Cleopatra is known, among other things, for her poise, which is said to be partly the result of her daily extensive bathing and her use of a number of fragrant oils available at that time. She used rosemary, lavender, myrrh and jasmine in milk to create a tranquil aromatic moment designed to strengthen her mind, refresh her body and empower her personality. Rosemary is said to be one of her favourites with its vitality and mind-stimulating qualities.

From the times of Cleopatra, and even before her till the modern day, aromatherapy has been in use for a variety of applications, including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function.

If you are not familiar with it yet, aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from various parts of plants such as flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots, etc. to enhance psychological and physical well-being. Although the word “aroma” gives the impression that the oils are inhaled, they can also be applied to the skin through massage, lotions or bath oils.

How about a prescription to bathe with scented oils or to indulge an aromatic massage?

Whether inhaled or massaged into the skin, essential oils are gaining new attention as an alternative treatment for infections, stress and other health problems. However, in most cases hard scientific evidence is still lacking. Massage with essential oils works in several ways at the same time. Your skin absorbs essential oils and you also breathe them in; plus you experience the physical therapy of the massage itself.

Though it is not very clear how aromatherapy works, it is believed that it stimulates smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system to the parts of the brain (the amygdala and hippocampus) that controls emotions and memories. The essential oil molecules stimulate the brain and influence physical, emotional and mental health. For example, lavender stimulates the activity of brain cells in the same way as do some sedative medication.

Aromatherapy can be used in a wide variety of settings — from health spas to hospitals — to treat a wide range of physical and emotional problems. In general, it seems to relieve pain, improve mood and promote a sense of relaxation.

Inhaling the appropriate fragrance can reduce stress, lift depression, hasten sleep, soothe your soul, or give you more energy. Some office workers use aromatherapy to help them stay alert while doing repetitive mental tasks, while in hospitals it is being used on experimental basis to help patients relax so that other healing modalities can do their job. For example, when oils like rose, lavender and frankincense were used by qualified midwives, pregnant women felt less anxiety and fear, had a stronger sense of well being and less need for pain medications during delivery.

Other conditions for which aromatherapy may be helpful include: alopecia areata (hair loss in patches), anxiety, constipation (with abdominal massage), insomnia, psoriasis. They are antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-tumoural as well as anti-aging and support longevity.

Essential oils contain powerful pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that people with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer (using topical chamomile) and headaches (using topical peppermint) require fewer pain medication when they use aromatherapy

While most topical and inhaled essential oils are generally considered safe, it is better that care is taken in their use. For instance, you should never take essential oils by mouth unless you are under the supervision of a trained professional, as some oils are toxic and could prove to be fatal when taken by mouth.

In rare cases, aromatherapy can induce side effects such as rash, asthma, headache, liver and nerve damage as well as harm to the foetus.

Pregnant women, people with severe asthma and people with a history of allergies should only use essential oils under the guidance of a trained professional and with full knowledge of their physician.

People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating essential oils such as rosemary and spike lavender.

And most important of all, avoid using near your eyes when applying to your skin.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, September 21st, 2014