Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the science (and art) of using oils extracted from aromatic plants to enhance health, well-being and beauty. By using essential oils therapeutically, one can treat a wide range of problems, from stress and insomnia to acne, menstrual cramps, depression and fatigue. Essential oils (also known as essences) are obtained via the distillation of herbs, plants and flowers. They all have different therapeutic effects on the body. Aromatherapy has a long history of use in ancient Egypt, China and India.

You may not even realize that you already use aromatherapy. When you burned that scented candle last week, you were practicing aromatherapy. When you walk through a fragrant garden, you are doing it again. Almost all of the bath and body care products we use contain some form of essential oils--the basis of aromatherapy.

The Power of Scent

People often don't realize how strongly they are affected by scents. The smell of homemade bread or of the ocean can bring back memories from years before--of happy times, or bad times, too. This is because the olfactory sense, the sense of smell, is interpreted by the part of the brain that is concerned with our emotions. Scents have a powerful effect on our moods. Adding different essential oils to your massage oil or bath oil can enhance the relaxing or invigorating effect of the massage or bath.

Some History

In 400 B.C., Hippocrates wrote, "The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day," There are numerous references throughout history to the use of aromatic oils. The term "aromatherapy" was coined by a French chemist named Rene Gattefosse, in the 1920s. Several years earlier, he had noticed the therapeutic effects of essential oils after badly burning his hand while working in his laboratory and accidentally dunking his hand into lavender oil. His hand healed very quickly and left no scars (or so history tells us).

Some Research

Research in the 1990s testifies to the strength of this link. Dr. Gary Schwartz, professor of psychology and psychiatry of Yale University, has found that certain odors can lower blood pressure. The scent of spiced apples was shown to be particularly effective: It lowered the blood pressure of healthy volunteers by an average of 3 to 5 points. Other scientific research has shown that pleasant smells such as peach and plum can reduce pain, and that essential oils can change people's moods: Jasmine, ilang-ilang and peppermint can lift depression; geranium and bergamot relieve anxiety; and rose and carnation restore energy.

Essential oils are a complex mixture of chemicals with many different properties. As well as affecting mood, some are antibacterial, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory. The chart at the end of this article lists some of the most common oils and the properties ascribed to them. The diversity of claims made for essential oils--sometimes several claims for one oil--can cause confusion. A single oil may be described as both calming and stimulating. This sounds like a contradiction, causing skeptics to dismiss the entire subject. However, someone suffering from nervous tension might first be calmed by the scent and then, with this new freedom from tension, reclaim his natural energy and feel refreshed and energized.

Buying Essential Oils

The price of essential oils varies greatly; for a small quantity of lavender oil, you might pay only a fraction of the cost of the same amount of rose oil. This reflect the facts that it takes about 400 lbs. of rose petals to product just a liter of rose oil, whereas 400 lbs. of lavender flowers yields about 6 liters of essential oil. Most health-food stores sell essential oils. They should always be sold in brown glass bottles (sometimes cobalt blue) to keep out light, which can alter them chemically. They are sold in small quantities, as only 3 to 5 drops goes a long way.

Blending Oils or “Carrier Oils”

Essential oils are extremely concentrated and must always be diluted; otherwise, they can sting and even cause allergies. To use them during a massage, you need to dilute them in a carrier oil. The most commonly used carrier oils are almond, olive, soya, grape-seed, avocado, hazelnut, peach and wheat germ. Many of these are very expensive. Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E and acts as an antioxidant, but it is a bit thick and heavy, so add just a little to a light carrier oil to prevent your massage oil from turning rancid. To dilute an essential oil, mix one to three drops with a 5ml teaspoon of carrier oil. (Most essential oils will have directions on their label.) If you want to make up a larger quantity, add 15 to 30 drops to 2 fluid oz. (50ml) or carrier oil. Use a more diluted mixture on sensitive skin and on the face.

Essential oils are not very oily, but they are very volatile liquids that evaporate quickly after use. Store them and your blended massage oil in a cool, dark place and in-air tight bottles. Now, you might be asking, "Do I have to go to all this trouble?" Not really. There are some wonderful products on today's market that are already mixed for you. I got a very nice "Tranquility Blend" at a chain vitamin shop online. It has oils of lavender, patchouli, sage, orange, grapefruit and cypress. It is in a base of jojoba oil, macadamia oil, vitamins E and A and some preservatives to keep it fresh longer. Other products may use hazelnut and cocoa butter as their carrier oils. Read the labels to see what is in them, and make sure you can sample any body lotions before you buy them. Many shops in the malls now have sample-size lotions and essential oils. There are also some wonderful bath oils available for whatever mood you want ,to create. Just make sure to buy products that are in dark blue or brown bottles since the essential oils will change when exposed to light.

Essential-oil candles have become very popular. They work, but not as well as a lotion or oil mix. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your obstetrician before using any essential-oil products. When I was trying to get pregnant, my OB suggested I used the tranquility blend, but he practiced naturopathic medicine as well as traditional. SO. Please check with your doctor, practitioner or midwife first.

Important Guidelines for Using Essential Oils

Keep oils away from mucous membranes and eyes, and never use them below your waist! If you have sensitive skin, test some oil on a small patch of skin--the inside of your elbow is a good spot--before using it. Wait 24 hours; if irritation, redness, itching or burning occurs, you should not use that oil!

When using aromatherapy on children ages 6 to 12 and on the elderly, cut all doses in half. If you have any questions at all, ask your health-care provider if she thinks aromatherapy is safe for an elderly or ill person. Most practitioners do NOT advise using essential oils on infants. Do not use essential oils if you have high blood pressure or are on medication for high blood pressure. When in doubt, ask your health-care provider!

And of course, never take essential oils internally.

Choosing Essential Oils

All essential oils add a feeling of luxury to a massage, so choose any that appeal to you. These are some of the most common essential oils and the properties ascribed to them. Feel free to blend oils and see what you get. Don't blend more than two or three. If you are using a very expensive oil like rose, don't blend it with anything except the carrier oil.



Bergamot: Antiseptic, astringent, antidepressant, uplifting and refreshing. Helps depression, sore throat and digestive problems. Good for acne and oily hair. Do NOT use before sun exposure; it tends to make the skin sun-sensitive.

Chamomile: Calming, refreshing. Helps muscle aches, menstrual cramps, headache and digestive problems. Good for sensitive skin. Used in hair products to lighten blond hair.

Cardamom: Antiseptic; helps digestive problems and gas. Used for nausea and headache.

Eucalyptus: Antiseptic and stimulating. Used for treating coughs, colds and aches.

Frankincense: Calming; helps relaxation. Said to fight wrinkles.

Geranium: Astringent; good for depression and tones the skin, Was used as an insect repellent hundreds of years ago.

Ilang-Ilang: Antiseptic, aphrodisiac. Good for dry skin and for blending other oils.

Jasmine: Antiseptic, aphrodisiac, said to "speed up labor." Used for years to treat postpartum depression. (Never use without consulting your physician if you are postnatal.)

Lavender: Antiseptic, antidepressant, relaxing and calming. Helps insomnia and menstrual cramps. Most people agree it has a relaxing quality about it.

Marjoram: Sedative; warming, comforting.

Melissa: Refreshing and uplifting. Helps headaches and menstrual cramps.

Neroli: Calming; good for anxiety and insomnia.

Orange Oil: Good for blending, for a relaxing and calming massage. Is often mixed with lavender or grapefruit oil.

Rose: Very expensive. Antiseptic, antidepressant. A little goes a long way.

Rosemary: Antiseptic, refreshing and stimulating. Used for headaches, migraines, the common cold and muscle aches. The stimulating properties are said to help "clear thinking." Good for the memory.

Sandalwood: Antiseptic, calming, aphrodisiac. Useful for dry skin and used on acne.

Tea Tree Oil: Antiseptic fungicide. Treats minor cuts; good for minor acne