Aromatherapy

Author

Asst. Prof. Cağla TOPRAK

Lecturer – Istanbul Atlas University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing

"Aromatherapy provides vigor and renewal of the body."

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy consists of the words "aroma" meaning smell and "therapy" meaning treatment. According to the National Holistic Aromatherapy Association, aromatherapy is a holistic practice that brings the body in a state of balance with the use of oils obtained from plant materials. Aromatherapy is applied to heal the mind, body, and spirit. According to the International Federation of Aromatherapists, aromatherapy provides vigor and renewal of the body and makes the individuals feel healthy and peaceful. Essential oils used in aromatherapy can be obtained from several plant parts such as flowers, roots, leaves, and fruits. These oils, in general, are divided based on their chemical nature into two groups: fixed (carrier) and volatile (essential). The odorless or slightly odorous fixed oils are extracted from the seeds, whereas strongly odorous essential oils are made from the flowers, branches, roots, and stem. While performing aromatherapy, due to their fragrant essence, essential oils are preferred, fixed oils are used for dilution though.

Aromatherapy has been used and applied since ancient times. It dates back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, the Far East, China and Renaissance Europe. According to the information obtained from very old sources, the use of plants and oils was included in the mummification process. Ancient Romans made use of the pleasant odours of plants and oils and used them in their living spaces. In Greek Medicine, Hippocrates mentioned nearly 400 herbal medicines in his works. In Ottoman culture, rose oil and rose water obtained from fragrant plants, especially from rose plants, were used. After the 16th century, with the introduction of fragrant plants to Europe, studies on plants began to be carried out, and Dr Paracelsus used the term essential oil for the first time and revealed the connection between the components of plants. In modern aromatherapy applications, French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé was the first person to use the term aromatherapy. In 1910, he used lavender oil on the wound caused by an accident while working in his laboratory, was impressed to see that the wound healed quickly without a scar, devoted his life to researching herbal oils and wrote his first book on modern aromatherapy in 1937. It has been determined that essential oils are absorbed between 30 minutes and 12 hours on average after application to the body and are completely eliminated from the body after 48 hours. Influenced by Gattefosse's work, the military doctor Jean Walnet used essential oils to treat wounds with antiseptic effect during World War II.

Aromatherapy use and applications

Aromatherapy is applied with various methods to regain physical and psychological balances in the body and maintain body health and vitality. Aromatherapy applications can generally be done in four different ways:

Topical application: Aromatherapy is topically performed with massage, hot/cold compress, bath, cream, lotion, or ointment.

Massage: In massage, the essential oils are well absorbed by the skin through the rubbing action, and their odors are released. Essential oils are not applied in pure form but together with fixed oils. In the application of essential oils through massage, relaxation or energization is created in the body, the nervous system is soothed, and blood and lymphatic circulation are revitalized.

Compress: Compress application is effective in relieving pain and inflammation. It can be applied either cold or hot. Hot compresses are used for muscle aches, arthritis, rheumatism, toothache, earache, and abscess, whereas cold compresses are preferred for headaches, sprains, and swelling.

Baths: Aromatic bath therapy, called "Balneotherapy" or "Phyto Balneotherapy", is used to improve the mental status, in cases of insomnia and stress, rheumatic disorders, upper respiratory tract infections such as colds and skin diseases. It is a multi-purpose method that is easy to apply at home. Prepare the bath by adding 20 drops of one of the recommended essential oils into a bathtub full of hot water. A mixture of no more than 2 essential oils is used. Essential oils are insoluble in water but form a thin film on the surface. The heat of the water evaporates them and helps their absorption through the skin. Bath time should not exceed 10 minutes.

Topical applications: Preparations of essential oils in the form of cream, lotion, shampoo, and gel are frequently preferred as they are easy to apply in cases such as wounds, cuts, bruises, redness, and itching.

Application by inhalation: Essential oils can be inhaled , direct or indirect, through sniffing, vaporizers/diffusers, mist, and other application materials.

Mist: Essential oil added to boiling water is carried away by water vapor, and the blocked respiratory tract is opened by inhaling the steam while breathing.

Pillow and pouch: Essential oil preparations prepared in appropriate proportions can be dropped on the children's pillows and dresses especially around the area of chest and neck, and the evaporated essential oils are inhaled throughout the night.

Vaporizers/Diffusers: These are ceramic teapots used in inhalation applications, mostly carrying essential oils, heated with a small candle, or diffusers used with electricity. It emits an aromatic scent, provides spiritual and mental relaxation to the person, and also disinfects the environment.

Oral: Essential oils appropriate for oral usage are infused in gelatin capsules or a solvent such as alcohol and honey can be administered orally.

Internally: Apply with mouthwash. Mouthwashes containing antiseptic essential oils are frequently used for mouth ulcers, gum diseases, throat infections, and bad breath. Not suitable for children.

Effect mechanism of aromatherapy

Many substances contained in essential oils affect the person psychologically and physically. These components, which participate in the nervous system and blood circulation, provide important effects on the whole body system. When applied at the right time and with the right application method, aromatherapy is a highly effective supportive method. It has strong effects in relieving pain, relaxing the brain and body, regulating the systems, and provides healing by providing a balanced process. The use of essential oils in the body supports organs and systems, regulates body chemistry, emotional and mental states.

Recommendations and warnings regarding aromatherapy applications

Essential oils with proven effects should be applied to the appropriate person and for the appropriate purpose. Essential oils are generally considered safe to use with minimal side effects. It is necessary to apply scientifically analyzed and proven oils with appropriate techniques. It should not be applied directly to the skin without diluting with a fixed oil, as it may cause dermatitis or irritation on the skin. Skin sensitivity may occur if applied to the skin in pure form and above the recommended dose. It should not be in contact with the eyes and mucosa. Since essential oils obtained from citrus species are sensitive to light, they should not be exposed to sunlight or UV rays after being applied to the skin. Essential oils must be naturally obtained, reliable brands should be chosen. Essential oils are not medicines, but they have a specific dosage to apply. It should be applied by professionals trained in the subject. Essential oils should be stored tightly closed, away from children. Oxidized essential oil should not be used anymore. Since there is not enough data available, their usage is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. An expert physician's opinion should be sought before using on infants and children, especially in the case of allergy or a chronic disease such as epilepsy or hypertension, if other medications are prophylactically involved in the daily routine, if they receive psychiatric treatment, and if homeopathic treatments are applied.

Storage conditions of essential oils

Essential oils should be stored in dark opaque bottles as they have a high tendency to oxidize and chemically change. When oxidation happens, the color of the oil turns to brown. Additionally, the temperature in which essential oils are stored is important. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-6 months. Special considerations regarding essential oils obtained from citrus species is that they should be consumed within 3 months. Others can be utilized for up to 6 months. There are studies in the literature reporting that the proportion of essential oil components in essential oils decreases as they wait (especially essential oils that have been opened for use).

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