Sometimes known as essential oil therapy, aromatherapy is a holistic practice in which natural plant extracts are used to promote health and well-being.
It is uncertain just when the practice began, but it is thought to have its roots in China. The Egyptians developed what was perhaps one of the first distillation machines to extract oils from plants, such as cedarwood, clove, and cinnamon, which were used to embalm the dead. The Greeks also had a role in the early use of aromatherapy, and Hippocrates practiced aromatherapy for healing purposes. However, the term originated with the French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, in 1937, who used lavender oil to cure a burn. French physicians used essential oils to assist in the healing of wounds during World War II.
Aromatherapy is a method of using essential oils to improve the quality of life. The idea is that when the fragrance of the essential oil reaches the nose, microscopic particles of the oil are inhaled. These tiny droplets contain chemical components that are believed to relieve the symptoms of the common cold, ease tension, and have other therapeutic effects.
When blended and applied topically, these oils can provide relief from pain, assist in the healing of wounds, or discourage bugs from biting, depending on the oil and the blend.
Aromatherapy is used to provide natural, non-pharmaceutical relief for a variety of symptoms. For example, peppermint oil is used to relieve indigestion, ease cold symptoms, and provide relief from headaches. Rosemary can be used for a quick energy boost.
Essential oils from lavender are particularly versatile. It can be used to freshen a room, applied topically in the treatment of minor injuries and irritations, or used to discourage fleas.
Most aromatherapy recipes call for only a few drops of essential oil, and often less. Although essential oils are natural, they are highly concentrated, and, in some cases, the use of too large of an amount could be dangerous.
Essential oils that are commonly used at home include those derived from clove, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree. Others include clary sage, frankincense, grapefruit, patchouli, Roman chamomile, and thyme.
Essential oils are not as heavily regulated as prescription or over-the-counter medications. For this reason, products might contain terminology that doesn't necessarily mean what it might seem to mean.
For example, essential oils will often include an aromatherapy grade or a therapeutic grade. However, as there is no official grading system or oversight of the production of essential oils, manufacturers set their own standards. Similarly, there is no official certification process for essential oils, so indications that a particular brand is certified may have no comparative value in judging one manufacturer's product from another.
In most cases, an indication that a particular brand of essential oil is 100% pure would be accurate. It is reasonable for a customer to know that they are purchasing unadulterated essential oils, a false indication of this would be fraudulent.
Oils labeled as identical oil, perfume oil, or fragrance oil are not essential oils. These are likely to be a combination of essential oils, carrier oils, and chemicals, and are intended for making candles or other craft purposes, and are not suitable for aromatherapy.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy defines aromatherapy as "the therapeutic application or the medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing." In 1997, the International Standards Organization defined an essential oil as a "product obtained from vegetable raw material, either by distillation with water or steam, or from the epicarp of citrus fruits by a mechanical process, or by dry distillation."
Aromatherapy practitioners believe that a range of essential oils have various degrees of antimicrobial activity, as well as antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, insecticidal, and nematicidal properties. Applications may include inhalation, topical applications, or massage.
However, essential oils can be hazardous if used incorrectly. Generally, the ingestion of essential oils is not recommended and may result in damage to the liver or kidneys.
Recommended Resources
Alliance of International Aromatherapists
Founded in 2006, the AIA is a professional organization representing aromatherapists. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helps its members to build their practices, expands the body of aromatherapy research, and serves as a resource for its membership, the media, and the general public. In 2009, the AIA launched its School Recognition Program to establish educational standards for Advanced Practitioner Aromatherapists, and it also publishes the AIA Journal. Membership policies are provided.
https://alliance-aromatherapists.org/
Aroma Shoppe & Institute of Aromatherapy
The Aroma Shoppe and its Institute of Aromatherapy was founded in Montreal, Canada in 1986, and is currently located in The Netherlands. The Institute offers education, training, and accredited courses in aromatherapy, holistic skincare, and cosmetic making, while the Aroma Shoppe provides essential ingredients for creating aromatherapy products and natural cosmetics. For do-it-yourself enthusiasts, the Aroma Shoppe offers books, equipment, and packaging supplies.
https://aromashoppe.com/
Aromatherapy Registration Council
Established by the Steering Committee for Education Standards in Aromatherapy in the United States in 1999, the ARC is independent of any membership body, organization, or educational facility, and registered as a non-profit entity. The Council sponsors a voluntary examination to test the core body of knowledge in aromatherapy, creating self-regulation through a voluntary. exam and registration to promote the interests of the practitioner. A database of registered aromatherapists is included.
https://aromatherapycouncil.org/
Operated by Wendy Robbins, and online since 1997, AromaWeb publishes content and coverage of essential oil usage and the field of aromatherapy, including articles and guides on the practice of aromatherapy, including introductory information, aromatherapy safety, historical information, aromatherapy applications, ingredients, and consumer information. Recipes, book reviews, directories, and links to outside resources are included, along with advertising opportunities.
https://www.aromaweb.com/
British Association of Flower Essence Producers, The
Originating as a representative for essence producers in the United Kingdom, BAFEP now supports essence producers in all five continents, including information on the standards of production, labeling, and advertising according to the guidelines laid down in UK law. The trade association welcomes non-UK/EU members who meet the conditions on essence production and labeling within their country, as well as UK/EU requirements if imported into the United Kingdom or European Union.
https://www.bafep.co.uk/
British Flower and Vibrational Essences Association, The
Established in 1998, BFVEA supports and serves the interests of flower and vibrational essence therapy practitioners, and provides information for the public. BFVEA was instrumental in forming the independent organization known as the British Association of Flower Essence Producers. BFVEA's history, committees, membership categories, and application procedures are set forth, along with information about flower essence training and other events.
http://www.bfvea.com/
Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists
CFA is an accrediting aromatherapy association. Established in 1993, the organization is a volunteer-based, non-profit, national association with a federal charter. CFA professional members must complete ongoing educational programs and be active in aromatherapy work, with continuing education units applies to a variety of courses, workshops, retreats, and lectures. Student memberships are also available. Webinars and events are posted.
https://www.cfacanada.com/
Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education
CARE is a nonsecular educational organization that assembles research and information on the healing properties and therapeutic applications of essential oils, much of which is accomplished through the sponsorship of seminars, hands-on workshops, and the publication of various books and videos. Its focus is to teach the Raindrop Technique and associated skills, including the basic principles of aromatherapy, hands-on practice, and other healing skills. Membership information is provided.
https://raindroptraining.com/
In business since 1997, the company offers flower essences and essential oil sprays for aromatherapy. Under new ownership since 2021, the company produces and distributes its own Fleur Flower Essence Aromatherapy Sprays, body oils, perfume oils, and ritual essences used by health and wellness practitioners, caregivers, mothers, hospice organizations, spas, and wellness centers throughout the United States and Japan. Its research and products are highlighted.
https://floweressencearomatherapy.com/
The FES is an international membership organization of health practitioners, researchers, students, and others interested in flower essence therapy. Founded in 1979, the organization became part of the non-profit Earth-Spirit organization in 1982. FES promotes plant research, conducts training and certification programs for flower essence practitioners, provides a referral network for others in the field, and publishes the FES International Research E-Journal.
https://www.flowersociety.org/
Healing Fragrances School of Aromatherapy
Offering online classes recognized by the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists since 2002, the school's courses include a clinical aromatherapy certification course, a practitioner's guide to aromatherapy, guided imagery with essential oils, fatty acids in carrier oils, an aromatherapy beauty guide, and a natural emulsion formulation class via webinars, each of which is described with prices. Also included is an online store, a gallery of photographs, and contacts.
https://healingfragrances.net/
Founded in 1999, the business produces its own line of Mediterranean essences consisting of flower, mineral, environmental, and temple essences. Its products include organic mushroom extracts, flower essences, space-clearing mists and oils, skin care products, practitioner supplies, books, CDs, DVDs, downloads, and novelty items. The website also lists aromatherapy workshops, training courses, and seminars. Manufacturers are featured, and an informational blog is included.
https://healthlines.co.uk/
Himalayan Flower Enhancers are a vibrational remedy produced through a delicate process of attunement, ceremony, silence, and intent, in which natural sunlight imprints the fresh flower's vibration into water or alcohol, which is used instead of water as a preservative. The result is a healing essence, which can be used like any other traditional flower essence. Products may be purchased online, although a list of distributors is included. Workshop schedules are also posted.
https://himalaya.com.au/
Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy, The
Formed in 1998, the IIA offers a comprehensive course certification program for healthcare professionals and non-professionals alike in clinical aromatherapy, eligible for continuing nursing educational hours offered through the American Holistic Nurses Association. Course descriptions, professional development programs, career opportunities, and testimonials are offered, along with an introduction to the instructor, a telephone number, and an email address.
https://aroma-rn.com/
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy
The NAHA is a 501(c)3 member-based non-profit association focused on the holistic integration and education of aromatherapy into the wider range of complementary healthcare practices, including self-care and home pharmacy. The organization offers scientific, empirical, and current information on aromatherapy and essential oils to the public, practitioners, businesses, product designers, educators, healthcare professionals, and the media. Membership information and events are included.
https://naha.org/
With more than a century's experience in the manufacture of essential oils, the company was formed as Lala Pragdutt Deen Dayal Perfumers in 1920. Its history, manufacturing range, and the industries it serves, and its memberships, shipping partners, and accreditations are noted, and its products can be found sorted into product categories, with each product pictured, described, and prices included. Locations for its corporate office and manufacturing plant are given, and contacts are provided.
https://venkatramna-perfumers.com/
