This is an Introduction to Aromatherapy  

This  section will bring you tips and advice on the use of Aromatherapy and is brought to you by Shirley O'cconer   

What is it?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, extracted from the flowers, fruits, leaves, stems and roots of flowers, shrubs and trees. The therapeutic use of aromatic oils dates back to ancient times and was particularly popular in ancient Egypt and the Far East.

The oils are usually obtained by steam distillation. Other techniques include expression (squeezing the oil from peel), maceration (immersing the plant in hot oil to release the essence) and enfleurage (pressing flowers between oiled glass plates).

Essential oils may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Inhaled scents stimulate the olfactory centres in the nose and particular parts of the brain. Oils massaged into the skin pass into the bloodstream and can influence nervous system function, mental function and emotions.

Modern aromatherapy stems from the work of French chemist Réné Gattefossé in the 1930s and physician Jean Valnet and biochemist Marguerite Maury in the 1960s.

How's it used?

The oils are highly concentrated and should be used sparingly. For inhalation, place one to five drops on a tissue or in a burner or vaporiser. The oils can be used to scent rooms, enhance mood and relieve stress.

If you're using the oils for massage, dilute one to five drops of the oils per teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, such as sweet almond or wheatgerm, cream or gel. Warming the oil, or generating heat from massage friction, enhances absorption.

The oils may also be added to bathwater. For best effect, add four to six drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil or milk and mix vigorously in the water so the oil dissolves evenly.

Medical aromatherapists prescribe the oils internally, but this requires specialist knowledge and training.

What's it used for?

Aromatherapy may help to relieve pain and alleviate tension and fatigue.

Some oils are contraindicated if you're pregnantor have epilepsy or high blood pressure.

Oils shouldn't be used undiluted, by the eyes or near naked flames and must never taken internally without medical supervision.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in September 2005.
First published in October 2002.