An Introduction to Aromatherapy
By Kamyar M. Hedayat, MD © 2007

What is Aromatherapy?

What comes to mind when you hear the term "aromatherapy"? Candles? Soaps? Potpourri to cover odors in the bathroom? Aromatherapy is a 5000 year old system of healing that uses the essence of plants for healing. These "essential oils" are the compounds in plants that are essential to their life and function. They help plants grow and process energy and nutrients, attract insects for pollination, protect them from predatory insects and mammals, etc.. Any part of the plant from the flowers to the roots, from the bark to the seeds may be used to derive essential oils depending on the plant.

Essential oils are volatile oils. In other words, they naturally vaporize into the air, like the steam that rises from a hot cup of tea or a freshly baked pie. That is why they have a scent, an aroma. The compounds in essential oils are very small - smaller than most drugs - and can easily pass through the skin and through the lungs into the blood stream.

Many of the diseases we suffer from have physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions. Essential oils have powerful healing effects on the body as well as the mind and spirit. For example, people often get tension headaches during stressful situations or develop the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome after a traumatic emotional event. States of grief, anger and depression dampen the body's natural ability to defend against infections. Essential oils affect our mood so they can dampen the symptoms associated with bodily disorders. Essential oils also work directly in the body at the cellular and sub-cellular level to support the body's natural maintenance and healing functions.

"Aroma" vs. "Therapy"

Most products on the market today labeled aromatherapy such as candles, soaps and bath salts, are 100% aroma and 0% therapy. They are scented with synthetic odors. Odors can have pleasant or relaxing effects to the mind, even when they are synthetic, because they tap into emotions and memory. However, they will not heal like natural odors do. The body and brain can detect a synthetic scent, even when you are not consciously aware of it, and reacts adversely to it. If you develop a higher level of awareness of your facial muscles, you will notice that your jaw and facial muscles tighten up when presented with a synthetic scent. Many people develop headaches or indigestion when even passing by a person wearing cologne or perfume.

Aromatherapy Schools of Thought

Even when using 100% natural pure essential oils, the concentration and method of use will determine how much aroma you receive and how much therapy. For example, the British school of Aromatherapy emphasizes low concentrations of pure essential oils (1-5%) applied topically for aesthetic and relaxation purposes. Most clinical studies using these concentrations of oils have shown little to no effect at all for more serious disorders, but the British method is helpful for muscle aches, skin disorders such as eczema, lice and hair loss from fungal infections (alopecia areata), aesthetic care and for a pleasant massage experience.

The German school of aromatherapy emphasizes inhalation of pure or diluted essential oils. This works in two ways. First, by inhaling the vapors of the volatile oils, they enter the lungs and go into the blood stream, much like gas anesthesia or asthma medicines work. Once in the body, these compounds can affect the functioning of the body in many different ways.

The second way that inhalation of essential oils work is by stimulating the deep part of the brain that influences emotions and memory - the limbic system. The limbic system is connected to the parts of the brain that control hormones, heart and breathing rate, blood pressure and thoughts. Inhalation works in both ways simultaneously because the volatile compounds pass through the nose, stimulating the smell nerves and then go down into the lungs. The German method is good for minor emotional issues, nausea and lung disorders.

The French school is the third major school of aromatherapy. The French school utilizes high doses of essential oils taken internally, often in capsules or mixed with food or as a tincture. The French method uses only pure essential oils and is conducted under medical supervision. The French method is effective for more serious medical conditions, such as infections, hormonal and liver disorders, as well as stomach ailments. It is also helpful for minor illnesses. The French method is usually conducted under the strict supervision of medical professionals trained in aromatherapy when undiluted essential oils are used. Please do not attempt the French method without proper supervision and training in essential oil safety and without access to high quality essential oils.

Aroma MD™ is a company dedicated to safe and clinically effective essential oil therapy. We use a combination of all three schools of thought. Our oils are designed to be safe enough for children to use on their skin, but strong enough for children and adults to use internally. Our products can be used in all three ways: rubbed on to the affected area, taken internally or inhaled. Our products are safe for internal consumption when used as directed because they are diluted essential oils and not in their concentrated form.

Topical Applications

Essential oil products may be safely used on the skin, rubbed on to affected areas. The following advice is for diluted essential oils. Please use caution with undiluted essential oils. Even diluted essential oils may be irritating for the elderly, infants and those with sensitive skin. As with all nutritional supplements, please use Aroma MD™ products as directed on the label.

Headache: A drop can be rubbed on the temples. 
Head Colds: A few drops rubbed under the nose, in the nose, under the lower jaw and on the throat. In this way, the essential oils will work locally on affected lymph nodes, for stuffy noses and sore throats. Also, the vapors will be inhaled and work on the throat and into the lungs
Chest Colds: Use enough drops to cover the chest, back and throat. The essential oils works locally and the vapors are, once again, inhaled for maximal effect.
Stomach Aches: Use enough drops to cover the belly. The essential oils works locally within minutes.
Cuts, Scrapes: Apply 1-2 drops to the affected area or apply to a bandage, then the essential oil infused bandage can be affixed to the skin.

With sensitive skin, aromatherapy products can be rubbed on the back or the feet. They will be absorbed into the blood stream and work and travel to the affected area.

Internal Use

Aroma MD™ products are diluted to a safe level for internal consumption when used as directed on the label. There are several ways that diluted essential oil products can be safely used internally: 

Back of hand: A few drops can be placed on the back of the hand and lapped up with the middle of the tongue. 
Spoon-1: Count the recommended number of drops onto a spoon, then swallow. You may wish to have a drink or some food on hand to remove the taste from the mouth if you do not find it pleasant tasting. 
Spoon-2: Add the recommended number of drops to a table or teaspoon, add some honey, then swallow. Honey is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children under 1 year of age due to possible ingestion of the deadly botulinum toxin. 
Mixed: Your Aroma MD™ product can be mixed in some strongly flavored food, such as pudding, custard, yogurt or apple sauce, or in a fatty drink, such as milk or kefir (the fat binds the essential oil mixture and keeps it from floating on the surface or sticking to the sides of the glass). Mix well and consume. 
Capsules: The least unpleasant but most labor-intensive way is to place the recommended number of drops of your Aroma MD™ product in a gelatin capsule, such as a "00" or larger, and swallow.

Do not swallow undiluted essential oils except under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist.

Inhalation

Sometimes it is inconvenient to rub or swallow Aroma MD™ products. When dealing with emotional issues and their physical signs (such as a fast heart or queasy stomach from nervousness), upset stomach, or head and chest colds Aroma MD™ products can be inhaled to good effect. Inhale for 5-10 minutes for best effect.

• Open bottle or bottle cap: When using undiluted essential oils, inhale from the cap. When using diluted products, inhale from the bottle. Do not allow premature infants, or infants under 6 months of age, or individuals with a weak constitution to inhale strongly scented undiluted essential oils such as eucalyptus (certain species) or peppermint.
• Cotton ball, gauze or napkin: Place a few drops on a cotton ball, gauze, or napkin and inhale. The cotton ball can be placed in a resealable snack-sized plastic bag and reused throughout the day without significant loss of effect.