Published by Claire Schneider under Green Living

What comes to mind when we hear the word “aromatherapy?” Images of spa-centric days on a tropical island or perhaps a running gauntlet of scented detergents and candles in the supermarket aisles.

Many of us are pretty clueless as to what it is, though fairly confident it fits into the realm of “New Age,” and it therefore has not been embraced by the majority. But in order to grasp the meaning of true aromatherapy, it is necessary to look back to ancient times when aromatics, in the form of herbs, were an important part of everyday life.

Evidence of aromatics’ use abounds in the Egypt of old, where in 2800 B.C., they were employed in mummification and in spiritual practices. Because aromatics were more expensive than gold and silver during ancient times, they were associated with wealth and status and commonly used in perfume — something uncommon among the Great Unwashed. Recipes translated from hieroglyphics indicate that the healing qualities of plants were known. For instance, myrrh was used as an anti-inflammatory. Today it is among ingredients in our toothpaste, for the same reason.

Aromatics were also used in Rome and India for healing during ancient times. They are documented in the New and Old Testaments of the Bible. Herbs continued to be used during the Middle Ages and World War I as disinfectants. The term “aromatherapy” was coined in 1937 by a French perfumer, Gattefosse, to clarify that essential oils can be used not only for perfume, but also for healing. So what does all this history have to do with aromatherapy today?

It provides us with information about the origin of what is considered by many to be a mainstream healing modality. Simply stated, aromatherapy refers to a therapy that uses essential oils derived from plants. Medical doctors in France practice medical Aromatherapy. These powerful oils are prescribed in much the same way as medical drugs for the treatment of illnesses, especially internal conditions.

Holistic Aromatherapy is more common, and can be defined as “the therapeutic use of essential oils derived from plants to maintain and enhance physical, mental and spiritual well-being.” Professional aromatherapists are trained to use these volatile, fragrant plant essences via dilution and topical application, as well as inhalation therapy.

Today there is renewed interest in essential oils for treating an enormous range of conditions. Research-based studies have resulted in aromatherapy wound-healing units’ being established in Australia, application of essential oils in maternity wards in the U.K., and aromatherapy treatment for anxiety, pain and nausea relief in cancer patients.

A study in the U.K. cited in the British Medical Journal (2002) noted the benefits of lemon balm and lavender to treat dementia patients.  Another U.K. study revealed the antimicrobial effectiveness of certain essential oils against superbugs acquired in hospitals, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E-coli.

The research conducted by Nobel Prize winners Richard Axel and Linda Buck in 2004 about the olfactory system confirmed the connection between the brain and the limbic system (center for our emotions and memories). This explains why aromatherapy can successfully be used in treating emotional and mental issues. I personally have used essential oils extensively in my work as a hospice volunteer and witnessed how they relieve agitation among the dying.

The body of research-based evidence is growing, as people come to learn about the health and financial benefits associated with using essential oils, which have far fewer side effects and are considerably less expensive than modern drugs. Perhaps we can look forward to the day when, as in the U.K., a medical doctor can prescribe an aromatherapy massage for a stressed individual and the insurance company or national health service (in the case of the U.K.) will reimburse the individual for treatment costs.

While it is normal and healthy to be skeptical of something with which we are unfamiliar, we can safely say that aromatherapy, as a form of plant medicine, is hardly new. It was well known to our ancestors and has been a powerful healing modality since the beginning of time.

For more information on aromatherapy: www.NAHA.org

Related posts:

1. Making Sense of Scents
   You’re stressed out –- the economy's free-fall is getting to you; those deadlines at work...
2. Fair Trade Demystified
   Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend. Today I wanted to clarify what the...

Share: