The therapeutic use of aromatic oils dates back to ancient times - Myrrh and frankincense are mentioned in the Bible and the ancient Egyptians used oils to embalm the dead. These days, essential oils and aromatherapy treatments claiming to treat many ailments are widely available.


What is it?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, extracted from plant roots, flowers, leaves and stalks (even trees in some instances). Distillation is the most common method of extraction, whereby the plant is boiled or steamed until the oil vaporises. This was developed about a thousand years ago by the Persian physician Ali ibn-Sina (Avicenna) and brought to Europe by returning Crusaders in the Middle Ages.

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. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist was impressed by the healing powers of lavender oil when applied to a burn - his research rekindled medical interest in Aromatherapy and some French doctors now regularly prescribe essential oils.


How is it used?

A few drops of oil can be added to a vegetable carrier oil for a relaxing massage or placed in a vaporiser (a bowl of water warmed over a candle) to scent a room. Six or eight drops added to a warm bath may also encourage relaxation. Medicinal oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can be added to a bowl of steaming hot water for inhalation, or placed on a tissue or handkerchief to sniff when needed.

Molecules in the scents released by the oils are absorbed into the bloodstream either through the skin during massage or by inhalation through the nose and lungs. These pass to the olfactory centres in the brain where they are thought to act on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that influences mood and the hormonal system.

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 (through swallowing), but this requires specialist knowledge and training.


What's it used for?

Aromatherapists choose essential oils for their therapeutic effects in treating stress-related conditions such as insomnia and headaches, digestive disorders, colds and menstrual problems. It is also used to relieve stress, help relaxation and enhance well-being. These effects may be sedative, calming, stimulating, uplifting, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, analgesic or decongestant. Most oils will possess several properties. Here are some common examples:

Calming: chamomile, lavender, geranium, jasmine, bergamot, clary sage
Uplifting: ylang ylang, rosemary, rose, clary sage, neroli, lavender, jasmine, grapefruit
Stimulating: cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, pine, black pepper, eucalyptus
Antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal: tea tree, lavender
Decongestant: eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, pine

Studies on hospital patients in the UK show that massage with essential oils of neroli or lavender can relieve anxiety and according to researchers at the Cardiff Smell Lab, Cardiff University, smell activates the same part of the brain where epilepsy often starts. Dr Tim Betts, a neuropsychiatrist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, found that epileptic patients who conditioned themselves to associate the smell of certain essential oils (jasmine, ylang ylang, camomile, lavender) with relaxation could prevent the onset of a seizure simply by sniffing the oil.

However some oils such as of fennel, rosemary, camphor and hyssop increased the risk of seizure for some patients - if you're pregnant or suffering from epilepsy or high blood pressure, oils shouldn't be used. Avoid using them undiluted, by the eyes or near naked flames and never take them internally without medical supervision.


How much does it cost?

If buying essential oils for self-help, be prepared to pay for quality. Only pure, additive-free oils should be used. They should be in dark glass bottles to protect them from light and have internal droppers to allow accurate measurement.

Aromatherapy massage is usually based on Swedish massage techniques. Therapists' fees vary according to location and length of treatment, but range from £25-£35 for an hour.


Further information

If you'd like to know more about aromatherapy and its uses, the following organisations and publications may be helpful:

Aromatherapy Organisations Council
(Provides a list of member associations and training establishments)
PO Box 19834, London SE25 6WF
Tel 020 8251 7912

The two largest members of the above are:
International Society of Professional Aromatherapists
ISPA House, 82 Ashby Road, Hinckley, Leics LE10 1SN
Tel 01455 637 987

International Federation of Aromatherapists
182 Chiswick High Road, London W4 1PP
Tel 020 8742 2605/6
www.int-fed-aromatherapy.co.uk