What is Aromatherapy?

From the words itself, aroma therapy seems to be a bit misleading, you might have a perception that it is all about scents or smells, but I can promise you it is more than smells!

“Aromatherapy” is a words coined by a French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé in 1930s where he treated his badly burned hand with lavender essential oil during an laboratory explosion. The healing effect is amazing and with very little scarring.

Although the words coined only during 1930s, but when we study the history of aromatherapy, the use of aromatic plants is very much older. I couldn’t find any books clearly defined what aromatherapy is, and I also have difficulty in finding the reason behind Gattefossé use this word. His book Gattefossé's aromatherapy: the first book on aromatherapy, did not give me any direct answer on my questions. But I found that his study is mostly related to the odour and properties of essential oils and perfume.

Balchin also pointed out that the definition of the term “aromatherapy” is quite confusing. I have gathered some of the definition provided by some famous author of aromatherapist, I hope it will give you a good hint of what aromatherapy is.

Robert Tisserand written:

“Aromatherapy can be defined as the diligent use of essential oils to promote or improve human health, hygiene and wellbeing.”

As for Jeanne Rose:

“I view aromatherapy as a branch of herbalism, and learning when use of the herb is preferable to use of the essential oil as an important aspect of aromatherapy training.”

Price (1993):

“The controlled use of essential oils in a positive way to maintain good health and revitalize the body, mind and spirit.”

For me aromatherapy is an art and science of utilizing essential oil to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and soul.

References:

Tisserand R (2011), Gattefossé’s burn, http://roberttisserand.com/2011/04/gattefosses-burn/

Maria Lis-Balchin (2006), Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare

Professionals, Pharmaceutical Press.

Comments

Essential Oils Should be Avoided by Persons with G6PD Deficiency?

It is now very common to hear people say about G6PD deficiency, such as “My child has G6PD deficiency… what foods to avoid?” Yes, G6PD deficiency is prevalence in worldwide, affecting 10% of the world population with approximately 400 million people. In Malaysia, around 1 in 10 children are G6PD deficiency. What is G6PD deficiency? 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common genetic enzyme deficiency. This enzyme deficiency will increase the vulnerability of red blood cells to oxidative stress . If the G6PD deficiency person is infected or expoused to oxidative stimuli drugs or chemical agents, the red blood cells will damaged in large scale and it will lead to acute haemolysis. Excessive bilirubin produced during acute haemolysis will cause liver overloaded and resulted in jaundice. G6PD deficiency has another name called favism , I believe the name is derived from fava beans where acute heomolysis can be triggered by consumpti...

Aromatherapy Course Malaysia

BASIC AROMATHERAPY HANDS ON WORKSHOP MALAYSIA DESCRIPTION Essential oil is natural, so it must be safe? Can essential oil use directly on skin? How many drops of essential oils I should use? This course will answer the above questions by providing you the basic information and knowledge about the world of aromatherapy. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN? What is Aromatherapy? Basic Principles of Aromatherapy What is Essential Oils and Why its Works? 10 Essential Oils Profile Essential Oil Safety Methods of Application Practical Blending and Creating with Oils WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE? 1 x Lunch 1 x Manual 1 x Certificate of Attendance 1 x Basic Aromatherapy Kits Worth RM248 10 x Essential Oils (2ml) each 1 x Carrier Oil 1 x Beaker 1 x Roller Bottle (10ml) 1 x Amber Glass Bottle (10ml) 1 x Amber Glass Bottle (30ml) 1 x Spray Bottle SPEAKER Ms. Jamie Pong The Professional Aromatherapy Diploma, The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), UK Diplo...

Bee Stings Treatment with Essential Oils

During a weekend, my parents and I traveled to Fraser Hills for two days one night herb camp. During the camp, my mum gets a stung by a bee. She felt a sharp pain at her index finger when she tried to chase away the bee. The bee died after it stung. My mum removed the sting immediately and her friend asked her to apply Mopiko ointment on the stung area. After sometimes, her index finger became swelling and red . The herb teacher told her to apply garlic on her index finger. She tried it but my mum dislike the smell of the garlic. Essential Oils Treatment Then I suggested her to put one to two drops of lavender essential oil neat on her swelling area for three times a day (this is the only essential oil I brought during the trip). For one and a half day, her stung area recovered, and she is very happy with that. From that day onward, she became my ambassador for lavender oil. You can also mix with vinegar when preparing the remedy. Vinegar is alkaline; it can help to n...

Forest Scents

Search This Blog