Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials known as essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds which aimed at improving an individual’s health or mental status and enhances mood.
Many people might find this unscientific as there is a need of extensive work in this field. However, the history of aromatherapy suggests that the therapy is highly scientific since it influences the mood of an individual. Aromatherapy has been used since long and people have documented numerous therapeutic benefits.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy have different composition and properties compared to other herbal products or formulations because of the technique which is used for extraction. Aromatherapy preserves the lighter phyto-molecules and make the therapy effective.
“All aromatic compounds do not exhibit healing capabilities. Therefore, it is important to understand that aromatic consortiums used in this naturopathy is different from that are used in perfume industries”.
Historical relevance of Aromatherapy
- The title aromatherapy was first coined by a French chemist, Gattefosse in 1928. He accidently used lavender oil for his burned hand and got noticeable benefits.
- In 1936, Rene- Maurice Gattefossé wrote a book in which he mentioned about Aromatherapy.
- Aromatherapy has been a part of human civilization since hundreds and thousands of ages. These were the primary mode of treatment in the form of balms, oils etc.
- A book entitled “Yellow Emperors Book of Internal Medicine”, published in 2000 B.C. also mentioned about the use of Sandalwood for the treatment of cholera.
- In 16th century, during the time of plague, people used masks treated with various herbs and spices that were believed to be protective against the disease.
- The practices of essential oil distillation was also documented in this era
- In the 19th century, during the time of I world-war, Gattefossé suggested the use of lavender oil for burns and applied this therapy for wound healing among the military soldiers.
- A French surgeon, Dr. Valnet wrote a book called, “Practice of Aromatherapy” and also applied essential oil therapy during French indo-china war.
- Many Greeks Physicians like Hippocrates and Galen also proved the use of essential oils in their medical practice. They suggested the use of Chamomile and Cypress for the treatment of fever and stomach ache respectively
- A biochemist of Austrian origin, Marguerite Maury, followed the works of Dr. Valnet and discovered the skin absorption property of essential oils and introduced them into body massage therapies.
- A Greek botanist, Theophrastus gave Kyphi Formula which was effective in treating various skin conditions and was also known to cure anxiety.
- Iba Sina, an Arabic Physicist introduced camphor and clove oil in the medical practice.
- In 4500 B.C., the use of essential oils like nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and cedar wood to preserve the dead bodies was very common among Egyptians.
- India also holds a very strong historical significance in application of aromatherapy for various medicinal properties.
- Ayurveda is another Indian system of medicine which uses herbal medicine in the treatment of diseases.
- In spite of vast applications and few side-effects, there is very little research available in the field of Aromatherapy.
- Nowadays, Aromatherapy is generally practiced in various spas and wellness centers, physio-therapy centers and also practiced in every house-hold as a first line of treatment for various health conditions.
Some commonly used Aroma Oils
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
- Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
- Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
- Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
- Roman camomile (Anthemis nobiles)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Juniper (Juniperus communis)
- Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
- Neroli (Citrus aurantium amara)
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Rose (Rosa damascena)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Sandalwood (Santalum album)
- Savory (Satureja montana)
- Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Important things to note
- The amounts involved in the therapy are likely to be small.
- TlSserand and Balacs estimated that 5-25 ml of essential oil at a 1-5% concentration may be applied during an aromatherapy massage.
- Of this, only 4-25% will actually be absorbed, the rest evaporating from the surface of the skin.
- This gives a range of 0.002-0.3 ml or 0.05-6 drops of oil entering the bloodstream, though a typical range is more likely to be 0.025-0.1 ml (0.5-2 drops).
Sense of smell in Aromatherapy
- Olfactory nerves become integrated with general brain activity in the limbic system.
- This part of the brain is concerned with emotion, motivation, the autonomic nervous system and the regulation of certain hormones.
- This raises the possibility that these functions can be manipulated by using the sense of smell.
Different Extraction Methods of Essential Oil
There are multiple methods by which the essential oils are extracted from the plant materials. The most common of them is as follows:
- Steam distillation
- Co2 extraction
- Enfleurage
- Solvent Extraction
- Maceration
- Water Distillation
- Cold Press Extraction
Steam Distillation Process
- In a large container called a Still, which is usually made up of stainless steel, contains the plant material and then, steam is added to it.
- The steam is injected through an inlet in the container containing the plant material which contains desired oils. The steam leads to release of aromatic molecules to release in the form of vapors.
- Now, for condensation, the vaporized plant compounds are made to travel through a condensation flask or the Condenser. Here, two separate pipes make it possible for hot water to exit and cold water to enter the Condenser. This condenses the vapor and converts them back into liquid form.
- Then, the receptacle called as Separator collects the aromatic liquid by-product from the condenser. The oil and water does not mix thus, the essential oil floats on top of the water. From here, it is siphoned off. (Some essential oils are heavier than water, such as clove essential oil, so they are found at the bottom of the Separator.)
Water Distillation
- This method is used when the plant materials are very delicate like flowers.
- These delicate parts are mixed in water and are allowed to boil for a longer period of time.
- After prolonged boiling, the vapors are passed through the condenser which brings them in liquid state. And, as we know that the oil is not soluble in water, its layer is separated and stored in a different container. The leftover water also contains fragrance and referred as hydrosol. The oil which is extracted through this method is Citronella oil.
Cold Press Extraction
- This method is mainly used for the extraction of essential oils from citrus fruits. It is also known by different names i.e. Scarification and expression.
- In this method, the fruit is placed in a crushing machine that ruptures the oil sacs present in the fruit and collects the extracted oil with other pigments. In this method, the whole fruit is completely squeezed and the collected mixture is then centrifuged.
- The essential oils present in the mixture being lighter than water, forms a separate layer.
- From there the essential oil is further collected very carefully in another container. Citrus oils like lemon oil are extracted using this method.
Solvent Extraction Method
- When the essential oils are required to extract in a smaller quantity, solvent extraction method is used.
- Being in small quantity, they have better fragrances and quality.
- The solvents used are generally food safe solvents like ethanol. In this method, plant material is kept in a container which is further mixed with solvents like ethanol or hexane.
- This leads to the production of a waxy fragrant plant material named as “concrete”. The concrete is treated with alcohol in order to separate oil from the concrete. It is best suited for pressure sensitive plants that cannot be processed by steam distillation or any other methods. Hyacinth and tuberose oils are extracted using this method.
Storage of Essential Oils
- To avoid heat and light, it is recommended that the essential oils are stored in a cool and dry place.
- Essential oils oxidizes eventually, and this happens more quickly with increased exposure to high temperatures, light and oxygen (air). In order to prolong their lifespan, keep the essential oils in a cool and dark place, such as a refrigerator.
Why do essential oils expire?
- As soon as the essential oils comes in contact with oxygen (air), a process called oxidation begins. The oxidation process involves the changes of oxygen bonds between cells into carbon bonds.
- When an oil comes in contact with oxygen, light, and heat, its composition begins to change. And over time, it starts to lose its strength and effectiveness. This is the reason most essential oils are sold and stored in amber-colored bottles — the darker glass color provides better protection against light.
- This could mean that the essential oils spoil or turn bad.
- Essential oils don’t spoil like other food products does, but they do change in their effectiveness and composition over time. It is hard to determine what the oils have changed into and to what extent and thus, it is also hard to determine whether or not they’re safe to use.
Application methods of essential oils
The essential oils are used in aromatherapy by various application methods like:
- Steam inhalation
- Body massage
- Bathing
- Tea
- Fumigation
Steam inhalation
- This is the most common and most used method of Naturopathy Modality and is known to be very effective. It is applied in most of the house-hold as a basic practice to treat various health conditions.
- It is considered as the best for the treatment of common cold, cough, sore throat, sinus infections etc. This method can be used by simply adding 2-3 drops of essential oil in a pan of hot steaming water and inhaling the steam deeper into the lungs.
- Another application is to add 2-3 drops of oil on the tissue or handkerchief and inhaling it to get the desired therapeutic effects.
Body massage
- This method works on the basis of the principle of oil absorption through the skin. The aroma- massage is one of the most soothing and relaxing way for applying essential oils.
- This method is said to be very effective in treating pains, aches, anxiety and depression. This method can used locally or generally. This method can be performed by simply rubbing a diluted form of essential oil on affected areas like, joints or to a local area of the body.
- This enhances the blood circulation to the area with absorption of oil into the circulation and thus, giving the therapeutic effects of the essential oil which in turn helps in soothing the pain.
- Alternatively, a full body massage can be given by diluting the essential oil with suitable carrier oil which reduces stress and anxiety and induces relaxation and rejuvenation of the body by increasing the nutrition to the individual cells.
Body massage
- This method relies on the strategy of oil absorption by skin. The aroma- massage is one of the most soothing and relaxing way for applying essential oils.
- It is highly beneficial to treat pains, stress and also depression. This can be performed by simply rubbing a diluted form of essential oil on affected area like, a particular joint or to a local area of the body.
- This enhances the blood flow to that area and also the therapeutic properties of oil which will help in soothing the pain.
- Alternatively when used in a full body massage which involves massaging the diluted essential oil on whole body to reduce stress and enhance oxygen supply to cells.
Bathing
- This application strategy provides good warmth to the body and help is relaxation. Since the oil is mixed with warm water, a better absorption of oil occurs that soothes affected body parts.
- One can use this method to reduce stiffness and cramps. Also, immersing the feet in bucket of water mixed with essential oil could provide a great relief to aching foot.
Tea
- This method can be used for internal use or soothing our gut. In this method, essential oils are consumed internally by mixing them with water or any suitable drink.
- These can also be used in the form of mouthwashes to eliminate foul mouth smell.
- Cinnamon and peppermint oils are most commonly used for this purpose. Apart from this, clove oil is a trusted treatment for tooth pains. Eugenol present in clove oil is reported to act as anesthetic and anti-inflammatory property of cloves can help in treating tooth problems.
Fumigation
- This method is used to create a relaxing environment by enlightening aromatic candle or electric burners with therapeutic essential oils.
- This method which mixes the essential oil molecules with the air in the room could he inhaled easily.
- This is very beneficial in stress conditions and refreshing the mind.
Other methods
- Diffuser
- Vaporizer
- Pot pourri
- Compresses
- Insect repellant
- Room spray
Essential oils may also be applied topically to the mouth and throat in the form of mouthwashes and to the vagina via tampons soaked in an essential oil solution.
Physiological pathway of how Aromatherapy works
- Essential oils used in aromatherapy are majorly absorbed by body tissue via two approaches i.e. nasal inhalation and skin absorption.
- Both these methods follow a specific route for getting maximum benefit of these oils. There are few natural aromatic oil blends which could be highly beneficial for numerous medical applications. The major pathway of different aromatherapy approaches is as described below:
Nasal inhalation:
The aromas we inhale in the form of volatile essential oils find their way towards alveolar sacs in the lungs. From here, the essential oils get passed into blood capillaries and enter into systematic circulation. In this way they exert required healing effect on the body.
Skin absorption:
When an essential oil is applied to the skin, it enters to the sebum via hair follicles. Sebum is an oily substance which is suitable for carrying essential oil due to its good affinity. This carries essential oil into main blood circulation, through which caries to various body parts for healing and to get the desired therapeutic effects
How essential oils help in various ailments
Mental Stress and Depression:
- Aromatherapy is known for improving our emotional responses by relieving the mental stress. When we follow inhalation method, the aromatic essential molecules enter into your circulation through the nose.
- There, the olfactory cells, which are designated to be specialized nerve cells recognize these aromatic molecules, generate a nerve signal.
- This signal triggers the brain by stimulating its limbic system. Since, this system is linked with emotional balance of human mind, this could be the possible cause for improving the mental stress and depression conditions.
Body Rejuvenation:
- The essential oil has the property of moving deep inside the skin by the action of absorption. Once the essential oils are massaged on the body, they reach to blood circulation with the help of sebum.
- These oils contain a substantial amount of anti-oxidants. Thus, it helps in repairing cell damage and flushing out the toxins in skin.
- This lead to the anti-aging and rejuvenation of skin as well as it takes into account the problems like eczema and other skin diseases.
Wound healing and burns:
The aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils which are bestowed with the anti-microbial properties. Thus, use of these essential oils on burn wound help in inhibiting any infectious growth. Due to anti-inflammatory properties, essential oils help in speedy recovery of wounds with minimal side-effects. Most commonly used oil for wound healing is lavender essential oil.
Stomach Ache:
- The peppermint oil is the most popularly used essential oil in order to treat stomach aches.
- The enteric coated peppermint capsules do not get busted in upper gastro-intestinal track and thus exerting a relaxing effect on lower GI.
- This therapy is widely used for management of various intestinal problems.
Neuroprotective:
- The essential oils have been investigated for their deep relationship with human nervous system.
- There are various essential oils that act as a neuroprotective when used via aromatherapy.
- Lavender oil is one of the most widely used essential oil with various therapeutic applications. Linalool (terpene) is the major constituent of this herb. It is reported that linalool inhibits the release of excessive acetylcholine which modifies the function of neuromuscular junction.
- This anti-oxidant activity potential of lavender oil led to the neuro-protective property.
Protective Measures in Aromatherapy
Inspite of several health benefits, just like other therapeutic modalities there are some precautions and safety measures that are needed to be considered while performing or taking aromatherapy. These measures are listed as follows:
Allergic Reactions:
Being a therapeutic agent, the oils applied in this therapy can give allergic reaction with other in-use medications. So, all the ongoing treatment details must be shared.
Inflammable:
Essential oils having the physiochemical properties, these oils could be highly flammable and must be kept in safe place. These oils should be kept away from children and therapy must be performed with proper safety measures.
Avoid internal Uptake:
There are very few essential oils that can be taken orally and are medically validated. So, internal uptake of these essential oils should be avoided without any proper prescription.
Dilution:
The essential oils are thick volatile liquids extracted from plants, thus these oils should be properly diluted with suitable solvent. This will help in preventing any irritation to the skin or area of application.
Apart from this, there must be a patch test before using essential oils on large exposed area.
A standard dilution protocol for essential oils in different applications
| Health Condition | Dilution |
|---|---|
| Sensitive skin | <= 0.25% |
| Facial cosmetics | 0.2- 1.5% |
| Body massage | 1-2% |
| Bathing | 1-4% |
| Menstrual pains | 4-10% |
| Wound pain | 5-10% |
| Hot and cold compress | 4-10% |
| Insect bite and stings | 5-10% |
| Air diffusers | 3-5 drops |
A detailed overview of various essential oils
Essential Oils | Method of application | Benefits | Side-effects |
Basil essential oil
| Skin absorption
| Sharpen concentration, relieve headaches and migraines, heals depression.
| Avoided during pregnancy. It should be properly
diluted to avoid skin irritation.
|
Bergamot essential oil
| Oral intake
| Useful in lowering blood
pressure, urinary tract and digestive tract infections.
| dizziness, muscle
cramps, or heartburn
|
Rosemary essential oil
| Inhalation and skin absorption
| Improves nervous, promote hair growth, boost memory and circulatory systems
| Allergen, vomiting, and skin redness. It should be taken according to prescription. |
Black pepper essential
Oil
| Skin absorption
| stimulates the circulation,
soothen muscular aches
| It must be diluted
properly before use |
Chamomile essential oil
| Drinking as tea
| Helps to cure
sleeplessness, heals eczema
| It can be allergic, must take
consultation for using in pregnancy.
|
Citronella essential oil
| Oral intake and skin
absorption
| Insect repellent, boost energy and reduces muscle spasms
| It should be taken in small amount with proper dilution
to avoid allergic reaction
|
Clove essential oil
| Oral intake and skin absorption
| Painkiller, relief from
toothache, anti-gastric, anti- fungal and anti-microbial.
| Burning and irritation of the skin
|
Eucalyptus essential oil
| Oral intake and skin absorption, inhalation
| Relief from cold and cough
| Allergic and may
be poisonous if not diluted properly
|
Geranium essential oil
| Skin absorption
| Stress relief, cures skin
problems, mosquito repellent
| Must be diluted
Properly
|
Jasmine essential oil
| Skin absorption
| Aphrodisiac
| Not studied
Thoroughly
|
Lavender essential oil
| Inhalation
| Induces sleep, healing burn wounds, relief in migraine and headache
| It can be allergic, may cause gastrointestinal disorders. Should be avoided in
pregnancy and breastfeeding.
|
Lemon essential oil
| Inhalation or skin
absorption
| Improves mood and relaxes in
stress and depression
| Photosensitivity of
skin
|
Sandalwood essential oil
| Inhalation or skin absorption
| Aphrodisiac
| It may increase blood pressure and
heart rate after prolonged exposure
|
Tea tree essential oil
| Skin absorption
| Anti-microbial, antiseptic, and disinfectant qualities. It is used to treat acne, burns, and bites
| It should never be swallowed, may cause dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and
Redness
|
Thyme essential oil
| Oral administration
and Skin absorption
| Helps in reducing fatigue,
nervousness, and stress
| Headache, or
dizziness
|
Yarrow essential oil
| Oral administration
| Relief in cold and flu, also help to reduce joint
Inflammation
| Drowsiness and increase urination
|
Peppermint oil
| Oral administration
| Helpful in digestive problems, the common cold, sinus infections, headaches
| May cause discomfort at higher dose that
prescribed quantity.
|
Garlic essential oil
| Oral administration
and Skin absorption
| Anti-oxidant and anti-
microbial activity
| Allergic reactions
and skin burns.
|