Synopsis

The article suggests that a combination of aromatherapy and herbal medicine can be used to treat HIV and AIDS patients. The emphasis is on enhancing the body's ability to fight disease. The author's encourage this approach, in part, because they think aromatherapists in the UK do not receive adequate training to administer oils internally. Moreover, they also suggest that oils taken in this way do not contain any beneficial pharmacological agents.

The article provides a list of oils which may provide relief for AIDS associated pathologies, as follows:

Candida of the oesophagus, trachea and lungs

Inhalation of the vapours of Tea tree, fennel, cajuput, German chamomile and lavender (amongst others) may help provide relief.

Vaginal and rectal candida

Pessaries or suppositories containing Tea tree oil can be effective.

Oral candida

A mouthwash using some of the oils mentioned above, but they must be well diluted in a solvent such as full fat milk in order to prevent irritation.

Respiratory tract bacterial infections.

Certainly are worth attacking by the inhalation of essential oil vapours. Many oils have some degree of anti-bacterial actions and as research has shown that parts of some oils can gain access to the bloodstream via inhalation, a systemic anti-bacterial action is at least feasible.

Bacterial and fungal infections of the skin.

Blends of oils like terpeneless lavender, tea tree, fennel, Roman and German chamomile in a cream base, or just diluted in fractionated coconut oil can produce a broad spectrum of healing actions.

Herpes simplex virus.

Essential oils like tea tree, bergamot, eucalyptus and cajuput should ideally be diluted slightly in alcohol such as gin or vodka. This solution can then be gently applied to blisters, if stinging is too intense then wash the area with cold milk or water. A good herbal remedy is fresh lemon balm leaves crushed and applied-research has indicated anti-viral complexes in the water-soluble portion of this plant.

Karposis sarcoma.

All citrus oils except F.C.F. bergamot (furocoumarin free) should be avoided on skin cancers. terpeneless lavender, F.C.F. bergamot, frankincense, tea tree, German chamomile are all highly recommended.

Fungating cancers.

Great emotional relief can result from the use of essential oils. They will enhance the self image of severely ill patients by covering unpleasant body smells, and some oils may also provide relief from itching and soreness.

Brain tumours.

Aromatherapy may well help to control vacillating moods-depression, irritability and lethargy.

Some basic safety advice on using oils is provided in the article.

The authors are clearly unhappy with the standard of aromatherapy training in the UK and write:

"Many Aromatherapists and some training organisations maintain that essential oils are only safe in their hands and they use this marketing ploy to promote their often overpriced and inadequate courses. In fact the vast majority of essential oils have been passed as "safe for RETAIL to the public other than in a pharmacy" by the Dept. of Health."

The full article can be found at Aromatherapy Global Research Archives Online. http://users.erols.com/sisakson/pages/agoindex.htm