The defining ingredient of all aromatherapy products is some form of an aromatic substance from a plant, inclusive of flowers and resins. Frequently it is an essential oil that has been derived most commonly through distillation, expression, or solvent extraction. An essential oil can also be termed a volatile oil, because it vaporizes easily, or ethereal oil. It is applied topically during light, touch therapy or massage, where it is absorbed and enters the bloodstream. In some instances, medical specialists may direct ingestion of essential oils. However, in the practice of aromatherapy, the olfactory stimulation is the predominant purpose. There is a great variety of natural aromatherapy products and an equally diverse group of professionals who buy aromatherapy products for their respective practices.
The practice of using aromatic plant substances for wellness of body and mind can be traced back to the Greeks, Romans, and ancient Egyptians. However, French chemist RenJ Maurice Gattefosse recognized it as a unique discipline, with psychotherapeutic effects observed in his work as a perfumer. His 1937 book, entitled “Aromatherapy: Essential Oils Plant Hormones”, bridges the gap between esoteric, uncategorized uses of fragrance, to the modern practice of aromatherapy as an alternative healing methodology. Gattefosse was inspired by his healing of severe burns, leaving no scars, with the use of lavender oil. Anti-microbial properties of essential oils were applied during the world wars.
Many massage therapists, chiropractors, nurses, and doctors are modern day practitioners of aromatherapy, employing natural and organic aromatherapy products to improve mood and cognitive function, for pain management, or to alleviate anxiety, depression, and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Do you ask how a pleasant scent can have such positive effects? Consider that smell is our most primitive sense, located in the limbic system of the brain, including the hippocampus and the amygdala, where feelings, emotions, memory, and creativity reside. There is an intricate connection impacting mood, stress, and concentration, affecting behavior consciously and unconsciously. The interpretation and response to any particular scent depends upon cultural conditioning and one’s emotions at the time.
Aromatherapy skin care products allow anyone to incorporate these concepts into daily hygiene. Aromatherapy spa products such as body lotions, scrubs, essential oils, and candles have become staples on gift lists, with lavender one of the most commonly identified scents, attributed with calming properties. Be a wise consumer when purchasing such items. Make sure you are getting 100 percent essential oils and not a counterfeit, made with artificial fragrances or combinations of an extract and manmade ingredients.
Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey, is one of a growing number of hospitals that employ registered nurses with certification in aromatherapy. Ginger is used for nausea, black pepper is used to dilate blood vessels, eucalyptus is brought out to treat cold symptoms, and peppermint is good for headache. The Tokyo Stock Exchange uses peppermint in the air to invigorate employees. Do you recognize some of these ingredients from folk remedies?
Aromatherapy products are bringing into the mainstream cross-cultural solutions confidently used for generations.