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Modern Aromatherapy: Beyond Just Smelling Nice
from:What do you think of when you hear the word 'Aromatherapy'? For
many folks, it conjures an image of plastic Glade Plug-In air
fresheners; for others, a bottle of flowery dish soap. For a
fortunate few, a pleasing bath with natural soothing scents
comes to mind; for even fewer, a cold-air diffuser releasing a
fine mist of pure Rose petal oil throughout their home. The
rarest concept of Aromatherapy in these United States is one of
highly potent medicines, effective against a broad range of
bacteria and viruses, with further uses including relief of
arthritis pain, stomach discomfort, sleeplessness, and a host of
other conditions. If this is a new idea, read-on and enter the
wonderful world of medicinal aromatherapy and therapeutic use of
essential oils.
The word 'aromatherapie' was first used in 1937 by the French
cosmetic scientist Rene Maurice Gattefosse after accidentally
discovering Lavender oil's healing effects on burns he sustained
in his lab. This led to a subsequent investigation into the
healing nature of essential oils, and the publishing of a
well-known text which initiated great advances in medical
aromatherapy. Medicinal use of essential oils is widely accepted
in France today, where one can receive a prescription for a
blend from their doctor, and have it filled as we do with
pharmaceuticals here. Using natural scents for uplifting the
emotions is just the tip of the iceberg; Aromatherapy includes
the entire branch of medicine using volatile (easily evaporated)
aromatic compounds naturally occurring in plants. Many
physicians and scientists believe the psycho-emotional actions
through oils' inhalation to not be their most important
medicinal action. Beyond acting on through the olfactory senses,
essential oils have been shown to have effects ranging from
broad spectrum anti-microbials and anti-virals to inflammation
reducers and even tissue regenerative properties.
Essential oils effects on the nervous system and psyche through
the olfactory sense is not to be discounted, however. Studies
have shown repeatable results in essential oils' ability to lift
the spirits and sharpen the attention. Students inhaling Lemon
and Rosemary essential oils while studying have scored better on
tests; other subjects have slept better while inhaling Lavender
(one article proclaimed these results with "Lavender Works
Better than Benzodiazepines!"). The 'aromatic' effect of
essential oils is a result of the intimate wiring of the smell
sense with certain control systems of the brain. The olfactory
system is the only one of the five senses directly connected to
the bulk of your gray matter - the rest are routed first through
the thalamus. This direct connection has powerful implications
for physiological as well as psychological effects.
The olfactory sense is closely tied to the limbic system, which
is the center of emotions, plays a significant part in the
formation of memories, and affects our sexual responses. The
olfactory region also connects to the hypothalamus, which
in-turn controls the entire hormonal system through it's
influence of the pituitary gland. One can easily imagine an
olfactory sense receptor being stimulated by the mist of an
essential oil resulting in downstream stimulation of the brain
in a certain way - stimulating, sedating, relaxing, or otherwise
- depending on the molecular form of the oil.
Though we shouldn't get distracted by the wonderful
possibilities of aromas! The medicinal actions of therapeutic
grade oils go far beyond those induced through the olfactory
system. Medical aromatherapy includes topical application, oral
ingestion and natural suppository use of aromatic oils as well.
Their chemical structures are of a 'lipophilic' (fat-friendly)
nature, passing through cell walls and tissue membranes without
difficulty. They are easily absorbed and well tolerated, for the
most part, in small amounts. Essential oils are not cure-alls
however, or placebo-effect-inducing nice smells - they are
potent plant medicines, each with significantly different
actions. Oregano oil is one of the most broad spectrum
anti-microbials known; it has been widely studied as supportive
for the human immune system to defend itself against bacteria -
Oregano is also a potent irritant to the skin and requires
experience for correct application. Melissa oil has been hailed
as a cure for Herpes Simplex virus infections by German
researchers. Ginger oil has brought relief to sufferer's of
motion sickness, rheumatoid arthritis and intestinal parasites -
but not to those with the Herpes virus. The list goes on; the
take-home message is that oils CAN be effective if used
properly, and improper use can not only be ineffective but even
dangerous. That doesn't mean essential oils are something to be
afraid of - they deserve the respect given to any powerful
medicine. Consult a qualified professional for ANY serious
condition, and consider using essential oils if and when
appropriate.
Embracing essential oils as medical therapies will likely not
happen for some time in North America. There is a lack of
knowledge within the established medical community, and
qualified aromatherapists are fairly rare, as of yet. With the
growing body of evidence validating the efficacy of natural
medicines, however, and the failing confidence in our allopathic
medical institutions, it may not be long until essential oils
find their rightful place in our medicine chests. In the
meantime, be cautious, have fun, and do stop and smell the
roses, and lavenders, patchoulis, sandalwoods, and all the other
great aromatherapies available to you!
About the author: Michelle Cech
The author is the co-owner of http://www.anandaapothecary.com - More aromatherapy resources are available on her site - along with direct contact information if you have further questions.
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