toxicity with ingestion.The biggest concern would be skin irritation and possibly an immune response, which can be negated by dilution with a carrier oil like coconut or grapeseed. Lavender oil only appears to provide its calming effects while I'm actively inhaling it, and a topical application provides longer relaxing effects, but doesn't really do much for changing my mood, just balancing it. That's why I was surprised to see long term effects from lemon oil, but we're talking about different constituents and concentrations. 

 

If anyone wants an instant mood boost via the serotonergic system, I highly recommend inhaling this oil. And the price is right... I paid about five bucks for it, and its shelf life will probably outlast mine. I just hope there's no tolerance!

 

 

[normalizing]

i thought you dilute and drink it, no? how do you just inhale it? well, essential oils for me are much like homeopathy. some supposed mythological benefit, but then when you do it, its mostly placebo and it kind of works for some. ill give you example! lavender oil! huge huge words about it helps you calm down, sleep better makes you even comprehand things better. just great essential oil, just dilute and consume or inhale most preferably. i did it all with that oil and let me tell you, except the worst burps, nothing else was added benefit. i can move on to another essential oil since i tried dozens of them, but that was one of the first i had hopes for therefore use as an example. but i  had a whole table of them....

[sthira]

I love essential oils and use all kinds just to smell better since I'm a bit of a dirty street hippie at times. I'd never tried Lemon Oil, though, for cog enhancement or depression. So I bought a bottle of Now Essential Oils 100% Pure Lemon Oil, and I've been walking around town sniffing it all day. Even wiped some in my dreads. And I must add, disappointingly, that I've noticed nothing out of the ordinary either good or bad. And you could probably save the $8 and just buy a lemon. The oil smells just like a lemon peel-a-real-deal.

[VerdeGo]

NOW should be a good brand, but I've never used that one in particular. I thought aromatherapy and essential oils were hogwash myself, but I've gotten very real effects off the only two oils I've tried. I was so impressed I've ordered peppermint, oregano, frankincense, wild orange, and a few others to test their psychoactive effects. The oils are so concentrated, that when inhaled they get absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream, affecting the brain. Ingesting them or using them topically, they get broken down by the liver, and people have become comatose and nearly died from ingesting too much of these oils: http://www.ncbi.nlm....les/PMC3546250/

 

Their constitutents, terpenes like linalool, limonene, beta-pinene, and the dozens of others are psychoactive. I have no idea why you didn't get noticeable effects, and I'm left scratching my head. I wasn't expecting anything from smelling the oil (Aura Cacia brand, I believe), and I forgot I even took several deep whiffs of it until I drove to work and felt much, much different. I've also done my fair share of LSD and similar psychedelics, and I haven't felt the way I did in decades. It was one of the strangest, most uplifting experiences in years. It was so stimulating it was hard to sleep at night, and my fiancee reported the same thing on the day after she tried it without me telling her about my experience. I don't know if vaping nicotine or the PEG increased the absorption in the lungs, as we both vape on a regular basis. 

 

Beyond the brand of the oil you use, I'd try diluting and using it topically. It could be a case of brain chemistry. One person on here highly recommended l-lysine for the amazing effects on mood and sociability it provided (5HT4 antagonist, I believe), however it did the opposite for me. beta-pinene is a known 5HT3 antagonist, so if you didn't notice any effects, you probably didn't get enough of it in your bloodstream. It doesn't surprise me that you didn't get noticeable effects from inhaling it alone, especially if it's diluted by a manufacturer or. Some people don't respond to specific essential oils like others, especially in low doses, but I think if the "dose" is right they will. 

 

But, like with anything in life, including supplements, nootropics and essential oils, YMMV. 

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm....les/PMC2645550/ - Great summary of effects of terpenes, terpinoids, etc., found in many of these oils

 

http://www.scirp.org...04#.VWP-GU9Viko

 

ABSTRACT

Although plant-derived essential oils (EOs) have traditionally been used for treating various kinds of mental disorders, their Central Nervous System (CNS) acting effects have not yet been clarified well. The present study examined effects of 30 kinds of EOs on ambulatory activity, a kind of spontaneous motor activity, in ICR mice. Nineteen kinds of them did not produce any significant effects on the ambulatory activity of mice. Although effects of EOs of lavender, jasmine and neroli on the activity were statistically significant, their CNS acting properties remained unclear. EOs of peppermint, chamomile, thyme, tea tree, rosemary and basil significantly increased the ambulatory activity of mice as well as CNS stimulants, suggesting that they possess CNS stimulant-like effects. In contrast, an EO of myrtle significantly decreased the activity as well as CNS depressants, suggesting that it possesses a CNS depressant-like effect. An EO of palmarosa significantly increased the activity at a lower dose and decreased at a higher dose as well as some kinds of CNS depressants such as ethanol, suggesting that it also possesses a CNS depressant-like effect. These 8 kinds of EOs might be useful for treating some kinds of mental troubles and/or symptoms through their CNS acting effects.

 

Edited by VerdeGo, 26 May 2015 - 05:49 AM.

[Fenix_]

NMDA Supplements: The citrus flavonoid Nobiletin may be an effective NMDA supplement

 

I saw this article a couple of weeks ago. I wonder if this compound has anything to do with the effects people are feeling, or if it is a part of the essential oil? Also, maybe just eating zest of lemon peel will work too.

[sthira]

Thanks for your research into these oils, Verdego (dig the name, btw). I love essential oils but mostly because they smell unusual and nice. I've never really thought about connecting mood to them. But I must say I'm liking this lemon oil. Citrus odors do seem to brighten me up and turn my dour face to sunshine. I even found myself inexplicably laughing in a dance class several hours after wiping lemon oil on my head. I mean just laughing like I didn't give a flying fuck what anyone thought -- kinda nice. I'd forgot I used it, the scent is so subtle. I assume effects are placebo, but maybe placebo is good enough until placebo dies again. Ride the lemon peel happy slip while it's still slick, is what I say.

Edited by sthira, 26 May 2015 - 03:13 PM.

[VerdeGo]

Your reply was very uplifting and humorous. I was in the same boat as you, until I did more research and some experimentation. If I would have been open-minded enough to try these years ago, I may have avoided some unpleasant feelings in my past. The effects on mood are subtle, as they're not supposed to create a heaviness, or a drug-like buzz. However the more I read, I'm finding information about certain oils for boosting endorphins, certain oils for creating euphoria, mood-elevating oils, memory-boosting oils (rosemary, for instance, which in one study boosted memory by 70%), oils for meditation and self-awareness (frankincense), etc. I can also relate to the laughter after using lemon oil. Spontaneous laughter and grinning, even when nobody was around me, was quite profound. But it makes sense that serotonin is the happy neurotransmitter, and something or several things in the oil are affecting serotonin levels in the brain to produce this state. 

 

Beyond the psychological effects on the limbic system, certain oils are known for other qualities. For instance, oregano oil can supposedly clear up allergies and respiratory infections, and most oils have antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiparasitic qualities. I really don't know about how effective they are to cure physical ailments, as I've only used them to rectify certain moods so far. But I'm liking the results, and will probably test more out for other properties on an as-needed basis. 

 

Not sure how true this is, but I found this:

 

http://www.biospirit...t-the-body.html

In Oxford, England, hospitals are using essential oils known for their sedative or antidepressant qualities to release endorphins and enkephalins (neurochemical analgesics and tranquilizers). Lavender, marjoram, geranium, mandarin, and cardamom have replaced chemical sedatives in these hospitals. These and other oils relax people, lower blood pressure, increase mental acuity, normalize body functions, reduce stress, and even act as aphrodisiacs. 

Aromatherapy Scent and Psyche: Using Essential Oils for Physical and Emotional Well-Being - Peter and Kate Damian 

[VerdeGo]

Fenix, nobiletin does appear in mandarin oil. Not sure about lemon oil, but I'm guessing it's present in most citrus oils.

 

https://books.google...biletin&f=false

[OneScrewLoose]

I can't find any hard evidence for the efficacy of lemon oil. If it helps you, go for it. I would take something that clearly helps me, even if I felt it were a placebo.

[Fenix_]

As far as euphoria and noticible psychoactive effects are, has anyone tried Nutmeg oil? I ordered some along with rosemary after doing some research last night.

 

I already have been using frankincense, don't have much to say other than it smells really nice and relaxes my airways. It is supposed to be a great supplement for general health when eating plain resin.

 

All three of these oils apparently contain significant amounts of alpha-pinene, which acts as a bronchodilator and AcHE-inhibitor. Nutmeg oil is interesting because its main component is Myristicin, a psychoactive compound which resembles mescaline (and is fairly well-documented as a recreational substance). I am thinking about buying a small nebulizer so that I can get a real feel for these essential oils.

Edited by Fenix_, 27 May 2015 - 05:29 AM.

[OneScrewLoose]

How about nutmeg oil? I ordered some along with rosemary after doing some research last night.

 

I already have been using frankincense, don't have much to say other than it smells really nice and relaxes my airways. It is supposed to be a great supplement for general health when eating plain resin.

 

All three of these oils apparently contain significant amounts of alpha-pinene, which is a bronchodilator and AcHE-inhibitor. Nutmeg oil is interesting because its main component is Myristicin, a psychoactive compound which resembles mescaline (and is fairly well-documented as a recreational substance). I am thinking about buying a small nebulizer so that I can get a real feel for these compounds.

I've tripped on four tablespoons of nutmug. It is 0% like a psychedelic. This is the horse's mouth talking here.

I thought I found a convincing study that nutmeg may have a variety of benefits:

http://www.sciencedi...687157X12000571

But then this happened:
http://www.journal-d...technology.html

It took me fifteen minutes to find anything about the impact factor. It's never taken that long. Turns out, it has none, which means since 2003, almost no one has cited the studies in the journal. I would be doubtful of any benefit.

What goals are you trying to accomplish?

[Fenix_]

Mostly just curious about aromatherapy (and how to make it more scientific). Antidepressant action and a cognitive boost would be great, and those are the effects I am personally after. If nutmeg turns out to be psychedelic (like people are claiming for lemon oil), then I would be thrilled and amused.

 

Also it appears that journal is out of Egypt, maybe that is why it has no impact?

Edited by Fenix_, 27 May 2015 - 10:34 PM.

[OneScrewLoose]

Mostly just curious about aromatherapy (and how to make it more scientific). Antidepressant action and a cognitive boost would be great, and those are the effects I am personally after. If nutmeg turns out to be psychedelic (like people are claiming for lemon oil), then I would be thrilled and amused.

 

Also it appears that journal is out of Egypt, maybe that is why it has no impact?

 

No, it's in English, so where it's from should not matter. There are plenty of journals not from the west that have an IF. It's just that no one sees it fit to cite.

[VerdeGo]

When I was in high school I took a large dose of nutmeg, and I was so disoriented I was sent home and suspended from school. At times I could barely function, especially the day I took it. The effects lasted for a couple of days. It wasn't entirely like LSD, more like a deep stoning effect with a psychedelic undertone from what I can recall. I think it's also bad for the liver, so inhaling an essential oil of nutmeg would probably be the safest, though I've never heard of this oil, and it could possibly be hard to come by because it exerts these effects. Sometimes you have to put all the scientific journals aside and explore what works for you. I think the term "placebo" is overused on this forum and an easy attempt to disprove somebody else's experience or put them down. The definition of placebo:

 

1. Placebo effect: Also called the placebo response. A remarkable phenomenon in which a placebo -- a fake treatment, an inactive substance like sugar, distilled water, or saline solution -- can sometimes improve a patient's condition simply because the person has the expectation that it will be helpful.

 

Your experience is what matters the most, not the lack of research in scientific studies. Big pharma is not going to fund research into cheap alternatives to their drugs (which, interestingly enough, are often times derived from the very plants used in essential oils). Essential oils and herbs are made up of dozens, if not hundreds, of chemicals, some (or many) being psychoactive. If you ingest a high enough dose (or inhale a very potent, concentrated oil) of these chemicals you will get very real, non-placebo effects. I learned this the hard way when I was a kid, excited to have a chemistry set, and I opened up a bottle of (sorry, can't remember the name at the moment) of a chemical in crystal form. I marveled how deep-blue they were, almost like sapphires, and I took a gentle inhale of the bottle. Almost immediately it felt like metal rods were being slammed down my throat. I couldn't breathe, and I fell backwards to the floor, gasping for breath, heart racing. I was honestly scared I was going to die, right there, on the bathroom floor. I was so shaken I never tried that again. 

 

As for any doubt remaining about aromatherapy and essential oils:

 

http://nurse-practit...omatherapy.aspx

 

Clinical Aromatherapy

 

Posted on: May 1, 2002

View Comments (0)Print ArticleEmail Article

 

Vol. 10 •Issue 5 • Page 67 
Clinical Aromatherapy

By Jane Buckle, RN

Clinical aromatherapy is the fastest growing complementary therapy in the United States. This modality has applications for some of the most common patient complaints and can offer a safe, inexpensive and self-empowering alternative to traditional treatments. Clinical aromatherapy has a very specific definition: It is the controlled, therapeutic use of essential oils for specific outcomes that are measurable.¹ Essential oils are the volatile, organic constituents of aromatic plant matter that are obtained by specific methods of extraction: steam distillation or expression. No other method produces an essential oil, and clinical aromatherapy seeks to disassociate itself from recreational fragrancing using synthetic scents that have no history of use. A few of the most common conditions treated by nurse practitioners can benefit from clinical aromatherapy, including vaginal infections, sinus infections and insomnia (Table 1).

 

http://www.rjbuckle....nHospitals.html

 

Clinical aromatherapy can create a more holistic environment, increase patient satisfaction, empower nurses, reduce infection and even reduce drug bills.

 

 

http://news.nurse.co...44#.VWaOeE9Viko

 

The ancient practice of aromatherapy is finding its way into modern medicine as a way to relieve stress, facilitate sleep and even reduce pain in patients.

 

 

http://www.cancer.go...romatherapy-pdq

 

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils (PDQ®)

 

Overview

 

This complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) information summary provides an overview of the use of aromatherapy andessential oils primarily to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. This summary includes a brief history of aromatherapy, a review oflaboratory studies and clinical trials, and possible adverse effectsassociated with aromatherapy use.

This summary contains the following key information:

• Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils (also known as volatile oils) from plants (flowers, herbs, or trees) for the improvement of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Aromatherapy is used by patients with cancer primarily assupportive care for general well-being.
• Aromatherapy is used with other complementary treatments (e.g.,massage and acupuncture) as well as with standard treatments forsymptom management.
• Essential oils are volatile liquid substances extracted from aromaticplant material by steam distillation or mechanical expression; oils produced with the aid of chemical solvents are not considered true essential oils.
• Essential oils are available in the United States for inhalation and topical treatment. Topical treatments are generally used in diluted forms.
• Aromatherapy is not widely administered via ingestion.
• The effects of aromatherapy are theorized to result from the binding of chemical components in the essential oil to receptors in the olfactory bulb, impacting the brain’s emotional center, the limbic system. Topical application of aromatic oils may exertantibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
• Studies in animals show sedative and stimulant effects of specific essential oils as well as positive effects on behavior and the immune system. Functional imaging studies in humans support the influence of odors on the limbic system and its emotional pathways.
• Human clinical trials have investigated aromatherapy primarily in the treatment of stress and anxiety in patients with critical illnesses or in other hospitalized patients. Several clinical trials involving patients with cancer have been published.
• Aromatherapy has a relatively low toxicity profile when administered by inhalation or diluted topical application.

http://umm.edu/healt...nt/aromatherapy

 

University of Maryland Medical Center

 

What is aromatherapy good for?

 

Aromatherapy is used in a wide range of settings -- from health spas to hospitals -- to treat a variety of conditions. In general, it seems to relieve pain, improve mood, and promote a sense of relaxation. In fact, several essential oils -- including lavender, rose, orange, bergamot, lemon, sandalwood, and others -- have been shown to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression.

Several clinical studies suggest that when essential oils (particularly rose, lavender, and frankincense) were used by qualified midwives, pregnant women felt less anxiety and fear, had a stronger sense of well being, and had less need for pain medications during delivery. Many women also report that peppermint oil relieves nausea and vomiting during labor.

Massage therapy with essential oils (combined with medications or therapy) may benefit people with depression. The scents are thought by some to stimulate positive emotions in the area of the brain responsible for memories and emotions, but the benefits seem to be related to relaxation caused by the scents and the massage. A person’s belief that the treatment will help also influences whether it works.

 

In one study, Neroli oil helped reduce blood pressure and preprocedure anxiety among people undergoing a colonoscopy.

...

 

Other conditions for which aromatherapy may be helpful include:

 

Alopecia areata (hair loss)

Agitation, possibly including agitation related to dementia

Anxiety

Constipation (with abdominal massage using aromatherapy)

Insomnia

Pain: Studies have found that people with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer (using topical chamomile), and headaches (using topical peppermint) require fewer pain medications when they use aromatherapy

Itching, a common side effect for those receiving dialysis

Psoriasis

 

 

Source: Aromatherapy | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/healt...#ixzz3bOxVXHDE 

University of Maryland Medical Center 

Follow us: @UMMC on Twitter | MedCenter on Facebook

 

--

 

I think it's pretty much determined aromatherapy and essential oils do not provide a placebo effect, but a substantial effect on mood, motivation, cognition, you name it. If essential oils were nothing more than placebo and a good scent, then every hospital room would have an Air Wick. I'm not surprised by the ignorance out there involving essential oils, because I was one of those ignorant fellows, and it took me 37 years to finally realize their potential. Aromatherapy can be a real, effective treatment for a host of medical conditions and symptoms, backed up by a lot of solid institutions, hospitals, and organizations. 

Edited by VerdeGo, 28 May 2015 - 04:51 AM.

[Fenix_]

I am not very experienced with journals, but could this be a case of chicken-and-egg, where nobody wants to cite an unknown journal? Anyways, this study does not seem out of the ordinary, it is totally believable that essential oil of nutmeg, like many others, has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The part about iron chelation was interesting too, would this mean that aromatherapy might remove some heavy metals from cells?

 

Another problem with studies done on essential oils is that extraction might yield different products even if perfectly recreated, due to differing phenotypes, although they did provide references to previous work which confirmed their GCMS analysis. These tests would not be hard to recreate though, so I believe if someone desired to cite this study, they would just do the tests themselves and give credit to the original.

[VerdeGo]

The source of the oil used would be of concern. Unfortunately there's no FDA oversight and anybody can put "therapeutic grade" on their label. I wonder how much these different brands compare to one another, and if this could cause different results in different studies. I think the chemical content is so high in these volatile oils, that it's very easy to get noticeable effects, though sometimes subtle, through inhalation or topical use. I no longer feel the need or the curiosity with other supplements, but I'm sure I'll return to them some day. For now it's all about testing new essentials, and I'll report back in time. Oregano sounds interesting, and I may try that next for its effects:

 

 

British Journal of Nutrition

 

British Journal of Nutrition / Volume 105 / Issue 08 / April 2011, pp 1150-1163Copyright © The Authors 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10...007114510004940(About DOI), Published online: 21 December 2010

 

Monoamine reuptake inhibition and mood-enhancing potential of a specified oregano extract

 

Annis O. Mechana1 c1, Ann Fowlera1, Nicole Seiferta1, Henry Riegera1, Tina Wöhrlea1, Stéphane Ethevea1, Adrian Wyssa1, Göde Schülera1, Biagio Collettoa1, Claus Kilperta1, James Astona2, J. Martin Elliotta2, Regina Goralczyka1 and M. Hasan Mohajeria1

a1 DSM Nutritional Products Limited, Research and Development Human Nutrition and Health, PO Box 2676, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland

a2 Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK

 

Abstract

 

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Such a diet must include an adequate intake of micronutrients, essential fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants. The monoamine neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, are derived from dietary amino acids and are involved in the modulation of mood, anxiety, cognition, sleep regulation and appetite. The capacity of nutritional interventions to elevate brain monoamine concentrations and, as a consequence, with the potential for mood enhancement, has not been extensively evaluated. The present study investigated an extract from oregano leaves, with a specified range of active constituents, identified via an unbiased, high-throughput screening programme. The oregano extract was demonstrated to inhibit the reuptake and degradation of the monoamine neurotransmitters in a dose-dependent manner, and microdialysis experiments in rats revealed an elevation of extracellular serotonin levels in the brain. Furthermore, following administration of oregano extract, behavioural responses were observed in mice that parallel the beneficial effects exhibited by monoamine-enhancing compounds when used in human subjects. In conclusion, these data show that an extract prepared from leaves of oregano, a major constituent of the Mediterranean diet, is brain-active, with moderate triple reuptake inhibitory activity, and exhibits positive behavioural effects in animal models. We postulate that such an extract may be effective in enhancing mental well-being in humans.

Edited by VerdeGo, 28 May 2015 - 05:15 AM.

[normalizing]

placebo works because placebo uses methyline blue as confusing agent to make people believe the color of their urine changes because of the drug effect. meanwhile, not informing that actually methyline blue is in fact active in the nervous system and can have as much effect as the drug experimented with on the other side of the group

[sthira]

Good stuff here. And yet I think the word placebo perks up hackles sometimes. I mean, the term seems loaded and is sometimes perceived as derogatory. As if placebo is a bad thing. The mind is powerful, and the power of suggestion is strong, and probably not to be separated from the effects of these essential oils. For example, I like the odor of lemon oil because it reminds me of some happy go lucky times spent in the citrus groves of my youth. Citrus odors remind me of friends and bonfires, ocean breezes, and giant spiders hanging in webs between lemon tree branches. Citrus odors equal good times in my brain. But what if the odor of lemon reminded me of something terrible? If I associated that citrus with something I didn't like, would the lemon oil still make me feel good? I'm not sure. Power of suggestion is strong; but that's not a negative. Power of suggestion may be just part of the complex neurochemistry we don't understand yet.

[Fenix_]

I think the word placebo implies deception to some degree. But when people do things that are known to work, for the effect attributed to that thing they are doing, it is more honest than a placebo. I think that we are finding more proof now that holistic practices such as aromatherapy have a biological effect beyond the power of suggestion. Hypnosis is a placebo, but aromatherapy is more like microdosing a mixture of plant-based drugs via the airways, in addition to the stimulating scents which activate the olfactory bulb. Emphasis on microdosing though, because I have yet to see any fractals while diffusing this nutmeg oil.

Edited by Fenix_, 28 May 2015 - 07:09 PM.

[normalizing]

thats from wiki; "Methylene blue has been used as a placebo; physicians would tell their patients to expect their urine to change color and view this as a sign that their condition had improved.^[31] This same side effect makes methylene blue difficult to test in traditional placebo-controlled clinical studies"

 

you idiots, i just explained the reason placebo works is because methylene blue IS THE PLACEBO!

Edited by normalizing, 29 May 2015 - 06:44 AM.

[Fenix_]

thats from wiki; "Methylene blue has been used as a placebo; physicians would tell their patients to expect their urine to change color and view this as a sign that their condition had improved.^[31] This same side effect makes methylene blue difficult to test in traditional placebo-controlled clinical studies"

 

you idiots, i just explained the reason placebo works is because methylene blue IS THE PLACEBO!

 

That's baked. They should put MB in ecstasy pills to mess with ravers lol.

[VerdeGo]

The problem is I don't expect anything when I take a substance. I free my mind of expectations and continue on with my normal routine. When I experience strong body sensations, complete change of thought, change of heart rate, etc., then I take notice and become aware of these sensations. I've taken plenty of things in my past that were either fraudulent (no effect, including fake acid strips, pills, etc.), or too weak to benefit from. At the time I was convinced I'd get a reaction, but nothing happened.

 

When I sniffed the lemon oil, I definitely wasn't expecting anything at all, and didn't even consciously think about it (I was smelling it to smell it, and not thinking I had even "dosed" on it). It was quite a subtle but quick transition. The strong stimulating, extremely talkative effects within 20 minutes made it clear to me that part of my brain chemistry had temporarily changed. My head wouldn't stop tingling, and I felt so connected and in love with life, a complete change in how I was feeling up to that point. Coworkers commented on how I couldn't stop smiling off into space, how I couldn't stop talking, laughing, etc. I think it's obvious extreme happiness has to do with serotonin. When I tested it again on a crying woman, and saw a complete turnaround (she was not expecting anything, as most of my suggestions have nil effect on her) within minutes, I was pleasantly surprised. With all the research out there, the hundreds of chemicals present, the proven delivery means through the lungs and effects on the limbic system, the use in hospitals, and so on, I doubt placebo applies here. In some instances I could envision such an effect through the power of suggestion, but I honestly didn't think any effects would last past the time the oil was being inhaled. As in lavender's case, unless I apply it topically, the calming effects cease shortly after I stop inhaling it. That's why I was so surprised when I was completely stimulated 8 hours later and had rotten sleep. I felt like a million bucks after taking it, but it strongly affects your sleep cycle since it's a stimulant in nature (along with all citrus oils). 

 

But it still boils down to brain chemistry, absorption, enzymes, sensitivity (I'm very sensitive to substances. Leaky BBB maybe? Who knows), and other factors. Everyone reacts differently to even the most well researched chemicals. Some are proven to cause a noticeable benefit. However when certain people take them, they experience nothing noticeable. I don't know why that is, and I can only speculate.