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Aroma can have a strong impact on your health. |
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Aromatherapy had been around for 6000 years or more. The Greeks, Romans, and ancient Egyptians all used aromatherapy oils. The Egyptian physician Imhotep recommended fragrant oils for bathing, massage, and for embalming their dead nearly 6000 years ago. Imhotep is the Egyptian god of medicine and healing. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used aromatherapy baths and scented massage. He used aromatic fumigations to rid Athens of the plague.
The modern era of aromatherapy is dawned in 1930 when the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy for the therapeutic use of essential oils. He was fascinated by the benefits of lavender oil in healing his burned hand without leaving any scars. He started investigating the effect of other essential oils for healing and for their psychotherapeutic benefits.
During World War II, the French army surgeon Dr. Jean Valnet used essential oils as antiseptics. Later, Madame Marguerite Maury elevated aromatherapy as a holistic therapy. She started prescribing essential oils as remedy for her patients. She is also credited with the modern use of essential oils in massage.
Aromatherapy works the best when it works on the mind and body simultaneously.
Return to TopEssential oils stimulate the powerful sense of smell. It is known that odors we smell have a significant impact on how we feel. In dealing with patients who have lost the sense of smell, doctors have found that a life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. We have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells. It is believed that smells enter through cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.
Studies with brain wave frequency have shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. Fragrance of Jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state.
Scientific studies have also shown that essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Their chemistry is complex, but generally includes alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and terpenes. The effects of these chemical components are summarized in the accompanying table.
Return to TopIf used as recommended, and under the care of a qualified practitioner, aromatherapy is very safe. Please remember that essential oils are very concentrated. Do not use too much. (Too much is not better in case of essential oils.) Also, please be wary of any allergies people have to essential oils. (Try on a small spot to see whether there are any allergic reactions before exposing the whole body). Caution is particularly recommended for patients who are pregnant, have allergy, high blood pressure or epilepsy. Be careful with young children or babies. If you accidentally spill the essential oils on your skin or eye, wash it off immediately with whole milk. Milk with some fat in it is best for reducing irritation and removing the oil actually in the eye. You may also use olive oil or other vegetable oil to resolve any issues if experiencing a burning sensation which would be possible with oils like PEPPERMINT. Watch out for inflamed skin if you use essential oils. Essential oils are considered to be a poison when ingested if you consume the oil by accident, then drink lot of milk, eat soft bread, and go to the nearest poison control center for appropriate action.
Oral consumption of aromatic oil is strongly discouraged unless you are under the care and supervision of an experienced practitioner. Many of these essential oils are very toxic. You should not apply the undiluted essential oil on your body as these are very concentrated and you may experience discomfort. The exception to this is lavender oil which can be applied safely in the undiluted form for burns and insect bites.
It is a very good idea to keep your eyes closed while inhaling the aromatic oil. This helps build up your imagery which enhances the effect of the essential oil. It also prevents the "fumes" from irritating the eyes at close range. Don't apply any oils close to your eyes.
Return to Top| Name of Essential Oil | Biological Name | Properties | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clary SAGE | Salvia Sclarea | Warming, soothing, aphrodisiacal, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, regulator (or seborrhoea), tonic, uterine. | Menstrual problems, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, muscular aches and pains, asthma, throat infections, whooping cough, colic, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence, acne, boils, dandruff, hair loss, inflamed conditions in skin, oily skin and hair, ulcers, wrinkles, the genito-urinary system disorders such as amenorrhoea, labor pain, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea and nervous system disorders such as frigidity, impotence, migraine, nervous tension and stress related disorders. |
| EUCALYPTUS | EUCALYPTUS Globulus | Antiseptic, analgesic, anitneuralgic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, parasiticide, prophylactic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary. | Muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, throat infections, cystitis, leucorrhoea, chicken pox, colds, epidemics, flu, measles, nervous system disorders such as debility, headaches, neuralgia and skin disorders such as burns, blisters, cuts, herpes, insect bites, insect repellent, lice, skin infections, wounds. |
| Geranium | Pelargonium Graveolens | Soothing, refreshing, relaxing, antidepressant, astringent, antihaemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cicatrisant, deodorant, diuretic, fungicidal, haemostatic, stimulant, tonic, vulnerary. | PMT, adrenocortical glands and menopausal problems, nervous tension, neuralgia, apathy, anxiety, stress related conditions, sore throat, tonsillitis, cellulitis, engorgement of breasts, poor circulation and skin complaints such as acne, bruises, broken capillaries, burns, congested skin, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, oily complexion, mature skin, mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers and wounds. |
| Jasmine | Jasminum officinale | Analgesic (mild), antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cicatrisant, expectorant, galactagogue, parturient, sedative, tonic (uterine). | Depression, nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions. Jasmine is said to produce a feeling of optimism, confidence and euphoria. It is especially good in cases of apathy, indifference, or listlessness. Jasmine is also used for catarrh, coughs, hoarseness, laryngitis, dysmenorrhoea, frigidity, labor pains, uterine disorders and other skin problems such as dry, greasy, irritated, sensitive skin and for muscular spasms and sprains. |
| Lavender | Lavendula Vera Officinalis | Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, tonic, vulnerary. An excellent first aid oil. It soothes cuts, bruises and insect bites. | One of the most versatile therapeutic essence. It is used for nervous system disorders such as depression, headache, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension, stress related conditions, PMT, sciatica, shock and vertigo. Lavender is useful in treating skin conditions such as abscesses, acne, allergies, athlete's foot, boils, bruises, burns, dandruff, dermatitis, earache, eczema, inflammations, insect bites and stings, insect repellant, lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, sores, spots, all skin types, sunburn and wounds. Other applications of lavender is for the treatment of disorders such as lumbago, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, halitosis, laryngitis, throat infections, whooping cough, abdominal cramps, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, cystitis, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea and for flu. |
| Lemon | Citrus Limonum | Refreshing, antiseptic, stimulating, anti-anaemic, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antisclerotic, antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive, insecticidal, rubefacient, stimulates white corpuscles, tonic. | Warts, depression, acne and indigestion. arthritis, cellulitis, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, obesity (congestion), poor circulation, rheumatism, asthma, throat infections, bronchitis, catarrh, dyspepsia, colds, flue, fever and infections. Other applications of lemon are in the treatment of anemia, brittle nails, boils, chilblains, corns, cuts, greasy skin, herpes, insect bites, mouth ulcers, spots, and varicose veins. |
| PEPPERMINT | Mentha Piperita | Digestive, cooling, refreshing, mentally stimulating, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, expectorant, hepatic, nervine, stomachic, sudorific, vermifuge and antispasmodic. | Muscle fatigue, bad breath, toothache, bronchitis, indigestion and travel sickness, neuralgia, muscular pain, palpitations, asthma, sinusitis, spasmodic cough, for digestive system disorders such as colic, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea and skin problems such as acne, dermatitis, ringworm, scabies and for toothache. |
| Petitgrain | Citrus Aurantium var amara | Soothing, calming, antidepressant. Also antiseptic, antispasmodic, deodorant, digestive, nervine, stimulant (digestive, nervous), stomachic, tonic. | Skin problems, apathy, irritability and depression, convalescence, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, stress related conditions, dyspepsia, flatulence, acne, excessive perspiration, greasy skin and hair and for toning. |
| Rosemary | Rosmarinus Officinalis | Analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, choleretic, cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, fungicidal, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, parasiticide, restorative, rubefacient, stimulant of circulatory, adrenal cortex and hepatobiliary systems, stomachic, tonic. | Muscle fatigue, colds, poor circulation, aches and pains and mental fatigue. Debility, headaches, hypotension, neuralgia, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion, stress related disorders, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders, hypercholesterolaemia. Rosemary is also used for treatment of disorders such as arteriosclerosis, fluid retention, gout, muscular pains, palpitations, poor circulation, rheumatism and for the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and greasy hair. Other uses are as an insect repellent, for promoting hair growth, and for the treatment of scabies, scalp stimulation, lice and varicose veins. |
| SANDALWOOD | Santalum album | Antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, insecticidal, sedative and tonic. | Depression, insomnia, nervous tension, stress related complaints, cystitis, diarrhea, nausea, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, sore throat, acne, dry, cracked and chapped skin, aftershave, greasy skin, moisturizer. |
| TEA TREE | Melaleuca Alternifolia | Antifungal, antiseptic, anti-infectuous, anit-inflammatory, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, expectorant, fungicidal, immono-stimulant, parasiticide, vulnerary. | Dandruff, mouthwash, cuts, insect bites, pimples, abscess, acne, athlete's foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, herpes, oily skin, rashes, spots, veruccae, warts, wounds, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, tuberculosis, whooping cough, vaginitis, cystitis, colds, fever, flu, infectious illnesses such as chicken pox. |
| Ylang Ylang | Cananga Odorata var. genuina | Antidepressant, anti-infectious, euphoric, aphrodisiac, relaxant, antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, hypotensive, nervine, regulator, sedative (nervous), stimulant (circulatory), tonic. | Depression, nervous tension, high blood pressure, hyperpnoea (abnormally fast breathing), tachycardia, palpitations and digestive upsets. For skin care such as for acne, hair growth, hair rinse, insect bites, irritated and oily skin. For other nervous system disorders such as frigidity, impotence, insomnia, and stress related disorders. |