Commonly associated with alternative and complementary medicine, aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other aromatic compounds from plants, to affect someone’s health or mood.
Its main areas include:
* Home Aromatherapy (self treatment, perfume & cosmetic use)
* Clinical Aromatherapy (as practiced by licensed professionals)
* Aromachology (the psychology of odours and their effects on the mind)
The Theory
When aromatherapy is used for the treatment or prevention of diseases, a precise knowledge of the bio-activity & synergy of the essential oils used, knowledge of the dosage & duration of application, as well as, naturally, a medical diagnosis, are necessary. In the Western world, even among “natural” practitioners like herbalists or naturopaths, aromatherapy is regarded more as an art form than a precise healing science. However, in France some essential oils are regulated as prescription drugs, and administered by a doctor.
Some Oils, and their Popular Uses
* Basil is used in perfumery for its clear, sweet and mildly spicy aroma. In aromatherapy, it is used for sharpening concentration, for its uplifting effect on depression, and to relieve headaches and migraines. Basil oil has many chemotypes and some are known to be emmenagogues and should be avoided during pregnancy.
* Bergamot is one of the most popular oils in perfumery. It is an excellent insect repellent and may be helpful for both the urinary tract and for the digestive tract. It is useful for skin conditions linked to stress, such as cold sores and chicken pox, especially when combined with eucalyptus oil. Bergamot is a flavouring agent in Earl Grey tea. But cold-pressed Bergamot oil contains bergaptene, a strong photo-sensitizer when applied to the skin, so only distilled or ‘bergaptene-free’ types can be used topically.
* Black pepper has a sharp and spicy aroma. Common uses include stimulating the circulation and for muscular aches and pains. Skin application is useful for bruises, since it stimulates the circulation.
* Citronella oil, obtained from a relative of lemongrass, is used as an insect repellent and in perfumery….
* Tea tree, eucalyptus, sandalwood oil, and many other essential oils have topical (external) antimicrobial (i.e. antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, or antiparasitic) activity and are used as antiseptics and disinfectants.
* Clove oil is a topical analgesic, especially useful in dentistry. It is also used an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, and antiemetic.
* Lavender oil is used as an antiseptic, to soothe minor cuts and burns, to calm and relax, and to soothe headaches and migraines.
* Yarrow oil is used to reduce joint inflammation and relieve cold and influenza symptoms.
* Jasmine,Rose,Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang oil are used as aphrodisiacs.