Complementary and alternative medicine approaches to blood pressure reduction

Dear Editor:

Dr. Nahas is commended for the informative review of complementary and alternative approaches to blood pressure control.1 Noticeably absent from the review was an analysis of clinical studies regarding medical aromatherapy—the therapeutic use of distilled plant essential oils.

Essential oils posses both rapid and long-lasting neuro-physiological effects, working by inhalation via the olfactory nerve,2 trans-alveolar absorption,3 transdermal4 and internal5 absorption, making them the most versatile form of phytotherapy in terms of delivery routes.

With regard to hypertension, inhalation of essential oil of rose,2 ylang ylang,6 patchouli,2 and cedrol,7, 8 the chief component of Atlantic Cedar essential oil, were shown in clinical studies to reduce systolic blood pressure. Rose essential oil was shown to reduce serum adrenaline levels as well. Transdermal application of linalool,4 the chief component of Lavender essential oil, and sandalwood9 essential oil reduced systolic blood pressure in healthy subjects. In these trials, subjects were prevented from inhaling the essential oils during transdermal application.

Certain essential oils, such as ylang ylang and sandalwood were found to “uncouple” mental and physical physiology, increasing alertness and mood while decreasing systemic blood pressure simultaneously. Such essential oils may play a unique role in addressing mental and physical issues relating to elevated blood pressure.

There are many complimentary treatment modalities for treating elevated blood pressure. In addition to those mentioned by Dr. Nahas, medical aromatherapy should be considered. Essential oils can be inhaled, applied transdermally or taking internally to alter human physiological parameters and reduce blood pressure. Additional clinical studies still need to be conducted to examine the ability of essential oils to demonstrated long-term control of hypertension in patients with pre- existing hypertension.

Kamyar M. Hedayat, MD Medical Director Full Spectrum Health Integrative Medical Center San Diego, Ca, USA

REFERENCES

1. Nahas R. Complementary and alternative medicine approaches to blood pressure reduction: An evidence-based review. Can Fam Physician. Nov 2008;54(11):1529-1533. 2. Haze S, Sakai K, Gozu Y. Effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adults. Jpn J Pharmacol. Nov 2002;90(3):247-253. 3. Falk AA, Hagberg MT, Lof AE, Wigaeus-Hjelm EM, Wang ZP. Uptake, distribution and elimination of alpha-pinene in man after exposure by inhalation. Scand J Work Environ Health. Oct 1990;16(5):372-378. 4. Heuberger E, Redhammer S, Buchbauer G. Transdermal absorption of (-)- linalool induces autonomic deactivation but has no impact on ratings of well-being in humans. Neuropsychopharmacology. Oct 2004;29(10):1925-1932. 5. Tildesley NT, Kennedy DO, Perry EK, et al. Salvia lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage) enhances memory in healthy young volunteers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. Jun 2003;75(3):669-674. 6. Hongratanaworakit T, Buchbauer G. Evaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation. Planta Med. Jul 2004;70(7):632-636. 7. Dayawansa S, Umeno K, Takakura H, et al. Autonomic responses during inhalation of natural fragrance of Cedrol in humans. Auton Neurosci. Oct 31 2003;108(1-2):79-86. 8. Kagawa D, Jokura H, Ochiai R, Tokimitsu I, Tsubone H. The sedative effects and mechanism of action of cedrol inhalation with behavioral pharmacological evaluation. Planta Med. Jul 2003;69(7):637-641. 9. Hongratanaworakit T, Heuberger E, Buchbauer G. Evaluation of the effects of East Indian sandalwood oil and alpha-santalol on humans after transdermal absorption. Planta Med. Jan 2004;70(1):3-7.