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Epilepsy and Aromatherapy
Although not a cause of learning disabilities, epilepsy
affects a greater proportion of this client group. There is a lot of incorrect
information regarding the use of essential oils and epilepsy. Some publications
recommend avoiding Aniseed, Dill, Rosemary, Fennel, Hyssop, Sage, and more
recently, even Evening Primrose has been reported to be linked to seizures after
very tentative observations during work in the 1980s with clients with
schizophrenia. However, in the sort
of dilutions used for massage, epileptics are probably at more risk from the
strong smell triggering a seizure than any adverse effect of the essential oil
through absorption via the skin or inhalation (Watt M 2001), therefore it would
be wise to avoid strong overpowering fragrances (the Eucalyptus oils, high
menthol chemotypes (Peppermint, Spearmint), camphor chemotypes (Rosemary,
Lavendin, Hyssop, Sage, Camphor, Fennel) (Buckle 1997 p86, Betts 2002) and other
strong fragrances in excess of 0.5%.
More recently, several studies have shown that ‘calming’
essential oils (client preference and particularly Melissa) with established
relaxation techniques can help reduce the onset of anxiety-induced seizures
(Betts, 2002).
Many publications list Rosemary as contraindicative to
epilepsy (including Betts 2002 above), while some maintain that it is a useful
anticonvulsant when used in low dilution (2%) (Price et al. 1995).
Epilepsy can result in frequent injuries from the seizures so know what
to do in such an event and plan the massage position carefully to minimise risk
from falling. Conduct a risk assessment and make sure your client understands
the implications for treatment.
Balacs et al (1995) states:
“Essential oils present very little risk to people with epilepsy, in fact, virtually no risk as long as the oils are not taken orally” (p3).
The authors go on to suggest that the contraindications often taught to Aromatherapists today regarding oils such as Hyssop and the camphorous oils (Thuja, Rosemary), and menthol (Peppermint), are based on their neurotoxicity when ingested or the likelihood of inducing convulsions in swallowed in excessive amounts.
One
note of caution however, both the reputable safety publications (Watt 2001 and
Balacs et al. 1995) mention the increased capacity of the body to absorb and
inhale essential oils that have been added to a warm bath. It would be
wise therefore to avoid prescribing essential oils for use in the bath with
epileptics, as this is when most deaths from seizures occur - due to drowning
(Betts cited by Balacs et al. 1995, p69).
References
Balacs, T., Tisserand, R. (1995)
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals.
London: Churchill Livingstone
Betts T(2002) Using smell as a
countermeasure against epilepsy: Why is it so successful? Report to the IFPA
Conference 12 October, Harrogate
Buckle, J (1997) Clinical
Aromatherapy in Nursing.
London: Arnold Publishers
Watt M (2001) Plant Aromatics http://www.aromamedical.com