October 24, 2015 An e-mail interview with a nursing student attending California State University at San Bernardino
Recently, I was contacted by a nursing student here in California who had a few questions to ask about the wonderful world of aromatherapy. I thought I would Share those Q and A with you since it was so inspiring to me. Let me know what you think. If you have any questions, or would like a custom blended item, call today!
What is your name? How long have you been practicing Aromatherapy?
My name is El Deana Pearson. In 2008, I graduated from the massage therapy program at Everest University in Tampa, FL. I gained my knowledge of essential oils and Aromatherapy from Everest. I could not imagine my life without essential oils.
What is aromatherapy/Essential oil?
Aromatherapy is the use of pure plant oils to improve mood, promote relaxation, and ease discomfort. Essential oils work by entering the bloodstream when absorbed through skin, and by reaching the Central Nervous System through smell. Common examples would be the relaxation that happens after breathing lavender oil, the energizing feeling that occurs after inhaling orange oil, and the stimulation that occurs when smelling peppermint. Essential oils are oils taken from the plants seed, root, stem, leaves, or flowers by distillation or pressing for their healing properties.
What is the history or background of aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years by Chinese, Egyptians, and Indians for their cosmetic, hygienic, therapeutic, and perfume properties. In 1928, a French chemist, René Maurice Gattefossé had an accident in his lab causing skin burns. Gattefossé applied lavender oil to his skin, and not only felt immediate pain relief, but also noticed his skin was healing quickly. This accident created the beginning of essential oils use in the healthcare and beauty industry.
How does aromatherapy impact health care?
Many studies have been performed over the last 30 years to show the positive effects of essential oils with healthcare. Research shows the relief of allergies, asthma, hay fever, and skin conditions when using essential oils. One study showed the use of some oils lessened the effects of blood pressure medication. This means the use of natural substances gives the same health effects as pharmaceuticals, thus eliminating the need for conventional medications.
What are some advantages and disadvantages of aromatherapy?
There are many advantages and few disadvantages to aromatherapy. The use of essential oils relieves pain, infections, headaches, nausea and depression. Those same advantages could be the equal disadvantage if the oils are not used properly. Allergic reactions may occur if you are allergic to the plant the oil came from.
Are there any safety issues?
Although essential oils are an amazing gift from nature, they may not be for everyone. Pregnant women, people with allergies, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension could benefit from the use of essential oils. As some plants in nature can be toxic, good for you oils can be toxic or fatal if not used properly.
What’s the difference between using aromatherapy vs conventional methods?
One major difference between aromatherapy and conventional medicine is the way they are produced. Pharmaceutical companies products synthetically identical medications. Each pill is exactly like the last. In nature, no two plants are exactly alike. It takes 30 pounds of a lavender plant to produce a 15mL bottle of lavender oil because of how little oil comes from each plant, and because some of the plants in the batch may not have all the properties we desire. Even though a company bottles their oils from the same field, two bottles may not smell exactly the same. Batches of oil are blended so their healing potential is as it should be. Personally, I have been on an aromatherapy journey that has completely eliminated my need for pharmaceutical drugs.
In 2011, I gave up taking prescription medication for a more natural lifestyle. I felt like my side effects were worse than the original problems I was having. I no longer suffer from my initial problems of Bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and hypertension OR the side effects from the pills since I have switched to using Rosemary, Lavender and other oil blends for my own mental clarity. I no longer suffer from insomnia, my eating habits are more regular, hypertension and anxieties are a piece of my past that I never have to worry about again because there are so many natural remedies available. My daughter has ADHD. With use of Rosemary oil in a lotion, or in the air, it is much easier for her to focus her thoughts, feel better about herself, worry less, sleep regularly, and not display so much anger that may have come from suffering with ADHD. I have never used prescription medication on my daughter, and thanks to the use of aromatherapy, I never will.
What are some cultural considerations?
Natural medicine is not linked to just one culture. Many countries in Europe and Asia rely on essential oils as their prescription medication because of their healing properties. Aromatherapy is becoming much more widely accepted in North America now than any time in our history. I am excited to be part of a generation that is accepting this natural way of living.
What do you suggest/advise people about aromatherapy? Especially to new clients?
As with prescription medications, essential oils can reduce negative health effects like depression, pain, or insomnia. Check with your healthcare provider before your initial aromatherapy or massage session if you are pregnant, have diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, epilepsy, insomnia, depression, anxiety, or any heart problems as aromatherapy may relieve many negative symptoms and may eliminate the usefulness of conventional medication. Benefits of essential oils may be enhanced when used along with massage. While inhaling lavender may be calming, massage with lavender will enhance the relaxation due to the entry of the oil into the bloodstream. Whether the goal is to rid a headache, or a fungal infection, essential oils are my favorite massage tool.
