7th Amendment to the Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC.
The European Parliament’s position at second reading
was adopted by an overwhelming majority on Tuesday, 12th June, 2002.

Caroline Jackson (Conservative), and a number of other MEPs, raised the question about essential oils, but the ‘rapporteur’ (the MEP who prepared the report) was unsympathetic and, regrettably, none of the amendments put down on this particular point were adopted. Most disappointing, but I don’t think it’s all over yet.

As the American industry consultant David Steinberg points out in the current edition of Perfumer & Flavorist, the 7th Amendment is a long way from approval. Nevertheless it is doubtful that the fragrance labelling issues will disappear. In all likelihood the Scientific Committee’s recommendations will be adopted. However the procedure for approval of their position will require a new Technical Adaptation.  This will give everyone 24 months after approval.

Also it is worth noting the response of Mr. Carvalho, a representative of the Commission, when asked for his opinion on the views of the European Federation of Essential Oils.

The concentration indicated in the decision of the Scientific Committee is just a threshold for purposes of labelling (the indication of the name of the substance). It is not a threshold for the utilisation or ban of the substance, which can always be used independent of the threshold (as long as it is safe).  This labelling applies already today to all cosmetic ingredients that are not fragrances/perfumes.
 
The European Federation of Essential Oils will continue to monitor the progress of the Directive and, hopefully, in the end a sensible outcome will be reached. Incidentally, the main amendment to the Directive adopted by the Committee was for the introduction of a marketing ban in five years time on all cosmetic products tested on animals. This will naturally be very controversial and could lead to lengthy discussions between Parliament and Council on the question. Further delay?

Meanwhile I am indebted to Marion Newnham for copying me her reply from Damian Green, MP.....

The Conservative Party believes that there should be a choice in the provision of treatments, and that aromatherapy has an important role to play. Obviously, it is a matter for concern should any known products, which are known to be safe and are currently being used in Britain are put in jeopardy by these proposals.  I hope that it reassures you to learn that my colleague, Conservative health spokesman, Oliver Heald MP, has this issue up with the Secretary of State for Health.

Good to know that someone is on the case and, although I would consider myself to be apolitical, I have to admit that Conservative and Liberal Democrat representatives have proven to be far more helpful on this issue than representatives of the Government.
Plaudits for Plai.
Louise Krijgsman e-mails from Holland.....A few months ago I asked if Plai could possibly help a friend who needs a new hip, and is in much pain.  You asked advice in America and they suggested to apply Plai directly on the skin, and should skin sensitisation occur to dilute it. Well skin sensitisation did occur and I decided to use it in a 10% dilution with the other oils you mentioned [Laurel Leaf (Laurus nobilis L.) and West Indian Bay (Pimenta racemosa Mill.), which were the American recommendation]. 

I first applied it to him undiluted but again the skin was becoming red and so I applied quite a high dose but I diluted it slightly. For the first two days nothing was happening and my friend just wanted to give up, but he applied the oil for the third day.  He was happy, the oil did its work and he is now in less pain and quite thankful.

And from Belgium, Marianne Debock faxes.....I tried the Plai on Eric’s knee, he had an operation more than a year ago and since the screws came out in November 2001, he is in regular pain. I promised to let you know if it helped, even more than a year after his operation.

I tried different combinations of the blend for inflamed joints [Newsletter 120] without much result. But since I made him the plai, nutmeg and lemon post operative blend, he is really feeling and showing an improvement when in pain.

Of all the essential oils that I have introduced over the years I think that Plai (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) must be one of the more successful.  Many have contacted me to corroborate the research findings. Most encouraging, and not a little satisfying!

However I even surprised myself the other day when, discovering half the team sorely afflicted with hayfever, I suggested that a ‘whiff’ of Plai might ease the discomfort and it did!

Quinquenervia queried.
Tell me, what is the difference between Melaleuca quinquenervia and Melaleuca viridiflora? asks Su Hagan.  As always, a good question which is not easily answered.  I suspect that it was prompted by the fact that some authors consider the names synonymous.

If you were to rely upon the widely-acclaimed work of Ernest Guenther [The Essential Oils, originally published in 1950] you could be forgiven for thinking that the botanical name for Niaouli is Melaleuca viridiflora Gaertner, but it’s not quite as simple as that.

Melaleuca viridiflora was named by Joseph Gaertner (1732-1791) [not to be confused with Philipp Gottfried Gaertner (1754-1825) or Carl Friedrich von Gaertner (1772-1850), also distinguished authors of plant names] on the basis of specimens collected by Joseph Banks (1743-1820) and Daniel Carl Solander (1733-1782) during Cook’s first voyage to Australia in 1770.

However several authors continued to describe the species as Melaleuca leucadendron Linn. [which opens up another can of worms concerning the botanical nomenclature of Cajuput, but that’s another story], and matters were made little easier by the fact that in 1913 authors Baker and Smith, in a critical study of the so-called “Broad-leaved Tea Trees”, not only separated the Australian tree from the New Caledonian [about which more later], but declared Melaleuca leucadendron extra-Australian!

By reason mainly of differences in chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from M. viridiflora growing in different localities, Baker and Smith established two new species, Melaleuca maidenii and Melaleuca smithii.  However the distinguished authors Penfold and Morrison tended to agree with the views of the botanists, Cheel and White, that these are not distinct species but are closely related forms of Melaleuca viridiflora, but they conceded that the evidence justified the establishment of two distinct physiological forms of M. viridiflora based upon differences in chemical composition of the essential oils, viz., the Type, similar in chemical composition to cajuput oil (containing cineole and a-terpineol), and Variety “A” (containing nerolidol and/or linalol).

Nevertheless, for the next few decades what we call trivially Niaouli was variously defined botanically as Melaleuca viridiflora, Melaleuca leucadendron var. viridiflora, Metrosideros quinquenervia, Melaleuca smithii, Melaleuca maidenii and several others. And then in 1968 along came Stanley Thatcher Blake (1910-1973) who validated the name Melaleuca quinquenervia, which was first suggested by Antonio-Jose Cavanilles (1745-1804).

Niaouli nailed.
In his Contributions from the Queensland Herbarium, No.1, Blake mentions, amongst other things, that the name Melaleuca viridiflora has been misapplied to Melaleuca quinquenervia (Melaleuca viridiflora is a quite separate species), a misapplication which still persists in some non-botanical circles, particularly outside Australia. Therefore we can probably disregard any botanical references prior to 1968. However many aromatherapy reference books still define Niaouli botanically as M. viridiflora. Also differentiation between  the two is made little easier by the fact that both are trivially referred to as broad-leaved paperbark.

Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Blake, arriving in Australia shortly after his death. However I must admit that I found it extremely difficult to distinguish physical differences between the two when examining library specimens in the Canberra Herbarium at that time but, if pushed, I would probably say that M. viridiflora has a slightly broader leaf. Also, from memory, it has a wider distribution than M. quinquenervia, extending across to Western Australia.  Both species occur in Papua New Guinea, but I cannot recollect M. viridiflora growing in New Caledonia where M. quinquenervia is widespread.

In Australia, M. quinquenervia will form almost pure stands in suitable localities [swampy sites surrounded by open forest], but it is very resilient and will colonize relatively dry and otherwise unfavourable areas where it will coexist with other Melaleuca species including M. viridiflora.  On New Caledonia it is often the locally dominant species.  Oil derived from trees on New Caledonia, where it is colloquially known as gomen oil, because the Gomen District is the centre for its production, is the cineole-rich type, but oils derived from the same species in Australia vary with the region in which trees grow.  Many analyses in the literature however refer to M. viridiflora and thus the extent of variation in M. quinquenervia has still to be determined.

There are three major chemovars of Niaouli in Australia; one produces cineole-rich oil almost identical with that from New Caledonia [although the French would maintain that its specific taste and flavour does not match the New Caledonian product!], the others produce oils rich in nerolidol or linalol. Four chemovars have been identified in Madagascar, whose oils differ from those in Australia in their major component.

Meanwhile analyses of essential oil of M. viridiflora that I have read would suggest that globulol (30%), spathulenol (13%) and viridiflorol (11%) are the major components but, a sample I collected in Nhulunbuy (N. Queensland) in 1996 revealed 1,8-cineole (16%) and limonene (15%) to be the major components. As I said, not an easy question!

Its use in aromatherapy?
If you were to consult The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, it would be less onerous to quote those ailments that it cannot assist! It is a multi-talented oil. 

Briefly, it is considered generally stimulating and reviving, clears the head and may aid concentration. A tissue stimulant promoting local circulation, increasing white blood cell and antibody activity, it could be a good oil to choose at the beginning of illness and indeed useful in any weakened condition. It is good for all respiratory tract infections, but it is quite a powerful stimulant and so it is probably better not to use it late in the evening if you wish to get a decent night’s sleep!

Well tolerated by the skin and mucous membranes when used in suitable dilutions, niaouli can therefore be safely used for massage, a gargle and even as a vaginal douche. It is good for cystitis and other urinary infections and has been used in hospitals in France as an antiseptic in obstetrics and gynaecology.  

Perhaps less well known, but probably why niaouli becomes the focus of attention from time-to-time, is its very valuable use in conjunction with radiation therapy for cancer. A thin layer of the oil applied to the skin before each session of cobalt therapy gives some protection against burning of the skin and has been shown to reduce the severity of such burns. The tissue-stimulating properties probably help the burns to heal faster.

Last word!
Confident that I had written just about as much about M. quinquenervia as space would allow I was unprepared for my next question.....Just been to Florida, visited the Everglades, great place: what’s this Tea Tree that’s growing there?

M. quinquenervia produces a large penetrating root system, partially exposed in damp situations.  The roots grow at quite a pace and, if the main trunk is cut, quickly produce new shoots.  Shoots often appear some distance from the main trunk, and quickly spread to colonize suitable areas.

Imported to the Everglades in 1906, to turn what was then regarded as merely useless swamp into productive timber plantations, it has since colonized almost 160,000 hectares of this environmentally important area.  In fact, it is quite a problem. Aerial spraying with aboricides has been partially successful, and methods of biological control with insects is possible [Balciunas, J.K. and Burrows, D.W. (1993) The rapid suppression of the growth of M. quinquenervia saplings in Australia by insects. J. Aquat. Plt. Management 31, 265-270].

Believe it or not, despite the widespread occurrence of Melaleuca species in Australia, little was known regarding insect pests or the degree of damage inflicted by a particular species. The research of Burrows et al. indicated that no less than 400 species of herbivorous insects were associated with M. quinquenervia and, although no one species causes major damage, the combined effects of the normal level of infestation of all is sufficient to substantially suppress growth. In Florida, where these insects are absent, saplings grow 100cm per year, those in Australia 20-25cm.

However, with no one major insectile herbivore identified, they might consider importing tropical crabs of the genus Serarma which cause severe injury to seedlings and would probably do quite well in the Everglades.  Mind you, if these are the same little ‘nippers’ that I remember scuttling around Niaouli roots on the Ile des Pins, they seem pretty prolific and, in half a century, might be as big a pest as M. quinquenervia itself.  That’s the problem with environmental engineering!

Fresh reading.
I am always interested to read a new magazine. The first issue of In Essence - the Journal of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists - is not at all bad, although a little light on new content.  Still I admit readily that I do scan a lot of journals and therefore might be a little jaded in my review.  The article by Janina Sorenson about Vitex agnus castus, however, justifies anyone making sure that they obtain this first landmark edition.  The colourway, predominantly lavender, will not suit all tastes but that is soon put right. A sound start: should do well.

Meanwhile I was delighted to see the return of The International Journal of Aromatherapy, after a long absence due to a unique set of circumstances. However the publishers reassure readers that they anticipate the journal publishing on time by the end of the year.

“A professional contribution to the art and science of Aromatherapy” the IJA is increasingly becoming a serious scientific journal, but consequently somewhat hard going for the average aromatherapist I would have thought. However I would not be without my copy, and was quite delighted to detect a wisp of humour in the Editor’s wife’s review of Plant Resources of South-East Asia 14 - Vegetable Oils and Fats.....An additional plus is that if you are considering leaving the field of aromatherapy to go and manage a plantation or two in the tropics, all the relevant know-how is at your fingertips! Amazingly we have several customers who have done just that!

Essential reading.
It is a real pleasure to say thank you to Sue Clarke for writing this reference text.  I am not alone in finding that the chemistry of essential oils is sometimes difficult to grasp and yet is totally fascinating, writes Robert Tisserand in his foreword to Essential Chemistry for Safe Aromatherapy.

I know from my mailbag that many find the chemistry of essential oils quite a difficult topic, and if they are completely honest probably pretty dull, but struggle with it all the same because we all need to know something about this “science thing”, if only to teach it to someone else!  As a dyed in the wool ‘Arts’ man I definitely fall into this category, and find it a real task to sort my moles from my molecules. Now, instead of phoning Dr. Bill Morden every five minutes, I shall reach for Sue Clarke’s comprehensive introduction to essential oil chemistry. 

A former lecturer at Wigan and Leigh College and Salford University, and freelance journalist, Sue Clarke, B.Sc., Ph.D., has set a new benchmark  with her clear and straightforward account of the key theoretical aspects of chemistry and their application into the safe practice of aromatherapy.  She is at pains to explain that the material presented does not claim to be original in any way but, even if this be the case, it is offered with greater clarity and sensitivity than before. 

Whilst not definitive, and leaving room for future authors to expand, Sue’s book is the best yet on the subject and definitely justifies its place on any bookshelf. A must!

The world’s worst weed.
Had I not been arrested in my tracks by a reference to M. quinquenervia on the front cover of the latest edition of The Journal of Essential Oil Research, because I was absolutely certain that I had read exactly the same thing on the cover of the previous edition [as it turned out, I was not mistaken!], I doubt that I would have given “the world’s worst weed”a thought but, immediately preceding the article on M. quinquenervia, there is a piece about the constituents of the essential oil of Cyperus maculatus Boeck.

Cyperus? Hold on, haven’t I just read something about that? In fact not strictly correct but, I had spotted a reference to “Cypriol” in Michael Alexander’s absorbing article in the IJA: Aromatherapy and Immunity: How the use of essential oils aids immune potentiality. 

Michael mentions a study in which the effects of “cypriol” essential oil are compared to hydrocortisone, in the treatment of adjuvant-induced arthritis, tenosynovitis, oedema, and other effects of rheumatoid arthritis [Gupta, S.K. et al. (1972) Antiinflammatory activity of the oil isolated from Cyperus scariosus (R. Br.), Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 10: 41-42]. 

The “cypriol” essential oil was able to suppress inflammation within 3 hours of administration and was effective in suppressing adjuvant-induced arthritis, and the inhibition of granulation tissue formulation was comparable to that of hydrocortisone.

Having checked recent botanical literature [Steffen Arctander (see below) mentioned both species forty years ago], I can find no reference to C. scariosus and, therefore, am assuming that it is synonymous with C. rotundus L. (once described as “the world’s worst weed”). 

Comment on Cyperus.
The essential oil of the rootlets of Cyperus spp. is marketed in India under the brand name “Cypriol”.  The oil has been known for decades in its home country where the roots are used in the same way as vetiver roots for the scenting of saris and other women’s clothing.  It is locally known as Nagarmotha and, in Europe, as Purple Nutsedge.

The oil is a yellowish or amber-coloured to dark orange-brown viscous liquid.  Its odour, if Steffen Arctander [Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin] is to be believed, is quite interesting. The topnote is almost floral-woody, resembling cassie and boronia with a violet-like or tea-like warmth.  The odour becomes drier and more woody, borneol- and camphor-like but it remains faintly floral throughout the long-lasting dryout. I doubt that I would be quite so glowing in my odour description, but it certainly has a long-lasting dryout!

The oil has a way of making me feel warm, open and creative. It is made from a grass that grows wild in India, and as more people smell and experience it, it will be requested more often....says Dr. Light Miller in Ayurveda & Aromatherapy.  Great news, because we have some!

Considered astringent, alterative, expectorant, sedating and calming to the mind, Dr. Miller suggests that it could be useful also for diarrhoea, skin rashes, excess bleeding, and as a tonic. Dr. Narain Singh Chauhan, the messiah of medicinal plants in Himachal Pradesh, advises that the oil is insecticidal, antimicrobial and anthelmintic.

Peter Holmes comments that the plant contains essential oil fractions, such as camphene, and alkaloids, that explain its neurocardiac relaxant and analgesic effects. The cardioactive glycosides contribute to its relaxant action on cardiovascular functions.

Apparently, the rhizome is an important relaxant spasmolytic remedy with prime use in painful menstrual disorders. Pungent-warm natured, it is a good Qi circulator for many types of pre-menstrual distress and other oestrogen-deficient gynaecological conditions. The root also releases constrained Qi in the digestive and cardiovascular zones, indicated by the key symptom spasmodic pain [Jade Remedies, Vol. I, 426-427].

The aromatherapy literature suggests that C. rotundus might assist broncho-pulmonary congestion, digestive upsets and menstruation, but cautions that it should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used with babies and children because it could be a possible irritant. Tisserand and Balacs [Essential Oil Safety] consider that the oil is unlikely to present any hazard in aromatherapy.

Botanical Background.
The genus name Cyperus is from Cypeiros which was the ancient Greek name for the genus. Rotundus is Latin for round and refers to the tuber.

A member of the Cyperaceae, Purple Nutsedge is a smooth, erect, perennial sedge. It has a fibrous root system which is extensively branched. The plant spreads by means of slender rhizomes.  Its tubers are white and succulent when young, turning brown or black and fibrous with age.  The erect, simple stems are smooth, solid and triangular in cross section. They frequently grow up to 36-40cm, occasionally to 70cm, and have been known to reach 100cm on moist fertile soils. The leaves are smooth, shiny, dark green and grooved on the upper surface.  The seedhead consists of 3-8 unequal, slender, three-sided stalks.  The red to purplish brown spikelets are up to 3.5cm long and 2mm wide and are clustered at the end of the stalks. Each spikelet is made up of from 10-40 individual flowers.

Most of the success of this troublesome weed is due to its ability to survive and reproduce from tubers during adverse conditions. It grows well in almost every soil type, over a wide range of soil moisture, pH and elevation, and can survive the highest temperatures encountered in agriculture.

A real bind, and extremely difficult to be rid of!

Getting rid!
I have just learned from the Aquatic Weed Control Research Unit at Fort Lauderdale that they did in fact open attack on M. quinquenervia back in 1997.

They unleashed about 1,600 of the short-snouted, grey-brown melaleuca leaf weevil (Oxyops vitiosa) at 11 key melaleuca-infested sites in Florida.  This marks the first time that any melaleuca-munching organism has ever been used in the United States for classic biological control, i.e., the use of one introduced organism to control another. Apparently the weevil adults and grubs, or larvae, feed voraciously on melaleuca’s young, silvery leaves.  This stunts the plant’s growth and leaf production  They need to, as the trees take over an average of 14 to 15 acres a day!

Fighting the foe!
Meanwhile from Alaska comes the following suggestion to ward off the advances of midges, mosquitoes and other bugs, with the message...I cannot imagine that mosquitoes and bugs in the UK can be the same size and number as in Alaska [I wouldn’t be so sure!].

Nevertheless give it a go. Blend 20 drops Eucalyptus smithii, 20 drops Pinus sylvestris, 10 drops Eugenia caryophyllata (bud) and 10 drops Mentha piperita in 60ml of vegetable oil or gel.  Apply, and you should be bug-free from dawn till dusk.

Finally.....    
I am absolutely thrilled that Shirley Price has generously agreed to speak at our Open Day. A legend in her own lifetime, Shirley has written seven books on aromatherapy, three of which are best sellers, and with her indefatigable husband Len has done as much as anyone to carry the torch of aromatherapy around the world. A real treat!
 

charles@essentiallyoils.com
 

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