Aromatherapy

Abstract

Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils to promote physical and emotional health and well being. Such essential oils are obtained by distillation from a variety of aromatic plant, flowers, leaves and root or from animal secretion. The characteristic of essential oils including composition and therapeutic efficacy depends on type of plants, place of growing and the climate. The last decade aromatherapy has become of increasing interest it is widely used at home, clinics, hospitals, and spa for inhalation, vaporization, bathing and massage. Use of essential oil in aromatherapy is very safe under the care of physician or professional aromatherapist. Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts thus it has to be diluted in fixed oil prior to use. Internal use of essential oils is prohibited, unless professionally prescribed. Example of essential oils listed in Thai and Foreign Pharmacopoeia are Lavender oil (use as carminative, antispasmodic, and mild stimulant), Peppermint oil (use as carminative, local anaesthetic, and mild antiseptic), Thyme oil (use as antiseptic, antispasmodic, and counter irritant for pain relief) and Eucalyptus oil (use in preparations for the relief of catarrh by inhalation of its vapor). For essential oils to provide full therapeutic/medical benefit, it must be a natural essential oils. Synthetic volatile oils are less expensive and are not easily distinguished from pure essential oils by human olfactory system. Merchandiser often mixes pure essential oils with cheaper essential oils or synthetic volatile oils to reduce the price of the product. Thus, purchasing essential oils from certified merchandise is highly recommended.