Aromatherapy: Simply Amazing!

Aromatherapy involves the use of oils distilled from plants for therapeutic purposes. It has a long history of use in ancient Egypt, China, and India. The distillation method used to extract essential oils was invented by an Arab physician in the 10th century A.D. Modern aromatherapy in the West began with a French chemist, Rene Gattefosse who burned his hand while working in a perfume laboratory. He immersed his hand with some readily available lavender oil. The burn healed quickly and left no scar, perking his interest in the possible curative effects of plant oils. He began to study them, coining the term aromatherapy in 1937 to describe this new field.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, which are natural, high-quality, pure oils derived from the distillation of plants. The oils are named for the plant from which they are derived, such as bergamot, rose, ginger. They are highly concentrated: between fifty and several thousand pounds of plant material is required to make one pound of essential oil, depending on the plant. At least forty essential oils are used in aromatherapy. Each is categorized according to its effects on the body, mind, and diseases it is said to treat. Oils from various plants maybe used individually or in combinations.

Aromatherapy is delivered to patients in several ways. Oils can be applied directly to the skin through massage. For skin application, the oils are combined with a carrier medium, usually a vegetable oil, because the amount of essential oil required is so small. The oils also may be inhaled with steaming water containing a few drops of an essence, or by using diffusers to spread steam containing an oil throughout a room. Because they are highly concentrated and therefore potentially toxic, the oils should not be taken internally.

Aromatherapy is said to reduce stress, which is achieved through the personal use of aromatic oils or by combining aromatherapy with other stress reduction activities, such as soaking in a hot bath treated with scented oil or receiving a massage accompanied by aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy can balance and increase the well-being of both body and mind, thus decreasing the likelihood of developing disease. Aromatherapy is also used to treat physical and mental ailments. For instance, lavender is used to treat anxiety, mild depression, and insomnia. Below are other popular Aromatherapies and results claimed for them:

* Lemon is believed to detoxify; stimulate immune system and liver.
* Rosemary is believed to relieve pain; relaxes muscles.
* Peppermint is believed to provide pain and digestive relief; decreases inflammation.
* Chamomile is believed to serve as sedative, relaxant, and antiallergen.
* Eucalyptus is believed to eliminate infection.
* Rose is believed to regulate female hormones.

Conditions that practitioners believe to be aided by aromatherapy include acne, anxiety, cold and flu, skin disorders, headaches, indigestion, premenstrual syndrome, muscle tension, and pain. Some aromatherapy advocates use body applications to treat physical problems, and inhalation methods to treat emotional problems.

Aromatherapy is based on the sense of smell, which is extremely acute in humans and other animals. The sense of smell has been studied extensively for its role in communication and memory.

There is an unproven belief that essential oils used in aromatherapy can affect the body's health. Substantial research evidence exists about the olfactory system (the sense of smell). For example, a single waft of an odor can trigger memories from decades back. In addition, scientists have found substances called pheromones in almost all organisms. These chemicals are emitted by the body and sensed by the olfactory system. In mammals, pheromones play a role in sexual attraction and mating. In other organisms, they facilitate not only mating, but also the attraction of prey and forms of communication. Pheromones are responsible for a phenomenon called menstrual synchrony, where the menstrual cycles of women who live in close proximity often become similar, or synchronize with one another.

Some studies implicate the sense of smell in illness and relaxation. One researcher found that certain odors could trigger migraines in some individuals and, alternatively, that the fragrance of green apples may heighten feelings of relaxation. However, although smell and the olfactory system have multiple functions, there is no scientific evidence indicating that aromatherapy can aid in preventing or alleviating disease. The medical literature contains no research on the effects of aromatherapy as a medical treatment.

Aromatherapy may reduce stress, enhance pleasure, and improve quality of life. However, no evidence in the medical literature that supports claims that aromatherapy can help prevent or heal disease. Evidence is lacking even in the case of those minor and self-limiting conditions, such as headaches and colds, that advocates say can be alleviated by aromatherapy.

Used as a strictly complementary technique, however, aromatherapy is a pleasant addition to baths and massages. Scented candles or aroma sprays, for those who enjoy the fragrance, contribute to a sense of relaxation and help create a calming atmosphere.