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Aromatherapy: Simply Amazing!

Aromatherapy is the practice of distilling oils from plants for therapeutic purposes. The practice of aromatherapy dates back to 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 almost by accident when a French chemist, Rene Gattefosse, burned his hand while working in a perfume laboratory. To relieve the pain, he immediately immersed his hand in 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 uses natural, high quality essential oils derived from the distillation of plants. The oils are named for the plant from which they are derived, such as bergamot, rose, and 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. Essential oils may be used individually or in combinations. 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.

Aromatherapy is administered to patients in several ways. Oils can be applied directly to the skin through massage. In this method, 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 never be taken internally.

Aromatherapy is said to reduce stress through the 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 balances and increases feelings of well-being of both body and mind. This is said to decrease 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. Here are some popular Aromatherapies and their uses:

* Lemon is believed to detoxify and stimulate the immune system and liver.

* Rosemary is believed to relieve pain and relaxes muscles.

* Peppermint is believed to provide pain and digestive relief and 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.

Practitioners believe that many conditions can be aided by aromatherapy, such as: acne, anxiety, cold and flu, skin disorders, headaches, indigestion, premenstrual syndrome, muscle tension, and pain. Aromatherapy advocates often use body applications to treat physical problems, and inhalation methods to treat emotional problems.

Some practitioners believe that essential oils used in aromatherapy can affect the body's health. Substantial research evidence exists about our powerful 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, some fragrances may heighten feelings of relaxation. However, even though our sense of smell and olfactory systems 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 is said to have many effects, including the reduction of stress, enhancement of pleasure, and improvement in the quality of life. However, no evidence in the medical literature supports claims that aromatherapy can help prevent or heal disease. Evidence is lacking even in the case of those minor conditions, such as headaches and colds.

At the very least, 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.

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