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.
We’ve always been attracted to pleasant smells - body perfumes have been used for millennia, as have incense and scented balms in religious and ritual ceremony. Plants have been used medicinally throughout history as well. Therapeutic use of distilled aromatic compounds of plants only ‘officially’ began in 1937 with the writing of Rene Maurice Gattefosse’s ‘Aromatherapie’ - a treatise on the physiological effects of essential oils published by the scientist after his accidental discovery of the healing properties of Lavender oil. Medical aromatherapy practice continues strongly in Europe today - in France, one can be prescribed an essential oil blend by a doctor, and have it filled as we have pharmaceutical prescriptions prepared here. These are not prescriptions for simple aromatic use; as the practice of Aromatherapy includes the entire branch of botanical medicine using volatile aromatic plant compounds, these prescriptions utilize other broad-ranging physiologic effects of essential oils. These include noted antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory and immune supportive effects of many oils, just to name a few.
Essential oils effects on the nervous system an 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 also closely tied to the limbic system, the center of emotions, sexual response, and the formation of many memories. Aroma receptor cells, when stimulated, respond in-kind by stimulating this important brain region. With such close ties continually being revealed between one’s emotional state and one’s physical well-being, it is no surprise that aromas can have such strong influences. Human studies have show the inhalation of natural aromatic oils can be calming, stimulating, uplifting, relaxing, and/or clarifying, depending on the oil being inhaled (as opposed to synthetic ones, which do not have such effects).
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 antimicrobials 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.
As the acceptance of healing with natural means continues to grow in the US, the concept of aromatherapy for many individuals will expand to include these important and exciting facets. More certified practitioners will be available to utilize essential oils to their true potential, and more ‘end users’ will aquire the knowledge to heal themselves with these incredible gifts from nature. Or should we simply push to change the name? Phytomedicinal Oil Therapy? It does have a ring to it…Hmmm…
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