Aromatherapy

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Aromatherapy history      Effect of essential oils   Uses of essential oils

Properties of essential oils    Action of essential oils     Methods of use

Information on aromatherapy and essential oils

Aromatherapy means “treatment using scents”. Aromatherapy has been prevalent since the beginning of civilization. It is the art, and science of using oils extracted from aromatic plants to enhance health and beauty. The origin of aromatherapy is attributed to India and Egypt. In India, the Vedas, the most sacred books, mention over 700 different aromatic products. In Egypt, the use of perfumes and aromatics were originally a privilege of the Pharaohs and high priests.

Aromatherapy history

Cleopatra, the Macedonian queen born in Alexandria, Egypt used various kinds of perfumes and scents prepared out of aromatic plants and herbs. The use of essential oils expanded into perfumery and cosmetics. From Egypt it spread towards Arabia.

From India, it spread towards Tibet, China and Japan. Since the earliest age of humanity, aromatic fumigations have been used in daily rituals and during religious ceremonies as an expression of all-pervasive sacredness. Fragrance has been seen as a manifestation of divinity on earth. But unfortunately, with the advent of modern medicine in the 19th century, aromatic and herbal therapies experienced their decline. However, the art of aromatherapy was revived in 1920 by a French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattesfosse. In Britain, it began in the l950’s, this time thanks to Marguerite Maury, a French cosmetologist who lived in London, while in the USA it wasn't until the late 80's when people began to become conscious of aromatherapy.

It slowly and steadily picked up momentum and now, is very popular in the east and the west. Aromatherapy uses the essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to address conditions ranging from infections, skin disorders, immune system deficiencies and stress. Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing alternative therapies. It is used in homes, clinics, beauty salons and spas. It is a unique branch of herbal medicine that utilizes the medicinal properties found in the essential oils of various plants. Scientific investigation has begun to prove the efficacy of this centuries-old treatment and is being embraced by some medical establishments as a therapy that may complement other treatments.

Effect of essential oils

Oil fragrance may be one of the fastest ways to achieve a positive physiological or psychological effect as it

interacts with the nasal cavity and olfactory nerve, activating the limbic area of the brain. The limbic system of the brain among it's other functions is also a warehouse for millions of ‘remembered’ smells'. When a particular smell is recalled, it can trigger a nostalgic feeling associated with that memory. The scents from essential oils may extend specific therapeutic effects on our mind and emotions. French chemist Rene Maurice Gattesfosse described aromatherapy as having "powerful vitalizing action, from the undeniable healing power and extensive therapeutic properties of the essential oils from aromatic plants" . He coined the term aromatherapy to define the therapeutic uses of essential oils as a discipline in its own right.

French physicians routinely prescribe aromatherapy preparations. In England, aromatherapy is used mainly for stress-related health issues. In a successful experiment in Japan, in a bank, the essence of Lavender and Rosemary was deliberately wafted in the vicinity of the customer area in order to calm waiting customers, while another type of a stimulating fragrance was wafted behind the teller counter in an effort to try and keep the staff active and alert.

Uses of essential oils

1. They may act as regulators or messengers in plants.

2. Carry information between the cells providing adaptation of the plants to the environment.

3. May control the multiplication and renewal of plant cells and may have positive effects on the human body.

Properties of essential oils

1. They are smaller than fatty acid molecules.

2. They are volatile. Evaporate completely when exposed to air.

3. They penetrate quickly into the skin ( this may be the reason for their effectiveness if used as massage oils).

4. They are hydrophobic (ie they do not mix with water).

 5. May contain essential nutrients like vitamins and hormones.

6. Some may have antiseptic properties and others may have antibacterial properties.

Biophysical action of essential oils

1. May possess antiseptic and antibacterial properties ( Geranium, Lavender).

2. May possess the ability to act as expectorants ( Eucalyptus, Pine).

3. May stimulate cellular activity.

4. May also activate capillary circulation.

 5. Some may be useful as sedatives or energizers while others may act as antispasmodic or anti-inflammatory agents.

6. Some may have mild aphrodisiac and analgesic (pain relieving) properties.

7. Some may influence the functions of various ‘Chakras’ a Sanskrit word meaning ‘Wheels of energy’ in the body.

Various methods to use essential oils (thoroughly read labels and all warnings before use)

1. Some oils may be taken internally

2. Some may be massaged into the skin.

3. Some may be mixed with bath water to relax tense muscles.

4. Others are used in cosmetics; mainly for facials, compresses, masks, lotions and creams.

5. May be useful in hair care.

6. Could also be used in inhalation form, this may prove to be a very effective route since it directly affects the limbic area of the brain through smell via the olfactory nerve.

Important essential oils used commonly

1. Basil

2. Eucalyptus

3. Lavender

4. Rosemary

5. Sandalwood

6. Ylang-Ylan

7. Tea-tree

The future of Aromatherapy looks bright. With the increasing use of alternative therapies and demand for holistic health care and increasing demand and protest for green revolution, the demand for aromatherapy will simultaneously increase.

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