Search:

Today's Aromatherapy: Using Essential Oils as Effective Medicines

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.

So-called 'alternative' treatments encompass virtually all medicine mankind has ever used, and our species by almost every measure is exceptionally successful. And there are many physicians who specialize in alternative medicine whom believe that natural treatments and lifestyle modifications are the ONLY way to truly cure the vast majority of illness. So how effective, really, are essential oils and the science of aromatherapy in treating stress and disease in humans? How can you learn more about the oils and their potential to help you? Let's review the current state of affairs, and see how you might investigate their use in your own natural health and wellness lifestyle.

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.

The dichotomy of deriding aromatherapy for it's unfounded healing potentials and extolling its virtues as effective medicine is curious. Take the recent 'proof' of enteric-coated capsules of Peppermint essential oil being extremely effective in treating the sometimes debilitating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. IBS is a result of unchecked growth of 'unfriendly' bacterial in a weakened digestive system. Western medicine has been hard-pressed to find a safe and effective long-term treatment. Enter the steam distilled essential oil of whole peppermint herb - taken in capsules as to be well tolerated by those with sensitive stomachs, and to be released in the region of most effect - the intestines. The treatment has been widely accepted mostly due to it's 'proven' efficacy in controlled studies. Peppermint has the wonderful result of eliminating the disease-causing microorganisms, while leaving the natural and healthy 'bugs' in the digestive system to do their job.

Another widely-published effect of a particular essential oil is that of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) for the treatment of oral and genital herpes. The herpes simplex virus, or HSV, is one that a patient is thought to have to live with for the rest of their lives once contracted. The virus remains dormant in the nervous system until times of stress reduce immune system function enough to allow recurrence of painful sores and legions. It's not fun, nor is it considered 'curable' by the American medical establishment. However, in many university studies performed in Germany, Lemon Balm (as well as other combinations of essential oils containing the same ant-viral compounds) has been shown very effective at reducing the pain, duration, and frequency of outbreaks through topical application. One professor has even proclaimed that repeated use before and during outbreaks can lead to complete remission of the disease. Again, Aromatherapy to the rescue!

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.

Article Source: http://www.articles.com.mx

The author has made available much practical information about aromatherapy -- including reports on specific anti-microbial oils such as oregano, lemon and cinnamon.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated