Tiran (2006), Tiran (2009), and Bizjak, Veljanovič and A.M.I.D.A.S. (2000) describe aromatherapy as a science that uses highly concentrated essential oils from various plants. Their potency has a therapeutic effect. Essential oils can be used on the skin through massage, inhalation, through mucous membranes, in a bath (oils are not water-soluble), or in the shower. In the gastrointestinal tract, they are used in certain cases, but such aromatherapy must be clinically tested. Bizjak, Veljanovič and A.M.I.D.A.S. (2000) state that the fifteen most effective essential oils include tea tree, lemon-scented eucalyptus, bay laurel, German chamomile, niaouli, round-leaved eucalyptus, palmarosa, tarragon, peppermint, rosemary, lavender, thyme, wild thyme, ylang-ylang, and sage. We should first find out which health conditions a particular essential oil is used for, as not all are suitable for everyone.

Aromatherapy comes from the Greek word meaning spicy scent or taste, but nowadays it is more commonly used for fragrance. Therapei means healing or care (Maxwell–Hudson, 1995). Essential oils have an intense scent; for example, one drop of rose oil requires thirty rose petals (Janicke and Grunwald, 2009). Rončelj and Skoberne (2002) note that aromatherapy has not only a specific scent but also certain healing properties.

One of the advantages of aromatherapy is that it helps us better understand our body and thus discover irregularities. Through physical contact, we establish positive relationships with ourselves or with others we massage. It has many positive effects, some of which include trust, relaxation, muscle relaxation, and the release of endorphins that relieve pain. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are found in various parts of plants. They protect the plant from various microorganisms, establish contact with the external environment, and at the same time act like hormones in humans, playing a key role in plant metabolism (Rončelj and Skoberne, 2002).

Tiran (2006) explains that essential oils are high-percentage concentrates of chemical substances in plants, sometimes in tiny droplets of vessels and root hairs. Their function in plants is hormone regulation, helping plants adapt, and so on. Essential oils help plants adapt to external factors and protect them from disease. Rončelj and Skoberne (2002) also mention a similar role of oils in plants.

HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY

Tiran (2006) explains in her work how and when aromatherapy first appeared. It is known that our ancestors used plants and their essences for therapeutic purposes as well as for perfumes thousands of years before us.

Our ancestors observed that injured, sick, and wounded animals healed themselves by consuming plants. Some plants that did not have medicinal properties worsened their health or even caused death. All this knowledge led to the development of herbal medicine (Farrer–Halls, 2007), (Maxwell–Hudson, 1995). The term aromatherapy only developed around the beginning of the twentieth century when Gattefosse conducted experiments with essential oils, investigating their medicinal properties. He burned his palms and fingers, then discovered lavender and its power when he dipped his injured hand in lavender essential oil. He realized that lavender oil acts as a pain reliever, is anti-inflammatory, and aids wound healing. He was also the first to use the term aromatherapy in 1928 in a scientific article on essential oils. With the help of Gattefosse’s discovery, physician Jean Valnet treated the wounds of military casualties and also used essential oils for emotional and psychological problems. Later, Marguerite Maury introduced beauty aromatherapy, where essential oils were used for skin regeneration, further confirming the positive effects of essential oils (Farrer-Halls, 2007). Farrer-Halls (2007) states that the modern use of aromatherapy developed in the 1960s, where it was used in conjunction with massage techniques. The most important aspect of aromatherapy is massaging the entire body with diluted essential oils.

Rončelj and Skoberne (2002) describe that in ancient civilizations, some plants were considered sacred. They were used for ritual offerings by burning them, as evidenced by the discovery of incense from before 1500 BC. Ancient peoples believed these plants had special powers, so they associated them with healing. During the Neolithic period, in some parts of Europe and the East, they discovered fatty oil extraction by pressing various plants. For many years, they discovered the effects of plants and their properties. When they recognized the toxicity of some plants, they avoided them, while using others very carefully.

The Family Health Guide (2009) describes oils from thuja, wormwood leaves, tansy, hyssop, and sage as toxic. These plant oils are so toxic that they can be fatal if ingested.

In ancient times, creams were used. An important lifestyle in Egypt was the use of body oils and healing, as evidenced by the discovery of numerous vessels believed to have been intended for oil use. This magical liquid was used for various purposes, such as healing, rituals, cosmetics, and mummification. Some note that better-preserved bodies used larger quantities of various oils. The Greeks learned from the Egyptians to use oils for perfuming as well. The Romans, using Greek knowledge, used oils for clothing, beds, the body, and so on. Arab alchemist Avicenna invented distillation in the tenth century. The first extracted essential oil was made from roses. In the thirteenth century, people were most enthusiastic about lavender essential oil (Farrer-Halls, 2007).

Tiran (2006) and Rončelj and Skoberne (2002) state in their literature that the term ‘aromatherapie’ was first used by the chemist Gattefosse, who was interested in cosmetic essential oils. In 1928, he published a book advising on essential oils in dermatology. He also contributed to the prevention of gangrene, healing and inflammation of wounds, lowering body temperature, and pain relief during the First World War. Today, the effects of plants are used in both pharmacy and cosmetics. There are also objections to the use of these substances, as their effects are still not fully understood even today (Rončelj and Skoberne, 2002).

Use of Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy, essential oils are the basic tool, considered an effective, gentle healing agent. Aromatherapy is most effective when used in combination with massage. The most common way to use aromatherapy at home is probably a bath. Essential oils can also be used to prepare perfumes, inhalations, cold or warm compresses. They can be added to creams, toilet waters, hair care products, or even lotions (Farrer-Halls, 2007).

Aromatherapy is more commonly used by women than men, specifically during the reproductive period, which may indicate that women turn to it during pregnancy or childbirth (Smith et al., 2011).

Wagner (2008) describes that aromatherapy is intended for everyone to relieve everyday problems. It is best used as prevention for various illnesses or as complementary treatment for more serious conditions. Its effects can positively impact quality of life when instructions are followed. They are highly concentrated, so we must be careful with dosing—in short, we must follow the instructions for use as with other medicines. Pregnant women should consult with their gynecologist or midwife about using essential oils. Some women are very sensitive to scents during pregnancy and after childbirth and are bothered by them. For such individuals, the use of aromatic oils is not recommended (Wagner, 2008).

During pregnancy, many medications pass through the placenta to the baby. Many women do not want to take medications for this reason, which is why alternative treatment methods are especially recommended in such cases (Glossler, 2010). Similar guidelines apply to infants and young children (Janicke and Grunwald, 2009). Essential oils should not be used on children and newborns until their absorption is known (Tiran, 2009).

Farrer-Halls (2007) states that ingestion of essential oils is prohibited, they must not come into contact with delicate skin on mucous membranes, and we must also avoid them in the eye area. Sometimes skin irritation can occur, so occasional use together with other selected oils is advised. Follow the instructions for diluting essential oils and do not increase the concentration unless prescribed. If irritated and red skin occurs, we remedy this discomfort by applying the area with base cream or oil, covering it with a cold cloth, and leaving it until the unwanted effects disappear. If oil comes into contact with the eye, immediately rinse it with a small amount of base oil, then blot with a soft cloth, and then rinse with water. Essential oils are added to base oils, so we can say that base oils are also called carrier oils, which we mix together with essential oils (Konte, 2009). If more serious reactions occur, medical help should be sought.

Effects of Aromatherapy

Essential oils used in aromatherapy are highly volatile substances that begin to evaporate as soon as they come into contact with air. Therefore, with every method of using essential oils, inhalation is also involved, albeit in small quantities. Aromatherapy is most often combined with massage, which allows essential oils to enter through the skin, where they act most effectively and earliest, in addition to the lungs. Oils enter the body through the skin because the skin is permeable to certain substances. When we inhale essential oil particles, they first travel from the trachea to the bronchi, and then into the lungs. In the lungs, there are alveoli surrounded by blood vessels. Gas exchange occurs with the help of blood vessels and alveoli, where essential oils are also present. Once essential oils enter the bloodstream, they travel throughout the body via the circulatory system to various organs. Rose oil primarily affects the uterus, regulating its function, cleansing, and strengthening it. Essential oils also have a strong influence on emotional, mental, and psychological aspects (Farrer-Halls, 2007).

ESSENTIAL OILS

Postič (2013) describes essential oils as volatile substances with a strong scent. They are obtained from plants. Most often, such oils are extracted through distillation, and the substance itself is named after the plant, for example, lavender oil. They are used in the cosmetic, food, and medical industries. Dimitrov (2008) explains that essential oils are an integral part of plants and animals and contain a fragrant component. They contain carbohydrates, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, and other compounds, as also described by Tiran (2006). It cannot be assumed that any essential oil is fully understood, a point also mentioned by the aforementioned authors. The quality of an essential oil can be checked by placing a drop of the essential oil on white filter paper and waiting twenty-four hours. If the oil is of good quality, no greasy or any visible trace will remain on the paper. It is also known that oils are not soluble in water, but they still have a characteristic scent and taste. Water certainly takes on the scent because the alcohols present in essential oils are soluble. Most essential oils evaporate quickly at room temperature. Some solidify quickly during cooling or excrete solid particles. These properties allow us to use cooling to extract menthol and other stereotypes from essential oils (Dimitrov, 2008).

Farrer-Halls (2007) states that essential oils are natural substances that, through photosynthesis, enable the plant to feed and obtain other substances necessary for survival. They are composed of water, carbon dioxide, and mineral substances, through which photosynthesis occurs. The term essential oils is most often used for all types of aromatic oils used in aromatherapy, but some oils obtained by pressing remain unchanged.

Characteristics of Essential Oils

In practice, we can encounter non-greasy, clear, thin, colored, or thick oils, all of which have in common that they dissolve in fats or alcohol. It is known that oils do not dissolve in water, so their method of use is important (Farrer-Halls, 2007). Because essential oils are highly volatile, it is recommended that they be stored in tightly closed, dark-colored bottles. As already mentioned, they are highly concentrated, so instructions for dilution must be followed before use, as undiluted oils are rarely used.

Use of Essential Oils

Bathing with essential oils is the second most pleasant and effective aromatherapy method used for the whole body besides massage. Oils transform bathing into a special experience, as they enhance and complement the positive effects of water. An aromatic bath can be used for various purposes, whether for relaxation, stimulation, sexual arousal, or refreshment. They can help us with skin problems, muscle pain, stress, and tension (Farrer-Halls, 2007). When the tub is filled with water, add 4–8 drops of essential oil, which remains on the water’s surface. Because of this, the water must be stirred so that the oil disperses in the water. Essential oil is added to the tub just before bathing, because if we waited too long, most of the volatile oil would be lost.

Living spaces can be scented by dispersing essential oils into the air. If we want to vaporize essential oil and accelerate its evaporation, we use burners or aromatherapy lamps. In practice, stands are most commonly used, where a candle is placed on the lower shelf, and on the upper part sits a container where we pour water and essential oils. It is also possible to buy automatic diffusers and ring-shaped bulbs that work similarly to the described burners. Rapid evaporation of essential oil can be enabled by placing a container of hot water on a radiator (Farrer-Halls, 2007). Place a candle on the lower shelf of the aromatherapy lamp, and on the upper part intended for liquid, add half water and add 8–10 drops of essential oil.

Those who do not want to use aromatherapy lamps or electric diffusers can scent spaces using hand sprayers filled with water and essential oils. This method of use is especially recommended for people who do not want intense scents but want an immediate effect. The use of plastic containers is not recommended, as essential oils in combination with plastic can react chemically. Because essential oils are not soluble in water, the bottle must be shaken well before each use. Fill the bottle almost to the top with water; for every teaspoon of water (5 ml), add three drops of essential oil. In 100 ml of water, you should use 60 drops of essential oil (Farrer-Halls, 2007).

If scenting objects, add one drop of essential oil to the center and corners of five paper napkins. Place these napkins between sheets of paper and close them together in a box. After two days, the paper will be gently scented without greasy traces of essential oil. To scent bedding, paper napkins scented with essential oils can be added to the linen closet (Farrer-Halls, 2007).

AROMATHERAPY METHODS

Methods used for introducing essential oils into the body include inhalations, massage through the skin, and so on. It is very important to know that oils are never applied undiluted, except for lavender oil. Dilute with cold-pressed olive oil (normal or dry skin); for oily skin, use natural sunflower oil. Sometimes alcohol, fat, or wax can also be used. For inhalations, hot water is used. The appropriate mixture for each treatment plays an important role. It is known that we must not mix more than five oils together, as they do not work synergistically (in the same direction). We must consider the evaporation rate of oils, as the first group includes oils that evaporate quickly, followed by medium-speed oils and oils that evaporate slowly (Dimitrov, 2008).

Essential oils are often used in fragrance lamps, compresses, baths, mouth rinses, inhalation, massage skin care—cosmetics, and for burns (Janicke and Grunwald, 2009).

Source: Thesis by Erika Cuznar – Aromatherapy in Different Life Periods of Women and the Perinatal Period (2015) under the mentorship of: Senior Lecturer Teja Škodič Zakšek, Dipl. Eng. Rad., Dipl. Midwife, MSc UK

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