Aromatherapy

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Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils to alleviate illnesses or to increase well-being. Professionally or commercially, any form of medicine is only permitted to licensed doctors and in Germany, according to Section 1 of the Heilpraktikergesetz, also to alternative practitioners . This also applies to alternative healing methods such as aromatherapy.

history

Even at the time of the ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt , fragrances or parts of plants were mostly used in the form of incense for therapeutic and ritual purposes. This is where today's name perfume (Latin per fumum - through the smoke) for fragrant scented oil mixtures was derived. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder reports on the use of mint leaves to clean hospital rooms.

In July 1910, René-Maurice Gattefossé , a French cosmetics chemist and perfumer , had an accident in his laboratory that made him the father of aromatherapy. There was an explosion in his laboratory that burned his hands and scalp. He treated his burns with lavender oil, whereupon they healed surprisingly quickly and without any scarring. This success inspired him to further research. During the First World War , essential oils were used, and in 1918 Gattefossé produced an antiseptic soap based on essential oils. It was used to wash the clothes and bandages, but it was also used as a substitute for eau de toilette. In 1923 Gattefossé only studied the medicinal properties of fragrant oils, publications and the manufacture of various products with essential oils followed, even the Second World War could hardly slow him down. He had mainly devoted himself to the bergamot essence and its antiseptic properties. He now worked increasingly with doctors and hospitals, but in the course of his occupation with dermatology he developed beauty products and in 1936 published his work, Physiological Aesthetics and Beauty Products, which is well-known in specialist circles and has been translated many times . His last two works, Aromatherapy and Essential Antiseptics (1937), influenced all subsequent users of the essential oils. This is where the term "aromatherapy" was coined for the first time.

application

Aromatherapy is the treatment of disorders and illnesses with essential oils. It is a form of phytotherapy (herbal medicine) and belongs to the complementary medical methods . The use of fragrances in private households has long since become common, even if the word aromatherapy is rarely used for it. Cold baths, odor patches, massage oils and fragrance lamps are examples of this. Aromatherapy is also offered as a complementary addition to the hot tub . Fragrances are added to the heated water, which can be absorbed particularly well during the bath due to the constant circulation by jet pumps.

Fragrances in general can act on the human body in different ways:

  • The sense of smell is addressed; this leads to a sensory perception with all the associated side effects (feeling, memory, reflective influence on various body functions, etc.). An example of this is aromatherapy massage: it is the primary method used by aromatherapists in the alternative health care sector. This area of ​​application was significantly shaped by the French Marguerite Maury: She examined the effect of aromas when they are applied to the skin. This requires knowledge of anatomy and massage as well as the properties of the individual essential oils.
  • After ingestion or inhalation , essential oils can also have a direct effect on the organs. For example, lavender oil is said to have a calming effect, thyme activating, jasmine oil to have a strong spasmolytic, sedative, antidepressant effect, and orange and lemon oil to lighten the mood.
  • "Biological Antibiosis": Some essential oils have antibiotic properties, which make them suitable for prophylaxis and for the treatment of minor infections . In addition to the pure aromatic oils, certain medicinal herbs and spices such as thyme , sage and lemon balm are also suitable for this . This form of therapy is used particularly frequently in the treatment of colds, for which, in addition to oral intake, targeted inhalation and enrichment of the room air via evaporation are particularly suitable.
  • It is also possible to apply oils directly (to be enjoyed with caution) or diluted (2% mixture on a carrier oil, e.g. olive oil) to the skin. Essential oils that can be applied to the skin in their pure form are e.g. B. Lemon (for warts) or lavender (has a very good effect on burns / blisters), Immortelle is also said to have a wound-cleaning, healing-promoting and accelerating effect when applied to wounds. Active ingredients of essential oils that have been used in a massage can be detected in the urine of the person being treated after just 15 minutes.

Legal

Essential oils are freely available and can be used by anyone. As a component of cosmetic preparations, they are subject to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products . In foodstuffs and consumer goods, they are subject to the Food, Consumer Goods and Feed Code . Essential oils are only subject to pharmaceutical law if they are contained in pharmaceuticals . They are described in the German Pharmacopoeia (DAB) and in the Ph. Eur. (European Pharmacopoeia) and are contained in over 2000 drugs.

hazards

Essential oils must be dosed carefully because side effects such as toxic phenomena and allergic reactions can occur. Especially with children, pregnant women and weakened people, one should be very careful with the use of essential oils. If undiluted, they can cause irritation or even burns on sensitive skin . For infants of essential oils on the application should be avoided.

Most of the aromatic oils sold do not come from natural sources (anymore), but are produced synthetically or semi-synthetically. Many aromatic oils of vegetable origin can contain toxins , which makes their internal use and application to the skin dangerous. The popular tea tree oil in particular often has a high content of terpenes , which are highly toxic to the liver. The potential allergenicity of the aromatic oils is also to be considered dangerous . If there is a known tendency to allergic reactions, it should therefore be avoided in case of doubt.

literature

  • Monika Werner, Ruth von Braunschweig: Aromatherapy Practice . Haug, 2007.
  • Eliane Zimmermann : Aromatherapy for care and health professions . Sunday 2006.
  • Michaela and Wolfgang Steflitsch: Aromatherapy, Science - Clinic - Practice . Springer, 2007.
  • Wabner , Beier: Aromatherapy, basics, active principles, practice , Urban & Fischer, Elsevier, Munich 2008.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Pharma-Info , apotheken.de, accessed on January 5, 2010
  2. ↑ Eliane Zimmermann: Aromatherapy for nursing and healing professions . Sonntag Verlag, 2006. Page 222, ISBN 978-3-8304-9114-9

Web links

Commons : Aromatherapy  - collection of images, videos and audio files
Wiktionary: Aromatherapy  - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations