Aromatherapy is a type of alternative and complementary medicine that involves the use of concentrated essential oils and other scented compounds from plants in order to influence a person’s mood or health. These volatile oils are taken from the flowers, leaves, branches, bark, rind or even roots of plants. They are then mixed with a carrier, which is usually soybean or almond oil or oils that have been diluted with water or alcohol. Essential oils are also called volatile oils because of its ability to evaporate easily. Those who practice aromatherapy believe that the scent of these oils directly stimulates the brain. They even say that these oils are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. This affects the entire body and promotes healing. These oils can be inhaled, sprayed in the air, or applied on the skin or as a compress. Aromatherapy oils should never be consumed. In was during the 1920s when the term aromatherapy was first used. It was René Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, who discovered the healing properties of lavender oil by accident. In the perfumery he was working at, he accidentally lit his arm on fire and used the nearest available liquid to soak it in. That liquid was lavender oil and he noticed that it relieved him of pain and that the burn healed rather quickly, with just some discomfort and no scarring. This was how aromatherapy was discovered. But it was not until 1937 in Europe, when Gattefossé published a book entitled Aromatherapie: Les Huiles essentielles, hormones végé tales, that aromatherapy was introduced as a medical discipline. There are three main branches of aromatherapy: Home aromatherapy, Clinical aromatherapy and Aromachology. Home aromatherapy includes self-treatment, as well as the perfume and cosmetic use of essential oils. Clinical aromatherapy is considered a part of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy. It should always be performed under the supervision of a qualified healthcare personnel. While Aromachology is about the psychology of odors and the effects it has on the mind. There are a lot of physical and psychological benefits that aromatherapy can offer, although it depends on the essential oil and its method of application. These essential oils stimulate the sense of smell and its scents have a significant impact on how you feel. It is said that odors enter though the fine hairs lining the nose and into the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that influences emotions, moods, memory and learning. Different odors can have different effects. In aromatherapy for instance, studies have shown that the lavender scent increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. While jasmine scent boosts the beta waves in the front of the head, which is associated with a more alert condition. In fact, it is believed that the volatility of an essential oil is linked to the particular effect of the oil. Normally, the oils that evaporate fast are said to be emotionally uplifting, while oils that evaporate slowly are believed to have a calming effect. The common essential oils used in aromatherapy are: · Lavender has a broad range of cosmetic and medicinal applications. It is usually used in the treatment of burns, insect bites, nausea, respiratory infections, depression, stress, migraine and even intestinal discomfort. · Roman chamomile has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This is beneficial in treating skin conditions, earache, menstrual pains and depression. · Peppermint can act as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial treatment for skin conditions, as well as colds and flu. This can also help relax the stomach muscles and gastrointestinal tract. · Rosemary can be applied in the treatment of muscular and rheumatic complaints. This can also be used to treat headaches, low blood pressure and gastrointestinal problems. · Tea tree can alleviate respiratory infections, sore throat, wounds, vaginal and bladder infections, as well as various skin conditions. This is good in fighting infection since it has bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and anti-inflammatory properties. · Clary sage is a natural astringent. This is typically used to deal with oily hair and skin. But it is also believed to be useful in improving mood, managing high blood pressure and regulating the menstrual cycle. Although clary sage should not be used by women who are pregnant. · Sweet orange is popular for its ability to uplift mood while reducing stress. This can also be used in treating stomach complaints. · Bitter orange or Neroli is helpful in curing insomnia, sore throat, and stress and anxiety-related conditions. · Ylang ylang can sometimes be used to treat hypertension but can also act as an aphrodisiac. · Myrtle is useful in easing the symptoms of bronchitis, whooping cough and more respiratory infections. There are different ways in administering aromatherapy. The most basic method is through direct or indirect inhalation of essential oils. This very simple technique involves putting several drops of an essential oil on a piece of tissue or handkerchief and then gently inhaling it. Another way is to put a small amount of essential oil into a bowl of hot water and use it as a steam treatment. This method is suggested only when aromatherapy is used in the treatment of respiratory and skin conditions. The essential oils can also be placed in a warm bath and this will achieve the same outcome as the steam aromatherapy. Another method of administering aromatherapy is through direct application. The essential oils should first be diluted in lotion or a carrier oil to prevent allergic skin reaction during application. Then it is normally applied by means of massage, as this would thoroughly control the essential oil treatment and also relax the body. Other aromatherapy essential oils can be administered through internal use by infusion or suppository form. This type of method should always be under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, and should never be self-administered. Whatever the method of application might be, the important thing is that you should be conscious of how and why aromatherapy can affect one’s mood and health. 

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