Aromatherapy and science? Really? Yes, one can find tons of research backing the medical uses of essential oils. And they're not just antibacterial, they can do a whole lot more.
Origins of Aromatherapy
In simple terms, aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils, otherwise known as volatile oils, extracted from plants to assist with physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Records indicate that essential oils were used to support the body and the mind in ancient cultures. Traditional uses of these botanicals have carried on in many parts of the world. Rising recognition and usage is evident in the modern era.
Application of Aromatherapy
The application of aromatherapy is most widely recognized through means of inhalation, yet topical applications as well as ingestion are also part of this practice. When inhaled, the various aromatic molecules pass through the olfactory centers, infiltrating the bloodstream via the lungs causing physiologic changes. Molecules of essential oils also stimulate nerve centers that in turn affect the limbic system, which controls our emotions and memories. It is known that aromatic compounds can influence mood, perceived health, and states of alertness.
Validation of Aromatherapy through Modern Science
In western culture, validation of medical therapies comes through empirical research. Rising popularity of aromatherapy with main-stream society has prompted researchers to take a closer look at this ancient therapy. Although still largely unproven by a wide breadth of research, preliminary studies, both in vitro and clinical, show positive effects using this medicinal therapy.
Depression: At the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2009), researchers published a review of the effectiveness of aromatherapy to decrease depression and symptoms of depression arising from various types of chronic medical conditions. Continued use of aromatherapy for depression was supported with further controlled studies recommended.
Immune Booster: At the Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Italy (2008), researchers looked at the influence of eucalyptus essential oil on the monocytic/macrophagic system - one of the primary defenses of the immune system against pathogen attacks. Results indicated that eucalyptus is able to stimulate a cell-mediated immune response, prompting the possibility of developing a new group of immuno-regulatory agents.
Alzheimer Agitation: Behavioral agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease can often be a risk to the patient as well as to others. In a review by King’s College London,UK (2009), researchers found increasing evidence (from science literature) to support alternative interventions (such as aromatherapy) being used as a primary management strategy for agitation. Due to growing concerns over adverse effects of conventional treatments, researchers stated that it is imperative to implement alternative treatments for agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s.
Pathogens: Due to rising concern over antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, much investigative work has been done on the efficacy of essential oils to counter these mutating microbes. Most published studies have found that topical applications of essential oils have significant antimicrobial activity.
Conclusions
Recent science studies indicate that aromatherapy is effective for conditions such as anxiety, depression and boosting cellular immune functions. In many of the studies reviewed, scientists are suggesting further research (rather than dismissing) for possible uses of essential oils as an alternative or complement to conventional medical practices. What has been used for centuries might soon find its place amongst hospitals and medical offices world-wide. The evolution of plant phytochemicals over millennia has served in the preservation of their species. It is likely that such chemicals will be soonsought after on a larger scale for human survival as well.
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