A personal assessment by Martin Watt Cert. Phyt.



I view aromatherapy as a system of helping the body to heal itself, partly by utilising the physical and emotional properties of aromatic plant extracts. These substances can be administered by a number of different means, for example as part of massage; by direct external application; as internal medication; in baths or showers; as room fragrances and in food. It must be considered when essential oils are used in massage if their effects are achieved by psychological pathways; by physiological means; or by both. 

In this connection, we have to consider that many aromatherapists have not been using 100% pure essential oils for years.  Despite these facts, aromatherapists seem to have achieved excellent results in relieving stress related ailments. Therefore, the question must be posed; how is it that despite using non-natural essential oils, these successful results have been forthcoming?  This must also put a big question mark over all the numerous claims made in aromatherapy books, about the pharmacological therapeutic effects of most oils. My opinion,(now backed up by a considerable volume of evidence from scientific trials), is that of paramount importance is how the olfactory system perceives a fragrance, rather than if the fragrance is of 100% plant origin. Personally, I do not sanction the use of synthetic or reconstructed essential oils, because I am aware of their potential side effects.  However, the fact remains they have been widely and often unknowingly used to good effect.

   Top