Chapter 53 Aromatherapy
OVERVIEW.
Aromatherapy is the application of essential aromatic plant oils (highly concentrated, pure extract), applied internally or externally to address health problems. Essential oils are plant or tree products (i.e., leaves, berries, bark, roots) derived from one species using a physical process (e.g., distillation). In its external application, aromatherapy incorporates the use of essential oils with massage to address tension headaches, treat depression, or induce a sedative effect.1,2
Precautions or advice below is generally based on concerns for adverse reactions leading to toxicity, skin and mucous membrane irritation, sensitization (allergies), photosensitization, or for use in specified populations (pregnancy, epilepsy, hypertensive or hypotensive conditions).1
