AROMATHERAPY

Introduction:
Aromatherapy is derived from two words: aroma meaning fragrant smell or
scent and therapy meaning treatment.
It is defined as,
The use of essential oils in holistic healing to improve health and emotional wellbeing and in restoring balance to the body is known as aromatherapy.
It may be used for purpose of altering ones mood, cognitive, psychological or
physical well-being.
Essential oils, aromatic essences which are used in aromatherapy, are extracted
from the plants, flowers, trees, fruit, bark, grasses and seeds. There are more than 150
types of oils that can be extracted. These oils have distinct therapeutic, psychological,
and physiological properties that improve health and prevent illness. These oils may
be antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-depressant, antiseptics etc
History:
The use of aroma oil is known to be as old as 6000 years.
The tittle aromatherapy was first coined by a French Chemist named Rene-Maurice
Gattefosse in 1928 when his hand was burned in lab and then he accidentally used
lavender oil that healed the burned hand quickly.
In 4500 B.C, Egyptians used cedar woods oil to preserve dead bodies. Later, the
studies showed that it contained natural fixative and strong anti-bacterial and antiseptic
properties which preserved their mummies.
Hippocrates recommended regular aromatherapy baths and scented massages.
Romans utilized essential oils for pleasure and to cure pain.
A French Army Surgeon, Jean Volnet pioneered the medicinal uses of essential oils.
He used aroma oils as antiseptics in the treatment of wounded soldiers during World
War II. It was Madam Morquerite Murry who have holistic approach to aroma oils by
experimental studies.
Modes of Application:
There are two modes of application for the aromatherapy:
Inhalation
Topical Application

 Inhalation
It is the simplest and effective methods of dispersing essential oils into air and
then inhaled to the lungs via nose and throat. This method is beneficial for
cases of respiratory problems, sinus congestion, flu, coughs, colds, catarrh, and
sore throats. It may be done through Facial steams, Atomizers, Vaporizers,
Nebulizers or direct inhalation.
Topical Application
As essential oils are soluble with lipids, they penetrate skin surface and are
absorbed into the lymph and circulatory systems. These may be perfumes,
ointments, cologne, and are applied onto the skin. It may be done through bath,
foot bath, compresses or massage.
Clinical Aromatherapy (Pharmacology):
Chemically, essentials oils are mixture of organic compounds which are lipophilic
and hence they are absorbed into the body or penetrate human skin easily and enter the
blood stream directly and finally get flushed out.
Doctor Alan Huch, a neurologist says that the odors we smell act on the brain like a
drug. Our nose has the capacity to distinguish 1, 00,000 different smells.
The aroma enters our nose and stimulate the receptor present in cilia to generate
impulses which are carried to olfactory lobe. The impulses are passed onto the limbic
system. Limbic controls our moods, emotions, memory, and learning. When impulses
reaches the Limbic system, it may change mood, emotions, memory or learning
capability in response to incoming impulses.
Aroma oils work like magic for stress related problems, psychosomatic disorders,
skin infections, hair loss, inflammations, and pains arising from muscular or skeletal
disorders.
Examples of Essential Oils for Aromatherapy:
1. Lavender Oil --- It is used to treat burns and it has a sedative effect thus also
used for relaxation.
2. Cedar Wood Oil --- It is used as antiseptic and anti-bacterial to prevent
infection
3. Aphrodisiac Oil --- It is used to induce romantic feelings and used as a
stimulant for the disorder where penile erection is not achieved.

4. Chamomile Oil --- It is used as anti-inflammatory.

5. Lemon Oil --- It is used as anti-depressant.
6. Eucalyptus Oil --- It is used to relieve pain.
7. Spearmint Oil --- It is used to relieve headache.
8. Wintergreen Oil --- It is used to relieve backache.
9. Peppermint Oil --- It is used to treat stomach upset.
10. Rosemary Oil --- It is used to boost mental activity and stimulate hair
growth.
Safety Concerns:
Essential oils are safe to use. The only caution being that they should never be
used directly because some oils may irritate sensitive skin or cause photosensitivity.
They should be blended in adequate proportion with the carrier oils. They are
relatively sensitive to the environment and should be stored in a cool place in darkened
bottles to avoid photo-oxidation of components. A patch test is necessary to rule out
any reactions.
The essential oils must not be taken orally because mucous membranes are highly
sensitive to them.
As a rule, due to concentrated and potency of pure essential oils, dilution in a
carrier oils is recommended.
While taking bath, take 7-8 drops of essential oil in 30ml of carrier oil and add
water and mix it well before use.
While massage, add 15-22 drops of essential oils to a 30ml of carrier oil for a full
body massage. Always massage in an upward motion and toward the heart for the best
effect.
While taking facial steams, add 2-3 drops of oil into a bowl of boiled water. Drape
a towel over your head and lean over the bowl to inhale the steam while keeping eyes
shut. Breathe through mouth for throat problems and through nose for sinus
congestion.
Carrier Oils:
The essential oils are used after dilution in carrier oils which are actually vegetable
oils or base oils. They are used to retain the properties of the aroma oil which may
alter due to volatile nature of aroma oils. They do not mask its aroma.
For Example, soya oil and wheat germ oil.

References:
Pharmacognosy by W.C. Evans
Textbook of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry by E. Edwin Jarald
Textbook of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry by Biren Shah