Although an ancient practice, aromatherapy first got a foothold in the United States in the 1960s with patchouli, one of the essential oils used in aromatherapy. During the 1980s, aromatherapy became more widespread and now is used to treat a variety of conditions. There is strong anecdotal evidence for its effectiveness.
Healing with Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils from plants, either through inhalation, direct application to the skin in massage or in bathwater. The practice is based on the notion that the olfactory nerves that produce a sense of smell are in close proximity to the brain, and that stimulation of those nerves excites areas of the brain connected with emotion, such as the amygdala and hippocampus.
The oils used in aromatherapy are chemically complex and are extracted from flowers, roots, peel, leaves, resin or back of certain plants. Thus, a plethora of oils are used for different conditions. For example, orange blossom oil is believed to promote calmness.
Although aromatherapy became increasingly popular in the United States during the 1980s, there is scant scientific evidence to support anecdotal claims of its effectiveness.
Ancient, Unregulated, Practice
Aromatherapy is the modern use of a practice that originated thousands of years ago in ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Indian societies. Some of the popular oils are patchouli, juniper berry, anise, cinnamon, grapefruit, eucalyptus, lemon, sandalwood and tangerine---each used to treat a different condition or ailment.
The Aromatherapy Council sets professional standards for practitioners and offers education. (Reference 3) But there is no protection for the title of aromatherapist, which means anyone---regardless of training---can call themselves an aromatherapist. Or you can purchase essential oils at a health store, pharmacy or grocery store and treat yourself.
Precaution on Side-Effects
There are certain precautions regarding potential side-effects of aromatherapy. Since the oils are highly concentrated, some are toxic at full strength and should be diluted with other neutral oils. Never consume essential oils orally or otherwise put them inside the body. In addition: Those with allergies, asthma, sensitive skin or eczema should be careful in the use of essential oils. Side-effects may include allergic reactions, headaches or nausea. Do not apply essential oils undiluted to the skin, except for small, infrequent use of lavender and tea tree oils. Persistent use of these oils is linked with breast enlargement in prepubescent boys. Pregnant women, people with a history of seizures or hypertension and those under treatment with chemotherapy should avoid aromatherapy. People with epilepsy or deep vein thrombosis in the legs also should not receive aromatherapy.
Antimicrobial Effects
Although little scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of aromatherapy, a 2006 study of the properties of the essential oil of the thymus plant common in Algeria found it to have "a significant in vitro antimicrobial activity" against some bacteria and all yeast and filamentous fungi tested. The results were reported in the "International Journal of Aromatherapy." (Reference 4)
Wide Use of Aromatherapy
Proponents of aromatherapy claim it has a calming, relaxing effect and is useful in pain relief. Despite a lack of hard scientific evidence to support its use, aromatherapy is available in a variety of settings: hospitals, health clubs, massage clinics. It is used for hair loss, constipation and psoriasis.
Member Comments