Beyond Aromas: Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils

What, really, is Aromatherapy? In the United States, common use of the term 'Aromatherapy' is a bit misleading. The practice has been given a 'touchy-feely', 'soft-science' status to the general public through mainstream media. In much of the rest of the world, however, the therapeutic use of aromatic essential oils has a more elevated, scientifically-backed status. In France, for example, one can only purchase essential oils through a licensed Aromatherapist; this is due to the well-known, powerful interaction of essential oils and the human physiology.

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. He was so impressed by the oils medicinal actions, he wrote a book it that began the modern aroma-'therapy' revolution. 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. The inhalation of essential oils to make one 'feel good' - is truely just one aspect of the practice; Aromatherapy includes the entire branch of medicine using volatile (easily evaporated) aromatic compounds naturally occurring in plants. Some consider the most important actions of essential oils to not even be associated with the sense of smell. 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.

The well-known effects of genuine essential oils on the nervous system and psyche through the smell sense is certainly not to be ignored. Important, useful actions have been documented through university studies. Lavender oil, for example, has been noted to help many individuals who suffer from insomnia; even better than pharmaceutical sedatives in many cases, without side effects and development of tolerance. Other studies have shown improvement of test scores of students who have inhaled Lemon or Rosemary oils during study sessions. The list continues - and with little surprise. The 'aromatic' effects of essential oils rely on the olfactory sense's direct connection with primary control centers of the brain. It is the only one of the five senses with such a direct connection - the others are first routed through the Thalamus before interacting with the bulk of the gray matter.

The olfactory region of the brain is closely associated with the limbic region - that being the center of emotions, memory, sex drive and intuition. The limbic system is also connected to parts of the brain that control heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and hormone levels. The olfactory region also connects to the hypothalamus, which controls the entire hormonal system by influencing the pituitary. This gives us a good ideas as to why essential oils can have an 'aromatherapeutic' effect - human studies have shown the inhalation of essential oils can be calming, stimulating, uplifting, relaxing, and/or clarifying, depending on the oil being inhaled.

The beneficial effects of essential oils reach far beyond that of the olfactory sense and limbic system - bringing into view the true potential of Aromatherapy. The most promising use of oils is in the treatment of infectious illness, notes Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, America's leading medical aromatherapist. Modern medicine is falling short in this area; overuse of antibiotics has lead to chemically-resistant 'super bugs', and a series of antibiotics tends to throw the delicate symbiotic natural balance of microorganisms in the human digestive system out-of-whack for some time. Oregano and Cinnamon oils are some of the most broad-spectrum antibacterial known - and while their use demands practical knowledge due to their powerful nature, they do not seem to create resistant bacterial strains or upset our own system's balance. Other oils (which are generally less sensitizing) work very well on some strains of bacteria and not as well on others - here, the practitioner's ability to match the proper oil with the patient's symptoms plays a critical role in the therapy's efficacy, as with any medical treatment. The proven effects of essential oils also goes beyond these illnesses - essential oils have

Broad acceptance of true 'medical aromatherapy' is a ways-off in the US. 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!

Article Source: http://www.health-fitness-for-all.com

The author is a regular contributor to natural ezines on essential oils and aromatherapy . She may be contacted through www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html.

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