Basics of aromatherapy
Aromatic medicine or Aromatherapy as it is popularly known is a branch of the alternative and complementary medicine. It is said that the beginning of aromatherapy is shrouded in the mists of time and probably could have had its humble beginnings early on when man started studying plants and began using them for his benefits. Some say that the Old Testament has mentions about the recipes using aromatic compounds and that the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt used natural resins to cure ailments! But aromatherapy in its present form owes its origin to the French cosmetic chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. In fact he was the one who coined the word ‘aromatherapie.’ The incident leading to his firm belief in the curative properties of essential oils, which he later popularized is quite interesting.
The aromatherapeutic legend
One day in the early 1920s, Gattefosse was working in his laboratory. Suddenly there was an unexpected accident and he suffered a third degree thermal burn of his hand and forearm. Apprehensive he was, he quickly ran towards a vat and thinking that it was filled with water put his hand into it. However, as he later found out, the vat had no water in it but lavender oil instead. The very next moment Gattefosse started to experience a sense of relief, the burning sensation on his hand began to slowly subside and completely stopped after some time. At that very moment Gattefosse realized the potency of lavender oil in providing relief from burns.
Sheer inquisitiveness encouraged him to study the benefits of lavender oil. His studies found that lavender oil actually contained chemical properties that could cure and provide relief from burns and irritable skin conditions! So everyday, over a period of time he started applying lavender oil on his burns. The magic potion worked wonders and the burn was completely cured without any scar. An age old natural way of cure was revived!
Aromatherapy – The resurrection!
Ever since the French cosmetic chemist Dr Gattefosse was fascinated by the benefits of lavender oil in healing the burns on his hand without leaving any scar he began to share the wonders of lavender oil with his friends and colleagues. The first person he shared his experience with was Dr. Jean Valnet who later on spread the awareness about the curative properties of the essential oils.
Once when Dr. Valnet was serving as a medical doctor in the French army treating the war victims during the chaotic times of World War II, the supply of antibiotics he had with him were exhausted. With no other option left, Dr. Valnet was reminded of Gattefosse’s words and decided to use essential oils to treat the injured soldiers and war victims. The results just bowled him over. Dr. Valnet realized the phenomenal effects of the oils in arresting the infection and curing wounds!
Dr. Valnet ‘initiated’ his two students Dr. Paul Belaiche and Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz into the effects of essential oils. This duo was largely responsible for the modern day aromatherapy. They conducted in depth studies on the essential oils and concluded that essential oils have natural antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties in them. Further, it was found that essential oils have the power to remove the blocks on the way and enrich the nutrients and supply oxygen to the body cells. Word spread about the efficacy of essential oils and more research followed.
Aromatherapy today
Today, aromatherapy is a popular form of alternative medicine and is religiously followed by millions of people around the world. The National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) says that around 38 percent of adults and 12 percent children use alternative medicine in the U.S. And according to the latest statistics released in the Freedonia industry study, Flavors & Fragrances, the increasing interests in natural ingredients will propel the demand for essential oils in the U.S. Aromatherapy is not regulated by state law and aromatherapists do not require license to practice in the U.S.
There have been clinical trials on the effectiveness of aromatherapy in the treatment of stress, anxiety and other related physical and mental conditions, however these results have shown mixed results. But aromatherapists, the practitioners of aromatherapy, claim that the usage of essential oils could be used to bring about positive impacts on the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and general well being in people.
Generally speaking, the risks or side effects from aromatherapy are believed to be minimal when it is used as per the directions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the usage of some essential oils as ingredients in food classifying it as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). However, this has to be taken within specific limits and not in large amounts.
The main ingredient of aromatherapy is essential oils or ethereal oils. Considered the heart of the aromatherapeutic treatment, essential oils has natural anti viral, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties in them. But what are these essential oils? Let us see.
Essential oils
We all know that green plants produce oxygen through the process called photosynthesis. And it is during this process that the aromatic plants produce the essential oils. Basically, the fragrance in these plants actually emanate from these essential oils. It also helps in pollination and shields the plants from bacteria attacks. This fragrant essential oil is highly volatile in nature and is extracted to be used in aromatherapy.
Each individual essential oil has a specific characteristic to it thanks to the unique package of a large number of natural and organic chemical plant elements in different proportions, say around 200. Some of the key unique packages include alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, phenol ethers and terpenes in different degrees. Some popular essential oils used in aromatherapy are tea tree, Roman chamomile, geranium, lavender, lemon, cedarwood, and bergamot to name a few.
Aromatherapy: the method
Rarely taken by mouth, essential oils in aromatherapy are inhaled mostly through a diffuser. In some cases, drops of the essential oils are placed near the patient. Another way of treatment is applying essential oils in diluted forms on the surface of the body. The ways however differ such as in massaging, in bathwater, or lotions, or dressings.
One point though, there is no standard treatment method in aromatherapy as aromatherapists use different oils in varying combinations for various ailments.
How does it work?
The exact mechanism of aromatherapy is still a mystery. However, the role of essential oils can be said to be somewhat very similar to the blood in our bodies. Essential oils carry in them regenerating and healing nutrients, the lifeline of plants more like what our blood is to our bodies! Essential oils is the treasure trove of healing enzymes, hormones, vitamins and minerals and regenerates the stressed out parts of our bodies by transporting oxygen and nutrients to the immune system.
Cell deterioration occurs when weak nutrients fail to penetrate the cells leading to mutation, bacteria attacks and subsequently the onset of diseases. In a nutshell, essential oils could strengthen the immune system and a strengthened immune system means enhanced resistance to flu like conditions. The benefits of essential oils as an effective therapy have been well documented. In the U.S the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) has many recorded abstracts of essential oils.
The facts in this piece was compiled and rewritten a few years ago! Just found this in my archives.
