Exploring Aromatherapy as a Form of Traditional Aromatic Plant Medicine in Peru

Abstract

This study was the first of its kind carried out in Peru to identify and understand the use of aromatic plant medicine (APM) as a form of traditional medicine, within the context of aromatherapy practiced in North America; and to determine sustainable processes and conservation status of Peruvian aromatic medicinal plants. Informants (plant-medicine healers and locals) were surveyed and interviewed. Results revealed that APM is highly respected throughout Peru, and critical to their traditional medicine system. Approximately 63 aromatic medicinal plants, the conditions they are used to treat, as well as a number of extraction and application methods were identified.  Factors impacting the abundance of aromatic medicinal plants and their conservation statuses were also revealed. The majority of informants who use APM do so sustainably; they were aware and concerned that their medicine is disappearing as a result of deforestation, overharvesting, and climate change. Reforestation is one strategy being implemented to help conserve their valued plants. Collaborative efforts are now underway to help preserve and strengthen their knowledge-base of aromatic plants and their use in traditional medicine, and to bring awareness on a global level of endangered essential-oil bearing plants.

Introduction

Peru is a South American country that includes 13% of the Amazon jungle where an extraordinary amount of biodiversity exists (Marchese, 2015). The number of plant species including aromatic plants with known [medicinal] properties rates fifth in the world (Bussmann, 2013). Medicinal plants contribute ~ $1.2 million US annually to the Peruvian economy (Bussmann et al, 2007), and traditional medicine (TM), also referred to as complimentary/alternative medicine (CAM), has a strong presence in Peruvian culture (Monigatti et al, 2013; WHO, 2013).

The use of TM in Peru was recorded in the 15^th century when Inca healers used plant medicine along with religion and magic to treat many diseases (Elferink, 2015). These healing practices, which included ceremonies, rituals, sacred places, and their environment, are still prevalent in the daily life of Peruvian communities (Jauregui et al, 2011). For example, there are reports that traditional modern-day healers use incense, flower petals and the extraction of all plant parts as medicine in their healing practice, ceremonies, and rituals to help combat disease, relieve anxiety, enhance mental well-being, and protect against negative spirits (Gonzales de la Cruz et al, 2014). This example parallels the essence of aromatherapy, a CAM defined in North America as “the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.  It seeks to unify physiological, psychological and spiritual processes to enhance an individual’s innate healing process” (NAHA, 2016). However, whether aromatherapy is practiced in Peru remains ambiguous, but given the above example and evidence that 15% of CAM in central Peru is ‘floral therapy’ (Lovera and Fuentes, 2013) there is a strong likelihood that aromatherapy, or a form thereof, is being implemented.

Also supporting the likely use of aromatic plant medicine (APM) in Peru is the fact that the healing process for 50% of the Latin American population in both rural and urban settings begins and ends with TM as it is the only accessible and affordable healing treatment available (Alban, 1984; Bussmann et al, 2011; Jauregui et al, 2011; Bussmann, 2013).  And it is often the preferred treatment; those that can obtain allopathic medicine opt to protect and conserve their indigenous medical systems with their traditional knowledge of, and healing practices using traditional plant medicine (Jauregui et al, 2011).

Traditional medicine/CAM also costs less than allopathic medicine, and has better efficacy than some non-traditional treatments, including fewer side effects. As a result, TM/CAM practice has gained respect by national governments and health providers in Peru, as well as those in developed countries (Bussmann, 2013; Caceres Guido et al, 2015). Consequently, the demand for said plants has increased. Unfortunately, the high demand coupled with deforestation, climate change, urban sprawl, mining activities, and pollution have negatively impacted sustainability processes and conservation statuses of many medicinal plants that Peruvian communities heavily rely on (Bussmann et al, 2007; Caceres Guido et al, 2015; IUCN, 2016). To what degree potential aromatic medicinal plants have been impacted, remains unclear.

Therefore, the objectives of this study were to 1) identify the types of Peruvian aromatic plants being used as medicine, 2) gain an understanding of the knowledge and practice of APM in Peru as defined by the N. American definition of, and practices underlying aromatherapy, 3) identify factors impacting aromatic plants and their conservation status, and 4) explore sustainability and conservation efforts in place to protect aromatic medicinal plants.

Methods and Analysis

Qualitative data and plant specimens were collected during the month of October, 2015. Data collection occurred in northern (Iquitos and Amazon jungle), central (Lima and Pucallpa), and southern (Cusco and Pisac) Peru. Informants were selected based on purposive, snowball, and convenient sampling (Bernard, 2006). All participants were verbally informed about the objectives of the study and were able to withdraw at any time. Prior to surveying and interviewing, informed consent was obtained from each individual and from their community when necessary (Monigatti et al, 2013). Structured surveys and semi-structured interviews focused on the interviewees’ understanding, attitudes, and practices relating to modern medicine and traditional APM (Williamson et al, 2015).

All surveys (n=10) and interviews (n=23) were completed with the author present, with one exception. Survey questions were written in both English and Latin American (LA) Spanish; interview questions were spoken in English. When necessary, questions were translated to LA Spanish or Quechua with the help of a native Spanish- and Quechua-speaking translator.  In some cases, answers in the form of written text were not possible, so survey questions were read out loud and interviewees’ were audio recorded and/or video recorded. Informant answers were translated into English when necessary. Audio and video recordings were also taken during healing ceremonies and of native pakos, curanderos, ibos, ayahuasceros, and shamans (denoted as healers) or locals (collectively denoted as informants) while they were purchasing, harvesting, or sharing knowledge about, aromatic medicinal plants (Gonzales de la Cruz et al, 2014).

Plant conservation statuses were derived from IUCN Red List (2016) using the following search criteria: taxa – species, subspecies and varieties; taxonomy – plantae (native, introduced, vagrant, and uncertain); – location – Peru; systems – terrestrial.

Data were entered into Microsoft Excel v.14.0. whereby descriptive statistics were generated.

Results

Peruvian aromatic medicinal plants

Approximately 63 aromatic plants were identified, all of which are used in healing practices to treat and help prevent a number of conditions. Conditions included psychosomatic disorders, anxiety, nervousness, purification, depression, respiratory disorders, headache, arthritis, rheumatism, inflammation, insect bites, infection, cold, flu, sepsis, stomach ache, fatigue, ¹bad wind, ²limpia, ³susto, and magic (Table 1 – © Dr. Kelly Ablard).

Note that some of these species may in fact be endangered in other countries due to being overharvested for medicinal use. Unless noted otherwise, this table provides data only obtained within the confounds of this study. *Location: C = central, N = northern, and S = southern; ** Conservation status: NS = No Status; UK = Unknown; LC = Least Concern; VU = Vulnerable; EN = Endangered; CE = Critically Endangered; ***Aromatic bath is a combination of topical and inhalation applications. ¹ Jernigan (2012); ² Bussmann et al, 2010; ³ Monigatti et al, 2013; and ⁴ Sanz-Biset et al, 2009

Plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family were recorded most frequently followed by plants in the Lauraceae family (Table 1). Plants within these two families are known to contain essential oils with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-mutagenic properties (Raut and Karuppayil, 2014). Additionally, families Myrtaceae and Rutaceae were also recorded; they contain plants with substantial ethnobotanical, pharmacological and economic value because of their medicinal essential oils (Table 1) (Raut and Karuppayil, 2014).

Identified aromatic medicinal plants were being used throughout Peru, and on occasion, the same plant was utilized in northern, central, and southern parts (Table 1). Depending on location, healers and locals obtained aromatic plants either solely from the wild (Figure 1), markets (Figure 2), and/or home gardens. Plants found in the market were typically fresh and whole even though the whole plant was not always used in medicine (Table 1). Aromatic medicinal plants infused for potions purported to attract love (pusangas) (Figure 3), or in powder form for use as a dietary supplement were also abundant in the markets. Steam-distilled essential oils were found for purchase in one market and on the street (Figure 4).

The practice of aromatherapy in Peru

Aromatherapy, as defined above, is a form of TM used often as a first-line treatment throughout Peru. Aromatic plant medicine was considered crucial to healing by 100% of the informants questioned; according to an Andean healer “the aromatic essence of the plant is very powerful.” These ‘powerful essences’ were utilized by both males and females who ranged in age from 4 – 74 years old (Figure 5) and varied in both healer and non-healer professions. A Shipibo teacher said he uses APM because it is “all healing, mind-balancing, and a source of strength.”

Unlike certified and registered aromatherapists, users of APM did not get their knowledge through formal education. Eighty-seven percent of the informants gained their knowledge through oral records and plantas con madre (plants that teach) which, according to Bussmann et al, (2007) are the most common avenues of knowledge about plant medicine in Peru. Although there is a strong knowledge base in place, healers are always trying new remedies and want to learn more about plant medicine (Jauregui et al, 2011). This corroborates this study’s findings whereby 90% of the healers expressed their desire to learn more about essential oils; for example, when an Amazonian healer was introduced to an essential oil for the first time, he spent hours examining it, questioning its therapeutic properties and applications, and connecting with the plant’s spirit. Dr. Rojas, a university professor in Peru who studies essential oils, stated knowledge should be strengthened through implementation of more structured education and scientifically-based research in the field of aromatherapy throughout Peru thereby satisfying the curiosity of, and credibility behind,  aromatic medicinal plant healers (pers. comm., Oct. 2^nd, 2015)

Each informant had knowledge about methods to naturally extract aromatic essences from fresh plant material and which methods produced less toxins (Bussmann et al, 2011). Extractions were done on the whole plant, leaves, resin, stems, roots, bark, wood, and flowers (Table 1). Extraction methods included solvent extraction (infusion), water extraction (infusion and decoction), heat extraction, lipid extraction (infusion), maceration (Figure 6) and steam distillation (Figure 7). Water extractions and maceration were the two extraction methods most frequently observed, solvent and heat extraction methods were the most frequently spoken about, and steam distillation was a method least used and understood.

Solvent extractions of aromatic medicinal plant oils were done with sugar cane alcohol; this is a well-documented solvent used throughout Peru (Bussmann et al, 2011). Cold and boiling water was used for water extractions, and fire was used for heat extractions. For example, a Cocama healer explained that leaves and bark are placed onto a fire to release chemicals and resins. The animal fat of snake, mule, chicken, or guinea pig is commonly used for lipid extractions (Bussmann and Glenn, 2011), but this was not observed. Plant material was macerated with a mortar and pestle, knives, wooden spoons, but mostly with bare hands (¹Video 1). Steam distillation techniques and equipment varied as this method is the most expensive to employ (²Video 2).

Applications of APM were the same as those in North America – inhalation, topical, and oral. Applications were used solely and in combinations. Inhalation and topical applications occurred most frequently (Table 1).

Inhalation of steamed plant material, Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) smoke, bottled essential oils, smoke from burning wood, and synthetic perfumes (e.g. Tabu and Florida water) was also very common in ceremonies, rituals, and healing practices.  The inhalation of steam from boiled leaves of Muña (Minthostachys mollis) was used to clear congestion, the smoke from Tobacco was blown over a person by a healer while using ⁴ikaros to purify the air and the person, the essential oil of Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) was inhaled to relax the mind, and smoke from woods such as Palo Santo and Canela Sacha (Cinnamomum verum) were used as incense with smoke inhaled for treatment of evil wind or colds. Nasal ingestion of Tobacco juice is also commonly done to ward off evil spirits (Bussmann, 2013), but this was not observed.

Topical applications included compresses, poultices, and essential oils blended with Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) oil, Copaiba (Copaifera sp.) oil, or Coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil to be sprayed onto the whole body or applied to a specific body part. For example, an Andean healer’s treatment for muscle pain was to combine crushed Molle (Schinus molle) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) leaves in a bowl of sugar cane alcohol for 7-15 days; the liquid was then used as a compress for sore muscles. Crushed plant material to help clear negative energy was placed onto the skin between the upper and lower arm (Figure 8), and Andean Bog Myrtle (Myrteola nummularia) essential oil was combined with carrier oil for application to the face to reduce wrinkles.

The combination of inhalation and topical applications came in the form of aromatic baths or baños de florecimiento (flourishing or invigorating baths). Aromatic baths were either bathtubs or small buckets filled with water and 5-9 aromatic medicinal plants. Aromatic baths were extremely common and were used in daily practice to enhance rituals and heal a number of specific conditions. Mostly they were used to clear the mind, give strength, combat disease caused by evil spirits, treat psychosomatic disorders, fend off evil spirits, and attract and to send love (Table 1) (Figure 9). Baths were taken over the course of 3 days (1 bath per day) and were thought to only be effective if you repeatedly inhaled the aroma of the plants and poured them over your head.

Oral applications were ingestions of essential oils and infusions. One drop of Palo Santo essential oil mixed with warm water ingested daily strengthens immunity, and two drops of Muña essential oil mixed with warm water ingested twice a day relieves symptoms associated with bronchitis, asthma, and colds. Ingestion of a Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) decoction helps with digestion (Figure 10).

 

Factors impacting Peruvian aromatic plants and their conservation status

There is a heightened awareness among Peruvians of the impact deforestation, and overharvesting have on the stability of aromatic medicinal plants. Eighty percent of the informants stated it is more difficult to find aromatic medicinal plants in their natural state, and 100% were concerned about the problem only worsening. Overharvesting and climate change were spoken of often. One healer said “there are hundreds of plants he can no longer find, everyone uses them.” For example, Rosewood (Aniba rosodora) is being harvested for the production of its essential oil obtained from the wood. According to the IUCN (2016) when Rosewood trees are harvested, the whole tree and their root systems are destroyed. Additionally, mature and immature trees are harvested, and signs of regeneration are absent; therefore little is being preserved for future generations. Unless something drastically changes, Rosewood will disappear.

Climate change is another serious issue. For example, due to a shortage of water, one Andean healer stated his community finds it difficult to source aromatic medicinal plants because animals are quickly eating them to stay hydrated (Victor, pers. comm., Oct. 23^rd, 2015). And in the Amazon jungle, there has been an increase in flooding which has impacted the growth of, and accessibility to, medicinal plants (Jairo pers. comm., Oct. 13^th, 2015).

The conservation status of Peruvian plants on the IUCN Red List (2016) (n = 751) may very well include a number of the plants informants spoke of which may not have been aromatic and/or were not identified.  The aromatic medicinal plants identified varied in conservation status from unknown to critically endangered (Table 1). However, a plant with unknown status or no status may in fact have a status of concern. More survey data on the status of these plants needs to be collected.

Sustainability and conservation efforts of Peruvian aromatic medicinal plants

Informants shared some strategies they use locally to address aforementioned problems. One community has built a greenhouse which serves a dual function: one, it gives them more control over the environment that their aromatic medicinal plants are grown in, and two, the plants are protected from animals that eat them as a source of hydration.  Some informants have committed to only using aromatic medicinal plants grown in home gardens instead of harvesting them from the wild, and more than half the informants that harvest plant material from the wild are replanting what they take. For example, in southern Peru, a reforestation project has been established whereby medicinal plant seeds are banked and wild-harvested plants are replanted in their natural habitat (Figure 11). There are also reforestation projects targeting rosewood (A. rosodora). Harvesting and/or distilling rosewood require a CITES permit as a result of being classified as endangered.  Despite several attempts to contact two distillers in Peru who apparently meet these standards, they would not answer questions relating to their practice, or allow persons on their property.

World-recognized expert on medicinal plants and curator of the Herbario Amazonense, Dr. Juan Ruiz (Figure 12) strives to strike a balance between sustainable practices and conservation of aromatic medicinal plants. There are a number of aromatic medicinal plants which he knows are abundant and not in imminent danger of critical conservation statuses (Table 2 – © Dr. Kelly Ablard). It is his hope to preserve this relationship and help with reforestation projects geared toward APM.

Conclusion and Future Direction

This was the first study executed on exploring the identification and use of traditional APM in Peru. There is compelling evidence that reveals Peruvians have mastered aromatherapy, as defined by NAHA (2016) and its underlying processes similar to those in N. America. Although Peruvians are using ‘aromatherapy’ in their daily lives, they still aim to learn more about APM and its uses. Consequently, efforts are underway to provide educational instruction on the chemistry and therapeutic values of essential oils, as well as cost-effective ways of extraction with higher yields of essential oil. The latter is especially critical given their aromatic medicinal plants are fewer in number and even disappearing primarily because of climate change, overharvesting, and deforestation.

Peruvians have taken steps to help conserve and protect their APM for its use in local healing by future generations, but doing so can be costly and require resources difficult to obtain. We can help by 1) sharing their wisdom of APM which helps to protect and conserve their traditional knowledge and practices which are critical to their preservation, 2) establishing sustainable methods of growth and harvesting of essential-oil bearing plants in Peru, and providing a market for the oils which will not only help conserve plants, but also help communities become economically independent, 3) collaborating with Peruvian universities to help demonstrate scientifically the therapeutic value of their APM, 4) not purchasing products that contain essential oils that are sourced unsustainably, and 5) not using essential oils sourced from endangered plants; for example, there are alternative essential oils with similar properties and therapeutic activity to Rosewood.

And finally, in the words of Peruvian plant-medicine healer Javier, “let’s not forget that plants are the master healers and teachers which help us gain greater awareness of our planet and the universe as a whole – they remind us to come home to ourselves.”

Limitations

Although the structured surveys were limited in sample size, ethnobotanical data obtained by semi-structured interviews combined with a thorough review of germane literature, strengthens the observations drawn from these results and discussion. Additionally, some data were not introduced into the study due to translation difficulties and importation of plant samples into North America for identification.

Footnotes

¹Bad wind or wayra symptoms include vomiting, headache, stomach ache, sore feet, paleness, fatigue, cold body, paralysis, and the inability to speak caused by animal or spiritual encounters at night (Mathez-Stiefel et al, 2012);  ²limpia is a cleansing ceremony; ³susto is sadness for long periods, crying without reason, feeling empty, and insomnia caused by evil energy (Monigatti et al, 2013); ⁴ikaros are songs or whistles of sacred melodies (Jauregui et al., 2011).  Visit www.kellyablard.com  for an audio sample of an ikaros.

Videos

¹Video 1: Maceration of leaves for aromatic bath performed by plant-medicine healer Antonio Montero Pisco. Iquitos, Peru. http://bit.ly/1QfSdF5 ©Kelly Ablard

²Video 2: Steam distillation of Muña (Minthostachys mollis) in Cusco, Peru. http://bit.ly/1odorKu Permission granted by Instituto para la preservacion medicina inka.

Acknowledgements

This research was possible thanks to Gary Ablard (padre), Gary Ablard II, Patris Aghakian, Jose Felix Arevalo, Robert Arndt, Crystal Baldwin, Jim Barry, Brian Beacham, Hana Viola Belikova, Hannah Bottomley, Judy Boyd, The Bozic Family, Kristin Clark, Peter Cramer, Jacqueline Dale, Nicole Degagne, Niko Dorje, Robert Dowdell, Diane Dunn, Flying Dog (Marcel), Jeffrey Boyd Garrison, Omar Gomez, Aaron Heriford, Julieta Herrera, Bernard Houston, Victor Hugo Yana Huaman, Jairo Ibreno, Zaid Jumean, Joan Keith, Janet Latter, Steve Laut, Iris Mori Lomas (Edie), Kate (Moss) Lila Rodriguez Lomas, Joel Lomas Maldonado, Obed Loma Maldonado, Panna Majithia, Dr. Charles Mango, Onour Moeri, Antonio Montero Pisco,  Virginia Mori Sinuiri, Casey Mulcaster, Dr. Anna Nekaris, Linda Passmore (madre), Kirti Patel, Pedro, Walter Pena, Rene Picard, Satyen Raja, Javier Regueiro, Suzanne Rickards Raja, Star Riparetti, Dr. Rosario Rojas Duran, Dr. Juan Ruiz, Victor Serrubio, Geoff Smith, John Steele, Adam Stone, Colleen Thompson, Robert Tisserand, The Tisserand Institute, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lila Maldonado Urquia, Leah Ursic, Karla Vasquez, Veronika Vojtova, Graham Webber, Raoul ‘Wolf Man’, Charlene Wood, and Nilo Zambrano.

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Previously published in the International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy Volume 5 Issue 1 and by the Tisserand Institute. 

© Dr. Kelly Ablard