Aromatherapy

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Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine and is one of the most pleasurable ways of enjoying the benefits of herbs. It involves the use of essential oils extracted from plants and herbs. Aromatherapy is used to treat conditions ranging from infections and skin disorders to immune deficiencies and stress.

Usually produced through a process of steam distillation, essential oils are extracted from a plant’s flowers, leaves, branches, or roots. Each essential oil contains its own mix of active ingredients, and this mix determines the healing properties of the oil. These essential oils can then be inhaled, applied topically, or ingested (though rare). Aromatherapy has been utilized by some practitioners for bacterial and viral infections, skin disorders, immune deficiencies, muscular disorders, arthritis, and cold sores. It is now proven that these essential oils even help the immune system fight a variety of ailments. For example, tea tree oil has been found to make white blood cells more active. Some oils promote physical healing - for example, some are able to relieve swelling or fight fungal infections. Others are used for their emotional value - they may enhance relaxation or make a room smell pleasant.

The essential oils are almost always diluted but there are different ways of using them. A familiar method is massage, whereby a few drops are added to a carrier oil, such as almond or grapeseed, which is applied to the skin. If preparing this at home, use the proportions suggested by your herbalist and do not keep the mixture for more than a few days.

Essential oils can also be dispersed into the atmosphere - water and a little essential oil are put into a vaporizer and then heated. When the water evaporates, the oil is dispersed creating a powerful aroma. The oil can also be added to near-boiling water and inhaled.

You can add oil to bath water also; a few drops will usually suffice. They will form on the surface which will be partially absorbed as skin pores open in the heat.

However, not all essential oils can be used this way. Some oils can also provoke an allergic reaction and some should not be used during pregnancy. Never take essential oils by mouth unless under the supervision of a qualified herbalist. Also, consult a professional in case of doubts.

Some 40 odd plant oils are currently used in aromatherapy. Some such as basil, cinnamon and rosemary, have a stimulating effect and others, like anise, neroli and chamomile, a sedative one. Some oils, however, have a double effect, stimulating certain areas of the brain and calming others.

René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, discovered the healing properties of lavender oil by accident. He then analyzed the chemical properties of essential oils and recorded their value in treating burns, skin infections, gangrene, and wounds in soldiers during World War I. In 1928, Gattefossé founded the science of aromatherapy. By the 1950's massage therapists, beauticians, nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals began using aromatherapy. In France, more than 1,500 trained physicians use essential oils as an alternative to antibiotics.

Aromatherapy did not become popular in the United States until the 1980s, when essential oils gained the attention of massage therapists, alternative practitioners, and the commercial industry. Today, many lotions, candles, and beauty products are sold under the name "aromatherapy." Unfortunately, however, many of these products contain synthetic fragrances which do not have the therapeutic substances found in essential oils.

How does Aromatherapy work ?

It is our sense of smell that plays the all important role. This sense is incredibly powerful and according to some estimates, is nearly 10,000 times stronger than any other sense. The "smell" receptors in your nose communicate with two structures that are embedded deep in your brain and serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. These structures are called the amygdala and hippocampus. When essential oil molecules are inhaled, they affect these parts of the brain directly. It is believed that stimulation of these structures influences our physical, emotional, and mental health. For example, lavender is believed to stimulate the activity of brain cells in the amygdala in the same way that certain sedative medications work.

Essential oils can also influence mood through several other methods in addition to stimulating specific brain structures through your sense of smell. One such method is aromatherapy massage which is a popular way of using essential oils because it works in several ways at the same time: it produces benefits from absorbing the oils into the skin, from inhaling the oil's vapors, and from the physical therapy of the massage process itself.

What happens during an aromatherapy session ?

At a typical aromatherapy session, the practitioner will first of all, ask about your medical history and symptoms, as well as any likes or dislikes you may have for certain scents. Then, depending upon the condition of your health, the practitioner will instruct you to inhale essential oils either directly from a piece of cloth, or indirectly through steam inhalations, vaporizers, or sprays. The practitioner may also apply diluted essential oils to your skin during a massage. In most cases, the practitioner will instruct you on how to continue using aromatherapy at home. For example, many essential oils can be mixed with milk or cream and added to a bath.

What is aromatherapy good for ?

Aromatherapy is used in a wide range of settings - from health spas to hospitals - to treat a variety of conditions. Whether smoothed on the skin, added to the bath, or inhaled in the form of steam, these aromatic essential oils are believed to ease tensions, heal wounds and revitalize the body.

Some conditions for which aromatherapy may be helpful include:

Should anyone avoid aromatherapy ?

Pregnant women as well as people with a history of seizures should avoid hyssop oil.

People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating essential oils such as rosemary and spike lavender.

Those with estrogen-dependent tumors (such as breast or ovarian cancer) should not use oils with estrogen-like compounds such as fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary-sage.

Caution should be exercised when considering use of aromatherapy in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Is there anything I should watch out for ?

Most topical and inhaled essential oils are generally considered safe. You should never ingest essential oils unless a trained professional advises you to do so. Some oils are toxic and taking them orally could be fatal.

Rare side effects of aromatherapy can include allergic reaction including rash, headache, liver and nerve damage, as well as harm to the fetus (this is why aromatherapy should be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically instructed by an expert).

Oils that are high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can cause skin irritation. Dilute oil with water or a base massage oil (such as almond or sesame oil) before applying to your skin and avoid using near your eyes. In addition, essential oils are highly volatile and flammable so they should never be used near an open flame.

Animal studies suggest that active ingredients in certain essential oils can interact with some medications, but studies in people are needed to confirm. Eucalyptus, for example, may clear certain medications, including pentobarbital (used for seizures) and amphetamine (a stimulant used for narcolepsy and, sometimes, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) from the body more quickly, which makes these drugs less effective.

The essential oils sold in stores are often mislabeled. For this reason, you cannot be entirely sure that the amount of essential oil contained in the bottle, or even from dose to dose (if the oil is in capsules), is the same as what is stated on the label. A qualified aroma therapist can help you decide which oils will be most effective for you and can direct you to high-quality products.

Future of Aromatherapy

With educated choices and responsible use, aromatherapy is ideally suited for home use. The practice of aromatherapy has gained widespread acceptance and some hospitals have even introduced it for their patients. In fact, aromatherapy is gaining considerable acceptance in the western world and among doctors as a way to use the senses to benefit health.