Aromatherapy

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the health claims associated with aromatherapy and comments that these claims are contested by the medical community. The paper notes that the interesting aspect of the phenomena is that even when in conflict with conventional medicine, aromatherapy continues to expand in use. The paper also notes the growth of the aromatherapy industry, despite the substantial range of unfounded claims that are associated with aromatherapy's benefits. The paper continues by warning that claiming medical use is dangerous and illegal, as it can misdirect a person suffering from a serious medical problem to a solution that will do little more than make her home and and body smell nice. The paper concludes that regulating such services is difficult, as the industry is frequently left to self-regulation, which usually consists of minimal disclaimers following the "medical" claims even if it is true that there are natural substances that have legitimate therapeutic value.

From the Paper:

"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." 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."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barrett, S. MD. (2001), "Aromatherapy: Making Dollars out of Scents." Retrieved September 10, 2007 from: http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/aroma.html
• Russell,M.(ND). "Aromatherapy: A great Alternative Therapy." Retrieved September 10, 2007 from: http://aromatherapy-guide-to.com/printview.aspx?articleid=350064

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