Health Mail Vol.1 Issue 2 Title : Aromatherapy – An Introduction 1/1
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Aromatherapy – An Introduction

Jump to: History - How the oils work - Therapeutic guidelines

History
In the last two decades there has been a growing interest in healing methods using essential oils. Aromatherapy, which used to be regarded as a fringe therapy, is now increasingly offered in conjunction with conventional medicine. The cultures of the East, the Indians, Chinese and the ancient Egyptians have a long association with the use of aromatic oils for perfumes, incense, cosmetics, medical and culinary uses.

The term Aromatherapy was first coined in 1928 by a French chemist, René Maurice Gattefossé who worked in his family's perfume business. He discovered, quite by accident, that lavender was able to heal a severe burn on his hand and even prevented it from scarring.

Another French doctor and scientist, Dr Jean Valnet successfully treated medical and psychiatric disorders using essential oils as part of his programme. The results of his programme were published in 'Aromatherapie' in 1964.

Madame Marguerite Maury applied the research of Dr Valnet to her beauty therapy.

The term 'aromatherapy' can in one sense be misleading, because it seems to suggest that the healing is solely through the sense of smell, and on the emotions. However, each oil has an individual set of constituents that interact with the body chemistry in a direct manner, which then affects certain organs or the system as a whole.

How the oils work
The oils, when used in massage are absorbed via the skin and transported throughout the body. A simple way to demonstrate this, is to rub a clove of garlic on the soles of the feet; the volatile oil content is transported through the blood, and the odour will appear on the breath a little later. Different oils are absorbed by the body at different rates, for example:
Oil Absorption Time
Anise 40 – 60 mins.
Bergamot 40 – 60 mins.
Citronella 60 - 80 mins.
Coriander 100 – 120 mins.
Eucalyptus 20 – 40 mins.
Geranium 60 - 80 mins.
Lavender 60 - 80 mins.
Lemon 40 – 60 mins.
Peppermint 100 – 120 mins.
Pine 60 - 80 mins.
Rue 100 – 120 mins.
Thyme 20 – 40 mins.
Turpentine 20 mins.
(source: Complete Essential Oils by Julia Lawless )

An essential oil interacts with the body in three distinct modes of action - pharmacological, physiological and psychological.
  1. Pharmacological mode – the chemical changes which take place in the blood stream when an essential oil enters it and reacts with the hormones, enzymes etc.

  2. Physiological mode – the effect of the essential oil on the system of the body, whether it is sedated or stimulated.

  3. Psychological mode – the effect of inhaling an essence and the response to its odour.

Therapeutic Guidelines

Present-day aromatherapy advocates the use of essential oils only as an external remedy. However, we cannot ignore the use of many oils in the flavouring of our food and beverages.

In general, essential oils should not be applied undiluted to the body. Always dilute in a carrier oil or cream first. There are certain exceptions to this rule, for example, such as the use of lavender for burns.
It is recommended to do a patch test first, and keep oils away from the eyes.

[link to book] Julia Lawless' book has the following additional recommendations:
  1. During pregnancy, you should only use half the usual amount of an oil. Some oils are best avoided during the first four months of pregnancy: peppermint, rose and rosemary.
  2. If you have hypertension, do not use the following: hyssop, rosemary, sage, (Spanish and common) thyme
  3. Avoid the following oils if you have epilepsy: fennel (sweet) hyssop, rosemary and all types of sage.
  4. Avoid angelica if you have diabetes.
  5. If you are using homeopathic treatment, avoid: black pepper, camphor, eucalyptus, and peppermint.


 
 

 

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