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Summer 2008 | Essential Oils & Aromatherapy for
those with Bleeding Disorders /
Sara Holmes, BS LMT, Registered Aromatherapist
 Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic and volatile
oils from herbs, plants and trees to improve physical and mental
health. These essential oils have been extracted from the leaves,
seeds, roots, rind, flowers or bark of plants. They are a watery
substance and not oily at all, as the name implies. Many ancient
cultures, dating back to at least 4,000 B.C. have studied and
used it, and now modern medicine is also recognizing the benefits
of aromatherapy.
Clinical trials have shown that aromatherapy
can affect digestion, respiratory congestion, headaches, pain
relief, circulation of lymphatic drainage and hormonal balance,
as well as easing depression, anxiety and stress. In 2004, the
Nobel Prize went to scientists who discovered how many odor
receptors we each have (10,000), and established that our sense
of smell is as important and complex as sight or hearing.
It is critical to understand two concepts. First,
that essential oils provide the “aroma” in aromatherapy.
Most essential oils are used by the fragrance and food industry;
only a small fraction are used by aromatherapists. As a healing
modality, it is imperative to use only 100% pure essential oils
and not synthetic fragrance oil. Pure essential oils come in
small, dark vials that are labeled with the botanical name of
a single plant, the method of distillation and the plant origin.
Often, they will also have the date of distillation and batch
number, and will vary in price from $10 to $150. The price is
dependent upon the amount of plant material it takes to produce
the essential oil. Essential oils may be purchased from health
food stores and reliable internet sites.
The second key concept is safety. Some people
may have adverse reactions to certain essential oils. Throughout
this article, safety tidbits will be given; however, these are
not a substitute for professional advice. If you have any safety
concerns, consult a Registered Aromatherapist or other healthcare
professional before using an aromatherapy blend or essential
oil.
As a registered Aromatherapist, I have some
concerns about “recommending” general blends or
specific oils for the bleeding disorder population due to the
lack of scientific research available. My concerns are based
on our creed, “first do no harm.”
 In addressing issues for those with bleeding
disorders, certain essential oils may prove helpful for improving
joint pain, reducing anxiety, easing depression and minimizing
bruises. Please keep in mind that these suggestions are based
purely on the properties of the essential oils themselves and
no clinical data. The most prudent place for us to begin our
aromatic journey is by acknowledging some of the basic guidelines
and contraindications for using essential oils and aromatherapy:
- Essential oils are very
strong (45% stronger than dried plant material) and “natural”
does not mean harmless. Read precautions and uses associated
with each oil.
- Essential oils not recommended for use at all in aromatherapy
are Birch, Thuja, Wintergreen, Bitter Almond, Yellow Camphor,
Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard, Southernwood, Cassia, Bitter
Fennel, Rue, Tansy, Sassafras and Wormwood.
- Those with bleeding disorders should avoid any oils that have
blood-thinning properties. These oils could include Clove Bud,
Cinnamon Leaf, Bay Laurel, Wintergreen, Oregano and Sweet Birch.
These oils are also often included in over-the-counter preparations,
gum, food and drinks. However, “there is still some controversy
about whether essential oils reach the bloodstream in sufficient
quantities after a topical aromatherapy treatment to have a
pharmacologic effect.” (Balacs 2002)
- Photosensitivity or severe skin damage by the sun may be caused
by using cold pressed citrus oils such as Lemon, Orange, Bergamot,
Tangerine and Mandarin due to furocoumarins. If you apply a
blend with these oils to the skin and expose yourself to UV
rays (sun or tanning bed), a rash or skin problem may develop.
Steam distilled lime and grapefruit oils appear to have no topical
contraindications at this time.
- Do not take essential oils internally.
- Keep oils out of the reach of children, the mentally challenged
and pets.
- Keep away from the eyes. If you get essential oils in the
eyes, rinse immediately with milk followed by
vegetable oil and water. Water alone will not work as essential
oils are not water soluble.
- Keep oils away from open flame.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Always blend essential oils with a carrier oil, cream, water,
or other base before using.
 It is always wise to consult a reference manual or a Certified/Registered
Aromatherpist prior to treating specific health conditions.
Blending proportions will be dependent on a health assessment,
age and other pertinent factors. Methods of use vary and are
dependent on the needs of the individual. The most common methods
of use are inhalation (breathing in) and topical use via massage
or compress.
For joint pain and inflammation, the following essential oils
might prove helpful: black pepper (Piper nigrum),
helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis), cypress (Cupressus
sempervirens), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens),
lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus-high myrcene
content), lemon (Citrus Limon), grapefruit
(Citrus paradisi), lavender (Lavendula angustifolia),
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), junipier
(Juniperus communis) and clary sage (Salvia
sclarea) for pain.
If the inflammation is accompanied by muscle
spasm, Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) may be beneficial.
To make a blend, choose 1-3 of the above oils and blend in a
carrier base for massage or compress. An example of a blend
for joint pain could be: 4 drops of black pepper, 4 drops helichrysum
and 4 drops of lemongrass mixed in 1 ounce of carrier oil comprised
of Sunflower oil (Healianthus annuus) chosen for efficacy on
bruises and 10% of the specialty oil St. John’s Wort (Hypericum
perforatum) chosen as an anti-inflammatory.
For extreme bruising, a blend of 10% helichrysum
in 1 ounce of rosehip seed oil is thought to
be very effective (see www.naturesgift.com for helichrysum healing).
This 2% blend would be appropriate for most teens and adults.
It is always wise to perform a patch test of any blend before
applying it all over the body to be certain there are no negative
reactions. To patch test, take a small amount of the blend and
put on the inside of the forearm. Cover it with a bandage so
the blend does not oxidize and leave for several hours. If there
is no redness, itching, swelling, rash or other irritation,
then proceed with the treatment. Discontinue use if there is
any negative reaction.
There is a great deal of controversy on the
appropriate use of massage therapy on those with hemophilia.
Consult your physician about medical massage using light touch.
Due to the risk of injury, it is important to work with your
health care team when making this decision.
If you decide that massage is not appropriate,
you could put the above blend on a cool compress and hold it
to the injured or painful area. Keep in mind that it is not
recommended to apply topical blends to areas where there is
broken or open skin. The skin or integumentary system is the
body’s largest organ. Due to low molecular weight, essential
oils are easily absorbed through the skin’s pores and
hair follicles. Essential oils are generally absorbed by the
body in 15 minutes to 12 hours. Absorption time is dependent
on thickness of skin, circulation and fat deposits.
Inhalation is typically the most effective way
to use essential oils for emotional issues such as anxiety,
mild depression, panic, etc. Our sense of smell is directly
connected with the mind through the olfactory system and the
limbic brain where emotions, memory and other functions are
located. The sense of smell is 10,000 times more sensitive than
any other sensory organ in the body. Valerie Cooksley, RN and
Aromatherapist, offers some general classifications that can
be used when one first begins using essential oils.
Citrus oils are usually mood
elevators and stress relievers. These would include oils from
fruits such as sweet orange, lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, lime
and mandarin.
Floral oils are generally considered mood elevators
and relaxants. These include flowers such as jasmine, rose,
neroli, ylang-ylang, geranium and helichrysum.
Grasses such as vetiver and lemongrass are
typically relaxants.
Herbal oils are thought to be anti-infectious,
stimulating and balancing. They include sweet marjoram, rosemary,
lavender and thyme linalool.
Mints such as peppermint and spearmint are
mental stimulants, which have a cooling and refreshing effect.
Spice oils are usually energizing and warming.
They include black pepper, cardamom, coriander and ginger.
Tree oils are good for grounding and as respiratory
aids. These include cedarwood, eucalyptus, pine, sandalwood
and tea tree.
There are several methods available for using
the above essential oils for inhalation. You may put 2-3 drops
of the oil on a tissue, handkerchief or cotton ball. These are
easy to keep with you in a plastic bag for your pocket or desk.
You can also make an inhaler for a specific use such as sinus
relief or for panic attacks. Inhalers are available from various
essential oil companies online.
Cool air fan diffusers are a good investment.
These fan diffusers come with cotton pads that you put 3-4 drops
of oil on them. They can be used with batteries or plugged in
for a convenient way to access the beneficial aromatic oils.
Many people I know use fan diffusers at home, work and in their
cars. Inhalation of essential oils could not be easier! I believe
most people can benefit from some type of essential oil inhalation
therapy. It is usually safe, easy and effective, but check for
allergies and sensitivity to the oils being used. Often mood
altering essential oils can be used instead of a prescription
medication, which may have potential side effects.
Aromatherapy can and should be an enjoyable
part of everyday life. The pure joy of scent is an undeniable
source of pleasure for most of us. Keeping in mind the above
safety precautions, you can use essential oils as part of your
daily hygiene regimen, health and beauty treatments and for
incorporating aromatic scents into your work or home environment.
It is easy and simple to add a few drops of essential oil to
your organic unscented shower gel, bath salt, cream, lotion
and shampoo. One of the easiest ways to surround yourself with
the healthy vibration of essential oils is to add 8-10 drops
of your favorite scent to a 1 ounce spray bottle of natural
spring water. Shake, spray and smell the sunshine!
This article should not be considered medical
advice and should never replace the advice of your physician
or health care provider. “Aromatherapy may affect the
cardiovascular system by increasing parasympathetic nervous
functioning, causing vasodilatation and vasoconstriction, increasing
local circulation and reducing clotting” (Martin, Ingrid
- Aromatherapy for Massage Practitioners 2007) . This is critical
knowledge for those with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders
contemplating the topical use of essential oils and aromatherapy.
Each situation requires individual assessment of the client
by a competent and caring health care team, which should include
a Licensed Massage Therapist and Registered Aromatherapist.
If you have any questions about this article you may contact
Sara Holmes directly at botanicalhealingarts@hotmail.com.
Sara Holmes, BS LMT Registered Aromatherapist has ten years
working in the field of aromatherapy. She is also a licensed
massage therapist. She has studied Aromatherapy with some of
the leading educators in the field such as Sylla Sheppard Hanger
LMT, Jane Buckle PhD., Bev Hawkins LMT RA, and Jeanne Rose Aromatherapist/Herbalist.
Reference Resources:
Clinical Aromatherapy by Jane Buckle PhD
Aromatherapy for Massage Practioners by Ingrid Martin LMT
Healing Home Spa by Valerie Gennari Cooksley RN
www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/OctNov1999/hemophilia.html
Natures Gift (www.naturesgift.com)
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