Aromatic therapy comes from a Greek word that refers to a pungent smell 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) state that aromatherapy, in addition to its specific scent, also has certain medicinal 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 highly concentrated chemical substances in plants, sometimes found in tiny droplets in vessels and hair roots. Their function in plants is hormone regulation, aiding plant adaptation, and similar roles. Thus, essential oils help plants adapt to external factors and protect them from disease. Rončelj and Skoberne (2002) also describe a similar role for oils in plants.

HISTORY of aromatherapy

In his work, Tiran (2006) explains 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 how, in ancient civilizations, some plants were considered sacred. They were used for ritual offerings by burning them, as evidenced by the discovery of incense dating back to before 1500 BC. Ancient peoples believed that these plants possessed special power, so they associated them with healing. During the New Stone Age, in some parts of Europe and also in the East, the extraction of fatty oil by pressing various plants was discovered. For many years, the effects of plants and their properties were explored. Once the toxicity of certain plants was recognized, these were avoided, while others were used very carefully.

In the book Family Health Guide (2009), oils from thuja, wormwood leaves, hyssop, and sage are described as toxic. The oils of these plants are so highly toxic that they can be fatal if ingested.

In ancient times, creams were used. An important lifestyle in Egypt was the use of oils for the body and for healing, as evidenced by the discovery of numerous vessels presumed to have been intended for oil use. This magical liquid was used for various purposes, such as healing, rituals, cosmetics, and mummification. Some suggest that bodies preserved with larger quantities of various oils are better preserved. The Greeks learned from the Egyptians to use oils also for perfuming. The Romans, using the knowledge of the Greeks, used oils for clothes, beds, the body, and similar purposes. The Arab alchemist Avicenna invented distillation in the tenth century. The first extracted essential oil was made from roses. In the thirteenth century, lavender essential oil captivated people the most (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, particularly during their reproductive period, which may indicate that women turn to it during pregnancy or childbirth (Smith et al., 2011).

Wagner (2008) describes aromatherapy as being for everyone to alleviate everyday problems. It is best used as a preventive measure against various diseases or as a complementary treatment for more serious ailments. Its effects can positively influence the quality of life if instructions are followed. They are highly concentrated, so care must be taken with dosage; in short, instructions for use must be followed as with other medications. Pregnant women should consult a gynecologist or midwife about the use of essential oils. Some women are very sensitive to smells during pregnancy and after childbirth and find them bothersome. For such individuals, the use of aromatic oil is not recommended (Wagner, 2008).

During pregnancy, many medications pass through the placenta to the baby. Many women, for this very reason, do not want to take medication, 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 infants 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 mucous membranes, and they must also be avoided in the eye area. Sometimes skin irritation can occur, so occasional use with other selected oils is advised. Follow the dilution instructions for essential oils and do not increase the concentration unless prescribed. If irritated and red skin occurs, this discomfort can be remedied by applying a basic cream or oil to the affected area, 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 basic oil, then blot with a soft cloth, and then rinse with water. Essential oils are added to basic oils, so we can say that basic oils can also be called carrier oils, which are mixed with essential oils (Konte, 2009). In case of severe reactions, medical attention 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 by distillation, and the substance itself is named after the plant, e.g., lavender oil. They are used in the cosmetic and food industries, as well as in medicine. Dimitrov (2008) explains that essential oils are integral components of plants and animals and contain a fragrant compound. They contain carbohydrates, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, and other compounds, as also described by Tiran (2006). No essential oil can be assumed to be fully understood, as mentioned by the aforementioned authors. The quality of an essential oil can be checked by dropping a single drop onto 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 smell 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 obtain 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 nourish itself and obtain other substances necessary for its existence. They are composed of water, carbon dioxide, and mineral substances, which facilitate photosynthesis. 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 may encounter non-greasy, clear, thin, colored, or thick oils, but all of them are soluble in fats or alcohol. It is known that oils do not dissolve in water, which is why their method of use is important (Farrer-Halls, 2007). Because essential oils are highly volatile, it is recommended to store them in tightly sealed, dark-colored bottles. As already mentioned, they are highly concentrated, so dilution instructions must be followed before use, as undiluted oils are rarely used.

Use of essential oils

A bath with essential oils is the second most pleasant and effective aromatherapy method, used for the entire body in addition to massage. Oils transform bathing into a special experience, strengthening and complementing the positive effects of water. A fragrant bath can be used for various purposes, whether for relaxation, stimulation, sexual arousal, or refreshment. They can help with skin problems, muscle pain, stress, and tension (Farrer-Halls, 2007). When the tub is filled with water, 4–8 drops of essential oil are added, which remain on the surface of the water. Therefore, the water must be stirred to disperse the oil. Essential oil should be added to the tub just before bathing, as waiting too long would cause most of the volatile oil to evaporate.

Living spaces can be fragranced by diffusing essential oils into the air. To vaporize essential oil and accelerate its evaporation, burners or aromatherapy lamps are used. In practice, stands are most often used, where a candle is placed on the lower shelf, and a bowl is placed on the upper part, into which water and essential oils are poured. It is also possible to buy automatic diffusers and ring-shaped light bulbs that function similarly to the described burners. Rapid evaporation of essential oil can be achieved by placing a bowl of hot water on a radiator (Farrer-Halls, 2007). Place a candle on the lower shelf of the aromatherapy lamp, and add half water and 8–10 drops of essential oil to the upper part intended for liquid.

Those who do not wish to use aromatherapy lamps or electric diffusers can fragrance rooms using manual sprayers filled with water and essential oils. This method of use is especially recommended for people who do not want intense scents but desire an immediate effect. The use of plastic containers is not advised, as essential oils can chemically react with plastic. Since 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, and add three drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of water (5 ml). For 100 ml of water, you would thus need to use 60 drops of essential oil (Farrer-Halls, 2007).

If fragrancing objects, one drop of essential oil should be added to the center and corners of five paper napkins. These napkins are then arranged between sheets of paper and closed together in a box. After two days, the paper will be gently fragranced, without greasy traces of essential oil. For fragrancing bedding, paper tissues 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, skin massage, and similar techniques. It is very important to know that oils are never applied undiluted, except for lavender oil. Dilution is done with cold-pressed olive oil (for normal or dry skin), while natural sunflower oil is used for oily skin. Sometimes alcohol, fat, or wax can also be used. For inhalations, hot water is used. The appropriate blend for each treatment is crucial. It is known that no more than five oils should be mixed together, as they do not act synergistically (in the same direction). The evaporation rate of oils must be considered, as the first group consists of fast-evaporating oils, followed by medium-speed oils, and then slow-evaporating oils (Dimitrov, 2008).

Essential oils are often used in aroma lamps, compresses, baths, mouthwashes, inhalations, for massage skin care – cosmetics, and for burns (Janicke and Grunwald, 2009).

Source: Diploma thesis by Erika Cuznar – Aromatherapy in different life stages of women and the perinatal period (2015) under the mentorship of: Senior Lecturer Teja Škodič Zakšek, B.Sc. in Radiology, B.Sc. in Midwifery, MSc UK

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