What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils using an artistic, skilled and evidence-based approach to wellness.  Its goal it help facilitate homeostasis by influencing the mind, body and spirit and has been a part of human history since 7000BC.  However, it was not until the sixteenth century that essential oils were distilled into the form when know them as today.  The practice of aromatherapy was introduced by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in the early twentieth century.  He was a French perfume chemist interested in exploring the medicinal properties of essential oils.  He coined the term aromatherapy in 1928 in a research paper describing his research investigating the medicinal properties of essential oils.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are volatile fatty acid compounds extracted from plants, flowers, seeds, woods, and fruit using a process called distillation.

Properties

Antiseptic and Antimicrobial

Essential oils have shown promise in the management of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.  The most comprehensive study of essential oils and their effects on microorganisms was undertaken by Dr. Paul Belaiche, who published a three-volumes of data listing various essential oils and their effectiveness against specific microorganisms.

While some claim essential oils may be used to prevent disease we make no such claims.  Essential Oils should not be a replacement for medical care.

Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is a major cause of many imbalances and diseases in the body, and is the chief cause of the signs of aging.  People use essential oils for many reasons, but some oils, especially German chamomile and helichrysum, are great anti-inflammatory and pain management tools.

Sedative and Stress Relief

The skin and the body are deeply affected by the ravages of stress, anxiety, and tension.  Stress relief is likely the most popular use for aromatherapy.

Antispasmodic

Essential Oils can reduce spasms, relieve menstrual cramping, muscle spasms, and digestive cramping.  Many antispasmodic essential oils have sedative properties, which may help to relieve the stress causing the spasms.

Expectorant and Mucolytic

A common remedy for congestion is eucalyptus oil.  The expectorant properties contained in this oil, as well as other oils such as tea tree and ravensara, help expel mucus from the lungs.  The mucolytic (mucus-disolving) properties of Eucalyptus dives and Inula graveolens assist in the breadown of hardened mucus.

Cell Regeneration and Wound Healing

The cell regenerative, or cytophylactic, properties of essential oils are highly praised and valued in skincare.  Essential oils have been used to help heal wounds, burns, reduce scarring and stretch marks, and repair damage due to aging and dermatitis.  Oils such as rose, lavender, helichrysum, and citrus can be used in everyday treatment of the skin, which may result in more vital and youthful-looking skin.

There is a good amount of confusion surrounding the potential hazards of essential oil use.  As with anything, common sense is the best guide when dealing with oils.   When essential oils are used irresponsibly, there may be minor injuries and irritation.  Avoid risk by using them as recommended.  When used sensibly, there is little risk.

Despite the overall safety of using essential oils, several cautions have been set forth by the Alliance of International Aromatherapists.  These safety guidelines include the following:

• Do not attempt to dissolve the oil in water.  They must be diluted with some type of vegetable oil.
• With few exceptions, the oil in their concentrated state should not come in contact with skin or mucous membranes.
• Never add neat (undiluted) essential oils in bathwater.  Add the oil to bath salts, egg, milk, or bath oil first, then add to the bathwater.
• If you are prone to allergies use with caution.
• Citrus oils can cause skin solar sensitivities for 12 to 24-hours after application.
• Oils with caustic characteristics should be used only in diluted form and with caution.
• Avoid using oils rich in menthol near the neck or throat of children younger than 30-months.
• Keep oils tightly closed, out of reach of children, and in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
• If you are unsure about the concentration of the oil dilute it.
• In the instance of sensitivity or a reaction, flush with vegetable oil – not water!
• If you are unsure about the safety or suitability of of the essential oils don’t use them.
• If you are pregnant be sure you get clearance from your medical doctor before using essential oils.

The chemical compounds in essential oils are grouped into families.  Each family of chemical structures has common and known properties.  If you know which group forms the majority, or most influential aspect, of an oil, you can identify its main properties through the association with that family and know what precautions to take.