Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DRESSING CONTAINING ESSENTIAL OILS
The present application relates to a dressing for topical delivery of
aromatherapy oils
and to the use of aromatherapy oils in such a dressing.
Increasingly, people are rejecting the use of synthetic drugs in favour of
more natural
remedies. In particular, people are looking towards alternative medicines and
therapies to alleviate pain, cure illness or simply to improve their well-
being.
Aromatherapy is one such "alternative" therapy and involves the use of
aromatherapy
oils which either individually or in combination act to stimulate or alleviate
specific
physical or mental conditions.
To date, the most common forms of administering aromatherapy oils are by
inhalation
or by massage. For example, inhalation may be achieved by placing a few drops
of
the oil onto a patient's handkerchief or by diffusing the oils into the
atmosphere
surrounding the patient, usually by means of a diffuser which causes the oils
to
vaporise. Where a specific organ or body part requires treatment, massage may
be
more appropriate than inhalation. Both methods result in aromatherapy oils
being
ingested either via the lungs or transdermally. The most effective treatment
will often
be prescribed by qualified personnel, particularly by aromatherapists.
While there can be no doubt that application of aromatherapy oils either by
inhalation
or by massage results in a high degree of success) often with immediate
alleviation of
the condition being treated, there are certain disadvantages associated with
each of the
aforementioned delivery methods.
Inhaling oils from a handkerchief or topical application of oils by massage
results in a
relatively sudden, concentrated dosage. In some circumstances, it may be more
beneficial to receive a more sustained exposure to the oils. Moreover, it is
not easy to
massage all parts of the body without the assistance of a masseuse.
Use of diffusers on the other hand often results in persons other than the
intended
patient being exposed to the oils. While most aromatherapy oils are perfectly
safe
when prescribed by qualified personnel, care must always be exercised because
accidental exposure to certain oils can be positively harmful. Fvr example,
some oils
used in aromatherapy can cause spontaneous abortion of a foetus. In addition,
some
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oils can have a deleterious effect on fabrics, causing discoloration and even
destruction of the fabric over a period of time. Extreme care must therefore
be taken
when administering aromatherapy oils by diffusion.
Apart from the use of aromatherapy oils in the treatment of specific ailments,
such
oils can also be used to provide other benefits. For example, the use of
peppermint oil
to combat fatigue or increase alertness is well documented. Since driver
fatigue is a
common factor in the majority of road accidents, systems for delivering bursts
of
peppermint oil to drivers to refresh and revive them are being developed.
Methods of diffusing refreshing aromatherapy oils throughout aircraft cabins
to reduce
or counter the effects of jet-lag have also been investigated.
As will be appreciated, however, the above methods are non-specific so that
the
1 S aforementioned risks associated with accidental exposure are ever present.
Moreover,
so far as the Applicant is aware, the problem of fabric damage caused by the
periodical emission of the aromatherapy oils into a confined atmosphere has
not been
successfully addressed.
Thus there exists a need for an alternative means of applying aromatherapy
oils in
which the oils are exposed only to a chosen individual, in which the delivery
of the
oils does not require the assistance of a third party, and in which the
individual may
be exposed to the oils over an extended period of time.
Accordingly, from a fast aspect) the present invention resides in a dressing
for the
topical administration of an aromatherapy oil comprising a reservoir
containing an
aromatherapy oil, wherein application of the dressing to the skin of a wearer
results in
transfer of the oil to the skin.
Expressed in another way, the invention resides in the use of an aromatherapy
oil in a
dressing for the topical application of the oil to the skin.
Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the invention resides in an
aromatherapy delivery
device comprising a dressing containing an aromatherapy oil adapted to deliver
the oil
to the skin of a wearer of the device.
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Application of such dressings to a person's skin enables the aromatherapy oil
to
migrate through the dressing, more especially from the reservoir, whereupon
the oil
comes into contact with and is absorbed through the skin.
S By means of the dressings according to the invention, it is possible to
expose an
individual to a controlled dosage of aromatherapy oil over extended periods;
there is
no danger of unintentionally exposing other individuals to the oil; and the
application
of the oil to the body by this means does not require the assistance of any
third party.
A further advantage of the present invention is that a high percentage of the
aromatherapy oil contained in the dressing is actually ingested by the body,
whereas
previous methods of applying aromatherapy oils, namely by massage or
inhalation,
involve a significant loss of oil to the atmosphere. Consequently) the present
invention
offers a much more effective and efficient means of delivering aromatherapy
oil to the
1S body.
With regard to the aromatherapy oil contained in the dressing according to the
invention, it will be appreciated that such an oil may comprise a single oil
or a blend
of two or more different oils.
Typically, the aromatherapy oiI will comprise one or more essential oils. The
term
"essential oils" is well-known in the art and is used to refer to volatile
oils derived
from the leaves, stems, flowers, or twigs of plants, and which usually carry
the
essence odour and flavour of the plant. Some essential oils are nearly pure
single
compounds, while others are mixtures of compounds. Some essential oils are
extremely expensive to extract but can be produced synthetically, so for
present
purposes, the term "essential oils" covers both the natural and synthetic
varieties.
Depending on the condition which the aromatherapy oil is intended to induce or
alleviate, the aromatherapy oil used in the dressings of the invention
preferably
comprises a blend of two or more essential oils.
( In a manner similar to perfume chemistry, a combination of aromatherapy oils
providing top, middle and base notes is desirable. In this regard, the top
note is
generally supplied by a light, volatile oil which evaporates relatively
quickly; the
middle note comprises the bulk of heart of the blend and gives the blend its
intrinsic
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character, it emerges or evaporates more slowly than the oil supplying the top
note;
and the base note is derived from a rich and heavy oil which evaporates even
more
slowly and therefore has a lingering presence. The base note usually acts as a
"fixer"
for the other notes.
Aromatherapy oils which are particularly useful in the present invention
include, but
are not limited to, bergamot, peppermint, basil) eucalyptus, grapefruit,
lavender,
geranium, roman chamomile, frankincense, calendula, rose, vetiver, sweet
marjoram,
rosemary and clary sage oils.
Vetiver oil is especially favoured in formulations and acts as a fixer for
other oils, in
other words, vetiver provides the base note for a variety of formulations.
Since only small volumes of essential oils are generally used in aromatherapy
preparations, assistance may be required to ensure that as much as possible of
the
essential oil or blend present in the dressing is transferred into the body.
In this
regard, the use of a carrier oil is envisaged. Thus the aromatherapy oiI
carried by the
dressing preferably comprises at least one carrier oil.
In a preferred embodiment, the carrier oil is used as a base oil for other
active
essential oils mixed therewith.
Indeed, it has been unexpectedly found that while individual essential oils
are known
to induce or alleviate certain conditions, their potencies may be
synergistically
enhanced when blended with other oils, particularly when blended with carrier
oils. It
is believed that the carrier oil somehow interacts with the essential oils to
produce this
synergy.
From a further aspect therefore) the invention resides in an aromatherapy oil
comprising a synergistic blend of at least one essential oil and at least one
carrier oil.
More especially, the invention resides in an aromatherapy delivery device
comprising
a dressing containing an aromatherapy oil adapted to deliver the oil to the
skin of a
wearer, wherein the aromatherapy oil comprises a synergistic blend of at least
one
essential oil and at least one carrier oil.
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When the carrier oiI is present to provide a base for a more active oil, such
as a
essential oil) the carrier oil is preferably present in an amount of 2 m1 to 1
drop of
active oil (1 drop approximates to 0.05 ml)). This represents a concentration
of active
oil which is generally safe for most purposes. However, the concentration of
active oil
5 can be increased above this level in appropriate circumstances.
The aromatherapy oil contained in the dressing according to the invention may
comprise blends of two or more carrier oils. Such blends are appropriate, for
example, when the beneficial properties of more than one carrier oil are
required; or
to adjust the viscosity of the carrier oil thereby to influence or control the
rate of
penetration of the oil into the body.
The rate of penetration of the aromatherapy oil into the body is an important
aspect to
be considered in formulating the components of the oil in the dressing.
Whereas in
some situations, a "quick fix" of aromatherapy oil may be all that is
required, one of
the objects of the invention is to provide a means whereby the body may ingest
an
aromatherapy oil over a prolonged period, in which case the dressings are
required to
remain active over several hours at least. Such prolonged activity may be
achieved by
adjusting not only the volume of aromatherapy oil contained in the dressing
but also
the viscosity, which in turn may be at least partly achieved by the choice or
blend of
carrier oil.
The carrier oil preferably comprises a fine oil, such an oil being easily
absorbed by
the skin and therefore an ideal agent for carrying the other oils, such as the
essential
oils) into the body.
Particularly preferred fme oils for use as carrier oils in the dressings of
the invention
include sweet almond oil, borage seed oil and jojoba oil. While none of these
oils are
themselves essential oils, they may each contribute towards the beneficial
properties
of the dressing.
For example, sweet almond oil, which is usually obtained by pressing the
kernels of
both the sweet and bitter almond tree contains glucosides, vitamins and
minerals and
is also rich in protein. Not only is sweet almond oil able to relieve
soreness, dryness
and inflammation of the skin, but it also helps relieve muscular aches and
pains. In
addition, it can be used safely on both adults and babies and is generally
easily
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absorbed by all types of skin, irrespective of ethnic origin. For all these
reasons)
sweet almond oil is particularly preferred as a carrier or base oil.
Borage oil, on the other hand, can act as a tonic and a reviver and is
therefore
particularly suitable as a carrier oil in dressings intended for increasing
alertness of an
individual or for reducing the effects of jet lag.
Not only do aromatherapy oils begin to evaporate upon exposure to the
atmosphere)
they are also sensitive to oxygen and begin to lose their potency, so it is
important
therefore to prevent the oil from coming into contact with air until such time
as the
dressing is to be applied. This may be achieved, for example, by housing the
dressing
in a sealed pack. The seal of the pack may be broken and the dressing removed
just
prior to use. A further benefit achieved by sealing the dressing in a pack is
that the
dressing can be kept sterile until application to the skin.
Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the aromatherapy oil itself may be
accommodated in an impervious enclosure from where the oil is released as the
dressing is to be applied. As an example, the oil may be contained within a
sealed
plastics membrane which is punctured or otherwise opened as the dressing is
about to
be applied.
Provided the aromatherapy oil in the dressing is not overly exposed to the
atmosphere
before the dressing is applied to the skin, the oil should not lose much
potency.
However, the blending of a quantity of wheatgerm oil with the aromatherapy oil
has
been found to help preserve the potency of the oils.
As previously mentioned, the dressings of the invention may be formulated with
blends of specific aromatherapy oils according to their intended purpose. When
a
plurality of oils are used, it is important that they are thoroughly blended
before
applying to the dressing.
The dressing according to the invention may comprise an elongate member, such
as a
bandage, but more conveniently is in the form of a plaster or "skin patch" .
For ease
of use, the dressing is advantageously provided with an adhesive layer for
fixing the
dressing to the skin.
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In a preferred form, the dressing includes an impermeable barrier layer which
foams
an outer layer of the dressing in use. In this way, loss of the aromatherapy
oils from
the dressing due to evaporation or absorption into any clothing overlying the
dressing
can be reduced or substantially eliminated.
The dressing preferably further comprises a permeable or semi-permeable skin
contacting layer which lies against the skin of the wearer in use.
Aromatherapy oil
contained in the dressing is able to diffuse through the skin contacting layer
and onto
the skin of the wearer.
Preferably, the aromatherapy oil is interposed between an outer impermeable
layer
and a permeable or semi-permeable skin contacting layer. The aromatherapy oil
may
be conveniently impregnated into an absorbent pad or gauze which forms part of
the
dressing, ideally interposed between an outer impermeable layer and an inner,
permeable or semi-permeable skin contacting layer.
The dressings according to the invention are advantageously provided with a
releasable protective layer covering at least the surface of the dressing
which is to be
applied to the skin. Such a releasable protective layer avoids loss of
aromatherapy oil
from the dressing and may be removed just prior to use.
The aforementioned dressings carrying aromatherapy oils and the more specific
forms
of dressings as described hereinafter are most conveniently provided in the
form of
skin patches. Such skin patches are generally provided with an adhesive
portion,
preferably in a layer around their perimeter like a sticking plaster, to
readily adhere
the patch to the wearer. Ideally the skin patches are stored in sealed
packages ready
for use.
The invention will now be more particularly described in relation to the
alleviation or
stimulation of certain conditions.
One unpleasant condition known to most long distance travellers is jet-lag
which
arises because the body's own clock falls out of synchronisation with the new
environment. Use of aromatherapy oils can assist in bringing the body back
into
synchronisation, but to be most effective, the oils need to be applied and
ingested over
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a prolonged period. Ideally, ingestion of the oils should begin prior to the
start of the
journey and should continue for at least the journey itself.
Until the present invention, it has been impractical if not impossible to
ingest
aromatherapy oils over such an extended period of time. However, by applying a
dressing according to the invention, most conveniently in the form of a skin
patch, it
has become possible to receive the required dosage to counter the effects of
jet-lag.
In order not to overload the dressing with aromatherapy oils and to spread the
dosage
IO more evenly over the required period, it is desirable to charge the
reservoir of the
dressing with sufficient oil to last for several hours, five hours being a
practical
optimum period. The dressing may be replaced when its supply of oil has been
or is
about to become exhausted.
i 5 From another aspect therefore) the invention resides in an anti jet-lag
remedy
comprising a dressing for application to the body, wherein the dressing
contains an
aromatherapy oil.
For maximum reduction of jet-lag symptoms, it is preferred to use at least two
20 different aromatherapy formulations in the dressings. In particular, a
first formulation
may be applied prior to and/or during the bulk of the journey (a so-called
"Take-Off'
remedy) and a second or further formulation may be applied during the latter
stages of
the journey and for a period afterwards (a so-called "Recovery" remedy).
25 Advantageously, the anti jet-lag remedy comprises a dressing including one
or more
essential oils selected from peppermint, eucalyptus ) grapefruit, lavender)
geranium
oils, roman chamomile, geranium, sweet marjoram, rosemary, basil or clary sage
oils. More especially, one formulation constituting the "Take-Off' remedy
comprises
at least one oil selected from peppermint, eucalyptus and grapefruit oil and
another
30 formulation constituting the "Recovery" remedy comprises at least one oil
selected
from lavender, geranium and grapefruit oil. It is particularly advantageous to
include
an amount of all three of the listed oils for each formulation, such mixtures
providing
maximum synergy. Alternatively, one formulation constituting the "Take-Off'
remedy may be a "Sleep" remedy and comprise at least one oil selected from
35 lavender, roman chamomile, clary sage, geranium and sweet marjoram, and
another
formulation constituting the "Recovery" remedy may be an "Alert" remedy and
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comprise at least one oil selected from rosemary, peppermint, grapefruit and
basil. It
is particularly advantageous to include an amount of all four of the listed
oils for each
formulation, such mixtures providing maximum synergy.
It is also preferred to include vetiver oil as the fixer or base oil for each
of the
abovementioned anti jet-lag remedies.
The aforementioned essential oils are most preferably blended with a carrier
oil prior
to their incorporation in the dressing. In this regard, it has been found that
sweet
almond oil is a particularly suitable cazrier oil, its combination with the
other essential
oils resulting in a mixture displaying synergistic effects in alleviating jet-
lag symptoms
as compared to the effects which each individual oil would normally display.
Another frequently encountered condition which aromatherapy oils can help
alleviate
1 ~ is that of general tiredness or drowsiness. As mentioned previously,
drowsiness is
frequently a factor in motor accidents, some drivers do not realise the extent
of their
tiredness until it is too late. A means of keeping a driver alert over
extended periods
of time would therefore be extremely be worthwhile. Of course, such means
would be
useful in many other situations, one such example being for keeping security
guards
alert who are required to monitor VDU screens.
From a further aspect therefore, the invention resides in a remedy for
increasing
alertness comprising a dressing for application to the body, wherein the
dressing
contains an aromatherapy oil.
Preferably) the dressing of the alertness or "Awake" remedy comprises an
aromatherapy oil containing one or more of the following oils; namely,
bergamot,
peppermint and basil (sweet) oils. Alternatively, the dressing of the "Awake"
remedy
may comprise an aromatherapy oil containing one or more of the following oils;
namely, rosemary) peppermint and sweet basil and grapefruit oils. While each
of
these essential oils individually is capable of increasing alertness, it is
desirable to use
a blend or mix of one or more of these oils. In addition, the remedy may
further
include an amount of vetiver oil as the fixer or base oil. For enhanced
effectiveness
it is further preferred to blend the active oils with a carrier oil, more
especially with
sweet almond oil.
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It is not only possible, but it is positively advantageous, to apply the
alertness remedy
by means of the dressing even before the onset of drowsiness. Since the
dressing may
contain sufficient aromatherapy oii to last for several hours at a time, the
remedy can
often remain effective over the entire length of a journey.
S
Improving the health of the body's vital organs may also be achieved through
aromatherapy treatment. The liver is particularly receptive to treatment by
means of
an aromatherapy dressing or patch.
10 From a further aspect, the invention resides in a liver rejuvenation remedy
comprising
a dressing for application to the body, wherein the dressing contains an
aromatherapy
oil. For optimum effect, the liver rejuvenation remedy is applied externally
to the
body in the vicinity of the liver.
Preferably the liver rejuvenation remedy comprises a dressing including one or
more
essential oils selected from chamomile, especially German chamomile, lavender,
frankincense, calendula and rose oils. A combination of one or more of the
aforementioned essential oils is particularly preferred.
Sweet almond oil and borage seed oil are especially suitable for use as a
carrier oil for
the liver rejuvenation remedy, most preferably a mixture of these two oils are
used.
To illustrate the invention, there will now be described by way of example a
number
of formulations for incorporation in aromatherapy patches:-
Exam-ple 1
"Awake" Formula for increasing alertness.
1 drop of an essential oil mixture of bergamot, peppermint, basil (sweet) and
vetiver oils blended with 2m1 of a carrier oil mixture of sweet almond oil and
wheatgerm oil.
Example 2
"Awake" Formula for increasing alertness.
1 drop of an essential oil mixture of rosemary ) peppermint, sweet basil and
vetiver oils blended with 2ml of a carrier oil mixture of sweet almond oil and
wheatgerm oil.
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Example 3
"Awake" Formula for increasing alertness.
1 drop of an essential oil mixture of peppermint, rosemary and sweet basil
oils
blended with 2m1 of a carrier oil mixture of sweet almond oil and wheatgerm
oil.
Example 4
Jet Lag "Take-off' Formula
1 drop of an essential ail mixture of peppermint, eucalyptus, grapefruit and
vetiver oils blended with 2ml of a carrier oil mixture of sweet almond oil and
wheatgerm oil.
Jet Lag, "Recovery" Formula
1 drop of an essential oiI mixture of lavender, geranium, grapefruit and
vetiver
oils blended 2m1 of a carrier oil mixture of sweet almond oil and wheatgerm
oil.
Example 5
Jet Lad,"Take-off' Formula
1 drop of an essential oil mixture of lavender, roman chamomile, geranium
and sweet marjoram with 2ml of a carrier oil mixture of sweet almond oil and
wheatgerm oil.
Example 6
Jet Las "Sleep" Formula
an essential oil mixture comprising 20m1 of lavender, 5m1 of roman
chamomile, 10m1 of clary sage) 5m1 of geranium and lOmi of sweet marjoram,
blended a carrier oil of 100m1 of sweet almond oil.
Jet Lag"Alert" Formula
an essential oil mixture of 15m1 of rosemary, Sml of peppermint, 15m1 of
grapefruit and 1 Sml of basil (linalol type), blended in a carrier oil of
100m1 of sweet
almond oil.
Example 7
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Liver Rejuvenation Formula
1 drop of an essential oit mixture of roman chamomile, lavender,
frankincense, calendula and rose oils blended with 2m1 of a carrier oil
mixture
of sweet almond oil, borage seed oiI and wheatgerm oil.
The above formulations when impregnated into skin patches provide a dosage of
aromatherapy oil which is safe . for both adults and children. Of course, it
will be
appreciated that higher concentrations of essential oils may be appropriate,
for
example, when the patches are to be applied to persons of above average body
weight
or when the condition being treated is particularly severe and hence requires
a more
potent mix.
While the invention has been described in relation to the alleviation of a
number of
specific conditions, there are, of course, many other conditions for which the
aromatherapy dressings can be used. For example, dressings containing specific
formulations may be produced for relieving anxiety, insomnia, heartburn and
pre-
menstrual tension, for detoxification, revitalising and energising of the
body, or for
improving lung capacity to name but a few.
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