Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy

Introduction

There are literally hundreds of types of unconventional medicines. An unconventional medicine is any type of therapy that is different from traditional medicine in the way that it focuses on a patient’s mind, body, and inner energy, to aid in healing. For every disease known to mankind, there is probably a complementary alternative medicine to counter it. Most alternative medicines are unheard of in North America, where conventional medicines and doctors dominate over eastern medicine. This is mainly because when North Americans hear the term “alternative medicine”, they can think up some pretty exotic images. In recent years though, the more popular eastern medicines have become more widely used in the west. Remedies for everything from insomnia to morning sickness, were sold mainly in health food stores. Today, one can find seemingly endless varieties in a regular supermarket. Of all the different remedies that exist, North Americans are probably most familiar with therapies that are most talked about and receive the most attention.

Aromatherapy is a valid and considerable form of alternative medicine. It is proven to work effectively, and when administered by a professional, is usually safe, and non-toxic. This type of natural medicine is often talked about on television specials, in magazine articles, and other visual and print media. It is being used more commonly as people are getting tired of conventional medicines that don’t work, or worsen the problem, and doctors who do not treat their patients as individuals, and are always overbooked.

Now is a time when people crave information about the human body. Many people would like to heal themselves of illness, or prevent disease, using methods that have fewer toxic side effects than many of today’s modern pharmaceuticals. (Gottlieb,1995) This is why many people are turning to the ancient tools of the past.

Aromatherapy is form of alternative medicine. It is the use of essential oils to promote good personal health. It combines the sciences of chemistry, botany, and physiology with the art of essential oil blending to achieve physical, emotional, and mental balance. (Monte,1993)

Healing effects of organic chemical components are done by inhalation or application of essential oils and hydrosols. Essential oils can be inhaled by diffusers, candles, a handkerchief- or anything that can give off a scent. A hydrosol (which is the leftover water from distilling the plant material) is spritzed in the air or on the face and inhaled with a deep relaxing breath. By application and inhalation, aromatherapy claims to affect the entire being to promote vital health and wellness. It is a form of complementary medicine to heal physical and mental imbalances. (Earle & Rose,1996) Aromatherapy often works because “humans relate fragrance to specific experiences. Take for example, being in a rain forest. The brain records these experiences, often unconsciously, and when the odor is re-encountered, one recalls the specific point in time.” (Monte,1993) Essential oils have the ability to help heal and prevent infections.

During World War One, chemist Maurice Gattefosse experimented with the use of essential oils for the treatment of soldier’s war wounds. In July of 1910, he burned his hands in a laboratory explosion. He rolled in grass to put out the flames, but gas gangrenous sores began to appear. He applied essential oils of terpene-free lavender to the burns and noticed a sudden arrest of gasification tissues. (Nash,1996) Quick healing, arrest of blisters, and masking of gangrenous odors were all achieved in record time.

Aromatherapy is known to help the immune system stay strong. Lavender, lemon, bergamot, thyme, chamomile, pine, sandalwood, myrrh are all essential oils that stimulate the production of infection fighting white blood cells. (Earle & Rose,1996) The antiviral action of certain essential oils with terpenoid compounds are very specific- the citruses and the pine oils are the most effective at boosting immunity. (Keville & Green,1997) Headaches can also be treated by a range of different oils and herbs depending on the specific origin of the headache. It is important to find the cause of the headache in order to obtain the proper essential oil. Peppermint oil is one of the more traditional aromatherapy remedies for headaches. It can be applied as a compress, or straight- one or two drops directly to the back of the neck. A significant reduction in pain, as well as positive mood change, and noticeable performance improvement was seen in aromatherapy patients in a large experiment in 1990. (Earle & Rose,1996)

Natural remedies are said to increase the body’s resistance to disease by improving its ability