The wonders of Aromatherapy

"Doctor your plant is on fire," remarked Mr B as he pointed to the potted plant beside my desk. "Oh, don't worry Mr B, I am just burning incense." I must confess that I often burn incense in my office.

Sometimes I place the stick in an incense burner, other times I place the burning stick in the potted philodendron beside my desk. Why do I burn incense? It just sets the "tone of my work day ." If I sense that a patient is anxious, I burn lavender incense. If I need to be energised I burn lemon and orange. I also love to use nutmeg, vanilla, rose and sandalwood.

Essential oils come in a variety of scents.

But my favourite fragrance is lavender. In fact I always have a bottle of lavender oil nearby. I apply a few drops to my skin to heal minor abrasions or mosquito bites. At bedtime, a few drops on my pillowcase helps me slip into the land of Morpheus quickly . In fact the reason why I tolerate traffic jams so well is that I place a few drops of lavender oil in the air conditioning vent of my car. This is aromatherapy at work.

Aromatherapy is an ancient medical practice. It involves the use of essential aromatic oils extracted from certain varieties of trees, herbs , shrubs, grasses and flowers to produce physical and emotional effects.

Some of the effects produced by these oils include relaxation, stress reduction, improvement of sleep patterns and work performance and enhanced sexuality.

HISTORY According to hieroglyphics, ancient Egyptians used infusion to extract the oils from aromatic plants. These oils were used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes as well as embalming. The Chinese used aromatics in religious ceremonies, by burning woods and incense to show respect to their gods.

This use of aromatics was linked to other therapies such as massage and acupuncture. Aromatherapy has also been used for many centuries in India. Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, uses dried and fresh herbs, as well as aromatic massage as important aspects of treatment.

In Exodus Chapter 30 verses 22- 25, the Lord commanded Moses to make a holy anointing oil from myrrh, cinnamon , sweet smelling cane, cassia and olive oil. This would have been a powerful antiviral and antibiotic oil, the use of which would give protection and treatment to those to whom it was administered. Myrrh is an effective antiseptic and cicatrisan (wound healer).

It has tremendous healing effects on sores, ulcers and boils . Cinnamon is a powerful antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent.

Modern aromatherapy began almost by accident in the early 1900's when a French chemist, Rene Gattefosse, burned his hand while working in his laboratory. As the story goes, he quickly placed his hand in a nearby container of lavender oil . To his amazement, the pain quickly eased and his burns healed without blisters or infection.

USES The most effective way to use essential oils is by inhalation or external application by way of lotions, body oils, baths and perfumes.

An interesting fact about essential oils is that they enter and leave the body quickly, leaving no toxins behind. They are excreted through the urine, faeces, sweat and by exhalation. The method of excretion varies from oil to oil. Garlic, even if applied to the skin will be passed out of the body through exhalation ; geranium will be detected in perspiration; sandalwood can be detected by its aroma in the urine.

There is a link between scent and emotion. When one breathes in, odours stimulate receptors in the nostrils. These receptors send nerve impulses to the olfactory bulbs in the brain. These bulbs are in turn connected to the limbic system which plays an important role in emotional associations, memory and sexual arousal. To demonstrate this point think about your feelings during and after smelling a rose. How do you feel when you smell fruit cake baking?

Essential oils do not act solely on the emotions. They are quickly absorbed into the skin, relieving some physical ailments. For example a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil on the temples or back of the neck can relieve a headache. These oils can be found in health food stores. It is recommended that only essential or highly concentrated oils made from roots, leaves, bark or other plant material be used. Synthetic oils with chemical additives listed among the ingredients do not heal.

Essentials oils can be used for a diversity of purposes including skin care, medicinal, gardening, home care and cooking. Oils can be formulated in soaps and candles. There are also devises which can be used to evaporate the oils. For example there is the circular scent diffuser which fits over an ordinary light bulb. A few drops of oil are placed in the diffuser. Heat from the light bulb causes evaporation of the oil . My favourite devise is the ceramicoil burner. A votive candle is placed inside the burner, on the top of the burner, water and a few drops of the desired essential oil(s) are added. Heat generated from the candle causes the slow evaporation of this essential oil/ water mixture.

HOME MEDICINE KIT

Essential oils can form an important component of any home medicine cabinet. The basic oils in this kit would be lavender, tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, rosemary, thyme, lemon and clove.

Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant/ sedative and detoxifier. It promotes healing and prevents scarring. Flies and moths dislike this oil.

Tea tree oil is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. It is used in the treatment of acne, athlete's foot, ringworm and sunburn. Peppermint oil beloved by many Jamaicans, is an excellent digestive. It helps the respiratory and circulatory systems and is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It is used in the treatment of indigestion, headaches, toothache, joint pains and fatigue. Peppermint keeps mosquitoes, ants and flies away.

Chamomile is used in the treatment of nervous and depressive disorders, diarrhea and burns. Eucalyptus oil is best known for its effectiveness against nasal congestion, coughs and sinusitis.

Geranium oil works profoundly on the emotions as a sedative. It is used in the treatment of endometriosis and menopausal problems. Rosemary is used in the treatment of muscle pains , fatigue, migraine headaches, coughs and colds. It is a vital component of some beauty treatments for the hair. Rosemary is also invaluable in cooking.

Thyme has notable antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic properties. It must be used with care as overuse can stimulate the thyroid gland and lymphatic system. Lemon oil is useful in the treatment of insect bites and headaches . It has a stimulating effect on the digestive system and can help to disperse cellulite.

Clove oil is best known as a quick cure for toothache. The oil can be used in the treatment of asthma , nausea and sinusitis. Essential oils can be used for the relief of a number of ailments. For anxiety-chamomile, patchouli, sandalwood , orange blossom, lavender.

Mental stimulation and improving memory - rosemary. Chest colds - wintergreen or eucalyptus oil. For a dry cough mix two drops of eucalyptus and two drops of lemon oil with two tablespoons of honey. Take one teaspoon of this and dilute in a wine glass of warm water. Sip it slowly.

The chest and back can be massaged with three drops of eucalyptus and two drops of thyme diluted in one teaspoon of vegetable oil.

WORDS OF CAUTION

.If you are pregnant or epileptic, seek medical advise before using essential oils. .Do a patch test before using oils. .Never use citrus oils on the skin shortly before exposure to the sun as these oils increase skin sensitivity to the sun. .Always dilute the oils in a carrier oil before applying to the skin.

Aromatherapy reminds us that nature has provided mankind with wonderful materials for healing.

Dr Jacqueline E. Campbell is a family physician in private practice E-mail drjcampbell14@yahoo.com