Is all the Hype About Aromatherapy and Essential Oils True?

Is there any actual "science" behind the use of essential oils?

An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils or aetherolea, or simply as the "oil of" the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Essential oils do not form a distinctive category for any medical, pharmacological, or culinary purpose.

    Various essential oils have been used medicinally at different periods in history. Medical applications proposed by those who sell medicinal oils range from skin treatments to remedies for cancer, and often are based solely on historical accounts of use of essential oils for these purposes. Claims for the efficacy of medical treatments and treatment of cancers in particular, are now subject to regulation in most countries.

Why is aromatherapy gaining so much press and exposure now if it's been in practice for thousands of years?

Society today is more health conscious and is now more receptive to natural alternative health modalities including aromatherapy. The media, although often inaccurately, has been actively covering the trends in increased health awareness and alternative medicine. The media has made a point to include the aromatherapy "buzzword."

The Internet has made it easier for individuals to access and share aromatherapy information. The ability to network and purchase essential oils online has had a positive effect on the growth of aromatherapy and aromatherapy businesses.

Lifestyles of today are now more hectic and stressful. Since aromatherapy can assist in reducing the symptoms of stress and help one energize or relax, society is taking notice. If you go to stores that sell any kind of candles, bath or beauty products, you'll most likely see products labeled with the word "aromatherapy." In my personal experience, most times I see the word "aromatherapy" on products not sold by reputable aromatherapy retailers, the word is used incorrectly. So, the surge in awareness of aromatherapy is both positive and negative. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about aromatherapy and mislabeled products around.