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Aromatherapy and Gastronomic Treats

Three Gentle Ways for a Life of Great Health

Because it is summer and the last couple of days were a bit hot here in Melbourne, I will dwell a little on the connection between Aromatherapy and Gastronomy. I encourage the exploration of gentle and safe available options using culinary essential oils. As always, this blog is for education only and I strongly encourage consultation with a therapist trained in the specific protocols related to the use of essential oils internally. Be safe first, everything else will follow naturally. If in doubt you are always welcome to contact BIBI Therapy with your enquiries.

Imagination is the only limitation when it comes to harnessing the essential oils benefits to not only enhance the culinary delights you might create, but also to have great health benefits. I will share three of my absolute favourite: Black pepper, Fennel and Juniper berries.

The oil How it works
Black Pepper Piper Nigrum This spice has been linked to gastronomic delight for millennia. Not only it enhances gastrointestinal functionality while boosting nutrients absorption but its rich phytochemistry provides physiological benefits in cognitive brain functioning. (Butt, M et al 2013). Constipation : Abdominal massage ( Buckle, 2003), stimulates the colon and gets the stagnant build up moving again (Turan and Ast, 2016);
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel was valued by ancient Chinese, Egyptians as well as Romans. The common denominator the belief that it conveyed longevity, courage and strength. Fennel seeds have also been used for hundreds of years as a digestive aid. Fennel essential oil has long been used as an appetite suppressant and is believed by some to help with weight loss. It is beneficial for the digestive system and is believed to be a tonic for fatigue. It is also one of the best detoxifying essential oils and is much used in lymphatic drainage massage. Irritable bowel syndrome(Portincasa et al, 2016): Abdominal massage with diluted oil or taken internally (1-2 drops) in a favourite smoothie Alcohol poisoning: Fennel can be taken internally in the form of tea decoction ; Additional information on safe use can be found following the link. Not to be taken in pregnancy or lactation.
Juniper berries Juniperus communis Known for its flavouring qualities of famous spirits designated as gins. The many chemical components existing in this balsamic pine scented oil make it very useful as antiseptic diuretic, tonic as well as bactericidal and strong fungicidal properties (Pepeljnjak et al, 2005). Can provide effective relief from bloating (Bouyahyaoui et al 2016)

My preferred way is to use them in a flavoured salt with wither the oils or the actual spices: Metabolism Enhancing Detoxifying Flavoured Salt

Here is how to make it: two drops from each of the essential oils (Black pepper, Fennel and Juniper) mixed with 100 g salt (Himalayan Pin, Celtic Gray, Sea salt etc). If you prefer grounding the actual spices you might like the following ratio: one table spoon Fennel seeds, one table spoon of Black pepper and juniper berries. De gustibus non disputandum est, along the line with in matter of taste there can be no disputes.

CAUTION!!! It is important to be aware that any of the oils described here are very powerful and should only be used in very small quantities. Avoid using them if pregnant or if you undergo chemotherapy as the components in these oils interact with the treatment; consult your natural therapist or doctor.

Wishing you a great green time this March 2019.

Precautions

  • The use of any oil should not replace any prescribed course of treatment. If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before you splash essential oils on your skin;
  • Always dilute the essential oils, ratio of 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice and
  • remember to check with a practitioner who specialises in aromatherapy before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

Sources

Buckle, J.,Clinical Aromatherapy. 2003; 20: 310, One of the simplest and most gentle ways to ease constipation is through abdominal massage using essential oils.

Turan and Ast, Gastroenterol Nurs., The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Constipation and Quality of Life; 2016; 39(1) 48-59.

Bouyahyaoui et al, Nat Prod Commun. Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Analysis of the Essential Oil of Algerian Juniperus phoenicea. 2016: 11(4):519-522

Butt, MS et al Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Black pepper and health claims: a comprehensive treatise. 2013; 53(9): 875-886; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23768180

Pepeljnjak S, et al, Antimicrobial activity of juniper berry essential oil (Juniperus communis L., Cupressaceae). 2005; 55(4):417-422; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16375831

Portincasa P et al, J Gastrointestin. Liver Dis, Curcumin and Fennel Essential Oil Improve Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 2016; 25(2)151-157 ; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27308645

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Happy Gut, Happy Brain, Happy You

Essential Oils and Gut Health

You know the expression “the gut feeling” one? Did you know that we have three brains that enable us to make decisions? But do we know how take care of them? Which one is more important? Why? Are they connected? How? It turns out that Science has made the connection between digestive-system activity and cognition (thinking skills and memory), in other words there is clear link between The Mind and The Gut (Soosalu and Oka, 2012).

Let’s have a look how can one take care of one of the brains residing in the Gut. Yes, it’s scientifically demonstrated that our second brain is in the gut. Gut microbiota contains more than three million microbial genes, which is 150 times more than the human genome itself. In other words the 100 + trillion odd cells residing in the gut, forming the gut microbiota communicate in an extraordinary way with the Brain Central Nervous System

Heading on to the Holiday Season, we surely experience a great deal of feelings, be it because we enjoy some extra delicious foods or simply because we feel guilty/or not for doing so. The plethora of feelings varies from person to person. They may start in waves of anticipation and excitement for the season. Then just when you want to savor the moments they’re gone on the Ether. Feelings of weakness, stress, anxiety even depression knock on the Brain’s door. So what can you do? Well you can always resort to Aromatherapy as a sure way to lift up the spirits a bit.

That is to say we can use some essential oils to calm symptoms relating to the functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain, stomach upset. So fixing problems in the gut affects what’s happening in the brain. There is a growing body of research based evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system sends signals to the Central nervous system that ultimately affect the mood changes, demonstrating the relationship between gut microbiota, stress and anxiety.

So let’s see how can we keep the digestive system in top condition, while keeping the immune system alert and functioning using ancient Aromatherapy way. The table below outlines some of the essential oils than can be effective in facilitating the digestion of food. Using the oils for a massage or adding drops to skin and hair care products can be equally beneficial.

Table 1. Fragrant solutions to help keep digestion and the gut working in top condition. Not surprisingly, some oils are also very effective in emotional problems.

* — Caution: Avoid using this oil if pregnant. Do no use this oil if you undergo chemotherapy, components of this oil interact with the treatment; consult your doctor before using it.

OilBotanical NameEffect on the gut and how to useSource
Peppermint*Mentha x piperita
  • Relieves bloating, nausea and reliving symptoms in IBS (McKay et al, 2006);
    • Refreshing, stimulating and settling of digestive system
  • Inhalation or topical application of one drop on the stomach (wash hands well after use)
  • For safety use read more
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • when it comes to your digestive system, lavender protects against dysbiosis, the technical term for impaired microbiota. It has healing properties and is anti-inflammatory in nature
  • Inhalation and topical application Caution is advised when using lavender and drugs that induce sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates or drugs to reduce blood pressure.
CuminCuminum cyminum
  • extremely effective in treating IBS: reduced bloating and pain (Agah, 2013);
  • can be used in favouring foods or topical application on the belly diluted 3%.
ThymeThymus vulgaris
  • Thyme suppresses pathogens in the small intestine;
  • Topical application of diluted oil only; use a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, almond or jojoba.
  • Thyme is my absolute favourite oil and herb; its uses exceed the digestion benefits.

So, are essential oils more than just a lovely scent? Absolutely! But while their benefits can be amazing, so can their side effects if they’re used incorrectly – just be sure to do your research first.

So this Christmas, keep the gut happy and you will be happy too.

Wishing you a great time of Peace and Light, Joy and Calm.

Precautions

If you choose to put on the oils mentioned above, please consider the following:

  • The use of any oil should not replace any prescribed course of treatment. If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before you splash essential oils on your skin;
  • Caution is advised when using lavender and drugs that induce sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates or drugs to reduce blood pressure;
  • Always dilute the essential oils, ratio of 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice and
  • remember to check with a medical practitioner who specialises in aromatherapy before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

Sources

Agah et al, 2013, Cumin extract for symptoms control in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case series, Middle East J Dig Dis.2013, 5(4):217-22.

McKay DL, Blumberg JB. 2006, A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research. 2006,20(8):619-633.

Soosalu, G and Oka M, mBraining: Using your multiple brains to do cool stuff, mBIT International, PTthy, Ptd, 2012.