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Aromatherapy for Your Health

August 2008

Have you noticed all of the lotions, soaps, shampoos, etc., with “aromatherapy” on the labels? Marketers have caught on to the power of selling “scents.” Of course, this is nothing new—the use of potent, soothing scents for health and wellness is well documented in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Besides, you’ve probably heard at least one really old story about an essential oil known as frankincense. Modern science, specifically the invention of the microscope and the ability to isolate “bioactive components and reproduce them synthetically,” led to the decline in use of essential oils and other botanicals for therapeutic treatment. The resurgence of interest in aromatherapy is attributed to French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who coined the term aromatherapie while referring to the therapeutic use of aromatic substances, mainly essential oils. After using essential oils to treat his own burns from a science experiment gone awry, Gattefosse researched these often highly prized oils and created a Materia Medica for the therapeutic uses of aromatic extracts in the late 1930s. Today, aromatherapy is a holistic approach utilizing “naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of the body, mind and spirit.” For some advocates, it’s a combination of art and science that works not only therapeutically but also preventatively.

Check out the top 10 essential oils, according to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).

  • Peppermint (Mentha piperita): useful for digestive and muscle health
  • Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globules or Eucalyptus radiate): supports respiratory and muscle health
  • Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata): useful for stress relief and relaxation
  • Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): supports for skin health
  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): relaxes and calms
  • Lemon (Citrus limon): relaxes and revitalizes
  • Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea): supports muscle health; relaxes and calms
  • Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): useful for skin health
  • Roman Chamomile (Anthemus nobilis): relaxes and calms; supports muscle health
  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): supports digestive and muscle health

Source: www.naha.org

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