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Aromatherapy
A diffuser and a bottle of essential oil
Alternative therapy
MeSHD019341
This article is part of a series on
Alternative medicine
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Traditional medicine
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Aromatherapy is based on the usage of aromatic materials, including essential oils, and other aroma compounds, with claims for improving psychological or physical well-being.[1] It is offered as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative medicine. Complementary medicine is known as techniques used to help the patients alongside standard treatments.[2] Alternative medicine is when home remedies are used instead of conventional, evidence-based treatments.[3]

History[edit]

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The use of essential oils for therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic and ritualistic purposes goes back to ancient civilizations including the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans who used them in cosmetics, perfumes and drugs.[4] Oils were used for aesthetic pleasure and in the beauty industry. They were a luxury item and a means of payment. It was believed the essential oils increased the shelf life of wine and improved the taste of food.

Oils are described by Dioscorides, along with beliefs of the time regarding their healing properties, in his De Materia Medica, written in the first century.[5] Distilled essential oils have been employed as medicines since the eleventh century,[6] when Avicenna isolated essential oils using steam distillation.[7]

In the era of modern medicine, the naming of this treatment first appeared in print in 1937 in a French book on the subject: Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales by René-Maurice Gattefossé [fr], a chemist. An English version was published in 1993.[8] In 1910, Gattefossé burned a hand very badly and later claimed he treated it effectively with lavender oil.[9]

A French surgeon, Jean Valnet [fr], pioneered the medicinal uses of essential oils, which he used as antiseptics in the treatment of wounded soldiers during World War II.[10]

Aromatherapists[edit]

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Aromatherapists, people who specialize in the practice of aromatherapy, utilize blends of supposedly therapeutic essential oils that can be used as topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion.

Currently, there are no regulations set for professional work with aromatherapy. In other words, Anybody can claim to be an Aromatherapist. However, there are two associations that educate and train individuals. The two associations are The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy and The Aromatherapy Registration Council which serves as credibility for aromathrapists.

Science behind Aromatherapy[edit]

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Essential oils are made up of highly concentrated organic oils that are extracted from plants. The most common methods of extraction include; steam distillation, hydrofusion, and pressure. These volatile organic compounds are able to produce a pharmacological effect on the body. Once these compounds are inhaled, signals travel through the olfactory nerve which is directly connected to the temporal lobe. This is considered to be the emotional part of the brain because it contains the hippocampus and amygdala.


Testing and Regulation[edit]

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Aromatherapy products, and essential oils, in particular, are regulated differently depending on their intended use.[11] A product that is marketed with therapeutic or medical use is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). On the other hand, products that are marketed with a cosmetic use are not regulated by the FDA (unless information shows that “it is unsafe when consumers use it according to directions on the label, or in the customary or expected way, or if it is not labeled properly.”)[12] The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates any aromatherapy advertising claims.[12]

It is important to note that there are no standards for determining the quality of essential oils in the United States; while the term “therapeutic grade” is in use, it does not have an official regulatory meaning.[13][14]

Analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry has been used to identify bioactive compounds in essential oils.[15] These techniques are able to measure the levels of components to a few parts per billion.[16] This does not make it possible to determine whether each component is natural or whether a poor oil has been "improved" by the addition of synthetic aromachemicals, but the latter is often signaled by the minor impurities present. For example, linalool made in plants will be accompanied by a small amount of hydro-linalool, whilst synthetic linalool has traces of dihydro-linalool.[17] In other words, these tests measure for safety but not efficacy of use.

Effectiveness[edit]

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There is no good medical evidence that aromatherapy can either prevent, treat, or cure any disease.[18][19]Placebo-controlled trials are difficult to design, as the point of aromatherapy is the smell of the products. However, there is disputed evidence that it may be effective in combating postoperative nausea and vomiting.[20][21]

As a form of complementary medicine for cancer patients, aromatherapy tests showed mixed results in lowering anxiety and depression symptoms.[22] In 2015, the Australian Government's Department of Health published the results of a review of alternative therapies that sought to determine if any were suitable for being covered by health insurance; aromatherapy was one of 17 therapies evaluated for which no clear evidence of effectiveness was found.[23]

Evidence for the efficacy of aromatherapy in treating medical conditions is poor, with a particular lack of studies employing rigorous methodology.[24][25] A number of systematic reviews have studied the clinical effectiveness of aromatherapy in respect to pain management in labor,[26] the treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting,[21] managing challenging behaviors in people who have dementia,[27] managing challenging behaviors in people who have dementia, and symptom relief in cancer.[28] However, some studies have come to the conclusion that while it does improve the patient's mood, there is no conclusive evidence on how it works with pain management.[29] Studies have been inconclusive because no straightforward evidence exists. All of these reviews report a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of aromatherapy. [22]

It is possible that the effectiveness of aromatherapy has to do with a persons prior experiences with the aroma.

Safety concerns[edit]

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Further information: Alternative medicine § Criticism, legitimacy and effects

Even though aromatherapy claims to contain many benefits, aromatherapy may also carry a number of risks and adverse effects.

Essential oils by themselves are highly concentrated and are known to cause irritation of the skin when used in its undiluted form. This is often referred to as neat application.[30][31] For this reason, essential oils are normally diluted with some type of carrier oil when intended for topical application. Some examples of carrier oils include jojoba oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil or coconut oil. It is important to keep in mind that phototoxic reactions may occur with many cold pressed citrus peel oils such as lemon or lime.[32] Moreover, many essential oils are made of chemical components known as sensitisers. This means that after a number of uses they may cause reactions on the skin and and even on the rest of the body.

Aside from the way that these oils are produced, the chemical composition of essential oils themselves could be affected by herbicides. This is why it is important to know if the original plants are cultivated versus wild-harvested.[33][34] The effects caused by herbicides could cause toxic to some domestic animals, with cats being particularly prone.[35]

Essential oils could also be toxic to humans when ingested internally. Research showed that doses as low as 2 mL have been reported to cause clinically significant symptoms. Moreover, severe poisoning can occur after ingestion of as little as 4 mL.[36] Reported cases of toxic reactions include liver damage and seizures. Cases like this have occurred after ingestion of sage, hyssop, thuja, and cedar oils.[37]

Accidental ingestion may happen when oils are not kept out of reach of children. Packaging for these products could be misleading for some people. As with any bioactive substance, an essential oil that may be safe for the general public could still pose hazards for pregnant and lactating women.[38]

Oils, both ingested and applied to the skin, could potentially have negative interactions with conventional medicine. One example of how essential oils could have negative effects with conventional medicine is the topical use of methyl salicylate-heavy oils such as wintergreen which may cause bleeding in users taking the anticoagulant warfarin.[39]

Having all this information in consideration, combined with the lack of evidence of its therapeutic benefit, makes the practice of questionable worth.[40]

List of commonly used essential oils and their uses[edit]

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  • Peppermint: Energy boost and digestion[41]
  • Lavender: Stress[41]
  • Sandalwood: Focus/ Nervousness[41]
  • Bergamot: Eczema treatment and stress[41]
  • Rose: Mood and anxiety[41]
  • Chamomile: Relaxation[41]
  • Ylang-Ylang: Skin treatment, headaches and nausea[41]
  • Tea tree: Promotes immunity and helps fight infections[41]
  • Jasmine: Antidepressant[41]
  • Lemon: Digestion, mood, headaches, and more[41]

See also[edit]

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References

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  1. ^ "Aromatherapy". Better Health Channel. Retrieved 20 November 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ Kuriyama, Hiroko; Watanabe, Satoko; Nakaya, Takaaki; Shigemori, Ichiro; Kita, Masakazu; Yoshida, Noriko; Masaki, Daiki; Tadai, Toshiaki; Ozasa, Kotaro; Fukui, Kenji; Imanishi, Jiro (2005). "Immunological and Psychological Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2 (2): 179–184. doi:10.1093/ecam/neh087. PMC 1142199. PMID 15937558.
  3. ^ "Alternative therapies and cancer – Cancer Information". Macmillan Cancer Support. Archived from the original on 3 October 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  4. ^ "Aromatherapy". University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved 20 November 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "Pedanius Dioscorides". Brill’s New Pauly Supplements I - Volume 2 : Dictionary of Greek and Latin Authors and Texts. doi:10.1163/2214-8647_bnps2_com_0165. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
  6. ^ A short history of the art of distillation. Leiden: E.J. Brill. 1917. OCLC 2559231.
  7. ^ Ericksen, Marlene (2000). Healing With Aromatherapy. New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 9. ISBN 0-658-00382-8.
  8. ^ Gattefossé, R.-M. (1993). Gattefossé's aromatherapy. Saffron Walden: C.W. Daniel. ISBN 0-85207-236-8.
  9. ^ "Aromatherapy". University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved 20 November 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ Valnet, Jean. (1990). The practice of aromatherapy : a classic compendium of plant medicines & their healing properties. Tisserand, Robert. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press. ISBN 0-89281-398-9. OCLC 22114913.
  11. ^ "Aromatherapy". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 5 December 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ a b "Aromatherapy". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 5 December 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ "How Do I Determine the Quality of Essential Oils?". Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  14. ^ "The Quality of Essential Oils". New York Institute of Aromatic Studies. 1 December 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  15. ^ Song, Shen; Yao, Wei-Feng; Cui, Xiao-bin; Liu, Xiao; Qiu, Rong-Li (2018). "Spectrum-effect relationship analysis by binary chromatographic fingerprint to identify components responsible for the antibacterial activity of the essential oil from Curcumae wenyujin". International Journal of Food Properties. 21 (1). Informa UK Limited: 546–556. doi:10.1080/10942912.2018.1453836. ISSN 1094-2912.
  16. ^ Adams, Robert P. (2007). Identification of Essential Oil Components by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.
  17. ^ "Linalool - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
  18. ^ Ades TB, ed. (2009). "Aromatherapy". American Cancer Society Complete Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Therapies (2nd ed.). American Cancer Society. pp. 57–60. ISBN 978-0-944235-71-3.
  19. ^ Barrett, S. "Aromatherapy: Making Dollars out of Scents". Science & Pseudoscience Review in Mental Health. Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  20. ^ Ades TB, ed. (2009). "Aromatherapy". American Cancer Society Complete Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Therapies (2nd ed.). American Cancer Society. pp. 57–60. ISBN 978-0-944235-71-3.
  21. ^ a b Hines S, Steels E, Chang A, Gibbons K (November 2020). "Aromatherapy for treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting". Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 (3): CD007598. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007598.pub3. PMC 6494172. PMID 29523018.
  22. ^ a b PDQ. "Aromatherapy With Essential Oils". National Cancer Institute. National Cancer Institute.
  23. ^ Baggoley C (2015). "Review of the Australian Government Rebate on Natural Therapies for Private Health Insurance" (PDF). Australian Government – Department of Health. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |lay-date= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |lay-source= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |lay-url= ignored (help)
  24. ^ van der Watt, G; Janca, A (2008). "Aromatherapy in nursing and mental health care". Contemporary Nurse. 30 (1): 69–75. doi:10.5172/conu.673.30.1.69. PMID 19072192. S2CID 41632283.[permanent dead link]
  25. ^ Edris, AE (2007). "Pharmaceutical and therapeutic Potentials of essential oils and their individual volatile constituents: A review". Phytotherapy Research. 21 (4): 308–323. doi:10.1002/ptr.2072. PMID 17199238. S2CID 5700798.
  26. ^ Smith CA, Collins CT, Crowther CA (2011). "Aromatherapy for pain management in labour". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (7): CD009215. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009215. PMID 21735438.
  27. ^ Ball, Emily L.; Owen-Booth, Bethan; Gray, Amy; Shenkin, Susan D.; Hewitt, Jonathan; McCleery, Jenny (19 August 2020). "Aromatherapy for dementia". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 8: CD003150. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003150.pub3. ISSN 1469-493X. PMC 7437395. PMID 32813272.
  28. ^ Shin ES, Seo KH, Lee SH, Jang JE, Jung YM, Kim MJ, Yeon JY (2016). "Massage with or without aromatherapy for symptom relief in people with cancer". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (6): CD009873. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009873.pub3. PMID 27258432.
  29. ^ Lakhan, Sheafer, Tepper, Shaheen, Heather, Deborah (2016). "The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis". Pain Research and Treatment. 2016: 13. doi:10.1155/2016/8158693. PMC 5192342. PMID 28070420.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ Manion, Widder, Chelsea, Rebecca (May 2017). "Essentials of essential oils". American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 74 (9): e153–e162. doi:10.2146/ajhp151043. PMID 28438819.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  31. ^ Grassman, J; Elstner, E F (1973). "Essential Oils". In Caballero, Benjamin; Trugo, Luiz C; Finglas, Paul M (eds.). Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (2nd ed.). Academic Press. ISBN 0-12-227055-X.[page needed]
  32. ^ Cather, JC; MacKnet, MR; Menter, MA (2000). "Hyperpigmented macules and streaks". Proceedings. 13 (4). Baylor University Medical Center: 405–406. doi:10.1080/08998280.2000.11927714. PMC 1312240. PMID 16389350.
  33. ^ Edwards, J; Bienvenu, FE (1999). "Investigations into the use of flame and the herbicide, paraquat, to control peppermint rust in north-east Victoria, Australia". Australasian Plant Pathology. 28 (3): 212. doi:10.1071/AP99036. S2CID 36366606.
  34. ^ Adamovic, DS. "Variability of herbicide efficiency and their effect upon yield and quality of peppermint (Mentha X Piperital L.)". Retrieved 6 June 2009.
  35. ^ Bischoff, K; Guale, F (1998). "Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Oil Poisoning in Three Purebred Cats". Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 10 (2): 208–210. doi:10.1177/104063879801000223. PMID 9576358.
  36. ^ "Eucalyptus oil". International Programme on Chemical Safety (UPCS).
  37. ^ Millet, Y; Jouglard, J; Steinmetz, MD; Tognetti, P; Joanny, P; Arditti, J (1981). "Toxicity of Some Essential Plant Oils. Clinical and Experimental Study". Clinical Toxicology. 18 (12): 1485–1498. doi:10.3109/15563658108990357. PMID 7333081.
  38. ^ Dw, Sibbritt; Cj, Catling; J, Adams; Aj, Shaw; Cs, Homer (March 2014). "The Self-Prescribed Use of Aromatherapy Oils by Pregnant Women". Women and Birth : Journal of the Australian College of Midwives. 27 (1): 41–45. doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2013.09.005. hdl:10453/43623. PMID 24670414.
  39. ^ Wilson, Debra Rose. "About Wintergreen Essential Oil". www.healthline.com. Healthline Media.
  40. ^ Posadzki P, Alotaibi A, Ernst E (2012). "Adverse effects of aromatherapy: a systematic review of case reports and case series". Int J Risk Saf Med. 24 (3): 147–161. doi:10.3233/JRS-2012-0568. PMID 22936057.
  41. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "How and why to use essential oils". wexnermedical.osu.edu. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aromatherapy.
Wikibooks has a book on the topic of: Complete Guide to Essential Oils


Category:Herbalism Category:Mind–body interventions Category:Fringe science Category:Alternative medicine

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