North State Parent magazine

Spring days have arrived-and how can we get rid of any lingering winter blahs and perhaps ward off some of the cold and flu bugs traveling at warp speeds?

For some, the answer is in the smell of eucalyptus. Or perhaps it's the oil of lavender rubbed into their winter-hidden skin. In essence, it's aromatherapy, the use of aromatic oils from herbs, flowers and plants that some alternative therapy advocates say have the power to lift your mind and your body.
Many American families believe in the alternative therapy of aromatherapy. The evidence is in the millions of dollars they spend on candles, incense and oils in their effort to make themselves feel better - both physically and emotionally. But does it really work?

The answers are yes and maybe. Yes, aromatherapy can lift your mood, says Dr. Alan R. Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. In fact, he says smell is the quickest way to alter your mood.

Think about it. You walk in the door grumpy after a hard day at work and are greeted by the smell of a home-cooked dinner, or fresh-baked bread. How do you feel now? In an instant, your bad mood wanes.

In more than 15 years of study on aromatherapy, Dr. Hirsh and his colleagues concluded that the stress-relieving properties of certain smells can alleviate even some physical ailments.

"Green apple tends to reduce migraine headaches," Dr. Hirsch says. "Lavender tends to induce relaxation - as does vanilla."

Past and present

Traced as far back as 4500 B.C., aromatherapy was used by ancient Egyptians and Romans to improve their health and protect them from spirits. For centuries, cultures have tapped into the perceived benefits of essential oils while many in mainstream North America thought the oils to be a hoax, useless or little more than perfume. Now, researchers and health experts are incorporating essential oils in countless applications in everyday household and health scenarios.

Derived and extracted from plants, essential oils "possess very distinctive aroma and therapeutic properties," says aromatherapist Juliana Lipe of Shreveport, La. The array of essential oils come from plants, leaves, bark, flowers, rinds and other parts of natural products.
Aromatherapy is the term most-closely associated with essential oils.

"When we refer to aromatherapy, we're talking about the way the oil's molecules are diffused into the air," notes Lipe. These aromas go directly to the areas in brain that recognize scents and cause certain reactions associated with the scent.

Aromas vs. oils

Essential oils are used for many more reasons than just their aromatic abilities. The difference between essential oils and fragrances is the therapeutic properties. "Some scents can be reproduced in labs. These fragrances do not have the same properties and benefits as essential oils," says massage therapist Carmen Bascaglia of Denver, Colo.

Many essential oils have anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties when used in therapeutic applications. "Some can soothe burned skin, calm rashes and send soothing relief to tired or aching muscles," notes Bascaglia.
Using aromatherapy oils

Although there are approximately 300 oil options available, Lipe notes, "there are some that you wouldn't want to use because they can be dangerous."
As the most well known essential oil, lavender is usually where people begin investigating essential oils. Hirsch noted its relaxation properties, but Lipe says "there are so many uses for lavender that make it such a practical oil." Lavender is also one of the few essential oils thought to be safe to apply directly to skin without needing to be diluted or mixed with base oils or distilled water.

Adults can create an aromatic and therapeutic massage oil by adding 5 drops of essential oil to 100 drops, or roughly a teaspoon, of base oil such as sweet almond, castor or avocado oil. When using essential oils on babies, seniors or anyone with a compromised immune system, reduce the recipe to one to two drops of essential oil to 100 drops of base oil," Bascaglia says. A few drops added to bath water or a foot soak create a soothing and calm environment to reduce stress, while essential oils mixed with distilled water act as wonderful body, room or linen sprays.
Experimenting with citrus-based essential oils, such as lemon or orange, gives your family the chance to customize chemical-free household cleaners.

Essential oils and pregnancy

For all the uses and perceived benefits of essential oils, those who are pregnant should use them sparingly and with caution. "There is much controversy concerning which individual oils can be safely used and which should be avoided," says Lipe. Some recommend totally avoiding essential oils during pregnancy, while others recommend refraining from using the oils only during the first trimester.

Some essential oils should be avoided throughout a pregnancy. Pennyroyal, rue, savin, mugwort, sage, tansy, thuja and wormwood are essential oils that some say could stimulate contractions of the uterus that could lead to a miscarriage.

Essentials oils with emmenagogue properties, or those thought to help promote and regulate menstruation are useful for treating menstrual problems, but also should be avoided during pregnancy. These oils include cedarwood, clary, sage, jasmine, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rose and rosemary.
Hormone stimulants, such as fennel and aniseed, could upset the finely tuned hormone balance of pregnancy. Some oils typically considered safe for use during pregnancy are bergamot, geranium, lavender, lemon, orange, patchouli, sandalwood, tea tree and ylang ylang.

Although it is very important that a woman and her doctor decide whether or not to use essential oils during pregnancy, health and aromatherapy experts agree that it is wise to avoid the use of essential oils entirely in a high-risk pregnancy.

Other risks?

Beyond the possible effects on pregnant women, essential oils are generally perceived as safe for most people. "This is because essential oils are composed of many of the same materials in our own bodies and are not chemically created," Lipe says.

Although it's very rare, some may have a reaction, such as stinging or redness, to an oil applied directly to the skin. If you're uncertain how you'll react to an oil, you apply a small amount to a patch of skin to gauge the reaction before applying more oil.

Properly diluted, essential oils are generally recognized as safe in hundreds of household applications, as well, says Bascaglia. Still, like any household cleaner, they should not be ingested.

Essential oils also have benefits for the family dog and cat. Dr. Miles H. Bader, author of "1001 All Natural Secrets to a Pest Free Property", recommends using a mixture of essential pine oil, rose oil and liquid soap to treat your dog to an aromatic flea bath. "A few drops of essential lemon oil on a collar also helps to prevent fleas," notes Dr. Bader.

For many families - including the furry members - aromatherapy is just the thing to help body and mind in any season, from snow-filled winters to flea-exposed summers.

When she's not writing, Gina Roberts-Grey enjoys experimenting with blending essential oils to create her own perfumes and aromatic blends to use in her home. Occasionally she even whips up a few her husband, son and dogs like too.