Aromatherapy the Health Claims Associated

Aromatherapy

The health claims associated with Aromatherapy have long been contested by the medical community. The interesting aspect of the phenomena is that even when in conflict with conventional medicine, and with claims in a contested position, aromatherapy continues to expand in use and sales. "Health Foods Business estimated that the total of aromatherapy products sold through health-food stores was about $59 million in 1996 and $105 million in 1996." (Barrett MD, 2001, (http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/aroma.html) This is also not inclusive of the number of aromatherapy like products that are sold through alternative routs, such as through practitioners of natural medicine, on the internet or in the offices of massage therapists. In short the growth of the industry has seriously lined some pockets, despite the substantial range of unfounded claims that are associated with it.

In one article touting the benefits of Aromatherapy the impression is given that essential oil therapy is so effective to its users that there is no need to understand its origins, the manner in which it is made or utilize a trained individual to apply it. (Russell, ND, (http://aromatherapy-guide-to.com/printview.aspx?articleid=350064)the same earticle, though it does not go through a list of unfounded claims, expresses that "...oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream as well as directly through the nasal passages to the brain." (http://aromatherapy-guide-to.com/printview.aspx?articleid=350064)it would seem strange to any one with common sense that an element(s) with such amazing ability does not need to be understood fully before it is suggested that it be introduced to the bloodstream or the brain. Though the blood brain barrier makes, direct brain absorption doubtful, it is likely absorbed by the olfactory circulation and sense and then if there is any effect on the brain it is through these mechanisms, not as a direct elemental addition to the brain. The work, attempts to stress that the only needed validity to such treatment is the proof that "We have all entered a room and smelt a distinct aroma that has made us feel good or totally uncomfortable." (http://aromatherapy-guide-to.com/printview.aspx?articleid=350064)Though anecdotal evidence is fine for the development of products that are not claimed to cure diseases a list offered by one company includes: "depression, sex-drive problems, bronchitis, athlete's foot, high blood pressure, cystitis, head lice," as diseases that can be cured by essential oils. (Barrett MD, 2001 (http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/aroma.html) All this is being said without legitimate scientific studies that equate the chemicals, and their administration style with any therapeutic effect. Though there are at least two essential oils, as they are called which are linked to therapeutic effect, tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil, which are used as ingredients for over the counter products, both in an outside the scope of "natural" remedies, there are many others that have little evidence supporting therapeutic advantage.

There is a clear sense that regardless of the lack of scientific evidence for their therapeutic effects essential oils, can and do affect mood, as scent is one of the strongest senses and is strongly linked to mood and memory, a brain function that can affect mood substantially. Mood and stress are considerable factors adding to or detracting from one's health. Yet, it is also clear that claiming wide medical uses is dangerous and illegal in many place, as it can potentially misdirect a person suffering from a serious medical problem to a solution that will do little more than make their home and body smell nice. Many of the claims include language that could be construed as misleading, using words like medical, disease and cure, would give almost anyone the impression that such substances are drugs, and should then be regulated as such. Some of the rather varied list of claims include mood alternative, as biofeedback tied in to relaxation, stress release, concentration and meditation."... "an alternative to synthetic drugs to feel good." "addresses the nervous system and the energy fields of the body. It soothes the body, cleans the body, clears the body, and tones the body."... The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood, states that there are about 300 essential oils and that they constitute an extremely effective medical system. The web site of Beyond Aromatherapy has stated (allegedly quoting Hippocrates) "There is a remedy for every illness to be found in nature." Its online catalog includes descriptions of "ancient healing uses," astrological correspondence, and Chinese medicine characteristics of more than 80 essential oils. (Barrett MD, 2001, (http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/aroma.html)

Clearly the indication of these claims is not only far reaching but indicates their use as medicine. The misrepresentation of products is in fact illegal in most U.S. states and according to the FDA:

In 1997, Los Angeles attorney Morse Mehrban charged that Lafabre and Aroma Vera had violated the California Business and Professions Code by advertising that its products could promote health and well-being, relax the body, relax the mind, enhance mood, purify the air, are antidotes to air pollution, relieve fatigue, tone the body, nourish the skin, promote circulation, alleviate feminine cramps, and do about 50 other things [2]. The National Council Against Health Fraud served as plaintiff, and I served as an expert witness in the case. In September 2000, the case was settled out of court with a $5,700 payment to Mehrban and a court-approved stipulation [3] and order prohibiting the defendants from making 57 of the disputed claims in advertising within California [4]. Barrett MD, 2001, http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/aroma.html