Topical Rosmarinus officinalis L. in Systemic Sclerosis-Related Raynaud's Phenomenon: An Open-Label Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: An effective and well-tolerated topical treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon is needed. The aim of this pilot study was to determine change in skin temperature and self-reported warmth perception from topical rosemary essential oil in patients with systemic sclerosis and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with progressive systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's phenomenon were consecutively enrolled in an open-label pilot study at a university outpatient rheumatology clinic. Each patient received an application of olive oil to both hands as a control and 3 h later an application of a 10% essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Clinical severity and subjective warmth perception were assessed; skin temperature was measured by infrared thermography. RESULTS: Skin temperature increased significantly after both olive oil and rosemary oil but differences between oils did not reach significance. Self-reported warmth perception increased after rosemary oil but not after olive oil. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Topical rosemary essential oil increased warmth perception in patients with systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon but did not increase finger skin temperature more than the olive oil control.

Effect of topical rosemary essential oil on Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis.

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 3days 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.

External Nursing Applications in the Supportive Management of Prolonged Postoperative Ileus: Description of Interventions and Case Report.

Prolonged postoperative ileus is a common but clinically challenging problem that leads to patient discomfort and prolonged hospitalization; the condition is managed through a multimodular program of supportive measures. In anthroposophic nursing, the management of prolonged postoperative ileus involves additional tools, including external abdominal compresses and massages with plant or silver-containing oils and ointments. We describe 3 typical techniques: Oxalis tincture compresses, Thuja/Argentum ointment compresses, and massage with "Wala Melissenöl" (containing Melissa officinalis, Carvum cari, Foeniculum amari, and Origanum majorana). A 61-year-old man with chronic pain from adhesions after multiple abdominal surgical procedures developed a prolonged postoperative ileus after an elective ileostomy reversal. Following slow recovery during the first postoperative days, he began vomiting. A nasogastric tube was inserted, and daily Oxalis tincture compresses and massage with "Wala Melissenöl" and Thuja/Argentum ointment compresses were applied on the abdomen. The patient's symptoms gradually improved over the next 10 days. No prokinetic medications were needed to manage this episode. External abdominal nursing applications with plant substances and silver can be an additional tool in the management of prolonged postoperative ileus.