Aromatherapy: Reportedly founded in 1937 by a French research chemist, "the art of aromatherapy" remains popular in European countries and has now gained complete acceptance in today's spas.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils (concentrated vegetal extracts)—different ones for different conditions—to treat various physical ills from migraines to insomnia to colds, and beyond. Most spas limit their selections to a few standards—lavender and eucalyptus are popular—and claim only an enhancement of calming or energizing effects along with your body treatment, whether it is a mineral water bath, a body wrap or a massage. The oils are absorbed through the skin, inhaled or ingested.
Aromatherapists have their own association called: the American Aroma Therapy Association (AATA), which has printed a comprehensive wall-mountable chart that provides detail on the properties, actions, and uses for each plant, a must-have for anyone interested in the benefits associated with aromatherapy.
The following list shows 32 different aromatic substances and each one's purported health effect. The list is a modification of one developed by Tiferet, a company in Eugene, Oregon that supplies health food stores and spas.
aniseed: respiration and circulation
basil: depression, anxiety, colds, memory
bay: respiratory conditions
bergamot: anxiety, fever, skin care
birch: tension, muscle relaxant,
pain relief
cassia: digestion
cedarwood: stimulant, skin and lungs
chamomile: calming effects
cinnamon: weakness, digestion
cypress: confusion, anxiety
eucalyptus: coughs, respiratory symptoms
fennel: digestion
frankincense: skin conditions
ginger: stimulant and aphrodisiac
grapefruit: circulation and cleansing
hyssop: grief
juniperberry: fear, apathy, nerves
lavender: calming, muscle relaxant, burns
lemon: tonic-stimulant, antiseptic
marjoram: calming, migraines, colds
mugwort: nervousness, period problems
orange (bitter): uplift, anxiety
oregano: calming, muscle relaxant
patchouli: confusion, indecision, depression
peppermint: stimulant, indigestion
pine: calming, muscle relaxant
rosemary: calming, muscle relaxant
sage: fear, panic
sandalwood: anxiety, skin care
spearmint: indigestion
tarragon: muscle cramps
ylang ylang: calming, aphrodisiac
©Courtesy of Laurel Olson Cook, author of Spas of California (2002) and Wine Country Spas of California (2003). Visit www.LaurelCook.com