What is aromatherapy?

Definition

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses highly odoriferous liquid plant materials, known as essential oils which are derived from plant material, such as flowers, bark, seeds, leaves and grasses, for the purpose of affecting a person's mood or health.

Aromatherapy is a generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that make use of essential oils sometimes in combination with other complementary medical practices and spiritual or energetic (Eastern) beliefs. The word aromatherapy is derived from the French word "aromatherapie" which was first coined by French chemist Gattefosse in the 1930s.

The main branches of aromatherapy include:

• Home aromatherapy (self treatment, perfume and cosmetic use)
• Clinical or medical aromatherapy
• Aromatherapy massage
• Commercial cosmetics industry

Materials

Some of the materials employed include:

• Essential oils: Fragrant oils extracted from plants chiefly through distillation (e.g. eucalyptus oil) or expression (grapefruit oil). They are found in different parts of the plant: petals (rose), leaves (eucalyptus), roots of grass (vetiver), bark (cinnamon), citrus rind (orange), seeds (caraway), rhizomes (valerian), bulbs (garlic) or resin (frankincense). The quality and quantity of essential oil produced is determined by many interrelated factors, including climate, altitude, the type of soil and its fertility.
• Absolutes: Fragrant oils extracted primarily from flowers or delicate plant tissues through solvent or supercritical fluid extraction (e.g. rose absolute). The term is also used to describe oils extracted from fragrant butters, concretes, and enfleurage pommades using ethanol.
• Herbal distillates or hydrosols: The aqueous by-products of the distillation process (e.g. rosewater). There are many herbs that are used to make herbal distillates and they have culinary uses, medicinal uses and skin care uses. Common herbal distillates are rose, lemon balm and chamomile.
• Infusions: Aqueous extracts of various plant material (e.g. infusion of chamomile).
• Carrier oils: Typically oily plant base triacylglycerides that are used to dilute essential oils for use on the skin (e.g. sweet almond oil).

How Aromatherapy Works

Aromatherapy is the treatment or prevention of disease by use of essential oils. In the UK, America and Australia, practitioners tend to emphasize the use of oils in massage. While on the continent, especially in France, where it originated, aromatherapy is incorporated into mainstream medicine. There, the use of the anti-septic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties of oils in the control of infections is emphasized over the use of oils with massage. In France some essential oils are regulated as prescription drugs, and thus administered by a physician. In many countries essential oils are included in the national pharmacopeia, but up to the present moment aromatherapy as science has never been recognized as a valid branch of medicine in the United States, Russia, Germany, or Japan. Essential oils at the scent level they activate the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain. Fragance researchers are discovering that odours can and do influence mood, evoke emotions, counteract stress and reduce high blood pressure. It has been found that essential oils reach the bloodstream more speedily via inhalation through the lungs than by oral administration. When applied to the skin (commonly in form of "massage oils" i.e. 1-10% solutions of essential oil in carrier oil) they activate thermal receptors, and kill microbes and fungi. Internal application of essential oil preparations may stimulate the immune system. They may also influence hormonal response due to the influence on the hypothalamus [ref1].

Essential Oils

Choice and Purchase

Oils with standarized content of components (marked FCC, for Food Chemical Codex) have to contain a certain amount of aroma chemicals that normally occur in the oil. But there is no law that the chemicals cannot be added in synthetic form in order to meet the criteria established by the FCC for that oil. For instance, lemongrass essential oil has to contain 75% aldehyde to meet the FCC profile for that oil, but that aldehyde can come from a chemical refinery instead of from lemongrass. To say that FCC oils are "food grade" then makes them seem natural when in fact they are not necessarily so.

Undiluted essential oils suitable for aromatherapy are termed therapeutic grade, but in countries where the industry is not regulated, therapeutic grade is based on industry consensus and is not a regulatory category. Some aromatherapists take advantage of this situation to make misleading claims about the origin and even content of the oils they use. Likewise, claims that an oil's purity is vetted by mass spectrometer or gas chromatography have limited value, since all such testing can do is show that various chemicals occur in the oil. Many of the chemicals that occur naturally in essential oils are manufactured by the perfume industry and are used to adulterate essential oils because they are cheaper. There is no way to distinguish between these synthetic additives and the naturally occurring chemicals. The best instrument for determining whether an essential oil is adulterated is an educated nose. Many people can distinguish between natural and synthetic scents, but it takes experience.

Safety of Oils

Since essential oils are so potent, many can irritate the skin and can cause toxic reactions like liver damage and seizures unless diluted with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, olive oil, hazelnut oil, and rosehip seed oil. Phototoxic reactions may occur with certain citrus oils such as lemon or lime. Pesticides and herbicides are used in large-scale essential oil crop cultivation to control pests and diseases and raise harvest yields. It is know that biocides used in the cultivation of aromatic plants can be carried over during distillation. Solvent-extracted essential oils are even more likely to retain biocides. However it has been argued that these residues are more highly concentrated in foods, and so because essential oils are used in much smaller quantities, then aromatherapy is much safer than eating [Ref1]. Aromatherapy oils and scents can potentially have negative health consequences if used incorrectly or in an unlucky/unwise combination with prescription-based pharmacology.

Price

Oils vary in price based on the amount of the harvest, the country of origin, the type of extraction used (steam distillation, CO2 extract, enfleurage), and how desirable the oil is. Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) is considered more desirable than Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum), based upon the aroma, and is twice as costly, mainly because the species that yields Indian Sandalwood essential oils is endangered. Organic and wild harvested essential oils also tend to be more expensive.

Therapeutic Uses of Aromatherapy

Essential oils include muscle relaxants (marjoram and black pepper), digestive tonics (cardamom and mint), circulatory stimulants (rosemary and basil) and hormone precursors (clary sage and fennel). Many repair injured cells (lavender and helichrysum); others help carry away metabolic waste (grapefruit and juniper). In addition, a number of essential oils enhance immunity, working with the body to heal itself. They are capable of stimulating the production of phagocytes (white blood cells that attack invaders), and some (e.g., tea tree and lavender) are antitoxic for insect bites and stings.

Immune system

Many plants have immune-modulating properties. As with any natural healing modality, essential oils should not be solely relied upon in cases of serious illnesses-but they may be integrated into any therapeutic program. Lavender, lemon, bergamot, thyme, chamomile, pine, sandalwood, myrrh and vetiver stimulate production of infection-fighting white corpuscles. The antiviral action of certain essential oils is one of their most valuable attributes-especially since allopathic medicine has little to offer. Essential oils with terpenoid compounds are very specific, notably the citruses and pine oils, as well as some oils in the phenol group.

Digestive

If you are plagued by ulcers or stomach acidity, try chamomile and sandalwood. Fennel seed and melissa relax the stomach muscles while soothing irritation and inflammation. Try a small amount of honey flavored with one of these oils in a cup of herb tea. (See the "Essential Oils in the Kitchen" chapter for instructions on how to make this honey.) Poor digestion can also result from too little hydrochloric acid, which is needed to break down protein. Improperly digested protein is thought to be a cause of certain food allergies. Black pepper and juniper berry both increase stomach acid. Use these essential oils in a massage blend over the stomach, add fresh-ground pepper to your meal, or chew a couple of juniper berries before eating. Ginger is one of the best remedies for nausea- especially motion and morning sickness-with peppermint running a close second. The British medical journal Lancet reported ginger more effective than the popular antihistamine drug Dramamine for preventing motion sickness, and unlike the drug ginger doesn't leave you feeling sluggish [Ref2].

Circulatory

One of the best essential oils for a lymphatic massage is true bay (Laurus nobilis); lemon and grapefruit are also good (a good carrier oil for these essential oils is calendula). Use basil, rosemary, thyme, marjoram and clove to improve general circulation. Stress-related heart problems respond well to a sedating massage of melissa, neroli, lavender and ylang-ylang. Along with marjoram and ginger, these oils also help normalize high blood pressure. (Studies show that just sniffing neroli can lower high blood pressure.)

Chamomile, myrtle and cypress ease the inflammation and pain of varicose veins, phlebitis and hemorrhoids; frankincense constricts distended veins. All of these oils are especially effective in an infused oil of St. John's wort. If the skin is ulcerated and broken, apply a compress of carrot-seed essential oil. Soak a cloth in water to which a few drops of oil have been added, wring out, then place over area.

Muscles

Muscles give form to the body and permit physical movement. Unless damaged by injury, the health of this system depends on the overall health of the body. With degenerative conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism, the entire body must be treated, especially the digestive and eliminative systems. Use anti-inflammatory essential oils that stimulate the circulation and eliminate toxins such as grapefruit, juniper and helichrysum. Pain relievers such as birch are also useful. A common sense diet-avoiding foods that create an acidic reaction, such as red meat, eggs and dairy foods-can also helpful. Refer to the Massage Guide for additional suggestions for the treatment of muscular aches and pains.

Some aromatherapists use rosemary and lemongrass to ease stiffness. According to Dr. Dietrich Gumbel, they remove lactic-acid buildup in the muscles.

Nervous System

For stress in general, try bergamot, chamomile, lavender, melissa, clary sage, neroli, rose or jasmine. For insomnia due to mental agitation or overwork, clary sage, marjoram, ylang-ylang and neroli can help you unwind. Headaches due to nervous tension are also helped by these oils, but keep in mind that headaches can result from many causes, from indigestion to hormonal problems, and should be treated appropriately.

Respiratory System

Respiratory problems also may involve congestion, which can be decreased by inhaling rosemary (especially the verbenone type), hyssop (use var. decumbens only), tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint. Cypress helps dry up a persistent runny nose, and peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus reduce sinus infection. Anise and cypress help reduce coughing.

Many asthma sufferers wage a constant battle with low-level congestion. Don't use essential oils during an asthma attack, but between attacks try a chest rub of German chamomile, frankincense or lavender. The chamazulene in chamomile releases cortisone from the adrenals. During an asthma attack, give a bath or treat the feet with these oils. (Hyssop can also be used, but be careful to only use var. decumbens.)

Ninety percent of respiratory ailments are caused by viruses. Oils of thyme, rosemary, peppermint, ravensare, tea tree, eucalyptus, bergamot, black pepper, melissa and hyssop inhibit most flu viruses. Lemon and eucalyptus oils are effective against bacteria that cause staph, strep and pneumonia infections.

Steam treatment carries essential oils directly to sinuses and lungs, and provides warm, moist air to help open nasal and bronchial passages. To do a steam, boil a pan of water, turn off the heat, cool 1 minute, add 3-6 drops of essential oils to the water, and use a towel to corral the steam around your head as you breathe deeply for 10 to 15 minutes. Essential oils can also be used in many humidifiers, or as an ingredient in steamy hot bath water.

Clinical Practice

What will happen during a consultation?

The first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. The aromatherapist needs to assess the patient's general state of health, in order to select the most appropriate essential oils and if relevant, type of massage to be performed.

A formulae will be devised of drops of essential oil per mL of carrier oil based the following:

• Clinical reasons for choosing the oils.
• Clinical reasons for percentage of oils used in the blend.
• Exclusion of any contra-indicated oils for a particular client.
• As treatment progresses, all changes to the formulae are noted and the reasons for such changes given.
• Client's response immediately after the treatment and between treatments is recorded.
• Home recommendations may be given for use of oils.

How will oils be administered?

In the UK essential oils will normally be mixed with a carrier oil and massaged through the skin and inhaled. The therapist may mix oils to be used in compresses, diffusers or as skin treatments (cleansers, moisturese etc) which the client can use at home.

Resources

Aromatherapy General Sites

AromaCaring

Site for aromatherapists with lots of useful information, including consultation forms, case studies and details about using essential oils to treat medical conditions.

AromaMedical

If you are a professional aromatherapist or thinking of studying the subject, this is certainly worth checking out. It offers a fairly damning critique of the state of aromatherapy training in the UK, the professional membership organisations and textbook aromatherapy publications or 'novels' as the site's author calls them. It's also got lots of articles on the subject.

Aromatherapy Regulation

A professional group working on regulation of aromatherapy in the UK. Statutory regulation could have big implications for many aromatherapists, so worth dipping into every now and again. Now set up a register (fee payable) of aromatherapists which they hope will get 'official' recognition, and be the profession's contribution to self-regulation.

The Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archives (AGORA)

Is a non-commercial, website, contributed to by about (eighty people world-wide. They aim to promote the serious, intelligent and SAFE use of essential oils for healing (the body, mind and spirit.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)

An educational, nonprofit US organization dedicated to enhancing public awareness of the benefits of "true" aromatherapy.

Books

Advanced Aromatherapy: the science of essential oil therapy
Kurt Schnaubelt (1995) [Download PDF of Review]

Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy and Massage
Len Price with Ian Smith and Shirley Price (1996) [Download PDF of Review]

The Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy
Chrissie Wildwood (2000) [Download PDF of Review]

Fragrant Pharmacy
Valerie Ann Worwood 1990 [Download PDF of Review]

An Introductory Guide to Aromatherapy
Louise Tucker 2000 [Download PDF of Review]

Professional Member Associations

The International Aromatherapists and Tutors Association

Promotes the responsible use of aromatherapy products, based on appropriate research. It has an 'Advanced Clinical Studies course on Aromatherapy', and various categories of membership.

International Federation of Aromatherapists

They have a list of suggested books to read on the subject and some news, and a list of workshops. They offer insurance.

International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists(IFPA)

Formed in 2002 from the International Society of Aromatherapists (ISPA) and the Register of Qualified Aromatherapists (RQA), who have now been formally dissolved. The IFA has voted not to join. The IFPA has over 3,000 members and the site has the usual membership offerings: news, training establishments, a few articles and insurance.

Journals and Magazines

Aromatherapy Journal
International Journal of Aromatherapy Aroma Scents Journal

Botany and Plant information

Herbal Medicine Materia Medica

A HealthWorld Online site with extensive index to plants and herbs, their general chemical composition and use with a keyword search facility.

Herbal Medicine Materia Medica

An electronic herbal database - provides hyperlinked access to the scientific data underlying the use of herbs for health. It is an evidence-based information resource.

Essential Oil Wholesale and Retailer Suppliers

Baldwins
Natural Touch Aromatherapy
Essentially Oils
Nash Oils
Just Aromatherapy

Other Aromatherapy Products and Services

Aroma Tours

An Australian company offering aromatic journeys worldwide.

References

Unless indicated information is sourced from Wikipedia. Content has been edited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatherapy

1. Battaglia S (2004) The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Second Edition. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.
2. Healthy Net

Contributors to this Guide

Note the opinions expressed here do not represent a consensus view. Each contributor, if there is more than one, may not agree with all the opinions expressed. If you would like to add or edit any parts of this guide, please contact the Editor at editor@comptogether.co.uk with your contribution.

Tracey Goulding, Acupuncturist & Aromatherapist: Essential Therapia
Purple Pages: Essential Therapia
Website: Essential Therapia

 

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