Aromatherapy, commonly associated with complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM), is the use of volatile liquid plant materials,
known as essential oils (EOs), and other aromatic compounds from plants to
affect someone's mood or health. The oils are mixed with another substance
(such as oil, alcohol, or lotion) and then put on the skin, sprayed in the
air, or inhaled. The oils can also be massaged into the skin or poured into
bath water. The word was coined in the 1920s by French chemist René Maurice
Gattefossé.
The main branches of aromatherapy include:
-Home aromatherapy (self treatment,
perfume & cosmetic use)
-Clinical aromatherapy (as part of
pharmacology and pharmacotherapy)
-Aromachology (the psychology of odors
and their effects on the mind)
- Some of the materials
employed include:
Essential oils from distillation (e.g.
eucalyptus oil) or expression (grapefruit oil)
Absolutes, oils extracted by solvent or
supercritical fluid extraction (e.g. rose absolute)
Hydrosols, aqueous by-products of the
distillation process (e.g. rosewater)
Infusions, aqueous solutions of plant
material (e.g. infusion of chamomile)
Phytoncides, natural volatile organic
compounds from plants
Carrier oils used to dilute essential oils
for use on the skin (e.g. sweet almond oil)
What is aromatherapy used for?
Aromatherapy may promote relaxation and help relieve stress. It has also
been used to treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions,
including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood
pressure. However, so far there is little scientific evidence to support
claims that aromatherapy effectively prevents or cures illness.
Aromatherapy
safety tips?
- Do not swallow the oils used in aromatherapy. Many of the oils are
potent and can be dangerous if taken internally (swallowed).- - Oils should not be used near the face,
eyes, or mouth, since irritation of the skin and membranes may occur.
- Aromatherapy should be avoided in children under the age of 5,
since they can be very sensitive to the oil.
People with certain chronic illnesses or conditions should not use
aromatherapy without first consulting a health professional.
These illnesses and conditions include:
Lung diseases such as asthma, respiratory
allergies, or chronic lung disease. Oils may cause airway spasms.
Skin allergies. Some oils may cause skin
irritation, especially in the membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Pregnancy. Pregnant women should not use
aromatherapy. Certain oils may cause uterine contractions.
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