Modern Aromatherapy - A New Age for Natural Medicine

What, really, is Aromatherapy? In the United States, common use of the term ‘Aromatherapy’ is a bit misleading. The practice has been given a ‘touchy-feely’, ’soft-science’ status to the general public through mainstream media. In much of the rest of the world, however, the therapeutic use of aromatic essential oils has a more elevated, scientifically-backed status.

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 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 grey 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!

Ananda Apothecary
The author is a consultant for Ananda Aromatherapy, More resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oil blends through the website.

Tags: aromatherapy inhalers, natural aromatherapy