Aroma Wisdom The Canadian Aromatherapy Journal
Summer 2019 The Blooming Edition
education, innovation, growth, support
Essential Oils and PTSD: Jennine Stromkins Reviews More Case Studies
Ethics in Distilling
Ann Harman talks professionalism in the trade
10 Easy Ways to Promote Your Business Marieka Zimmerman shows you how
Jun-Aug 2019
Student Case Study Blend Review Ana Sullivan British Columbia Alliance Of Aromatherapy ISSN 2562-2218 $7.99 CND
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Contents 4 Our Contributors 5 President’s Message 7 Meet Your New Board 8 Announcements 10 Featured Writer: Essential Oils and PTSD Part 2 of 2 - Jennine Stromkins discusses more PTSD case studies
18 Guest Writer: Ethics in Distilling International Speaker Ann Harman talks Professionalism in the Trade
25 Promoting Your Business Marieka Zimmerman Shows You 10 Easy Ways
27 Aroma Wisdom Subscription and Edition Order Form
30 Student Case Study
Ana Sullivan reviews anti-nociceptive properties for pain management
33 BCAOA 2019 Essential Oil Safety Booklet Order Form 34 Spring Continuing Education Event Review by Melissa Housser 44 Marie-Louise Hooites Meursing Memoriam 45 The Classifieds DISCLAIMER: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED HEREIN DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE BCAOA, ITS DIRECTORS, THE EDITOR, OR ITS MEMBERS. INFORMATION PROVIDED IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. THE BCAOA, ITS DIRECTORS, MEMBERS, AND EDITOR CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MISUSE OF ESSENTIAL OILS OR ANY OTHER THERAPEUTIC METHODS PRESENTED HEREIN. THE BCAOA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY ARTICLE OR ADVERTISEMENT SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION AND DOES NOT NECESSARILY ENDORSE ANY PERSON, PRODUCT, COMPANY, COURSE, OR SCHOOL MENTIONED HEREIN.
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Essential Oils and PTSD Aromatherapy can help sufferers
In Part 2 of this article, featured writer Jennine Stromkins continues her discussion of PTSD with four case studies Once called “shell shock”, “war neurosis”, “cardiorespiratory neurosis” and “idiotism” among others, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was believed to be a condition caused by the horrors of the battlefield that solely affected soldiers and other military personnel. However, as our knowledge around mental health has increased, we have become able to recognise its symptoms in patients other than those with direct battlefield experience. We understand now that traumatised animals can experience PTSD and even the close relatives of someone involved in a traumatic event, who did not actually experience the event themselves, can suffer from PTSD over that event. No matter its name, PTSD knows no barriers or limitations in its devastation of those it affects. For those living with PTSD, the symptoms can range from life-limiting to life-destroying: depression; anxiety; nightmares/night terrors/sleep disturbances; panic attacks; irritability; angry outbursts; a deep sense of helplessness; difficulty with concentration/memory; difficulties at home/work; flashbacks; feelings of devastation/vulnerability; feeling of numbness; abnormal fear; fear of every-day activities; feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks; aversion to socialising; avoidance of situations that might trigger memories of the trauma; drug/alcohol addiction; chronic pain, hypertension or illness; overwhelming fear of death; compulsiveness; personality changes; self destructive incidents/self-injury; and thoughts of/attempted suicide. 10
refrain from selling products for at least two years.
six months then again at one year. This gave me an
Hydrosols by nature are perishable products. Good
idea if my protocols were working. It is not possible
manufacturing protocols are vital to producing a
to tell if a hydrosol is contaminated by sight or smell
contaminate-free product. It will take you time and
alone. If you do see a fungal bloom, the hydrosol is
experience to know if your protocols are effective. It
no longer safe for using therapeutically.
is not ethical to sell your products before you have gained experience in both distillation and bottling.
For the past several years, I have been researching heavy metals in the distillate waters. I consider it
What do I mean about manufacturing protocols? I
prudent to test your hydrosol for the presence of
begin with distilling in a clean environment. This
heavy metals, whether you distill in glass, stainless
means sterilizing my distillation equipment with
or copper. An acidic environment and the presence
either 70% alcohol or steam, including the inside of
of heat, both of which we have during a distillation,
the condensing coils and the collection vessels, and
can cause the leaching of metals from the distillation
keeping the airborne microbes to a minimum by
equipment into the distillate water.
limiting your hydrosols exposure to airborne spores. When distilling for profit, I use a sterilized cloth to
Most environmental laboratories familiar with
cover the outlet of the condenser.
testing to drinking water standards will be able to perform the analysis for a relatively inexpensive amount. In the United States, the acceptable Maximum Contaminant levels (MCL) of inorganics are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)3, so we use the EPA 200.8 standard for drinking water method. It is very important to use the correct method or you might receive a false negative, giving one an incorrect sense of security. For example, the EPA 200.8 method had a reporting limit of 0.002 mg/l
AHarman
which is below the 0.015 action level for lead in
When filtering, mixing and rebottling, I sterilize the
drinking water. I do not recommend using at-home
bottles, lids and all equipment with which the
tests advertised for testing drinking water. I once
hydrosol can potentially come in contact. Once I
purchased a box of strips to try at home: the
have bottled a batch of hydrosols, I keep a minimum
reporting limits were far higher than the MCL – in
of 120 ml for future testing.
the case of lead it was 3000 times higher – so the strips gave a false negative every time!
In the years before I started selling my distillation products, I had my hydrosol batches tested on a
In conclusion, practice responsible distillation. The
regular basis. The most frequent type of testing I did
distillation journey is full of transformation; the
was microbiological. I started testing each batch at
transformation of plants into ethereal oils and
21
distillate water. The journey might also transform the distiller. You will gain a greater respect for the plants, water and labor that goes into each bottle of
Updated March 13, 2019. https://www.verywellmind.com/anoverview-of-the-dunning-kruger-effect-4160740 (accessed May 21, 2019). Figure 3 - Dunning-Kruger Effect Graph
precious essential oil and hydrosol. Practice the art
3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
of distilling and gain the experience to make a true
Regulations - Healthy Water - Drinking - Public Water Systems.
artisanally crafted product worthy of the plants, water and your time. Enjoy the journey!
Figure 1 & 2 - Courtesy Peter H. Raven Library/Missouri Botanical Garden Lead Photo - By JurateBuiviene from Shutterstock
Last reviewed April 10, 2009. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/regulations. html (accessed October 10, 2018)
Ann Harman is an organic farmer, herbalist and distiller. She has been making herbal products for decades and distilling hydrosols for nearly 30 years. Ann is the author of Harvest to
References:
Hydrosol, a how-to book about distilling for hydrosols. She is
1. US EPA, OW. 2015. “Use of Lead Free Pipes, Fittings, Fixtures, Solder and Flux for Drinking Water.” Overviews and Factsheets. US EPA. Updated July 11, 2017. https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations/use-lead-freepipes-fittings-fixtures-solder-and-flux-drinking-water (accessed August 3, 2015)
currently involved in research of the hydrosols; chemistry, microbiology, adulteration, heavy metals and comparison experiments through Circle H Institute. She loves sharing her knowledge of the world of distillation and hydrosols. She is an international speaker who lectures on her continual research on hydrosols and the Art of Distillation. Ann hosts intensive, hands on workshops featuring international teachers in Washington
2. Cherry, Kendra. 2019 and n.d. “Dunning-Kruger Effect: Why
State, USA. She regularly contributes articles about distillation
Incompetent People Think They Are Superior.” Verywell Mind.
and hydrosols to industry journals.
.
Edu
cati
on O
Too Busy to Attend a CE Event?
n Th e Go
Well, we’ve got you covered.
!
We now offer recorded events for purchase at our online store https://bcaoa.org/store/videos-andaudio/
Explore our new educational products then buy and download to watch or listen at your own pace. Presenter: Patricia Antoniak Date: September 10, 2017 Length: 4 hours, 44 minutes (In 2 parts) Description: The Dynamics of Addiction This 2-part webinar discusses the use of aromatherapy with addiction, addictive personalities, and some of the causes and expressions of this difficult and damaging disease.
Presenter: Peter Holmes L.Ac., M.H. Date: April 2018 Length: 9 hours, 53 minutes (In 8 parts) Description: Day 1 Topics - Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Medicine: Exploring the psychological and physiological functions of essential oils. Fragrance Qualities and Pharmacology: The psychosensory approach to using essential oils as remedies Day 2 Topics - Essential Oils as Bioactive Remedies: Evaluating the integrity of essential oil production and identity. Symptom Versus Terrain: Differentiating treatment priorities with the six diagnostic conditions 23
Coming Soon! Presenter: Dr. Timothy Miller ND. MAc, LAc, RA Date: April 2019 Length: 9 hours, 53 minutes (In 7 parts) Description: Day 1 - AromaChemistry: Get ready to see chemistry in a whole new light! Dr. Tim is going to show you how fascinating AromaChemistry is and how you can use it in a profound and impactful way. Some of the basics of chemistry is revisited, as well as explore functional groups and their generalized therapeutic indications. This will help enhance and deepen your understanding of chemistry and AromaChemistry. Day 2 - Pharmacokinetics: Pharmacokinetics is how the body interacts with essential oil components and how these compounds are metabolized and excreted from the body. A vital aspect of aromatherapy and can enable practitioners to maximize the effects of their treatments, and can guide the oil(s) and interface(s) which they might use.
Presenting The BCAPA Proceedings Manuals 2001-2014 Between the years 2000 and 2014, the BCAPA published the presenters’ notes from Continuing Education Events and meeting notes of Chapter Group forums in a bound format as their annual Proceedings Manual. The hard copies of the Proceeding Manuals were discontinued in 2015 but the they contain such a wealth of information that, now that the BCAPA and BCAOA have amalgamated, we are able to sell them at a very affordable price online in digital format. These wonderfully informative manuals are available singly or buy the whole collection for an amazingly discounted deal! Journal Update: We don’t have any more print copies of our Winter issue, and only a few of our Spring issue are left, but both are available online at Issuu. Thank you all for your support! Essential Oil Safety Booklets: These lovely and profitable publications are always available in print to order or online at Issuu. 24
welcoming, and professional. Though clientele
recommendations and treatment suggestions if you
come to us for the unique modalities we offer, they
showcase your knowledge in a respectful, positive
will also recognize how they feel in your space as
and objective way, always putting their health and
part of their therapeutic impression. It will be a big
wellbeing first.
reason whether they become a return client or not. Good luck with your business goals and aspirations! Do you need to de-clutter, put up a fresh coat of paint, or buy some newer furniture? The more comfortable people are in your space, the more
Photo credits - Pixabay
comfortable they will be with you, and the more
Marieka Zimmerman is a Registered Massage Therapist,
they will be able to have a beneficial treatment
Holistic Health Practitioner, and Registered Aromatherapist.
experience.
She is the owner and operator of Aspire Massage & Holistic Therapies, in Smithers, BC, and has been in practice for 15
Overall, no matter how you decide to put yourself
wellness of her patients through the use of her diverse
and your business out in your community, just
treatment modalities, as well as patient education, awareness
remember YOU are the biggest promoter out there!
and prevention. Her knowledge and love of learning has
Be confident and assured in your training and
provided Marieka with a dynamic background of techniques,
capabilities. People will respond to your
29
years. Marieka is passionate about supporting the health and
which enable each patient to receive a treatment plan designed specifically for his or her needs.
Aromatherapy Student: Ana Sullivan Goals Pain Management Through Antinociceptive Properties of Essential Oils West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy Student Ana Sullivan discusses the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of her blend for longterm management of osteoarthritic and sciatic nerve pain. The following article will explain the efficacy of the essential oil blend “Pain at Bay Op. 29â€? in managing inflammation, and therefore chronic instances of pain, and its ability to keep flare ups of acute pain at bay in soft muscle tissue. I will elaborate on the reasons for choosing the essential oils with antinociceptive and antiinflammatory properties in such a blend. There have been several studies in the search for alternative pain relief without the side effects that conventional drugs carry, and many of these studies have focused their attention on monoterpenes and their derivatives. These studies have placed particular interest in using the peripheral mechanism approach to treat pain by blocking nociceptive impulses. This is known as the antinociceptive effect; there are several studies indicating how many of the chemical constituents in essential oils have antinociceptive effects. When using the antinociceptive approach with essential oils, it is important to keep in mind the production of a few enzymes that can cause inflammation, such as COX enzymes, and the production of prostaglandin which in turn causes chronic and acute pain. My personal approach of combining essential oils known for their anti-inflammatory benefits with essential oils that have antinociceptive chemical constituents is based on the premise that these constituents have shown significant potential in blocking the function of such enzymes and has seemed to work the best in a few individuals. These are some of the main chemical constituents considered when making this blend: •
l-linalool (Monoterpenol) It is thought to produce antinociception action against glutamate-induced pain in mice. It has shown analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activity. 30
Dr. Tim explained that the main constituent found in
Because essential oils follow the same pathways as
wintergreen, methyl salicylate, has increased toxicity
allopathic medications, we included them under the
as well as increased biological activity due to it being
umbrella of ‘drugs’ during this lecture, which is
a phenylpropanoid. This makes it ‘pro-drug’,
logical — to me at least — considering that this is
meaning it is inactive until metabolized, at which
exactly how they’re treated in other parts of the world
point the effects of this constituent become active.
where aromatic medicine is practiced.
Aspirin is also pro-drug, and while the primary
First, we looked at absorption and the different routes
component of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, both
of administration. The focus here was on the general
wintergreen and aspirin metabolize into salicylic acid
dosing and clinical applications of internal, external,
giving both drugs the exact same toxicity,
olfaction, and inhalation methods. When discussing
precautions, and therapeutic effectiveness. Dr. Tim
dosing, Dr. Tim explained that the bioavailability of a
stated that 1 drop of wintergreen is the equivalent of
drug is affected by the first-pass effect which, simply
81mg of baby aspirin and since they bear the same
put, means that the amount of drug that enters the
intermediate (salisylic acid), this gives us a dosing
bloodstream can be lessened when metabolism occurs
strategy when blending that can ensure a low enough
by the liver before the drug reaches systemic
dilution without risk of overdosing through
circulation.
applications. In general, the first-pass effect is something we want We were meant to learn a bit about gallstones as our
to avoid because then lower doses can be used while
final topic for day one, covering the different types,
still having a strong effect. Fortunately however, as
risk factors, symptoms, and medications. However,
aromatherapists, our main methods of application
we had been thrown slightly off schedule by the
(dermal and inhalation) skip first-pass metabolism,
wonderful influx of engagements and questions
meaning we’re already engaging in highly effective
thrown at Dr. Tim from eager students, and so ran out
routes of administration. Dr. Tim brought to light that
of time. I’m thankful we were given booklets
vaginal pessaries and, to a degree, rectal suppositories
complete with a print out of all the slides for the
are also highly effective methods of skipping the first-
weekend so I can study this more on my own time.
pass effect.
Day Two
Not surprisingly, oral administration does not skip first-pass, which for me was yet another example of
Day 2 brought to us an entirely new set of fun facts
why it’s best to avoid the ingestion of essential oils
and knowledge. The entire day was spent learning
(much to the chagrin of some companies, I’m sure).
about AromaPharmacokinetics and
That being said, everything has a time and a place, so
Pharmacodynamics.
we did spend some time discussing oral use, its advantages and disadvantages, and the differences
37
Pharmacokinetics is defined as the movement of
between enteric-coated and non-enteric coated
drugs through the body, whereas pharmacodynamics
capsules. Enteric-coated capsules are the best option
is defined as the effect that drugs have on the body.
for bypassing the liver.
THE FALL EDITION WILL BE READY BEFORE YOU CAN DO YOUR THE-KIDSARE-BACK-IN-SCHOOL HAPPY DANCE. As the air cools and leaves begin to turn, business starts picking up after those long summer days. Make sure people know your name with an ad in Aroma Wisdom - The Canadian Aromatherapy Journal. Submit your ad by August 15th to ensure your business gets seen around the world, whether you’re buying school supplies or mentally shimmying down a beach at sunset. Be A Part Of The Discussion! We are looking for WRITERS for our Fall & Winter editions. The Featured Writer section is for those who submit 2-4 topic-related pieces for sequential editions. For instance, write 2 pieces for summer-fall; 3 pieces for spring-summer-fall or summer-fall-winter etc. The Guest Writer section is for single-piece submissions but can be a 2-part piece if it is too long for a one edition. Send in your Reviews for classes, workshops, seminars, events, books, webinars and products. In to Research? Strut your stuff in the science of all things aromatic and send us your work! Student Case Studies approved by your teacher are welcome! Writers, submit by August 20th! And you can gain CE credits if you’re a member or get a discount on applying for an initial membership with your submission! For our Author’s Agreement, or our Advertiser’s Agreement if you’re looking to place an ad, just go to https://bcaoa.org/membership/submissions/ or send questions to editor@bcaoa.org 38