Aromatherapy is an effective tool for healing both psychological and emotional distress. Smells have an immediate effect on the olfactory nerves, signaling the brain to produce systemic neurological and immunological effects. This can be achieved by using essential oils, burning of resins, smelling the natural scent in flowers and even by cooking.
Physical benefits are also present in the use of aromatherapy, such as the volatile oils in certain mints that help open congested respiratory tracts.
History of Aromatherapy
The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine is a Chinese book written in 2697 BC and is the oldest medicine book that mentions the use of aromatic herbs for healing.
More than 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians were already using incense of aromatic herbs for medicine. After the Greeks invaded Egypt in the third century BC, the use of aromatic herbs expanded into Greece and later spread through out the Roman Empire.
But the term aromatherapy wasn't used until 150 years ago when French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse coined the term. The first aromatherapy book, The Art of Aromatherapy, was written in 1977 by Robert Tisserand, and in 2010 aromatherapy is a successful practice for achieving optimal health.
Essential Oils
Aromatic plants have essential oils containing volatile molecules that carry their taste and fragrance. Plants use this fragrance for protection from micro-organisms and to attract bees and other pollinators. Humans extract these oils by means of expression and distillation. In distillation, water is heated and steam passes through the plant material, rupturing the oil molecules and releasing them into the vapor. As the steam cools it condenses and the oil separates from the water. Citrus plants use expression, which is a mechanical process that breaks up the plant in order to release its essential oils.
Many essential oils interact with our neuro-chemicals and enzymes, having a stimulant or sedative effect and making them useful for healing emotions and psychological ailments.
We naturally come in contact with small amounts of essential oils in some of the vegetables and fruits we eat. Extracted essential oils are used widely to scent beauty products and candles. The most potent way to use essential oils for healing is with the use of a diffuser, which will permeate an area with the volatile oils of the chosen herb, generating therapeutic qualities for anyone inhaling that air.
Certain essential oils are also applied to the skin to help heal rashes and burns, as is the case with lavender essential oil.
Resins
Burning certain resins is a way of healing with aromatherapy. Resins are burned through incense or by placing a piece of resin on hot charcoal.
The most common resins used for healing are frankinsense and myrr. Frankinsense is known to alleviate the nervous system and relax the mind. Myrr is thought to promote a feeling of confidence and happiness.
Other resins used in aromatherapy are ammoniacum. gamboge and scammony.
Aromatherapy and Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, studies have shown that the use of aromatherapy improves the quality of life in cancer patients. Improvements include a decrease in symptoms such as pain or nausea and lower respiratory rates and blood pressure.
Additionally, tea tree essential oil clears antibiotic resistant MRSA bacteria from hospital patients, and antibacterial essential oils lessen the unpleasant odor of necrotic ulcers.
Safety
Essential oils are not meant to be used internally and should always be diluted in a carrier oil when applying to skin. Keep oils in a cool space to avoid rancidity and remember that citrus oils should be avoided before exposure to sunlight.
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