Aromatherapy: The Scent of Dispute

Skeptics dismiss claims that essential oils from flowers, herbs and trees can promote health. Yet Aromatherapy is affordable, accessible relief for a variety of health problems. Many ailments ranging from arthritis, pain to nausea to drowsiness are treated.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) is an educational, nonprofit organization. In enhancing public awareness of the benefits of true aromatherapy it plans to accomplish its mission. The mission is to stimulate the knowledge of the medicinal use of aromatic plants and essential oils and to restore aromatherapy as a holistic professional art and science. NAHA is promoting true aromatherapy by means of dissemination of educational material to the general public, trade associations, business owners, practitioners and professional associations.

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, aromatherapy is the "art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit." All you need to do is to inhale a drop of the essential oil that is on a tissue.

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts from a variety of plant material that includes grasses, leaves, flowers, needles and twigs, peels of fruit, wood and roots. The popular ones are eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree.

Azzaro, a registered aromatherapist says that uplifting scents of citrus can keep you awake at work. Rosemary and lemon can be used to increase alertness. Peppermint, ginger and orange are used to combat nausea.

Studies and inferences published in many journals like Chronobiology International,Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health and even Holistic Nurse Practitioner found that aromatherapy does have its benefits even if it is limited.

Aromatherapy presently is unregulated in the United States. A state licensing is not required for Aromatherapists. Most practitioners integrate their training with another profession, such as licensed acupuncturist or registered nurse. According to the NAHA there is a possibility of allergic reactions to some treatments as well so just following some ones hearsay is not the best way to aromatherapy.