Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical wellbeing. Aromatherapists blend essential oils to suit each person and suggest ways to use them — such as topical application, massage, inhalation or adding them to bath water — to encourage the desired response.

Different aromas, and the chemical make-up of the oils, can produce different emotional and physical reactions. Aromatherapy has been practised in many cultures for centuries, while the modern form developed more recently. It has not been studied as thoroughly as some other complementary therapies, but it may help with certain complaints.

How essential oils are made#

Essential oils are extracted from plant material using steam or water distillation. Selected plant material is heated with steam, water or both until the essential oil vaporises. The vapour then condenses back into liquid as it cools.

All aromatic plant oils are highly concentrated. They should be used sparingly — only a few drops at a time — and always diluted in another medium, such as a plain massage oil (cold-pressed vegetable oil) or an unscented base cream. Avoid mineral oil creams such as most sorbolene or baby oils. Aromatic plant oils do not dissolve in water unless mixed with a dispersant first.

Risks of aromatherapy#

Some aromatic plant oils are toxic and should never be used at all — for example, camphor, pennyroyal and wintergreen.

Aromatic plant oils are very potent. Follow these safety points:

• Never swallow them and never apply them undiluted to the skin.
• Do not put them in any orifice, such as the ears, mouth or vagina.
• People with asthma and those prone to nosebleeds should be cautious when inhaling vaporised oils.
• Undiluted oils used over sensitive areas, such as the nostrils or on sensitive skin, can irritate or burn the skin.
• Some people may have an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash.

Pregnant women and people with certain conditions, including epilepsy and high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before using any aromatic plant oils, as some oils can be dangerous in these situations.

Aromatic plant oils can be poisonous if swallowed#

Aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, should never be taken by mouth, as they can be toxic. Swallowing essential oils is an increasing cause of poisoning in children, so all oils should be kept secure and out of children’s reach.

If poisoning occurs, ring your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) or your local poisons information service. Poisons information services can offer advice about poisonings, suspected poisonings, bites and stings, mistakes with medicines, and how to prevent poisoning.

Some of the oils that may cause problems include certain citrus oils, eucalyptus, ginger, thyme, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, oregano, lemongrass and basil.

Some popular oils and their uses#

• lavender – headaches, insomnia, burns, aches and pains
• peppermint – digestive disorders
• rosemary – muscular pains, mental stimulant
• sandalwood – depression, anxiety and nervous tension
• sweet orange – depression and anxiety
• tea tree – respiratory problems, and used for its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties

Key points#

• Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical wellbeing
• Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, added to bath water or vaporised in an oil burner
• Aromatic plant oils can be poisonous if taken in by mouth
• Swallowing essential oils is an increasing cause of poisoning in children
• Some oils, including certain citrus oils, may cause problems for some people

Where to get help#