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Aromatherapy

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Aromatherapy
A diffuser and a bottle of essential oil.
MeSHD019341

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person's mind, mood, cognitive function or health.

Some essential oils such as tea tree[1] have demonstrated anti-microbial effects, but there is still a lack of clinical evidence demonstrating efficacy against bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Evidence for the efficacy of aromatherapy in treating medical conditions remains poor, with a particular lack of studies employing rigorous methodology,[2] but some evidence exists that essential oils may have therapeutic potential.[3]

History

Aromatherapy may have origins in antiquity with the use of infused aromatic oils, made by macerating dried plant material in fatty oil, heating and then filtering. Many such 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.[4] Distilled essential oils have been employed as medicines since the invention of distillation in the eleventh century,[5] when Avicenna isolated essential oils using steam distillation.[6]

The concept of aromatherapy was first mooted by a small number of European scientists and doctors, in about[weasel words] 1907. In 1937, the word first appeared in print in a French book on the subject: Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a chemist. An English version was published in 1993.[7] In 1910, Gattefossé burned a hand very badly and later claimed he treated it effectively with lavender oil.[8]

A French surgeon, Jean Valnet, pioneered the medicinal uses of essential oils, which he used as antiseptics in the treatment of wounded soldiers during World War II.[9]

Modes of application

The modes of application of aromatherapy include:

  • Aerial diffusion: for environmental fragrancing or aerial disinfection
  • Direct inhalation: for respiratory disinfection, decongestion, expectoration as well as psychological effects
  • Topical applications: for general massage, baths, compresses, therapeutic skin care[10]

Materials

Some of the materials employed include:

Theory

Aromatherapy is the treatment or prevention of disease by use of essential oils. Other stated uses include pain and anxiety reduction, enhancement of energy and short-term memory, relaxation, hair loss prevention, and reduction of eczema-induced itching.[11][12]

Two basic mechanisms are offered to explain the purported effects. One is the influence of aroma on the brain, especially the limbic system through the olfactory system.[13] The other is the direct pharmacological effects of the essential oils.[14] While precise knowledge of the synergy between the body and aromatic oils is often claimed by aromatherapists, the efficacy of aromatherapy remains unproven. However, some preliminary clinical studies of aromatherapy in combination with other techniques show positive effects. Aromatherapy does not cure conditions, but helps the body to find a natural way to cure itself and improve immune response.[15][16]

In the English-speaking world, practitioners tend to emphasize the use of oils in massage [citation needed]. Aromatherapy tends to be regarded[by whom?] as a complementary modality at best and a pseudoscientific fraud at worst.[17]

Choice and purchase

Oils with standardized content of components (marked FCC, for Food Chemical Codex) are required to contain a specified amount of certain aroma chemicals that normally occur in the oil[citation needed]. But there is no law that the chemicals cannot be added in synthetic form in order to meet the criteria established by the FCC for that oil[citation needed]. For instance, lemongrass essential oil must contain 75% aldehyde[citation needed] to meet the FCC profile for that oil, but that aldehyde can come from a chemical refinery instead of from lemongrass. To say that FCC oils are "food grade", then, makes them seem natural when, in fact, they are not necessarily so.

Undiluted essential oils suitable for aromatherapy are termed therapeutic grade, but there are no established and agreed standards for this supposed category. The market for essential oils is dominated by the food, perfume, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, so aromatherapists have little choice but to buy the best of whatever oils are available.[citation needed]

Analysis using gas liquid chromatography (GLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) is used to establish the quality of essential oils. These techniques are able to measure the levels of components to a few parts per billion. 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 signalled by the minor impurities present. For example, linalool made in plants will be accompanied by a small amount of hydro-linalool, whilst synthetic linalool is contaminated with traces of dihydro-linalool.[citation needed]

  • Lemon oil is uplifting and anti-stress/anti-depressant. In a Japanese study, lemon essential oil in vapour form has been found to reduce stress in mice.[18] Research at The Ohio State University indicates that Lemon oil aroma may enhance one's mood, and help with relaxation.[19]
  • Thyme oil[20]
  • Peppermint oil is often used to deter ants, by applying a few drops on their trail.[21]
  • Both lavender and tea tree oil are used as antiseptics, sometimes in lotions or soaps. Lavender oil is said to help heal wounds and burns.[22][23]
  • Lavender, Jasmine and Peppermint are used for anti-stress, anti-anxiety and as an anti-depressant.

Efficacy

Aromatherapy is known for it’s supposed healing power of essential oils and consequently it has faced much skepticism. Plant materials have been known to have important medicinal properties, and this have been proven many years ago. It is however the skepticism of whether these oils applied to the outside of the body for aromatherapy can cure internal disease and discomfort, not the effectiveness of plant-derived treatments. The meaning of the word misconstrues the understanding of how it works, it is not the oils themselves that is therapeutic, it is the chemical properties which affects the body’s mind, but saying that, it does not directly bring about a cure or healing.

Most of the positive claims of aromatherapies are regarding that it affects one’s “subtle body”, to either balance their chakra, stabilize their energy flow, contribute to spiritual growth, and enhance mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. However, it is important to note that these claims are non-falsifiable, so this inability to measure these results leads people to question it’s reliability. This alternative treatment is now a welcomed part of the New Age mythology by some open-minded people, but the results are of post hoc reasoning and anecdotal resources.

Martin et al. (1996) concluded that most of the clinical trials suffered from various confounding factors, such as a lack of adequate control, small sample sizes, and lack of repetition by independent researchers. As well, many are served in conjunction with other possible influencers. One example being Kuritama et al.’s (2005) experiment where the psychological benefits of aromatherapy massage was compared to massage alone. Once the tests and questionnaire measures were evaluated there showed a significant reduction in anxiety and self-ranked depression, though there was no difference between the two groups.

Aromatherapists tend to back up their belief in their practice by saying that one cannot confirm or reject their methods by using scientific approaches, because science is reductionist and that aromatherapy depends on a holistic method (Schnaubelt 1998).


Some benefits that have been linked to aromatherapy, such as relaxation and clarity of mind, may arise from the placebo effect rather than from any actual physiological effect. The consensus among most medical professionals is that while some aromas have demonstrated effects on mood and relaxation and may have related benefits for patients, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the claims made for aromatherapy.[24] Scientific research on the cause and effects of aromatherapy is limited, although in vitro testing has revealed some antibacterial and antiviral effects.[25][26] There is no evidence of any long-term results from an aromatherapy massage other than the pleasure achieved from a pleasant-smelling massage.[27] A few double blind studies in the field of clinical psychology relating to the treatment of severe dementia have been published.[28][29] Essential oils have a demonstrated efficacy in dental mouthwash products.[30]

Mainstream literature suggests that aromatherapy is based on the anecdotal evidence of its benefits rather than proof that aromatherapy can cure diseases. Scientists and medical professionals acknowledge that aromatherapy has limited scientific support, but critics argue that the claims of most aromatherapy practitioners go beyond the data, and/or that the studies are neither adequately controlled nor peer reviewed.

Some proponents[who?] of aromatherapy believe that the claimed effect of each type of oil is not caused by the chemicals in the oil interacting with the senses, but because the oil contains a distillation of the "life force" of the plant from which it is derived that will "balance the energies" of the body and promote healing or well-being by "purging negative vibrations" from the body's "energy field"[citation needed]. Arguing that there is no scientific evidence that healing can be achieved or that the claimed "energies" even exist, many skeptics reject this form of aromatherapy as pseudoscience.[citation needed]

Safety concerns

In addition, there are potential safety concerns. Because essential oils are highly concentrated they can irritate the skin when used in undiluted form.[31] Therefore, they are normally diluted with a carrier oil for topical application, such as jojoba oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Phototoxic reactions may occur with citrus peel oils such as lemon or lime.[32] Also, many essential oils have chemical components that are sensitisers (meaning that they will after a number of uses cause reactions on the skin, and more so in the rest of the body). Some of the chemical allergies could even be caused by pesticides, if the original plants are cultivated.[33][34] Some oils can be toxic to some domestic animals, with cats being particularly prone.[35][36]

Two common oils, lavender and tea tree, have been implicated in causing gynaecomastia, an abnormal breast tissue growth, in prepubescent boys, although the report which cites this potential issue is based on observations of only three boys (and so is not a scientific study), and two of those boys were significantly above average in weight for their age, thus already prone to gynaecomastia.[37] A child hormone specialist at the University of Cambridge claimed "... these oils can mimic estrogens" and "people should be a little bit careful about using these products."[38] The study has been criticised on many different levels by many authorities. The Aromatherapy Trade Council of the UK has issued a rebuttal[39] The Australian Tea Tree Association, a group that promotes the interests of Australian tea tree oil producers, exporters and manufacturers issued a letter that questioned the study and called on the New England Journal of Medicine for a retraction (ATTIA).[40] The New England Journal of Medicine has so far not replied and has not retracted the study.

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.

While some advocate the ingestion of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, licensed aromatherapy professionals do not recommend self prescription due the highly toxic nature of some essential oils. Some very common oils like Eucalyptus are extremely toxic when taken internally. Doses as low as one teaspoon have been reported to cause clinically significant symptoms and severe poisoning can occur after ingestion of 4 to 5 ml.[41] A few reported cases of toxic reactions like liver damage and seizures have occurred after ingestion of sage, hyssop, thuja, and cedar.[42] Accidental ingestion may happen when oils are not kept out of reach of children.

Oils both ingested and applied to the skin can potentially have negative interaction with conventional medicine. For example, the topical use of methyl salicylate heavy oils like Sweet Birch and Wintergreen may cause hemorrhaging in users taking the anticoagulant Warfarin.

Adulterated oils may also pose problems depending on the type of substance used.

Pets

Be very careful when using essential oil preparations around household pets. Cats and dogs have different tolerances, but in general, citrus oils and tree oils such as pine and fir can be toxic to cats; lavender, while mostly harmless overall, can also be toxic to cats. Examples of essential oils that are toxic to dogs include cassia, birch, wintergreen, anise, clove leaf and bud, wormwood, and rue. Although many essential oils can be used safely on and around household pets, it is always best to contact a licensed aromatherapist before doing so.

See also

References

  1. ^ Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV (2006). "Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties". Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 19 (1): 50–62. doi:10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006. PMC 1360273. PMID 16418522. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ van der Watt G, Janca A (2008). "Aromatherapy in nursing and mental health care". Contemporary Nurse. 30 (1): 69–75. doi:10.5555/conu.673.30.1.69. PMID 19072192. {{cite journal}}: Check |doi= value (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ^ Edris AE (2007). "Pharmaceutical and therapeutic potentials of essential oils and their individual volatile constituents: a review". Phytotherapy Research. 21 (4): 308–23. doi:10.1002/ptr.2072. PMID 17199238. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. ^ Gunther, R.T. (ed.) (1959). The Greek Herbal of Dioscorides (translated by John Goodyer in 1655). New York: Hafner Publishing. OCLC 3570794
  5. ^ Forbes R.J. (1970). A short history of the art of distillation. Leiden: E.J. Brill. OCLC 2559231
  6. ^ Ericksen, Marlene (2000). Healing With Aromatherapy. New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 9. ISBN 0-658-00382-8.
  7. ^ Gattefossé, R.-M., & Tisserand, R. (1993). Gattefossé's aromatherapy. Saffron Walden: C.W. Daniel. ISBN 0-85207-236-8
  8. ^ "Aromatherapy". University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  9. ^ Valnet, J., & Tisserand, R. (1990). The practice of aromatherapy: A classic compendium of plant medicines & their healing properties. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. ISBN 0-89281-398-9
  10. ^ "Organic Bath Oil". Plaisirs. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  11. ^ Jennifer A. Kingston (28 July 2010). "Nostrums: Aromatherapy Rarely Stands Up to Testing". The New York Times (Style). Retrieved 29 December 2010.
  12. ^ Eric Nagourney (11 March 2008). "Skin Deep: In Competition for your Nose". The New York Times (Health). Retrieved 29 December 2010.
  13. ^ "The Power of Smell". Serendip. Archived from the original on 10 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) [dead link‍]
  14. ^ Prabuseenivasan S, Jayakumar M, Ignacimuthu S (2006). "In vitro antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils". BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 6: 39. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-6-39. PMC 1693916. PMID 17134518.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  15. ^ Kim HJ (2007). "[Effect of aromatherapy massage on abdominal fat and body image in post-menopausal women]". Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi (in Korean). 37 (4): 603–12. PMID 17615482. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  16. ^ Rho KH, Han SH, Kim KS, Lee MS (2006). "Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety and self-esteem in korean elderly women: a pilot study". The International Journal of Neuroscience. 116 (12): 1447–55. doi:10.1080/00207450500514268. PMID 17145679. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Barrett, Stephen. "Aromatherapy: Making Dollars out of Scents", Science & Pseudoscience Review in Mental Health. Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice (SRMHP). Retrieved on 2009-08-10.
  18. ^ "Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice". PubMed.gov. 15 June 2006. Retrieved 26 April 2007. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Ohio State University Research, 3 March 2008 Study is published in the March 2008 issue of the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology
  20. ^ Antimicrobial and antiplasmid activities of essential oils.
  21. ^ http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/natural-ant-killer.html
  22. ^ Tea tree oil
  23. ^ Lavender
  24. ^ http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/aromatherapy/HealthProfessional/page3 cancer.gov – Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
  25. ^ Kalemba, D; Kunicka, A (2003). "Antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils". Curr Med Chem. 10 (10): 813–29. doi:10.2174/0929867033457719. PMID 12678685. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  26. ^ Reichling, J; Schnitzler, P; Suschke, U; Saller, R (April 2009;16. Epub 3 April 2009.). "Essential oils of aromatic plants with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and cytotoxic properties—an overview". Forsch Komplementmed. 2 (2): 79–90. doi:10.1159/000207196. PMID 19420953. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ http://pmj.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/18/2/87 A randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a hospice setting
  28. ^ Ballard CG, O'Brien JT, Reichelt K, Perry EK (2002). "Aromatherapy as a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia: the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Melissa". J Clin Psychiatry. 63 (7): 553–8. doi:10.4088/JCP.v63n0703. PMID 12143909. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |laysource=, |laysummary=, |quotes=, and |laydate= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ Holmes C, Hopkins V, Hensford C, MacLaughlin V, Wilkinson D, Rosenvinge H. (2002). "Lavender oil as a treatment for agitated behaviour in severe dementia: a placebo controlled study". Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 17 (4): 305–8. doi:10.1002/gps.593. PMID 11994882. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |laysource=, |laysummary=, |quotes=, and |laydate= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ Stoeken, JE; Paraskevas, S; Van Der Weijden, GA (July 2007). "The long-term effect of a mouthrinse containing essential oils on dental plaque and gingivitis: a systematic review". Periodontol. 78 (7): 1218–28. doi:10.1902/jop.2007.060269. PMID 17608576.
  31. ^ J Grassman and E F Elstner, article "Essential Oils", in Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition 2nd ed., edited by Benjamin Caballero, Luiz C Trugo, Paul M Finglas, Academic Press, 1973, ISBN 0-12-227055-X
  32. ^ http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1312240 Hyperpigmented macules and streaks
  33. ^ Edwards, J.; Bienvenu, F.E. (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): 212–224. doi:10.1071/AP99036.
  34. ^ Adamovic, D.S.; et al. "Variability of herbicide efficiency and their effect upon yield and quality of peppermint (Mentha X Piperital L.)". Retrieved 6 June 2009. {{cite web}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |first= (help)
  35. ^ The Lavender Cat – Cats and Essential Oil Safety
  36. ^ K. Bischoff, F. Guale (1998). "Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Oil Poisoning in three purebred cats". Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 10 (108). Archived from the original (–Scholar search) on 15 October 2006. Retrieved 17 October 2006. {{cite journal}}: External link in |format= (help) [dead link‍]
  37. ^ Henley, D. V.; Lipson, N; Korach, KS; Bloch, CA (2007). "Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils". New England Journal of Medicine. 356 (5): 479–85. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa064725. PMID 17267908.
  38. ^ "Oils make male breasts develop". BBC News. London. 1 February 2007. Archived from the original on 29 August 2007. Retrieved 9 September 2007. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  39. ^ 'NEITHER LAVENDER OIL NOR TEA TREE OIL CAN BE LINKED TO BREAST GROWTH IN YOUNG BOYS'
  40. ^ 'ATTIA refutes gynecomastia link', Article Date: 21 February 2007
  41. ^ Eucalyptus oil (PIM 031)
  42. ^ Millet Y, Jouglard J, Steinmetz MD, Tognetti P, Joanny P, Arditti J. (1981). "Toxicity of some essential plant oils. Clinical and experimental study". Clin Toxicol. 18 (12): 1485–98. doi:10.3109/15563658108990357. PMID 7333081. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |laysource=, |laysummary=, |quotes=, and |laydate= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aromatherapy.
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