Aromatherapy as the name itself indicates it involves the use of natural herb oils that are aromatic (have pleasant smell) for the treatment of pain or may be used for massage, it is said to be one of the oldest or ancient method of treatment and mitigation. The Aromatherapy is based on the concept of Osphresiology. Osphresiology is the study of physiology and other aspects of olfaction. Olfaction is defined as the sense of smell that detects and differentiate between the smells. Osphresiology is an inter-disciplinary science that involves molecular physics, as well as psychology. Aromatherapy is not just limited to basics of olfaction. The aromatic substances are found to have tremendous potential in treatment of : Wounds, Skin acne problems, Arthritis, Stress. The Aromatherapist not only selects how to initiate the treatment but also chooses the oils that are necessary in the treatment. After the selection of specific oils for treatment the way of the treatments are decided. The types of treatment in aromatherapy are as follows: Massage by aromatic oils, essential oils Inhalation of steam Bath Miscellaneous 1. Massage by Aromatic oils, Essential oils: In massage technique the aromatherapist concentrates on massaging specific pressure points. This massaging leads to working on lymph nodes(Part of WBC’s present in whole body). The oils that are used during the massage are carefully selected from the diagnosis of the aromatherapist. These oils thus work internally while the massage relaxes the body externally. 2. Inhalation : 6-8 drops of aromatic oil is required to be sprinkled on the tissue paper or clean cloth. The inhalation can be done by sprinkling the drops of oils in hot water and inhaled for 10-15 minutes. Inhalation technique is generally recommended for the patients that have problems relating to breathing, Asthmatic patients, disease of lungs. 3. Bath : Baths can be for hand, foot, or for full body. 4-8 drops of essential oil / aromatic oil is recommended in bowl of warm water used for soaking arms or foots for 10 minutes. In case of full body baths 5-10 drops of aroma oil are added to warm bath water and the whole body is immersed in it for 10-20 minutes. Aromatherapy benefits: 1. Manage pain 2. Improves sleep quality 3. Reduces stress and anxiety 4. Soothe sore joints 5. Treat headache and migraines 6. Alleviate side effects of chemotherapy 7. Improves digestion 8. Boosts circulation Commonly used Aroma oils and their details: Lavender oil : Best for: Stress relief, improves sleep, use in headache, refreshes mind. Peppermint oil : Best for: Reduces stress, improves mental function, reduces pain, Relieve IBS symptoms. The carrier oil is simply defined as the base oil which is used to dilute an essential oil/ aromatic oil in the treatment of Aromatherapy. The carrier oil is also known as base oil or vegetable oil. Various examples of Carrier oils are : Coconut oil Black cumin seed oil Jojoba oil Evening Primrose oil

1. Indian System of Medicine
Unit 2 : Naturopathy, Yoga, & Aromatherapy practices
Topic : Aromatherapy, Introduction,
Aroma oils for common problems,
Carrier oils.
Presented by :
Miss Shruti Ashok Salve
F. Y. M. Pharmacy
Dept. of Pharmacognosy M.G.V’s College of Pharmacy,
Panchavati, Nashik.

2. Literature Review
Lemon K. An assessment of treating depression and anxiety with
aromatherapy, International journal of aromatherapy, 2004 Jan
In this Literature the Lemon K, has studied the importance of
Aromatherapy, its techniques in various different manners, he has also studied
how Aromatherapy works efficiently when taken in a appropriate manner, he
has studied how aromatic drugs give pleasance of mind and how these drugs/oils
are helpful in treating depression.
He has also studied few important oils that are widely used in Aromatherapy,
For eg. Lavender oil, Rose oil, Coconut oil, etc.

3. Literature Review
Graham PH, Browne L, Cox H, Graham J. Inhalation aromatherapy
during radiotherapy: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind
randomized tria, Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2003 Jun
In this Literature review Graham PH. and his team has studied
whether the aromatic oils or various aromas are helpful in reducing
the anxiety during the radio therapy. They have taken in the older or
historical considerations of aromatherapy is detail. Also they have
mentioned the history of Aromatherapy in detail. They have also
studied various approaches towards Aromatherapy including the
inhalational treatment.

4. List of Content
1. Introduction.
• Definition of Aromatherapy
• History of Aromatherapy
• Basic concepts of Aromatherapy
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
2. Aroma oils for common problems
3. Commonly used Aromatic oils and their details
4. Carrier Oils
5. Methods to use carrier oils
6. References

5. Introduction
• Definition of Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy as the name itself indicates it involves the use of natural herb oils
that are aromatic (have pleasant smell) for the treatment of pain or may be used for
massage, it is said to be one of the oldest or ancient method of treatment and mitigation.
• History of Aromatherapy:
• The name aromatherapy was given by French chemist Prof. Rene Maurice Gattefosse
in 1928 who worked in family perfume business.
• The origin of aromatherapy comes from the incidence that happened with prof. Fosse,
he was working in his lab and as some harmful chemicals fell on his hand his hand
burnt.
• As he reached to the near-by flask and rubbed lavender oil present in that flask on the
burn the wound of burn got healed very quickly.
• Thus he concluded that the lavender oil has antiseptic and healing properties and he
applied the term aromatherapy to the use of natural aromatic plants for treatment.

6. • History of Aromatherapy:
• Dr. Jean Valnet was the French surgeon on the basis of prof. Fosse’s Ideas he
suggested that essential oils also have the antiseptic and regenerative properties.
• In 1964 Dr. Valnet published a book Aromatherapie.
• In this book he has explained the techniques on how to use the essential oils on
various diseases and disorders including, psychiatric disorders.
• The extension of the techniques used by Dr. Valnet was further studied by
Marguirite Maury she was a French Biochemist.
• She published her work “The secret of Life & Youth” in this book she has
mentioned the uses of carrier oils and aromatic oils for topical application(As
cosmetics) and their uses in massage.
• The properties of aromatic plants were also in the ancient knowledge of Chinese
& Egyptian people.

7. Basic concept of Aromatherapy
• The Aromatherapy is based on the concept of Osphresiology.
• Osphresiology is the study of physiology and other aspects of olfaction.
• Olfaction is defined as the sense of smell that detects and differentiate between
the smells.
• Osphresiology is an inter-disciplinary science that involves molecular physics,
as well as psychology.
• Aromatherapy is not just limited to basics of olfaction.
• The aromatic substances are found to have tremendous potential in treatment
of :
i. Wounds
ii. Skin acne problems
iii. Arthritis
iv. Stress

8. Diagnosis
• Aromatherapy works in a specific way of investigation of patient’s :
a. Lifestyle
b. Diet
c. Present symptoms
d. Past diseases & Disorders
e. History of any treatment
• When a patient visits the Aromatherapist, he/she skillfully takes the knowledge
of all the above mentioned points and then decides on how to initiate the
treatment.
• This is how diagnosis works in Aromatherapy.

9. Treatment
1. The Aromatherapist not only selects how to initiate the treatment but also
chooses the oils that are necessary in the treatment.
2. After the selection of specific oils for treatment the way of the treatments are
decided.
3. The types of treatment in aromatherapy are as follows:
I. Massage by aromatic oils, essential oils
II. Inhalation of steam
III. Bath
IV. Miscellaneous
a) Topical use
b) Internal use

10. I. Massage by Aromatic oils, Essential oils:
• In massage technique the aromatherapist concentrates on massaging specific
pressure points.
• This massaging leads to working on lymph nodes(Part of WBC’s present in
whole body).
• The oils that are used during the massage are carefully selected from the
diagnosis of the aromatherapist.
• These oils thus work internally while the massage relaxes the body externally.
• For single application 2-3 drops of Aroma oil is required in a teaspoon of
carrier oils.
• For whole body massage 8 drops of essential oils or aromatic oil is required in
3 teaspoons of carrier oils.
• Eg. Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Peppermint oils
are recommended for body massage.

11. II. Inhalation :
• 6-8 drops of aromatic oil is required to be sprinkled on the tissue paper or
clean cloth.
• The inhalation can be done by sprinkling the drops of oils in hot water and
inhaled for 10-15 minutes.
• Inhalation technique is generally recommended for the patients that have
problems relating to breathing, Asthmatic patients, disease of lungs.
III.Bath :
• Baths can be for hand, foot, or for full body.
• 4-8 drops of essential oil / aromatic oil is recommended in bowl of warm water
used for soaking arms or foots for 10 minutes.
• In case of full body baths 5-10 drops of aroma oil are added to warm bath
water and the whole body is immersed in it for 10-20 minutes.

12. IV. Miscellaneous :
a. Topical use :
• For the treatment of topical ailments Compress treatment is used.
• In this 4-8 drops of essential oil/aromatic oil is taken in enough hot/cold
water and the compress(Cloth) is soaked in it so that it does not drip.
• This soaked compress/cloth is placed over the affected areas and covered
with polythene and it is left for about 2 hours.
• This is used in topical treatments as follows:
i. Backache
ii. Toothache
iii. Rheumatic pain
iv. Headache
v. Bruises and sprain
Note: Cold water is always preferred in this treatment except for toothache.

13. IV. Miscellaneous:
b. Internal use:
• The medicines for internal
administration are generally prepared
in the form of tea, mouthwash, &
Liquids/syrups.
• Aromatic tea is prepared without milk.
Eg. White Tea
• In case of mouthwash 2-3 drops of oils
are used in half cup warm water and is
used to gargle.
• Syrups or liquid preparation are
generally given with red wine/ Honey
water for 3 weeks in 2/3 divided doses.
Fig. White Tea

14. Aromatherapy benefits
• Manage pain
• Improves sleep quality
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Soothe sore joints
• Treat headache and migraines
• Alleviate side effects of chemotherapy
• Improves digestion
• Boosts circulation

15. Commonly used Aroma oils and their details
 Lavender oil :
• Biological source: Lavendulia Intermedia
• Family: Labitae
• Geographical source: Lavender is cultivated
on large scale in England, France &
Bulgeria.
• Characteristics:
• Color: Yellow/Yellowish-green volatile oil
• Odor: Characteristic fragrant odor
• Best for: Stress relief, improves sleep, use in
headache, refreshes mind.

16. Commonly used Aroma oils and their details
 Chamomile Flower :
• Biological source: Anthemis nobelis Linn.
• Family: Compositae
• Geographical Source: Found throughout the
Europe, Largely cultivated in England.
• Characteristics:
• Color:- White, Yellowish white flowers.
• Odor:- Strong aromatic odor
• Best for: Anxiety relief, also help with
digestive issues (nausea, indigestion)

17. Commonly used aroma oils and their details
 Peppermint oil :
• Biological source: Mentha piperita
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Geographical Source: Found in Europe,
England and India
• Characteristics:
• Color: Pale yellow
• Odor:- Strong aroma
• Best for: Reduces stress, improves mental
function, reduces pain, Relieve IBS symptoms

18. Commonly used aroma oils and their details
 Eucalyptus oil :
• Biological source: Eucalyptus globulus
• Family: Myrtaceae
• Geographical Source: Found in India, Australia
• Characteristics:
• Color: Pale yellow to yellowish green
• Odor:- Woody-sweet scent
• Best for: Recover joint, muscle injury, Arthritis,
Removes mental exhaustion, boost circulation.

19. Commonly used Aroma oils and their details
 Rose oil :
• Biological source: Rosa Alba
• Family: Rosaceae
• Geographical source:- Available throughout
the world, largely cultivated in Turkey &
Bulgaria.
• Characteristics:-
• Color:- Pale yellow
• Odor:- Strong fragrant odor with light
sweetness
• Best for: Relieves stress, fights anxiety, relaxes
your body and mind.

20. Aroma oils for common problems
Disease, Disorder & Ailment Oils Used
Animal bite Thyme, Lavender, Eucalyptus
Anaesthetic Camphor, Menthol, Eugenol
Antiseptic Thyme
Arthritis Calendula, Winter green
Burns Lavender
Constipation Peppermint, Thyme
Colds Eucalyptus, Ginger, Thyme
Cramps, Chills Ginger, Geranium
Dandruff Jojoba, Rosemary
Digestive disorders Cardamom
Fever Chamomile
Headache Lavender

21. Carrier oils
 Definition :
The carrier oil is simply defined as the base oil which is used to dilute an
essential oil/ aromatic oil in the treatment of Aromatherapy.
The carrier oil is also known as base oil or vegetable oil.
 Various examples of Carrier oils are :
1. Coconut oil
2. Black cumin seed oil
3. Jojoba oil
4. Evening Primrose oil
5. Sweet almond oil
6. Grapeseed oil

22. 1. For Infants and Children :
 0.5-1% Dilution is required.
 3-6 drops of essential oils per ounce of carrier.
2. For Adults :
i. If 2.5% Dilution is required
 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
 This is most recommended dilution in aromatherapy.
ii. If 3% Dilution is required
 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
 This dilution is used in an injury or muscle pain.
iii. If 5% Dilution is required
 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
Methods of using carrier oils

23. Fig: Coconut oil. Fig: Black cumin seed oil.

24. Fig: Jojoba Oil Fig:- Evening Primrose oil

25. References
1. Cooke B, Ernst E. Aromatherapy: a systematic review. British journal of general
practice. 2000 Jun.
2. Farrar AJ, Farrar FC. Clinical aromatherapy. Nursing Clinics. 2020 Dec.
3. Lemon K. An assessment of treating depression and anxiety with aromatherapy.
International journal of aromatherapy. 2004 Jan.
4. Price S, Price L. Carrier Oils. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals Revised
Reprint E-Book. 2021 Feb
5. A text book of Indian system of medicine published by pee vee publication.
6. Trease & Evans, A book of Pharmacognosy published by Saunders 14th Edition
2009.
7. Vinod D. Rangari, A text book of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, published
by Career Publications, Volume 1, 3rd Edition.