What is Aromatherapy?
Did you know that using aromatic plants was originally part of herbal medicine that dates back thousands of years and is not confined to any geographical area? “Residual patterns of use and trade in contemporary society suggest that nearly every part of the world has some history of using aromatic plants in its healthcare system.” Some believe aromatherapy is just for inhalation use, while others believe it means aromatherapy massage. Physicians in France define aromatherapy as “the inclusion of essential oils via oral, rectal, and vaginal routes.” However, different levels of training are required for these more complex uses. [2] As you can see, aromatherapy has many meanings depending on who you ask.
Aromatherapy is defined as the use of aromas for their healing properties.[7]
Shirley Price defines aromatherapy as the controlled use of essential oils to promote the health and vitality of the body, mind, and spirit by inhalation, baths, compresses, topical application and full-body massage. [7]
There are different types of aromatherapy. Holistic aromatherapy focuses on the restoration of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health through the application of essential oils.[7] Clinical aromatherapy is about targeting a specific clinical symptom and measuring the outcome. Clinical aromatherapy can be divided into medical aromatherapy and nursing aromatherapy. In France, Germany, and Switzerland, the oral use of essential oils is used by physicians. [2]
The Alliance of International Aromatherapists defines aromatherapy as:
“The inhalation and topical application of true, authentic essential oils from aromatic plants to restore or enhance health, beauty and well-being.”[1]
The use of essential oils dates back to ancient Egyptian times when they were used for embalming purposes. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse is known for coining the term “aromatherapy.” Gattefosse was a chemist and perfumer in the early 1900s. He discovered lavender essential oils’ therapeutic actions after an accident in his lab that severely burned his hand. [7] Isn’t that incredible? His hand had become infected, and one rinse with the lavender essential oil had stopped the infection. He was so impressed that he dedicated his life to researching essential oils. [2]
Fresh Lavender
People have been using essential oils for thousands of years for their healing purposes. Now some studies are being done on essential oils that show their therapeutic capabilities. There is even evidence that some essential oils may be an alternative to treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [3] According to Buckle (2015), inhaled essential oils can affect the human brain or lungs, be absorbed through the skin, and be absorbed by ingestion. Inhalation of essential oils is the fastest method of getting them into the body, and it may even be the oldest method. [2] For instance, inhaling bergamot essential oil helps with anxiety. [8]. Aromatherapy is potentially effective for pain in dysmenorrhea, labor/childbirth, blood pressure reduction in hypertension, stress, depression, sleep quality, and anxiety. [4]
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy describes aromatherapy as follows:
Aromatherapy is described as both an art and a science because it takes the knowledge of the scientific aspects of the plants and oils and combines it with the art of producing a beneficial blend. Basically, a successful aromatherapy blend is a synergy of science, art, and the practitioner’s knowledge of both, and how to apply it.[5]
Aromatherapy is becoming more common in the healthcare industry. Some hospitals are starting to use essential oils as well. For instance, it has been found that inhalation of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia essential oil can significantly lower pain in postoperative cesarean patients[6], and topical application helps episiotomy recovery[9]. This can be a great alternative for patients. Now we can find essential oils in many stores throughout the world.
However, you have to be careful when using essential oils because many have been adulterated and are not pure, even though they are labeled that way commercially. This means that they have added synthetic constituents. Essential oils that have been adulterated should not be used for medicinal purposes. Essential oils can be adulterated with diluents and extenders. The most common diluent is diethyl phthalate. “It has a bitter taste and can be irritating to mucus membranes. When absorbed through the skin, it depresses the nervous system. Current research indicates possible cancer-causing effects.” Extenders are aroma materials that may have a close or identical fragrance and are synthetic. Particularly expensive oils are more likely to be diluted or extended, or even completely synthetic. YIKES!!. Such as rose or jasmine oil, because it takes about 2,000 rose petals to get 1 drop of rose otto oil. [7]
It is best to contact an educated aromatherapist when using essential oils for your health. You can always search for aromatherapists in your area with the NAHA, AIA, and ARC, or you can contact the aromatherapist (here) for any information you may need. Aromatherapists can educate you on methods of use, safety, and how often the oil should be used and create a specific plan for your needs. Some essential oils can have contraindications and should not be used when certain health problems are present. Contacting an aromatherapist can be important, and you should always consult your primary care provider when choosing any holistic health plan.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
References
Alliance of International Aromatherapists. (2020). Aromatherapy. Retrieved from https://aia.memberclicks.net/history-basics
Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy Essential Oils in Healthcare (3rd ed.). St. Louis, MO. Elsevier
Doran, A.L., Morden, W.E., Dunn, K., & Edward-Jones, V. (2009). Vapour-phase activities of essential oils against antibiotic-resistant bacteria including MRSA. Lett Appl Microbiol, 48(4), 387-392. DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2009.02552.x.
Freeman, M., Ayers, C., Peterson, C., & Kansagara, D. (2019). Aromatherapy and Essential oils: A Map of the Evidence. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs (US). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551017/
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. (2020). What is Aromatherapy? Retrieved from: https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-is-aromatherapy/
Olapour, A., Behaeen, K., Akhondzadeh, R., Soltani, F., Razavi, F.S., & Bekhradi, R. (2013). The Effect of Inhalation of Aromatherapy Blend Containing Lavender Essential Oil on Cesarean Postoperative Pain. Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, 3(1), 203-207. DOI: 10.5812/aapm.9570
Petersen, D. (2017). Aroma 101 Introduction to Aromatherapy (17th ed.). Portland, OR. American College of Healthcare Sciences
Rombola, L., Tridico, L., Scuteri, D., Sakurada, T., Sakurada, S., Mizoguchi, H., Avato, P., Corasaniti, M.T., Bagetta, G., & Morrone, L.A. (2017). Bergamot Essential Oil Attenuates Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats. Molecules, 22(4), 614. DOI: 10.3390/molecules22040614
Vakilian, K., Atarha, M., Bekhradi, R. & Chapman, R. (2011). Healing advantages of lavender essential oil during episiotomy recovery: a clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 17(1), 50-53. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.05.006