aromatherapy

Hecateh · aromatherapy

What is it?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, extracted from the flowers, fruits, leaves, stems and roots of flowers, shrubs and trees. The therapeutic use of aromatic oils dates back to ancient times and was particularly popular in ancient Egypt and the Far East.

The oils are usually obtained by steam distillation. Other techniques include expression (squeezing the oil from peel), maceration (immersing the plant in hot oil to release the essence) and enfleurage (pressing flowers between oiled glass plates).

Essential oils may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Inhaled scents stimulate the olfactory centres in the nose and particular parts of the brain. Oils massaged into the skin pass into the bloodstream and can influence nervous system function, mental function and emotions.

Modern aromatherapy stems from the work of French chemist Réné Gattefossé in the 1930s and physician Jean Valnet and biochemist Marguerite Maury in the 1960s.

How's it used?
The oils are highly concentrated and should be used sparingly. For inhalation, place one to five drops on a tissue or in a burner or vaporiser. The oils can be used to scent rooms, enhance mood and relieve stress.

If you're using the oils for massage, dilute one to five drops of the oils per teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, such as sweet almond or wheatgerm, cream or gel. Warming the oil, or generating heat from massage friction, enhances absorption.

The oils may also be added to bathwater. For best effect, add four to six drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil or milk and mix vigorously in the water so the oil dissolves evenly.

Medical aromatherapists prescribe the oils internally, but this requires specialist knowledge and training.

What's it used for?
Aromatherapy may help to alleviate tension and fatigue, for example during pregnancy.

Certain oils are not be used if you're pregnant or have epilepsy or high blood pressure.

Oils shouldn't be used undiluted, by the eyes or near naked flames and must never taken internally without medical supervision.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in January 2007.
First published in October 2002.

Guest

Hec I have used oils for a lot of things these past few years. First one I tried was lemon oil which I read about in a book from the library. The book said it was good for warts. My son has always been prone to warts on his hands for some reason and we had tried every known over the counter remedy and ones from my doctor. Hard to believe but he had 47 warts between his 2 hands and I put the oil on him and in less than a week he was left with 3, this was after putting it on every other day. Within a fortnight he was totally clear and has been ever since. I have told all the chemists in town to recommend it to everyone as I do when they ask what would be best to use.

Hecateh

That's fantastic Rudie. Wish I had known it years ago. I had warts as a kid and hated these lumps on my hand but I must admit they have gradually disappeared as I grew up and don't have any now.

Anyone elde any experiences good or bad?

Guest

I use aromatherapy to calm me down when I'm anxious or stressed.

My favourite oils for this are Roman chamomile and geranium. I also find rosemary and thyme are great for waking me up and clearing my head first thing in the morning.

I love Lush products too and a lot of those have essential oils in.