By Melissa Jones
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.
The well-known effects of genuine essential oils on the nervous system and psyche through the smell sense is certainly not to be ignored. Important, useful actions have been documented through university studies. Lavender oil, for example, has been noted to help many individuals who suffer from insomnia; even better than pharmaceutical sedatives in many cases, without side effects and development of tolerance. Other studies have shown improvement of test scores of students who have inhaled Lemon or Rosemary oils during study sessions. The list continues - and with little surprise. The 'aromatic' effects of essential oils rely on the olfactory sense's direct connection with primary control centers of the brain. It is the only one of the five senses with such a direct connection - the others are first routed through the Thalamus before interacting with the bulk of the gray matter.
The olfactory region of the brain is closely associated with the limbic region - that being the center of emotions, memory, sex drive and intuition. The limbic system is also connected to parts of the brain that control heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and hormone levels. The olfactory region also connects to the hypothalamus, which controls the entire hormonal system by influencing the pituitary. This gives us a good ideas as to why essential oils can have an 'aromatherapeutic' effect - human studies have shown the inhalation of essential oils can be calming, stimulating, uplifting, relaxing, and/or clarifying, depending on the oil being inhaled.
This brings us to the great range of non-'aromatic', therapeutic uses of essential oils. Modern aromatherapy practice includes topical application, ingestion, and suppository use of these natural plant comounds. Safe and effective treatment depends completely on the particular essential oil - some are absolutely not to be taken internally and others are known strong skin irritants. Effects through topical application rely on the small size and lipophillic nature of essential oil molecules - the oil-like compounds pass through the lipid bi-layers of skin cells to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Used this way, essential oils can produce profound physiological responses - again ranging widely depending on the oil. Topical application may be helpful in a variety of skin, joint, and muscle conditions, infectious illness, as well as for more general stress related states. Oral injestion and suppositories are often used in systemic infectious illnesses of microbial or viral natures - the oils are quickly absorbed and able to travel easily throughout the body, again to due to their structure which is quite compatible with human physiology. A knowledgeable practitioner should be always be consulted for such applications, as it is important to preciecly match the oils and the condition being treated. Further, use of essential oils should only be used as an adjuct therapy in serious cases following the advice of a medical professional.
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 incredible breadth of medicines nature is just now making available with our modern ways.