Aromatherapy - What is it and does it really work?

Friday December 17, 2021 9 minutes to read

Note — The article was checked and updated October 2023.

What is aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a branch of phytotherapy or botanical medicine that uses only natural plant products. Because of their natural heritage and human connection to nature, the healing symbiosis of essential oils is astonishing.

Aromatherapy utilises highly concentrated, volatile essential plant essences and their specific healing capabilities in order to achieve a truly holistic balance of physical health, emotional wellbeing, mental strength and spiritual connection.

Aromatherapy is not an invention of modern times, it has been used since the dawn of humanity. In ancient Egypt, oils like aniseed, cedar, onion, myrrh and grapes were used in perfume and body ointments – as we learn from queen Cleopatra.^[¹^]

During the mummification process fragrances were added to the bodies before they were laid into their tombs. Jesus received gifts of frankincense and myrrh at his birth, Romans used plant essences for healing purposes and Persians used oils in their cooking for their antibacterial and antifungal properties.^[²^]

The Persians are also known to have invented the first distillation process. Distillation made plant essences more potent and most essential oils are still extracted this way.

Science behind aromatherapy - what does research say

In the 15th century Paracelcius was the first European who studied widely used oils in depth, such as rosemary, rose, sage, juniper.^[3^]

During the big plague in the 17th century, doctors protected themselves with a face mask and were breathing through a beak containing cinnamon, clove and aromatic herbs.

It was the French chemist and perfumer Rene-Maurice Gattfosse who started the therapeutic use of essential fragrances after a laboratory accident. He had submerged his hand into lavender oil after burning it. The wound healed quickly and did not leave a scar. His 1939 published book “Aromatherapy” started the modern trend of aromatherapy.^[4^]

Many scientists have helped to explain the chemical backbone of aromatherapy as most essential oils contain over a hundred chemical constituents, amongst them two very prominent groups.

Hydrocarbons

monoterpenes that are stimulating and have antiviral properties
sesquiterpenes that have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

Oxygenated compounds

esters that are active on the central nervous system
alcohols that are energising, antibacterial and antiviral
aldehydes that are sedative and anti-inflammatory
ketones that are cell-regenerative

phenols that are stimulant and antibacterial.^[5^]

Are Essential Oils natural

Essential oils are naturally derived from plant matter such as flowers, leaves, branches, shrubs, grasses, fruits, seeds, roots, bark, resin and trees.

How are essential oils made

Most essential oils are extracted from plant matter through the distillation process, converting the volatile liquid into vapour to be condensed into floral water (hydrosols) and essential oils after cooling.

Delicate flowers such a jasmine or tuberose would release their fragrance into a highly purified and odourless, solid fat – a process that is called enfleurage. This highly costly process is not used widely anymore.

Most citrus fruit oils are expressed from the peel. Cold expression is preferred as it leaves the essential oils unchanged.

Raw materials with very low concentrations of essential oils or that contain lots of resin are better extracted by a solvent, either liquid (hexane, methanol, ethanol) or gas (butane, carbon dioxide).

The solvent mixture is being distilled which creates a concentrated extract called the concrete. The concrete is warmed with alcohol to melt it, afterwards filtered which leaves an essential absolute, a particular essential oil that contains the highest concentration of natural fragrance possible.

Essential absolute extraction contains the highest concentration of natural fragrance

Absolutes are favourites for their fragrance, however, therapeutic use can be debated because of residues of the solvent.

Difference between essential and fragrance oils

Fragrant oils are usually not natural. They are synthetic produced fragrances that are petroleum based without any therapeutic value.

The perfume industry especially relies heavily on such components because it makes the process standardised. Most essential oils are produced for food flavouring or industrial application.

Only 5% of the yearly essential oils productions are oils that are suitable for aromatherapy because of their therapeutic constituents.

True natural essential oils are like wine, they reflect the spirit of that year’s season and the quality of oils can vary depending on the year’s yield.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Essential oils support better sleep

Having a good night’s rest supports the repair mechanism of the body and the regeneration of the brain. Both are important to stay physically healthy and strong, and mentally agile and resilient. Essential oils that support healthy sleep are lavender, roman chamomile, mandarin, and vetiver.^[6^]

Essential oils reduce stress and anxiety

Because of the direct pathway of the sense of smell to the oldest part of the brain, the limbic system, smelling relaxing oils bypass the thalamus, the conditioned filter of the brain. The parasympathetic nervous system response kicks in quickly and brings forward immediate relaxation.

Essential oils that support relaxation and anxiety release are frankincense, neroli, petitgrain, rose, and valerian.^[7^]

Essential oils boost our cognitive performance

The direct pathway to the limbic system of the brain also supports performance enhancing actions of oils such as noradrenaline stimulation. Direct actions of oils such as peppermint and rosemary on the amygdala and hippocampus support mental stimulation.^[8^]

Essential oils heal fungal, bacterial and viral infections

Many essential oils have highly effective chemical compounds that help to overcome fungal infections like athletes foot (manuka, tea tree, German chamomile), bacterial infections like sore throat (eucalyptus, manuka, palmerosa, ravensara) and viral infections like herpes (geranium, melissa, lavender, tea tree).

In fact, many studies show that the antibacterial properties of essential oils are much higher than any antibiotic.^[9^]

Essential oils contain antioxidants

The anti-oxidative effects of essential oils prevent cell damage from free radicals (clove, frankincense, rose, helichrysum). This keeps us healthier and younger for longer.^[10^]

Essential oils reduce pain

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils reduce pain significantly (peppermint, lavender, roman chamomile), may it be menstrual pain, digestive pain, joint or muscle pain, toothache or headaches.^[11^]

Antibacterial properties of certain essential oils are much higher than antibiotics

Essential oils reduce inflammation

Anti-inflammatory processes can be supported with the use of essential oils such as ginger, thyme, rose, yarrow and bergamot, as they can calm the overreaction of the immune system and support free-radical elimination.^[10^]

Essential oils balance emotional rollercoasters and mood swings

Due to their direct impact on the limbic system and with that the relay centre of emotions, essential oils help to stabilise moods and control emotional outbursts. All the citrus oils are helpful here, as well as ylang ylang, roman chamomile, and lavender.^[12^]

Essential oils enhance beauty

With their lymph stimulating properties, their ability to absorb quickly into the skin and their impact on the integumentary system essential oils can combat acne (geranium, tea tree), wrinkles (palmerosa, neroli), moles (helichrysum, manuka), skin discolouration (frankincense, lemon), cellulite (juniper, grapefruit), scars (lavender, frankincense) and stretch marks (helichrysum, mandarin).^[13^]

Essential oils enhance memory

The direct impact of essential oils on the limbic system has shown dramatic reversal effects on memory loss. Essential oils enhancing memory are rosemary and lemon balm.^[14^]

Aromatherapy Massage

A professional aromatherapy massage will only be offered by a certified aromatherapist. The therapist infuses natural base oils with specific essential oils to enhance what is to be achieved through different massaging techniques:

Long and soothing strokes for relaxation
Deep tissue, kneading and stretching for muscle tension release
Kneading, rubbing and trigger point stimulation for pain
Vibration, shaking and rhythmical tapping for invigoration

Essential oils are not only smelling fantastic they also enhance and support health and well-being on all possible levels.

What are the risks of using essential oils

Essential oils contain many different chemical constituents, some of which can be harmful with certain conditions and health issues.

Often, safety data for some of the chemical compounds are missing therefore it is recommended to use safer oil options.^[15^]

Essential oils that should not be used during pregnancy

Due to the lack of safety data, certain oils should be avoided during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester:

buchu
cajeput
cypress
eucalyptus
fennel
juniper
cinnamon
marjoram
nutmeg
niaouli
oregano
peppermint
rosemary
clove
spikenard
thyme
valerian

Some oils shouldn’t be used during the last trimester due to their hormone stimulating properties which can trigger early labour, such as:

clary sage
jasmine
myrrh
lovage
rose

Essential oils that are considered phytotoxic

Some expressed citrus oils like lemon, lime, bergamot, bitter and sweet orange can cause the skin to burn easily when exposed to the sun.

RELATED — Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis)

These oils should be avoided when being outside during the summer months:

angelica
verbena
melissa
yarrow
lovage

Essential oils that can be skin irritants

Due to their chemical constituents some oils can irritate the skin. Those oils are safer to be used in diffusion or in very high dilutions on the skin, such as:

carnation
clove
coriander
jasmine
lemongrass
may chang
rosemary
spruce
thyme

RELATED — Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Essential oils that should be avoided with babies and toddlers

The sense of smell in a baby is very sensitive and one of the main organs that connects mother and child through deep bonding. This sensitive balance should not be interfered with.

Essential oils should only be used in very low doses

Extreme fresh and stimulating oils should be totally avoided because most babies are overstimulated.

Oils not to be used with babies are:

eucalyptus
peppermint
thyme
rosemary

Essential oils that shouldn’t be used with individuals with high blood pressure

Some essential oils can raise high blood pressure even further. These are:

cypress
eucalyptus
rosemary
peppermint
thyme

Essential oils that should be avoided due to blood thinners because they enhance the anticoagulant effects of blood thinners.

These are:

ginger
cassia cinnamon

Essential oils that need to be avoided when asthmatic

Essential oils can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. These oils are:

marjoram
fennel
aniseed

Essential oils that can over-stimulate kidneys

Some essential oils, like juniper and black pepper, that increase the urine flow might damage the kidneys when used over long periods of time.

Essential oils that can trigger epileptic fits

Essential oils might also cause issues with people who have epileptic seizures. These oils are:

rosemary
fennel
yarrow
camphor
spike lavender
sage

Essential oils that need to be avoided with estrogen dependent cancers

Due to their hormone stimulating effects some oils can’t be used when treating women with breast, ovarian or uterine cysts and cancer. These oils are:

clary sage
hops

In general, pure essential oils are safe to use if certain guidelines of safety are adhered to.

Lower dilutions are always preferred and when in doubt please contact a professional aromatherapist. You can find certified aromatherapists registered with your local aromatherapy association – NZROHA.com, IAAMA.org.au.

Aromatherapy and medical conditions

Essential oils can

ease the hardening of the blood vessels in arteriosclerosis
ease the hormonal impact on acne
support circulation to help with feeling coldness in the limbs
calm the inflammatory process of the epidermis with eczema
help menstrual issues such as PMS, pain or irregular flow
alleviate the abdominal pain and digestive imbalance with irritable bowel syndrome
be used as a preventative for gout
relieve hormonal imbalances
ease the pain and severity of sinusitis

If you have a certain medical condition, it is suggestible to have a conversation with your doctor first.

Essential oil chart and uses

NAME	HEALTH BENEFITS	HEALTH RISKS
Bergamot, Citrus bergamia	Immune stimulant, antidepressant	Phototoxic
Chamomile German, Matricaria chamomilla	Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, pain decreasing
Chamomile Roman, Anthemis nobilis	Pain decreasing, calms nervous system
Clove, Eugenia caryophyllata	Powerful antibacterial, anti tumour action
Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus	Supports respiratory system	To be avoided if you have high blood pressure and epilepsy
Frankincense, Boswellia carterii	Supports nervous system, great skin healer
Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens	Anti-viral, hormone regulator, balances emotions
Ginger, zinger officinalis	Pain decreasing, supports circulation and lymph flow, anti-inflammatory, warming	Blood thinning
Immortelle/ Everlasting, Helichrysum angustifolium	Very skin healing, supports liver, alleviates anxiety
Juniper (berry), Juniperus communis	Very strong diuretic	To be avoided if you have kidney disease
Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia	Calming, skin healing, anti-toxic, sedative, relaxing
Lemon, Citrus limonum	Anti-inflammatory, anti tumor action, great for respiratory issues, detoxification	Phototoxic
Mandarin, Citrus reticulata	Digestive tonic, gentle for children, antiseptic
Manuka, Leptospermum scoparium	Skin and wound healing, anti-allergic, insecticide, mental stimulant, hormone balancing
Melissa/Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis	Nervous sedative, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, liver and gall stimulant
Neroli, Citrus aurantium	Calms nervous system, skin healing, balances digestive system
Orange, sweet, Citrus sinensis dulcis	Anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, hydrates skin, supports digestion, eases water retention, encourages mental capacity
Palmerosa, Cymbopogon martini	Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, skin healing
Peppermint, Mentha piperita	Alleviates pain and spasms, calms the digestive system, eases mental fatigue, supports clear memory, harmonises hormones	Not to be used with infants and high blood pressure
Ravintsara, Ravensara aromatica	Anti-infectious, immune stimulant	To be avoided in babies
Rose, Rosa damascena	Anti-allergic, anti-toxic, harmonises the nervous and hormonal system, great for any skin type, releases past trauma and supports emotional healing
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis	Stimulating, alleviates physical and mental exhaustion and fatigue, relaxes muscles and spasms	To be avoided if you have high blood pressure
Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia	Antiseptic, anti-toxic, immune stimulant, heals skin
Thyme, Thymus vulgaris	Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, supports respiration	To be avoided if you have high blood pressure, avoid to use with babies and can cause skin irritations
Valerian, Valeriana officinalis	Pain regulating, releases tension, powerful sedative
Vetiver, Vetiveria zizanioides	Sedative, anti spasms, releases muscle and nervous tension, supports wound healing

Important note — it is always best to check with a trained aromatherapist if a certain essential oil is suitable for you.

How to use essential oils

Inhalation
Inhalation clears the pathways of the lungs quickly when used over steaming hot water, infused with 1-2 drops of essential oils.

Sprays and spritzers
Easy and handy way to administer essential oils instantly. Use distilled water, alcohol and a few drops of your preferred essential oil blend.

Diffusion
Enhance the environment indoors with 2-3 drops of essential oils, diluted in water.

Topical application
Fatty essential oils are easily absorbed into the skin either with a full body massage (2.5 % dilution – 5 drops in 10 ml carrier oil) or targeted application on specific areas (3-5 % dilution – 6-10 drops in 10 ml carrier oil).

Bath
Since essential oils don’t mix with water, emulsifiers such as milk, cream, or salt need to be added to the warm bath water with 3-5 drops of essential oils.

Compresses
Compresses can be used cold or hot on bruises, infections, aches and pains. Soak a cloth in water and add 2-3 drops of essential oil.

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References

(1) Lahiri, A. (2017) – Aromatherapy – The beauty secret of Cleopatra, Keya Seth Aromatherapy Blog 16. https://www.keyaseth.in/blogs/blog/aromatherapy-the-beauty-secret-of-cleopatra

(2) Kalemba, Kunicka (2003) – Antibacterial and antifungal properties of Essential Oils, National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12678685/

(3) Britannica – Biography of Paracelsus. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Paracelsus

(4) Gattefosse, R.M. and Tisserand, R., (2005). The first Book on Aromatherapy.

(5) Higley, C & Higley, A (2018) – Reference Guide to Essential Oils.

(6) Lillehei, Halcon, Savik, Reis (2015) – Effects of inhaled Lavender and sleep hygiene on self-reported sleep issues. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4505755/

(7) Sangwin (2016) – Study on stress and aromatherapy intervention and efficacy, University of Montana. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1079&context=utpp

(8) Moss, M., Moss, L., Hewitt, Wenes (2019) – Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of Peppermint and Ylang-Ylang, International Journal of Neuroscience. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207450601042094

(9) Salavatore Battaglia (1995) – The complete guide to Aromatherapy, page 91.

(10) Miguel (2010) – Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Essential Oils, MDPI molecules article. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6259136/

(11) Lakhun (2016) – Effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing pain, Hindawi Research. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/prt/2016/8158693/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=HDW_MRKT_GBL_SUB_ADWO_PAI_DYNA_JOUR_X 8EALw_wcB

(12) Salvatore Battaglia (2021) – The complete guide to Aromatherapy Vol III, Psyche & Subtle.

(13) Ingeborg Stadelmann (2010) – Aroma Blends.

(14) Jody Cohen (2020) – Essential oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body.

(15) Halcon – Are essential oils safe, University of Minnesota. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/are-essential-oils-safe.

Other Recommended Resources:

Patricia Davis – Aromatherapy, an A-Z: The most comprehensive guide to Aromatherapy

Julia Lawless – The illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils

Shirley and Leon Price – Aromatherapy for Health Professionals

Valerie Ann Worwood – Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Daniel Penoel – Life Helping Life

Aromatherapy – What is it and does it really work?

Angelika Klotz

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