Today's Aromatherapy: Using Essential Oils as Effective Medicines

by: MichelleStevens
Total views: 20 | Word Count: 915

Therapeutic use of essential oils is beginning to be recognized in the United States as a valid modality for treating illness. There is still significant resistance to the science of Aromatherapy, but such is the resistance from the institutional-medicine/pharmaceutical-industrial complex to most 'natural' health treatments. 'Big Pharma' is THE industry with the highest average profit margins on earth -- and is dedicated to producing, patenting, marketing selling new, unnatural (and therefore 'patent-able') chemical compounds that are supposed to answer every need of health and wellness. While some formulations do much good for the world (modern medicine has nearly eradicated several life-threatening illnesses from the planet), other medicines simply mask symptoms for a time, and others are downright dangerous.

Alternative therapies make up nearly ALL of the medicine ever used on Earth, and in many respects, we're doing very well as a species -- we must have been doing something right all that time. Many folks consider our connection to nature critical to our continued success on the planet, and that natural medicine must play a leading role. Essential oils turn out to be some of nature's greatest gifts; they are potent chemicals created naturally by plants and are easily accessible to us. They're also easy to use, relatively safe, and just happen to smell wonderful. What really is the science of Aromatherapy, and how might you learn to employ it in your wellness program? Let's have a look...

There is an amazing disregard for natural healing in the mainstream media - despite the fact that so many of today's 'modern medicines' are derived directly from plant compounds. There are HUNDREDS of plants that are known to contain anti-cancer compounds, for example. Many of these without the side-effects of chemotherapy (it takes a skilled, knowledgeable Naturopathic doctor to develop an effective personal protocol for this type of work, but success is certainly possible). This brings us to the amazing derision placed upon the science of Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is purely the science of therapeutic use, for physiological as well as psychological imbalances and disorders, of naturally-produced volatile aromatic plant chemicals. It may be that the term 'Aromatherapy' lends itself to being pigeon-holed into mystical 'new age' hocus-pocus, but in reality, it is simply the practice of using a particular class of natural compounds to improve one's health, wellness and well-being.

A backlash may be coming; more people are getting fed up with the high cost of healthcare and the soaring cost of prescription drugs. They are willing to investigate natural, inexpensive alternatives, particularly when 'proven' effective in the same arena as are modern pharmaceuticals. An important example is the use of Peppermint essential oil in treating irritable bowel syndrome. A study of 50 children comparing the effects of a common chemical preparation and peppermint oil capsules on alleviating their symptoms showed the peppermint oil to be drastically more effective, with fewer side effects, than the pharmaceutical drug. The nature of the essential oil is that it will eliminate bacteria causing disease symptoms, while leaving much-needed natural intestinal flora unharmed. This is the beauty of aromatherapy, and properly utilized natural medicines in general.

Another widely published effect of a particular essential oil is that of the powerful anti-viral (and anti-depressant) Melissa oil. Melissa herb has long been used in natural medicine, often for it's stress relieving effects and nervous system support. Now, many university studies in Europe have confirmed it's effect on treating Herpes outbreaks, the result of a viral infection that has, until now, been considered incurable by the modern medical establishment. Outbreaks tend to occur when an individual is under particularly stressful conditions - and although the aroma of Melissa is thought to relieve stress, one of it's chemical components has been shown in the laboratory to eradicate certain virus types. Topical application of Melissa oil to Herpes legions has reduced the pain, duration, and frequency of the outbreaks in a significant number of study participants. Some have even experienced complete remission of the disease! A definite seal of approval for efficacy of essential oils as natural health and wellness medicine.

The 'aroma' therapeutic effects of essential oils are not to be overlooked, however. As the importance of the mind-body connection is developed in conventional medicine, natural medicine has taken it into account all along. And the connection between the olfactory sense and the emotional centers of the brain are a strong one - more direct than any other of the five senses. Many studies have resulted with participants noting improved moods, sharper minds and lowered stress levels after inhaling essential oils. Lavender is well documented in its effects for improving sleep and bringing a sense of relaxation without sedation. As research continues, we'll be reading more and more about the true therapeutic effects of smells, and the synergistic psychological and physiological effects of essential oils.

Aromatherapy certainly deserves it's place in the realm of medical treatments available today - some consider essential oils the absolute best route of treatment for certain infectious illnesses (essential oils have a wide range of antimicrobial and anti-viral effects). Oils are not a cure all, nor are they wonder drugs. They are effective plant medicines which should be used in appropriate situations with the respect they deserve. There are many well-written, interesting guides to medicinal use of essential oils; noted authors are Kurt Schnaubelt, Robert Tisserand, and Jane Buckley, among others. Find one or more of these texts and educate yourself! You'll find a whole new world opening up in your natural health and wellness choices.

About the Author

The author has made available reports on specific anti-microbials such as oregano essential oil, essential oil of lemon and ginger oil.  

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