Aromatherapy focuses on improvements to health, attitude and vitality through the application of essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds through a variety of methods.

Essential oils of aromatic plants are known to have healing properties, and are used through massage, inhalations, steam baths and other techniques to assist clients in achieving improved health, healing, and vitality.

Aromatherapy is a fairly generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that use essential oils and other plant compounds as a form of medical practice. They may be used in combination with other alternative medical practices and also spiritual beliefs. There are various methods to utilize aromatherapy, including topical applications (applied directly to the skin), massaging products, scented oils and candles and plant based medicine.

Unlike many other forms of alternative or complementary medicine, aromatherapy has an essentially Western focus, and medical treatment involving essential oils & aromatic compounds may exist outside the west, but may not always be included in the term ‘aromatherapy’.

History of Aromatherapy
Although there is evidence that 2000 years BC various writings in India mentioned ‘perfumers’ and ‘incense sellers’, evidence suggest the oils were used mainly for their aroma. Aromatherapy has it’s roots in antiquity with the use of aromatic oils, however, the modern day definition utilizing distilled plant volatiles (essential oils) is a twentieth century innovation. The word aromatherapy was first used in the 1920s by a French chemist “René-Maurice Gattefossé” who devoted his life to researching the medical properties of essential oils after he had an accident in his perfume laboratory.

In the accident, he set his arm on fire and in an effort to douse the flames; he thrust it into the nearest vat of liquid, which happened to be lavender oil (also known as Nox Ph232). He immediately noticed that although he had burned himself in the past, this time there was much less pain and he healed far quicker and with minimal scarring. Jean Valnet continued the work of Gattefossé. In World War II Valnet used essential oils to treat gangrene in wounded soldiers.

Modes Of Application
The modes of application of aromatherapy include:
- Topical applications for massage, baths, compresses, poultices and therapeutic skincare (many and lotions fall under this category)

- Perfumery for body fragrancing, anointments, and oral, rectal, vaginal interfaces for infection, congestion and parasites.

- Direct inhalation for treating respiratory infections, decongestion, expectoration and psychological benefits

- Aerial diffusion for environmental fragrancing (such as candles, incense, and oil burners) or aerial disinfection

Some Essential Oils & Plant Compounds & Their Popular Uses
Basil is used in aromatherapy, for sharpening concentration, for its uplifting effect on depression and to relieve headaches and migraines. Basil oil has many chemotypes, and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Bergamot is a very good insect repellent and may be helpful for both the digestive and urinary tract. It is useful for skin conditions linked to stress, especially when combined with eucalyptus oil. Earl Grey tea has Bergamot as one of it’s flavoring agents.

Black pepper has a sharp and spicy aroma. Common uses include stimulating the circulation and for muscular aches and pains. Skin application is useful for bruises, since it stimulates the circulation.

Citronella oil which is related to lemongrass, is used as an insect repellent and also in perfumery.

Clove oil is a topical pain reliever or analgesic and is especially useful in dentistry, often prescribed as a method to help reduce tooth & gum pain. It is also used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative and antiemetic.

Eucalyptus oil is often used in combination with peppermint to provide relief for the airways in case of colds or flu (i.e. Vick Vaporub).

Geranium oil is used as an astringent, antiseptic and diuretic.

Jasmine is used as an aphrodisiac.

Lavender oil is used as an antiseptic, to soothe minor cuts and burns, to calm and relax, and to soothe headaches and migraines. It is also used to aid restful sleep, but can have the opposite effect if used too frequently!

Lemon oil is uplifting and used to counter stress and depression. In a Japanese study, lemon essential oil in vapor form, has been found to reduce stress in mice. In addition, researchers at Ohio State University found that lemon oil can enhance ones mood and help with relaxation.

Rose oil is used as an aphrodisiac.

Sandalwood oil is used as an aphrodisiac.

Tea tree oil and many other essential oils have external antimicrobial (for example antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic) activity and are used both as antiseptics, disinfectants and mouth rinses / washes.

Yarrow oil is used to reduce joint inflammation and relive cold and flu symptoms.

Ylang-ylang oil is used as an aphrodisiac.