Can smell really make you well? Allison Jacobs looks into the practice of aromatherapy
Can smell really make you well? Allison Jacobs looks into the practice of aromatherapy herbal medicine where oils are concentrated from the whole plant, essential oils used by aromatherapists are extracted from leaves, flowers, roots, peel, resin or bark. When a patient inhales an essential oil, their olfactory system is stimulated, which is the area of brain connected with smell. A signal is then sent to the limbic system which controls emotions and memories, triggering chemical release, all of which can have different effects depending on the oils used.
Scent-sational
But isn’t it just about smelling nice smells? While the fragrances of the oils are undeniably divine, and in some cases very pungent, it’s not just the scents that bring benefits. “Essential oils are composed of many different volatile chemical groups that are pharmacologically active in various ways,” says Penny Price, vice chair of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists. “Some are anti-microbial, others anti-inflammatory, and some are pain-relieving. The oils penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream and body tissues where they interact with the body to produce a variety of effects that benefit health and wellbeing.” Oils are usually diluted in carriers, which are mainly obtained from nuts or seeds like almond or grapeseeds. But do be careful to tell any therapist wishing to put massage oil on your skin know about any allergies you suffer from to avoid a reaction.
Scientific evidence?
There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence to say it works and the treatment may have a huge fan base, but there’s very little scientific backing to the practice. More studies are needed in the area because results so far have been inconclusive. Some evidence exists to show aromatherapy has a mild and short-lasting effect on relieving anxiety and depression, and that it may help to reduce the feeling of agitation in patients with dementia, but nothing else has been scientifically proven. That said, Penny believes that everyone would take something positive from it. “Almost every client would benefit from aromatherapy even if just from the stress-relieving element of the treatment given. However, aromatherapists would always take a full medical history to check if there were any contra-indications such as epilepsy, serious mental conditions or congenital disorders that would not benefit from the standard treatment regimes. “Mostly an aromatherapist would assess the client fully and then decide treatment plans that would suit the individual,” says Penny.
Mind and body
The beauty of aromatherapy is the wide range of conditions it can be used to treat. While people most commonly seek out treatment for complaints such as arthritis, aches and pains, coughs and colds and anxiety, the spectrum for potential therapy is much broader. “Clinical aromatherapists also address situations such as wound care, help during pregnancy and other physical complaints,” says Penny. “Skin conditions in particular respond very well, like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.”
Find a therapist
Currently, the title of aromatherapist isn’t protected which means that anyone can legally call themselves one, whether they are trained or not. A good idea is to look for a practitioner through one of the regulatory bodies therapists can join, such as on the Natural Healthcare Council website (cnhc.org.uk) and the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (ifparoma.org).
Try these
Beat these five common complaints with the following aromatherapy oils. Just mix with a carrier oil and massage your body, inhaling the scents, or add a couple of drops to your bath before you get in.
ASTHMA Try frankincense CO2, hyssop, inula and litseaCYSTITIS Try bergamot, atlas cedarwood, juniper and cypressHIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Try bergamot, roman chamomile, lavender and litseaINDIGESTION Cardamon, black pepper, ginger and peppermintPRE-MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS Try geranium, clary sage, rose and sweet fennel
Natural Health loves…
The Natural by Nature Oils uses only pure, natural and organic ingredients. Choose from rose, neroli and jasmine facial oils which are rejuvenating. They Cost from £12.99 at naturalbynature.co.uk
CASE STUDY
“It worked so well for my IBS I decided to train as an aromatherapist myself!”
Fiona Tutte is managing director of organic natural skincare brand Pure Lochside
“Stress-induced IBS was affecting my whole life and anti-spasmodics from my GP just made it worse. I also suffered nausea, sickness and panic attacks, as well as insomnia.
“I knew I had to take action myself as I didn’t want to go through life with severe abdominal pain and I was certain it was caused by the stress, so it was a vicious cycle. “I began looking into alternative methods of treatment and a friend mentioned aromatherapy to me.
“I just fancied a nice massage but I was blown away by the experience and how I felt. Consultations with holisticaromatherapists are quite in-depth so you really feel they want to help you get better.
“As well as receiving treatments, I began learning about aromatherapy myself and making up oils to massage into my abdomen each night. The best oils for IBS I found to be peppermint, fennel and black pepper in a blend of organic sunflower. For panic attacks, rose otto and frankincense are brilliant. The former is ideal to help relax the diaphragm, and makes you breathe deeper. Rose otto is sublime and just inhaling helps you feel good.
“For insomnia I use various blends usually with high altitude lavender, marjoram, chamomile and orange.
“Essential oils have the ability to affect our mood within seven seconds, so they’re great for helping to calm and uplift. It’s the perfect way to beat the winter blues. Citrus oils are ideal as they are so refreshing and remind us of sunshine and holidays! An aromatherapy bath in the morning works wonders for the mind and body on days when you just want to stay under the duvet. Burning the oils around the home lifts spirits but also helps to kill airborne bacteria. I cannot recommend it enough – it’s the perfect support throughout life.”
By Alison Jacobs
