Aromatherapy is a branch of holistic medicine that utilizes scent to evoke a physical or emotional response. The primary tools of the trade are botanical essential oils, each of which are attributed with a specific meaning. This system of symbolism evolved from the perception that the “essence” of plants convey messages and enhance the communication of information between living organisms, much in the same way that insects and animals—including humans—do in the form of pheromones.
Mind-Body Balance
According to Valerie Ann Worwood, author of “Aromatherapy for the Soul,” the warm, earthy scent of myrrh promotes physical and emotional balance by encouraging the person to let go of past “baggage.” Specific meanings associated with this herb include courage, mastery, calmness, acceptance and fortitude. Other essential oils said to restore balance include sandalwood, rosemary, ylang-ylang, cypress, German chamomile, lavender, geranium, bergamot and patchouli.
Emotional Suggestions
Monika Jünemann, author of "Enchanting Scents,” says that chamomile essential oil produces a relaxing effect and promotes a sense of security. Specifically, she says, chamomile is ideal for people with oversensitive nerves that react to situations by displaying symptoms of stress, including bouts of anxiety and depression.
Essential oils are also traditionally used to provide inspiration and to stimulate powers of intuition, including increasing psychic awareness through dreams and visions. The spicy scent of the essential oil of nutmeg, says Worwood, helps to re-establish the connection with higher realms. Other aromatherapy scents associated with increasing intuition include peppermint, cinnamon, frankincense, cedar, lotus, eucalyptus, anise and lemongrass.
Physical Effects
While the scent of herbal oils may suggest emotional meanings, often the same “message” transcends to the physical level. For instance, peppermint, which is traditionally used to stimulate intuition and psychic awareness, also appears to exert physical effects related to the head. Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., Sc.D., co-author of “Rational Phytotherapy,” notes that the application of the essential oil of peppermint to the forehead and temples appears to significantly reduce headache pain. The former dean of The School of Pharmacy at Purdue University also endorses the topical use of oils obtained from various species of Capsicum, such as cayenne pepper, for the relief of pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism. In aromatherapy, the scent of cayenne is used to stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which may help to reduce inflammation.
Application
The therapeutic benefits of essential oils are presented in various ways in the practice of aromatherapy. In some cases, the oils may be applied directly to the skin “neat,” or undiluted, or they may be blended with carrier oils and applied during massage. The scents of essential oils are also dispersed into the environment through the use of perfume lamps or diffusers. Sometimes, it could be as simple as placing a drop or two of essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue to occasionally inhale to relieve temporary anxiety or ease congestion due to a cold.
Considerations
While the suggested meanings communicated through the essential oils of plants are intended to stimulate all the senses, essential oils should generally not be ingested. In addition, aromatherapy is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for professional counseling or medical treatment. If you suffer from depression or a chronic disease, talk to your health care provider about integrating aromatherapy into your treatment plan.
References
- “Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils”; Valerie Ann Worwood; 2006
- “Enchanting Scents,” Monika Jünemann; 1988
- “Rational Phytotherapy: A Reference Guide for Physicians and Pharmacists”; Volker Schulz, Rudolf Hänsel, Mark Blumenthal, Varro E. Tyler; 2004
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