Can Aromatherapy Enhance our Lives?

Though its term has only been used for about 100 years, the use of plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being date back to Old Testament times. The Chinese burned it as incense. The Egyptians  distilled it and applied it during the embalming process. The Greeks realized the medicinal benefits and touted its anti-inflammatory properties and healing abilities.

When the Black Death hit in the 14^th century, killing multitudes, herbal preparations are credited with the treatment, to the point that those who worked most closely with it avoided the plague altogether.

During the 16^th century, oils could be purchased at “apothecaries.” More essential oils were introduced.

Not until the 20^th century did scientists begin separating major constituents and creating synthetic chemicals and drugs. Though these discoveries helped lead to “modern medicine” and synthetic fragrances, it actually weakened the use of essential oils for medicinal and aromatic benefit. 

A French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, is credited with coining the term “aromatherapy” in 1928. Though he realized the aromatic benefits, he became convinced of essential oil’s medicinal advantages when he incurred a severe burn to his arm. He plunged it into the closest liquid at hand, a large container of lavender essential oil. When the burn healed quickly and left no scar, he began to move away from the idea of breaking oils down and, rather, using them in them natural form.

Jean Valnet is most remembered for his work using essential oils to treat injured soldiers during the war and for his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy.

Austrian Madam Marguerite Maury was a biochemist who avidly studied, practiced and taught the cosmetic benefits of aromatherapy.

English aromatherapist Robert B. Tisserand brought his knowledge and education to English speaking nations. He has written books and articles including the highly respected 1977 publication The Art of Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy has experienced resurgence as of late. Our heightened awareness of the use and side effects of synthetics coupled with the increased availability of aromatherapy information has refueled the use of essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, fragrant and spiritual use.

Of course there are critics, my son among them, who teases me that I am evoking “voodoo magic” anytime I gush over the benefits of aromatherapy. But it does make me feel better knowing I am using plant oils in pure form. It does promote my sense of well-being.  I do not get headaches when I draw the scents in deeply like I would if I were taking a big whiff of a synthetic perfume. I love being free from synthetic medications, or at least having other, more natural, options available to try and exhaust before having to go to a pill. 

There are case studies going on all over the country, evaluating whether we can document the benefits of applying aromatherapy principles among our elders suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  Imagine being able to wean sufferers completely off psychotropic medications, allowing them to rejoin the world we all live in and find contentment in every day, free from the fears, the hallucinations, and the paranoia these synthetic drugs carry as side effects.

This week, I will share my limited knowledge of the vast topic of aromatherapy with you. I will share recipes on how essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. I encourage you to try them and let me know about your experience.

Enjoy your week. Enjoy this blog.