Aromatherapy and Essential
Oils
UNIT 4 ASSIGNMENT
JODIE SZMAGALSKI
HW499: BACHELOR’S CAPSTONE IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS
KAPLAN UNIVERSITY
Overview

What is Aromatherapy?

What Are Essential Oils?

The History

The Effect Aromatherapy Has on Mind and Body

Scientific Evidence

Common and Useful Essential Oils A to Z

Risks and Contraindications

Where to Receive Aromatherapy?

Conclusion
What is Aromatherapy?

“Aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, is using a plant's aroma-producing oils
(essential oils) to treat disease.” (WebMD.com).

The use of Essential oils to be inhaled, infused in the air or applied to the skin via
massage or adding to bath water.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?

The inhalation or application of essential oils trigger the nerve receptors in the
nose and communicate to portions of the brain to create specific effect such
as relaxation, sleep, energy, happiness and healing.

“The oils are thought to interact with the body's hormones and enzymes to
cause changes in blood pressure, pulse, and other body functions.”
(WebMD.com)
What Are Essential Oils?

“The term “essential oil” is a contraction of
the original “quintessential oil.” This stems
from the Aristotelian idea that matter is
composed of four elements, namely, fire, air,
earth, and water. The fifth element, or
quintessence, was then considered to be
spirit or life force.” (naha.org).

Essential oils are produced by the distillation,
evaporation and extraction of oils from a
variety of plants, this includes seeds, bark,
leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruit, ect.
History
• Aromatherapy dates for thousands of years and used
worldwide for it’s healing powers.
• Ancient Egypt – hieroglyphics
• Eastern Medicine – Manuscripts
• Bible – “There are 188 references to essential oils” (Higley, 2013).
• Ayurvedic – India’s traditional medical practice, dates 5,000
years.
• Modern Usage- Mass production of oils, used for massage,
bath, diffusion, ingestion and more.
The Effects Aromatherapy has on Mind
and Body
• Essential oils contain a substance referred to as sesquiterpenes that have
the ability to go beyond the blood-brain barrier, the membrane that
protects the cerebrospinal fluid from damaging substances. (Higley, 2013).
• Some essential oils promote an increase of oxygen to the limbic system of
the brain, which then increases secretion of antibodies, endorphins and
neurotransmitters. (Higley, 2013).
• Essential oils also can reach the area of the brain that releases emotional
trauma. (Higley, 2013).
Scientific Evidence
There have been many case studies involving live patients and the use of
Aromatherapy.

Nausea and Vomiting- Lab testing with several different patients from Oncology to Pregnancy.
Results were less nausea and vomiting with less use of conventional medicine. (A Brief Review of
Current Scientific Evidence Involving Aromatherapy Use for Nausea and Vomiting, 2012).

Mood, Physiology and Behavior- “18 studies meeting stringent empirical criteria were then
analyzed in detail and it was found that credible evidence that odors can affect mood,
physiology and behavior exists.” (Aromatherapy Facts and Fictions: A Scientific Analysis of
Olfactory Effects on Mood, Physiology and Behavior, 2009).

Treatment of Lower Back Pain- Many different medicines and drugs were used such as NSAIDS
and the Essential oils Capsaicin, Peppermint and Wintergreen, both were said to be effectively
the same. (Treatment of Low Back Pain: The Potential Clinical and Public Health Benefits of
Topical Herbal Remedies, 2014).
Essential Oils A to Z

Basil Uplifting, refreshing, clarifying, aiding concentration

Bergamot Refreshing, uplifting

Chamomile Refreshing, relaxing, calming, soothing, balancing

Cedarwood Sedating, calming, soothing, strengthening

Clary sage Warming, relaxing, uplifting, calming, causing euphoria

Cypress Relaxing, refreshing, providing astringent qualities

Eucalyptus Head clearing, providing antiseptic and decongestant properties, invigorating

Fennel Providing carminative properties, easing wind and indigestion

Frankincense Relaxing, rejuvenating, easing breathing, dispelling fears

Geranium Refreshing, relaxing, balancing, harmonizing

Hyssop Providing decongestant properties

Jasmine Relaxing, soothing, building confidence

Lavender Refreshing, relaxing, providing therapeutic qualities, calming, soothing

Lemon Refreshing, stimulating, uplifting, motivating

Lemongrass Toning, refreshing, fortifying
Essential Oils A to Z Cont..

Myrrh Toning, strengthening, rejuvenating, providing expectorant properties

Neroli Relaxing, dispelling fears

Orange Refreshing, relaxing

Patchouli Relaxing, enhancing to sensuality

Peppermint Cooling, refreshing, head clearing

Pine Refreshing, providing antiseptic properties, invigorating, stimulating

Rose Relaxing, soothing, enhancing to sensuality, building confidence

Rosemary Invigorating, refreshing, stimulating, clarifying

Sandalwood Relaxing, warming, building confidence, grounding

Tea tree Acting as antiseptic, strengthening to immune system

Thyme Acting as antiseptic, refreshing, strengthening to immune system

Ylang ylang Relaxing, soothing, enhancing to sensuality
(Thomas, 2002).
Finding Pure, Therapeutic-Grade
Essential Oils

There are many factors that are important when
creating pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

What part of the plant did the oil come from?

The soil condition (chemical or organic)

Geographical region

Climate

Altitude

Harvest season

Process of retrieving the oil
When and Who Should NOT Use
Aromatherapy?

Pregnant Women- Some essential oils can create toxins for baby, potentially induce labor,
nausea, skin irritations.

Children under the age of 5- If the oils are not diluted enough can cause skin irritations to
children’s sensitive skin.

Elderly- Due to greater skin sensitivities greater dilutions or certain oils should not be used.

Anyone with sensitive skin and skin allergies to particular plants.

If taking prescription medications you should consult your physician or an aromatherapy specialist
to be sure of any contraindications or reactions.
Conclusion

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils are a type of Herbal/Alternative Medicine that
has been used worldwide since the beginning of any physical records of time.

There are many great uses for Aromatherapy and can help reduce the use of
conventional medicine and any unwanted side effects.

There are many great essential oils with many different uses.

Just be aware of the quality of the Essential oil as well as any skin irritations that
some are more susceptible to.

Aromatherapy can be used by health professionals, massage therapists, and in
the comfort of your own home as part of preventive medicine and home healing.
References

Aromatherapy | University of Maryland Medical Center
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/aromatherapy#ixzz3aXbfdqQi

Hebert, P. R., Barice, E. J., & Hennekens, C. H. (2014). Treatment of Low Back Pain: The Potential Clinical and Public
Health Benefits of Topical Herbal Remedies. Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 20(4), 219-220.
doi:10.1089/acm.2013.0313

Herz, R. S. (2009). Aromatherapy Facts and Fictions: A Scientific Analysis of Olfactory Effects on Mood, Physiology
and Behavior. International Journal Of Neuroscience, 119(2), 263-290. doi:10.1080/00207450802333953

Higley, A & C. (2013). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Spanish Fork, UT. Abundant Health.

Lua, P.L.,& Zakaria, N.s., (2012). A Brief Review of Current Scientific Evidence Involving Aromatherapy Use for
Nausea and Vomiting. The Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine. Volume 18, Number 6. pp. 534540. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0862

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, NAHA. Retrieved from: https://www.naha.org/

Thomas, D. (2002). Aromatherapy: mythical, magical, or medicinal?. Holistic Nursing Practice, 16(5), 8-16.

WebMD, Stress Management Health Center. Aromatherapy(Essential Oils Therapy). Retrieved from:
http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/tc/aromatherapy-essential-oils-therapy-topic-overview