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Brief
History of Aromatherapy
Anthropologists
speculate that primitive perfumery began with the burning of gums
and resins for incense, and smudging with aromatic plant material.
From the history of the Egyptian culture, we have learned how the
resins, balms, and fragrant oils were used by the priests, who were
also the doctors, for magical and religious ceremonies, for embalming,
and as an offering to their gods.
Many
ancient cultures recognized the physical and psychological benefits
of scented ointments and oils. Hippocrates, known as the father
of modern medicine, maintained 2,500 years ago that “the key
to good health rests on having a daily aromatic bath and scented
massage’. Some of the plant materials Discorides wrote about
in his Materia Medica 100 AD include many of the herbs and essential
oils we use today including cardamon, cinnamon, myrrh, basil, fennel,
frankincense, juniper, pine, rose, rosemary, and thyme. Scented
ointments and oils were recognized as having great benefit on both
the physical and psychological level. Bay laurel was used to produce
a trance-like state; rose, myrtle and coriander were respected for
their aphrodisiac properties, while myrrh and marjoram were used
as sedatives.
It
is well known that aromatic oils were used in China and India during
the same period as ancient Egypt. One of the principle aspects of
ayurvedic medicine is massage with aromatic oils. Jasmine was used
as a general tonic for the entire body. Rose was employed as an
antidepressant and used to strengthen the liver. Chamomile was given
for headaches, dizziness and colds. Many of the properties ascribed
to herbs and aromatic oils by the ancients are regarded as valid
today.
Distillation
of essential oils is credited to the Persians in the 10th century,
although there is evidence of distillation long before that by other
ancient cultures. By the 16th century printed books were readily
available and gave rise to a new era of progress and the spread
of knowledge. A German physician, Hieronymus Braunschweig, wrote
several books on essential oil distillation which went through hundreds
of editions in every European language In 1597 he referenced 25
essential oils included rosemary, lavender, clove, cinnamon, myrrh,
and nutmeg. Many books about distillation of essential oils were
written in the 16th century, especially in Germany, which seemed
to be the center of European aromatherapy renaissance.
The
role of micro-organisms in disease was recognized in the 1880’s
and by 1887 French physicians first recorded laboratory tests on
the anti-bacterial properties of essential oils. These early tests
resulted from the observation that there was a low incidence of
tuberculosis in the flower growing districts in southern France.
In 1888 a similar paper was published showing the micro-organisms
of glandular and yellow fever were easily killed by active properties
of oregano, Chinese cinnamon, angelica and geranium.
By
the nineteenth century the role of the medical doctor was well established
and in spite of regular use of essential oils, the medical professional
became firmly fixed on isolating the active principles of natural
substances and producing chemical drugs based on the identified
“active ingredient” of the natural substance. However,
it could be noted that, the French and German medical profession
maintained a close connection with the healing properties of botanicals
and did not experience the schism with botanical medicine as we
have experienced in the United States over the last two hundred
years.
In
1910, Rene Gattefosse discovered the healing properties of lavender
after severely burning his hands in a laboratory explosion. He later
used the wound healing and antiseptic properties of essential oils
in the care of soldiers in military hospitals during WWI. Gattefosse
coined the term “aromatherapy” with the 1937 publication
of his book, of the same name. Gattefosse’s book has since
been translated into English as Gattefosse’s Aromatherapy
(1993). Dr. Jean Valnet, a French army surgeon used essential oils
in the treatment of war wounds during the French Indochina War and
wrote the book, Practice of Aromatherapy, which was translated into
the English in 1964.
Marguerite Maury, a French biochemist and nurse, lectured and gave
seminars in the early 30ies throughout Europe on the rejuvenating
properties of essential oils and resulting overall sense of well
being they provided.
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Aromatherapy
Basics
Aromatherapy refers to the inhalation and topical application of
true, authentic essential oils from aromatic plants to restore or
enhance health, beauty and well-being.
The
field of aromatherapy activity is quite wide, ranging from the deep
and penetrating therapeutic actions of essential oils to the extreme
subtlety of fragrance on the psyche. One of the uses of aromatherapy
is to strengthen the self-healing processes by preventative methods
and indirect stimulation of the immune system
Major
points to keep in mind when working with essential oils:
Use only genuine 100% essential oils (avoid synthetic fragrance
oils)
Be aware of individual sensitivity/allergy
Use diluted in a carrier, such as lotion, vegetable oil
Photo-sensitive essential oils: bergamot, lemon, lime, bitter orange,
angelica root
In the case of skin irritation, apply vegetable oil to wick essential
oils from the skin.
Keep out of reach of children; Store away from heat and light
Can stain clothing and damage the finish on furniture
Effects
of essential oils by inhalation
The
inhalation of aromatic molecules affect us on a variety of levels
- physical, emotional and spiritual. When inhaled, aromatic molecules
enter the nasal passages where they stimulate olfactory receptor
sites and trigger nerve messages to the limbic center brain. The
limbic area of the brain, also called the old brain, or rhinocephalon,
it is thought to have evolved more than 70 million years ago and
predates the neocortex. It represents a complex area with 34 structures
and 53 pathways that in turn stimulates physiological responses
within the body via the nervous, endocrine or immune systems, affecting
sensations of pleasure, pain centers of the brain, emotions, memory,
sleep, appetite and sex.
There
are many ways to use essential oils for inhalation including electric
micro-mist diffusers, heat generated diffusion (candle diffuser,
light bulb ring, Aromaball), spritzing, steaming and the favorite
aromatic bath, which is also wonderful for the skin.
The
effects of stress in daily life, often seen as depression, anxiety
and irritability, is an area of care in which aromatherapy enjoys
a great deal of success, especially in combination with massage.
Topical
Applications
When
used topically (on the skin), in a suitable dilution, essential
oils have a myriad applications for health, beauty and well being.
Besides being used in massage and for skin care, they are easily
applied as first aid remedies. The anti-inflammatory properties
of Helichrysum and German Chamomile make them useful for pain due
to local inflammation. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties
of Tea Tree, Eucalyptus globulus and Cajeput are helpful for flu
and sinusitis prevention and general strengthening of the immune
system. Essential oils can be added to many personal care products
and integrated into home maintenance chores to enhance the overall
environment.
Dilution
Guidelines
Dilution
Guideline:
0.5
% = 3 drops per ounce (sensitive skin, emotional and spiritual purposes)
1% = 6 drops per ounce (recommended for children, expectant mothers,
skin care)
2% = 12 drops per ounce (massage, body lotion)
3% = 18 drops per ounce (massage, body lotion)
10% = 3 ml (sixty drops) (pain, infection, usually on small body
area)
Methods
of Use:
Bath
- sitz, hand, foot, full bath. Use 6-8 drops total per adult, always
using a carrier to disperse into the water. Avoid irritating oils
such as peppermint, spice, & citrus oils. Bath is useful for
respiratory, stress and insomnia complaints. Water and heat increases
absorption.
Inhalation
– personal and environmental fragrancing, steam inhalation,
diffuser, aroma lamp, room sprays, tissue, humidifier, potpourri
pots, candles, jewelry
Massage
- localized or whole body. 2-3% dilution in a vegetable, nut or
seed oil as a carrier, or unscented natural lotion. 4% dilution
(24 drops/oz.) can be used for local areas needing stronger concentration.
Facial
steam - 1-3 drops in a bowl of hot water. Use skin friendly essential
oils (lavender, geranium, R. chamomile) according to skin type,
keep eyes closed.
Compresses
- hot, cold & alternating; local treatments for headaches, menstrual
pain, muscle pain. Whole body wraps for encouraging general detoxification,
relaxation and stress maintenance.
Clay
masks - for face and whole body clay packs
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