Effect of topical rosemary essential oil on Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: von Schoen-Angerer, Tido; Deckers, Bernhard; Henes, Jörg; Helmert, Eduard; Vagedes, Jan
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in medicine. Volume 40(2018)
• Page Start: 191
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Systemic sclerosis -- Scleroderma -- Raynaud phenomenon -- Rosmarinus officinalis; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Complementary Therapies -- Periodicals; Médecines parallèles -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Alternative medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.10.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2299

Abstract

Highlights: Existing treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon in systemic sclerosis are unsatisfactory. Topical application of Rosamarinus officinalis oil had warming effect in a woman with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud. Thermography is useful for assessing hand circulation problems in systemic sclerosis and to demonstrate treatment effects. Abstract: Introduction: Raynaud's phenomenon is the earliest manifestation of systemic sclerosis. Nitroglycerin gel is the only proven topical therapy. Methods: A 53-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis had topical Rosamarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil, often used in anthroposophic medicine, applied to her hands over 3 days and then, separately, olive oil. Results: Thermography images showed significant warming of fingers after rosemary oil, but not after olive oil, coinciding with the patient's subjective experience. Conclusions: Topical Rosamarinus officinalis oil had a vasodilator and warming effect in a patient with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's phenomenon.