DRESSING CONTAINING ESSENTIAL OILS

Abstract: A device suitable for the topical delivery of aromatherapy oil to the body comprises a dressing which is impregnated with or otherwise includes an aromatherapy oil. Application of the dressing to the body results in transfer of the oil to the skin, whereupon the oil can be ingested transdermally. The dressing is preferably in the form of an adhesive skin patch which facilitates transfer of the oil over extended periods and avoids loss of oils by evaporation. The aromatherapy oil ideally comprises one or more essential oils blended with a carrier oil. The carrier oil not only assists in the penetration of the essential oil through the skin but also synergistically enhances the therapeutic effect of the essential oils.

Description: 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. For example, some oils used in aromatherapy can cause spontaneous abortion of a foetus. In addition, some 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 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 first 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. 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. 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 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 oil 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 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 oil 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. When the carrier oil 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 ml 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 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 fine 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 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. In a preferred form, the dressing includes an impermeable barrier layer which forms 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 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 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. 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 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). 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 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 lavender, roman chamomile, clary sage, geranium and sweet marjoram, and another formulation constituting the "Recovery" remedy may be an "Alert" remedy and 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 carrier 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 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. 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 oil to last for several hours at a time, the remedy can often remain effective over the entire length of a journey. 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. 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 :- Example 1 "Awake" Formula for increasing alertness. 1 drop of an essential oil mixture of bergamot, peppermint, basil (sweet) and vetiver oils blended with 2ml 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. Example 3 "Awake" Formula for increasing alertness. 1 drop of an essential oil mixture of peppermint, rosemary and sweet basil oils blended with 2ml of a carrier oil mixture of sweet almond oil and wheatgerm oil. Example 4 Jet Lag "Take-off Formula 1 drop of an essential oil 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 oil mixture of lavender, geranium, grapefruit and vetiver oils blended 2ml of a carrier oil mixture of sweet almond oil and wheatgerm oil. Example 5 Jet Lag "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 Lag "Sleep" Formula an essential oil mixture comprising 20ml of lavender, 5ml of roman chamomile, 10ml of clary sage, 5ml of geranium and 10ml of sweet marjoram, blended a carrier oil of 100ml of sweet almond oil. Jet Lag "Alert" Formula an essential oil mixture of 15ml of rosemary, 5ml of peppermint, 15ml of grapefruit and 15ml of basil (linalol type), blended in a carrier oil of 100ml of sweet almond oil. Example 7 Liver Rejuvenation Formula 1 drop of an essential oil mixture of roman chamomile, lavender, frankincense, calendula and rose oils blended with 2ml of a carrier oil mixture of sweet almond oil, borage seed oil 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 premenstrual tension, for detoxification, revitalising and energising of the body, or for improving lung capacity to name but a few.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An aromatherapy delivery device comprising a dressing for application to the skin, wherein the dressing contains an aromatherapy oil. 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the dressing comprises a skin patch. 3. A device according claim 1 or 2, wherein the aromatherapy oil comprises at least one essential oil. 4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the essential oil comprises one or more oils selected from the group consisting of bergamot, peppermint, basil, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, geranium, chamomile, frankincense, calendula, rose, sweet marjoram, rosemary and vetiver. 5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aromatherapy oil includes a fixer oil. 6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the fixer oil comprises vetiver oil. 7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aromatherapy oil comprises a carrier oil. 8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the carrier oil comprises at least one fine oil. 9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the fine oil comprises one or more of sweet almond oil, borage oil and jojoba oil. 10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aromatherapy oil comprises a blend of at least one carrier oil with at least one essential oil. 11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the ratio of the blend is approximately 0.05 ml of essential oil: 1 ml of carrier oil. 12. A device according to claim 10, wherein the ratio of the blend is approximately 0.5 ml of essential oil: 1 ml of carrier oil. 13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the dressing comprises an adhesive layer for fixing the dressing to the skin of a wearer. 14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the dressing is provided with an impermeable outer layer in use. 15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the dressing is provided with a permeable or semipermeable skin contacting layer. 16. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the dressing comprises an absorbent pad or gauze impregnated with the aromatherapy oil. 17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the dressing is housed in a sealed container prior to use. 18. A method for the topical administration of aromatherapy oil comprising the application to the skin of a device according to any preceding claim. 19. Use of an aromatherapy oil in a dressing for the topical application of the oil to the skin. 20. Use of an aromatherapy oil according to claim 19, wherein the dressing is in the form of a skin patch. 21. Use of an aromatherapy oil according to claim 20, wherein the skin patch is an adhesive skin patch. 22. An anti-jet lag remedy comprising a dressing for application to the body, wherein the dressing contains an aromatherapy oil. 23. An anti-jet lag remedy according to claim 21, wherein the aromatherapy oil comprises one or more essential oils. 24. An anti-jet lag remedy according to claim 23, wherein the or each essential oil is selected from peppermint, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender and geranium oil. 25. An anti-jet lag remedy comprising first and second dressings for application to the body, wherein the first and second dressings each contain one or more essential oils at least one of which is not common to both. 26. An anti-jet lag remedy according to claim 25, wherein said first dressing includes one or more of peppermint, eucalyptus and grapefruit oil. 27. An anti-jet lag remedy according to claim 25 or 26, wherein said second dressing includes one or more of lavender, geranium and grapefruit oil. 28. An anti-jet lag remedy according to claim 25 or 27, wherein said first dressing includes one or more of lavender, Roman chamomile, geranium and sweet marjoram oil. 29. An anti-jet lag remedy according to claim 25 or 26, wherein said second dressing includes one or more of rosemary, peppermint, grapefruit and basil oil. 30. An anti-jet lag remedy according to any of claims 22 to 29, wherein the aromatherapy oil includes vetiver oil. 31. An anti-jet lag remedy according to any of claims 22 to 30, wherein the aromatherapy oil includes a carrier oil. 32. An anti-jet lag remedy according to claim 31, wherein the carrier oil comprises sweet almond oil. 33. A remedy for increasing alertness comprising a dressing for application to the body, wherein the dressing contains an aromatherapy oil. 34. A remedy according to claim 33, wherein the aromatherapy oil comprises one or more essential oils and a fixer oil or a carrier oil. 35. A remedy according to claim 34, wherein the essential oil comprises one or more of bergamot, peppermint and basil oils. 36. A remedy according to claim 34, wherein the fixer oil comprises vetiver oil. 37. A remedy according to claim 34, wherein the carrier oil comprises sweet almond oil. 38. A liver rejuvenation remedy comprising a dressing for application to the body, wherein the dressing contains an aromatherapy oil. 39. A remedy according to claim 38, wherein the aromatherapy oil comprises one or more essential oils. 40. A remedy according to claim 39, wherein the essential oil comprises one or more of chamomile, lavender, frankincense, calendula and rose oils. 41. A remedy according to any of claim 38 to 40, wherein the aromatherapy oil further comprises a carrier oil. 42. A remedy according to claim 41, wherein the carrier oil comprises a blend of sweet almond oil and borage oil. 43. A remedy according to any of claims 22 to 43, wherein the dressing is in the form of a skin patch.

Inventors: LE GALL MADELEINE, LE GALL, MADELEINE
Applicants: BOISSEZON LUCIA DE, LE GALL MADELEINE, DE BOISSEZON, LUCIA, LE GALL, MADELEINE
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A61K9
IPC codes: A61K9, A61K36