What do you think of when you hear the word 'Aromatherapy'?
For many folks, it conjures an image of plastic Glade
Plug-In air fresheners; for others, a bottle of flowery
dish soap. For a fortunate few, a pleasing bath with
natural soothing scents comes to mind; for even fewer, a
cold-air diffuser releasing a fine mist of pure Rose petal
oil throughout their home. The rarest concept of
Aromatherapy in these United States is one of highly potent
medicines, effective against a broad range of bacteria and
viruses, with further uses including relief of arthritis
pain, stomach discomfort, sleeplessness, and a host of
other conditions. If this is a new idea, read-on and enter
the wonderful world of medicinal aromatherapy and
therapeutic use of essential oils.
The word 'aromatherapie' was first used in 1937 by the
French cosmetic scientist Rene Maurice Gattefosse after
accidentally discovering Lavender oil's healing effects on
burns he sustained in his lab. He was so impressed by the
oils medicinal actions, he wrote a book it that began the
modern aroma-'therapy' revolution. Medicinal use of
essential oils is widely accepted in France today, where
one can receive a prescription for a blend from their
doctor, and have it filled as we do with pharmaceuticals
here. The inhalation of essential oils to make one 'feel
good' - is truely just one aspect of the practice;
Aromatherapy includes the entire branch of medicine using
volatile (easily evaporated) aromatic compounds naturally
occurring in plants. Some consider the most important
actions of essential oils to not even be associated with
the sense of smell. Beyond acting on through the olfactory
senses, essential oils have been shown to have effects
ranging from broad spectrum anti-microbials and anti-virals
to inflammation reducers and even tissue regenerative
properties.
Essential oils effects on the nervous system and psyche
through the olfactory sense is not to be discounted,
however. Studies have shown repeatable results in essential
oils' ability to lift the spirits and sharpen the
attention. Students inhaling Lemon and Rosemary essential
oils while studying have scored better on tests; other
subjects have slept better while inhaling Lavender (one
article proclaimed these results with "Lavender Works
Better than Benzodiazepines!"). The 'aromatic' effect of
essential oils is a result of the intimate wiring of the
smell sense with certain control systems of the brain. The
olfactory system is the only one of the five senses
directly connected to the bulk of your gray matter - the
rest are routed first through the thalamus. This direct
connection has powerful implications for physiological as
well as psychological effects.
The olfactory sense is closely tied to the limbic system,
which is the center of emotions, plays a significant part
in the formation of memories, and affects our sexual
responses. The olfactory region also connects to the
hypothalamus, which in-turn controls the entire hormonal
system through it's influence of the pituitary gland. One
can easily imagine an olfactory sense receptor being
stimulated by the mist of an essential oil resulting in
downstream stimulation of the brain in a certain way -
stimulating, sedating, relaxing, or otherwise - depending
on the molecular form of the oil.
Though we shouldn't get distracted by the wonderful
possibilities of aromas! The physiologic effects of
essential oils are far more extensive than if used through
the smell sense alone. Medical aromatherapy includes
topical application, oral ingestion and natural suppository
use of aromatic oils as well. Due to their molecular shapes
and sizes, essential oils are remarkably compatible with
human physiology. They are easily absorbed and well
tolerated, for the most part, in small amounts. Essential
oils are not cure-alls however, or placebo-effect-inducing
nice smells - they are potent plant medicines, each with
significantly different actions. Oregano oil is one of the
most broad spectrum anti-microbials known; at the same
time, it takes knowledge and skill to employ it properly as
it is a strong skin irritant. Melissa oil has been hailed
as a cure for Herpes Simplex virus infections by German
researchers. Ginger oil has brought relief to sufferer's of
motion sickness, rheumatoid arthritis and intestinal
parasites - but not to those with the Herpes virus. The
list goes on; the take-home message is that oils CAN be
effective if used properly, and improper use can not only
be ineffective but even dangerous. That doesn't mean
essential oils are something to be afraid of - they deserve
the respect given to any powerful medicine. Consult a
qualified professional for ANY serious condition, and
consider using essential oils if and when appropriate.
Broad acceptance of true 'medical aromatherapy' is a
ways-off in the US. There is a lack of knowledge within the
established medical community, and qualified
aromatherapists are fairly rare, as of yet. With the
growing body of evidence validating the efficacy of natural
medicines, however, and the failing confidence in our
allopathic medical institutions, it may not be long until
essential oils find their rightful place in our medicine
chests. In the meantime, be cautious, have fun, and do stop
and smell the roses, and lavenders, patchoulis,
sandalwoods, and all the other great aromatherapies
available to you!
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The author is a consultant to
http://www.anandaapothecary.com and is a degreed natural
health professional with a private practice in Boulder,
Colorado. She is a regular contributor to the aromatherapy
and essential oil resource library and creator of
therapeutic blends at The Ananda Apothecary.
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