Aromatherapy: what is it?

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy utilises the therapeutic properties of essential oils and is a holistic approach to healing. Plant components such as flowers, leaves, bark, roots and peels are used to extract these oils. Plant essences have been used for thousands of years by societies around the world to promote mental and physical well-being.

The basics of aromatherapy

Essential oils are very effective plant extracts obtained by cold pressing or distillation. Each oil has a unique composition that can provide a range of medicinal benefits.

These oils can be used as follows:

• Inhalation: By inhaling the vapours of essential oils, for example with the help of a diffuser, the active ingredients can reach the brain directly via the olfactory system. This can help to relax, relieve stress and increase concentration.
• Topical application: Essential oils can also be used externally to heal skin diseases or relieve pain, usually diluted for massages and bath additives, for example.
• Improving indoor air: Nebulising a room can improve the air quality indoors and create a pleasant atmosphere.

The importance of quality

Aromatherapy works best when the essential oils are of high quality. It is important to use natural oils that are pure and free from artificial ingredients. Reputable suppliers of high quality essential oils include Young Living and Doterra. These companies ensure that their products are of the highest quality and potency.

Tips for individual applications

You can incorporate essential oils into your daily life in a variety of ways. Here are some tips for using them:

• Start the day: bergamot essential oil can lift your spirits. Simply dab a few drops on your wrists, massage them in and then bring your wrists to your nose to inhale deeply. You will quickly feel its pleasant effect.
• Autumn and winter: Essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus can help to purify indoor air and create a clean, energising atmosphere in the colder months.
• Relax and reduce stress: Lavender oil is known to have a relaxing effect. A few drops in a diffuser in the bedroom or on the pillow can contribute to a healthy sleep.

My personal experience with essential oils

Since I started using essential oils four years ago, I have noticed several positive changes in my life. They transform my rooms into a place of well-being, help me to relax and give me a good start to the day. The scents are not only pleasant, but also offer real health benefits that I no longer want to do without.

Aromatherapy is an excellent, natural way to promote health and well-being. Use high-quality essential oils to reap the many benefits of this form of therapy. Whether to increase concentration, promote relaxation or improve indoor air quality, essential oils offer gentle and effective support for body and mind.
Try it out and be inspired by the power of nature!

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What does science say about aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy has a long history dating back to ancient times. However, its modern form only developed in the 20th century[2][3].

The French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé is considered the founder of modern aromatherapy. In 1937, he published his groundbreaking work "Aromathérapie: les Huiles Essentielles Hormones Végétales" after discovering the healing effect of lavender oil on burns[3]. This discovery inspired other pioneers such as the physician Jean Valnet and the surgical assistant Marguerite Maury, who contributed to the establishment of aromatherapy through their research and publications[3].

From a scientific point of view, aromatherapy is considered part of traditional herbal medicine, which in turn is anchored in scientifically orientated medicine[3]. The mode of action of aromatherapy is based on two main mechanisms:

1. via the sense of smell: within fractions of a second, intense smelling triggers effects on brain centres that influence pain processing, emotions and memory[2].

2. biochemical-pharmacological: The ingredients of the essential oils unfold their specific effects in the body[2].

Despite its long tradition and growing popularity, there is little evidence of the effectiveness of aromatherapy in a strictly scientific sense[2]. Traditional aromatherapy is mainly based on practical experience, monographs and the plausibility of existing studies on essential oils and their ingredients[2].

Today, aromatherapy has a wide range of applications in everyday life and in integrative medicine. For example, it can be used to relax, reduce stress and promote creativity[1]. In medical practice, it is used in geriatric care, palliative care and obstetrics, among others[5].

However, it is important to note that the quality and purity of the essential oils used are crucial to their efficacy and safety[1]. Undesirable side effects can also occur, which is why professional use is recommended[2].

To summarise, it can be said that although aromatherapy is based on a long tradition, from a scientific point of view it still requires further research to fully prove its effectiveness. Nevertheless, it is gaining increasing acceptance in integrative medicine and in everyday life due to its wide range of possible applications and positive testimonials.

Sources:
[1] https://taoasis.com/rezepte-tipps/grundlagen/
[2] https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/gesundheitsleistungen/komplementaer-medizin/aromatherapie.html
[3] https://l-static.de/book-preview/113087.pdf
[4] https://www.narayana-verlag.de/homoeopathie/pdf/Aromatherapie-in-Wissenschaft-und-Praxis-Wolfgang-Steflitsch-Dietmar-Wolz-Gerhard-Buchbauer.14484_1.pdf
[5] https://www.stadelmann-verlag.de/download/9783943793963_aromatherapieinwissenschaftundpraxis_leseprobe.pdf