Aromatherapy: How real is it?

Originally Published On Dermascope Magazine

Many skin care professionals have read about aromatherapy. Some of them have experienced it. Chances are that many people know what aromatherapy is because of its undoubted popularity.

Yet, the question continues to arise: Does it work? There are still doubts of its effectiveness among the western medical population, stating that research must continue and insisting that there is no substantial evidence of its claims. Meanwhile, herbalists and professionals, under the umbrella of natural medicine and alternative health practices, continue to embrace this modality and demonstrate its value.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

It is important to first fully understand what aromatherapy is and how it works before one can review the various scientific studies found about this popular modality. Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic oils on the body, predominantly by inhalation or massage. These oils, essential oils, are extracted from plants. Dr. Jane Buckle, a critical care nurse trained in clinical aromatherapy and well known as an educator in the subject, indicates that essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for over 5,000 years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used plant oils in cosmetic, perfume, and drug preparations. The Egyptians applied them after bathing and for embalming mummies. The Ancient Chinese compiled a compilation of evidence and recipes, using plants, herbs, and different types of wood. In India, aromatic massage was a key treatment under Ayurvedic medicine. A Persian philosopher and scientist named Avicenna was the first to extract these oils from plants through distillation. By the 19th Century, René Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, originated aromatherapy as we know it today, including the name itself. He published his studies on the subject after seeing his burnt hand, due to a laboratory accident, heal with lavender oil.

Read the full article here.

#aromatherapy #essentialoils