Many believe that all there is to aromatherapy is smelly candles, incense, plug-ins and bath products. We’re led to believe that we’ll be healthier, happier, or less stressed by simply smelling a product.
The term aromatherapy is misleading, as it implies that healing occurs by scent alone. This is only a small part of what aromatherapy includes. The word ‘aromatherapy’ has become a buzz word and has been used for any product which contains natural or synthetic essential oils, even in minute amounts. Aromatherapy, simply described, is the use of essential oils to aid in the healing of the body, mind and spirit. I now prefer to call it essential oil therapy.
However, medical, or clinical, aromatherapy uses pure, therapeutic grade essential oils, which are derived from plant material such as herbs, flowers, roots, trees and fruits. Essential oils are concentrated, volatile substances, which display various properties. These plant properties include, but are not limited to, anti-viral agents, anti-inflammatories, decongestants or sedatives.
Clinical aromatherapy treats an individual on a physiological, topical and psychological level. Aromatherapy is holistic; in that the whole person is treated and not just the symptom of a disease. The aim is not a quick fix or cure, but true healing and a strengthened immune system. As essential oils are in two forms; liquid and vapour, it is difficult to treat on one level.
Essential oils are used as a preventative of disease/ailments and as a treatment for diseases when they arise. It has been stated that the overuse of antibiotics have led to immune deficiency disorders, underdeveloped immune systems and resistant bacteria (Schmidt, Smith, Sehnert. Beyond Antibiotics). Essential oils have shown to be effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. In the case of the common cold, the use of immune stimulating essential oils can prevent the cold, alleviate the symptoms, shorten the duration and protect against secondary infections.
There has been an increase in the number of studies being completed on the effectiveness of essential oils. These studies include the antiseptic, fungicide and bactericide effects of tea tree oil against oral bacteria (PMID: 14567294), the induction of apoptosis by citrus essential oils in human leukemic (HL-60) cells (PMID: 14758720) and the antifungal activity of thyme essential oil (PMID: 14750199).
Most of what we see in the media, regarding aromatherapy, centres on scent alone. It’s no wonder that there is a misunderstanding of what aromatherapy really is. Please review our other articles to learn more about clinical aromatherapy and its benefits. You’ll find that it’s a lot more than just scent alone.
I look forward to learning more about the medicinal uses of essential oils…great post!