Lonely but not alone ...

Are you lonely during the holidays? Home alone? Nobody to talk to? Don't be sad. This too shall pass. I'll tell you a secret ...

The 'secret of happiness' is living in the present moment, in the reality of the here and now.

You can prove this truth to yourself. Live in this very moment - now - and tell me what you feel. In this moment you don't feel sad about anything. It's thinking of the past or future that makes us sad, or worried. But not now. Because in the Now you are in direct communication with God. Truth Has No Secrets.

From our Aroma-Essence Family to Yours - Happy Holidays!

Is The White House A Cancer House?

What does the White House has to do with aromatherapy and essential oils? Just see ...

• First Lady Laura Bush had a squamous cell carcinoma removed from her shin.



• In 2001, President George W. Bush had four lesions removed from his face.



• Nancy Reagan had breast cancer.



• Ronald Reagan had colon cancer while in office.



• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died of cancer.



• Even George Washington had a skin cancer removed in 1795.
  

What do all these people have in common?


They all slept in the same house, in the same bedroom, on the same place.


We spend half of our lives in bed. Therefore we should try to find a place as healthy and restful to sleep in as we can. Here are some suggestions:

• Never place your bed so that your head faces South. European studies revealed that people who sleep head South are likely cancer victims.



• Test your bed place for water and earth ray concentrations, or have it tested for you. Already the ancient Celtics did select their places carefully to build their cities on. The chaotic field of earth and water ray concentrations aggitate people. Churches were built on such places to help arouse the congregation. To stay on such places for a long time (like every night for 8 hours) is a cancer risk.



• The New Germanic Medicin by Dr. Hamer reaveals that all cancers develop due to a traumatic and unresolved life experience.



• Take 20 minutes a day to go within yourself to find the equilibrium you need to live a balanced life. I call this contemplation. You may call it meditation or prayer.



• And yes, use therapeutic-grade lavender oil to relax your body and mind for a restful sleep. Here are my 29 Uses of Pure Lavender Oil.

When you are called to office, you may not have much choice where to go, or much time to think about how to design your environment for a good night's sleep. But YOU can!

The Healing Oils of the Bible

The healing oils, or essential oils as they are known today, are the aromatic, volatile, distilled liquids of certain plants known and esteemed for their therapeutic qualities. They are referenced in both biblical and ancient secular history, and are generally regarded as being man's first known medicine.

The therapeutic bio-chemicals within essential oils are among the most potent healing substances known to man. Their anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-microbial anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, immune-stimulating qualities are without equal in the world of medicine and healing.

Pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria and viruses do not become resistant to essential oils as they do modern-day synthetic antibiotic drugs. And, unlike many of today's most popular antiseptic chemicals, essential oils do not harm human tissue. Wounds of all types appear to heal quicker when treated with essential oils. Skin diseases like psoriasis disappear quickly using essential oils.

Anchored in Scripture:
There are numerous references to essential oils (or the plant they are derived from) in the Bible. Some precious oils, such as frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, rosemary, hyssop, cassia, cinnamon and spikenard were used for anointing and healing of the sick. The three wise men (magi) brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. Clinical research shows that frankincense and myrrh are two of the most powerful immune-stimulating substances available, containing very high amounts of immune-stimulating properties. Perhaps the three wise men were wise in ways beyond our knowledge.

Recent excavation of the ancient city, Gilead, has unearthed the remains of a fortress like building used for the manufacture of balsam oil. This "balm of Gilead" noted in Jeremiah 8:22, had long been famous in antiquity for its nearly miraculous properties to HEAL WOUNDS. In fact, the balsam oil of Gilead was so famous that the conquering Roman emperor Titus (79-81 A.D.), after conquering Gilead, displayed branches from Gilead's balsam trees in his triumphal march through Rome.

The Secret of Gilead:
So precious was this oil to the commerce of Gilead, the exact manufacturing process was kept a closely guarded secret. So much so, archaeologists uncovered an inscription carved into the floor of a local synagogue that reads, "Whoever reveals the secret of the village to the gentiles, the one whose eyes roam over the entire earth and see's what is concealed will uproot this person and his seed from under the sun." (see Biblical Archaeology Review, Sep/Oct 1996 issue)

It should be noted when Joseph's brothers tried to sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites passing by, their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, purchased in Gilead, on their way to Egypt (Genesis 37:25). And so it is, the use of extracted plant oils was an established industry thousands of years before Christ walked on the Earth.

Throughout early history, the ancients knew the value of essential oils. What happened to the information about these oils? Why is it we are only now beginning to re-discover God's amazing healing oils? During the Dark Ages and the burning of the library in Alexandria (a center for man's knowledge) and other places, much of this knowledge was lost.

And the Research Began ...
It wasn't until 1907 that modern day Scientists began to research essential oils. However, pharmaceutical companies today avoid producing and marketing essential oils, because naturally occurring products are not patentable in the U.S.

World history richly records the use of essential oils as a means to stave off disease and illness. As modern day "super bugs" have their way with man-made antibiotics, more and more people are turning to the past to find the answers they seek for health and wellness. As they search, they are finding essential oils to be the one source mankind has faithfully depended on over the millennium.

As people experience these wonderful, God given oils for the first time, and witness how well their mind and body responds to them, the genius of our Father comes to light. His wisdom to perfectly match our needs is unparalleled. Let the people rejoice in praise...

For our God is an awesome God!

(by Jim Lynn)

The First Gifts of Christmas

The First Gifts of Christmas
Gold, Frankincense And Myrrh

"And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:11

2,000 years ago, Frankincense and Myrrh were precious beyond the value of gold. Their healing powers were viewed then as "magical" - A wisdom of healing so profound, it has only been rediscovered recently. Read more about the 12 Oils of Ancient Scripture.

Frankincense was The Holy Anointing Oil, a cure all. It was used to anoint the new born sons of kings and priests. Today we know that the monoterpenes abundantly present in Frankincense reprogram cellular memory and thus promote permanent healing of human afflictions.

Mary would have particularly smiled about the gift of Myrrh knowing that it was also meant for her and not just for the babe. She would have known that she could rub it on her abdomen to remove stretch marks. That Myrrh was to be rubbed on the umbilical cord of the newborn child to facilitate healing and prevent infection. That the smell of myrrh would promote a feeling of peace and security.

This year discover The First Gifts of Christmas yourself!

Natural Cancer Treatments That Work

THIS INFORMATION COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Instantly read how over 2,000 people have successfully used Alternative Cancer Treatments you'll find revealed here.

Discover over 350 GENTLE & NON-TOXIC CANCER TREATMENTS that no-one else will tell you about!

Aroma-Essence "Christmas Spirit"

"Christmas Spirit" is a wonderful warm and soothing essential oil holiday scent that opens the heart to the joy, happiness and security associated with the holiday season. It captures the scent of the great outdoors and brings the winter forest right home. Spruce scent intermingels with orange and cinnamon bark scents and weave happy childhood memories of Christmas Spirit in the air.

Essential Oils go straight to the limbic system of the brain, the place where memories are stored. No wonder that the smell of therapeutic-grade essential oils like orange, fir or rose - or any other scent - evoke often long lost memories. Essential Oils bring suppressend feelings and unpleasant memories gently to the forefront, work them out and release them.

Especially in times of these, when family comes together and love is shared, there are those of us out there who are alone and seemingly forgotten. Their loved ones may have passed on and let them behind - brokenhearted. To heal such wounded heart, take the essential rose oil blend of Joy and heal your heart. It's not only possible. It's scientifically proven. Most of all, it works. It works better than antidepressants!

An Essential Oil Diffuser is a state-of-the-art system for delivering aromatic oil molecules into the air. To set the desired moods in your home, chose different oils to diffuse - lavender for a calming effect; peppermint to energize and to keep you focused; Thieves to combat winter blues and flu. Not only do diffused oils have an effect on emotions, they also offer a defense to your home during winter seasons.

Christmas Recipes, Crafts and Kids Activities

The holidays are fast approaching and you still need an inexpensive but valuable gift? The Holiday Recipes Collection at Aroma-Essence.com is an eBook stuffed with Holiday Recipes, Crafts and Kids Activities for the holidays.


You'll find easy home-made recipes, unique home decorating and craft projects, homemade gifts that are priceless. Here is my tip: To make a unique and valuable last-minute gift, copy the eBook on a CD (the author allows you to do this), attach a festive holiday label and you have a quick and inexpensive gift that will be treasured for years to come.


The Complete Holiday Recipes Christmas Collection has Christmas Recipes, Crafts and Kids Activities all in one place, plus a Special Holiday Keepsake Gift. Enjoy!

Aromatherapy Adverse Effects

Safety testing on essential oils has shown minimal adverse effects.

Several oils have been approved for use as food additives and are classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; however, ingestion of large amounts of essential oils is not recommended.

In addition, a few cases of contact dermatitis have been reported, mostly in aromatherapists who have had prolonged skin contact with oils in the context of aromatherapy massage.[1] [Editor's Note: Attention Aromatherapists: Know your essential oils source. Find a company you can trust. Prolonged exposure to inferior, adulterated oils may show adverse effects such as contact dermatitis .]

Some essential oils (e.g., camphor oil) can cause local irritation; therefore, care should be taken when applying them. Mix "hot" oils (like oregano or cinnamon oil) with massage oil when applying. You may apply oils neat to the foot soles. Only use therapeutic-grade essential oils, because when applying oils to the foot soles, the oils will be in your body from toe to the tip of your hair in about 20 minutes. You can verify this fact. Rub your big toe with garlic and check how long it takes until you taste the garlic.

Phototoxicity has occurred when essential oils (particularly citrus oils) are applied directly to the skin before sun exposure. Don't use lemon, orange or grapefruit oils on sun-exposed skin. Put your "grapefruit perfume" on your t-shirt rather than on your arms.

Most often, aromatherapy uses undefined mixtures of essential oils without specifying the plant sources. Who wants to confess that they are using synthetic oils ... Read The Danger of Essential Oils and protect yourself.

Allergic reactions are sometimes reported, especially following topical administration. Therefore, know your essential oils source. Find a company you can trust. Essential Oils are not created equal.

As essential oils age, they are often oxidized so the chemical composition changes. Use proper storage conditions for your essential oils. Always store your precious oils in a dark bottle and keep at room temperature.


References
1. Bilsland D, Strong A: Allergic contact dermatitis from the essential oil of French marigold (Tagetes patula) in an aromatherapist. Contact Dermatitis 23 (1): 55-6, 1990. [PUBMED Abstract]


Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.

Aromatherapy Clinical Studies

Human/Clinical Studies

No studies in the published peer-reviewed literature discuss aromatherapy as a treatment for cancer. The studies discussed below, most of which were conducted in patients with cancer, primarily focus on other health-related conditions and on quality of life measures such as stress and anxiety levels.

Among the fewest articles published on the subject are clinical trials involving aromatherapy. A major review published in 2000 [1] focused on 6 studies investigating treatment or prevention of anxiety with aromatherapy massage. The studies suggested that aromatherapy massage had a mild transient anxiolytic effect.

A review undertaken in 2004 investigated whether aromatherapy and/or massage decreased psychological morbidity, lessened symptom distress, or improved quality of life in cancer patients.[2] The review reported that the most consistently found effect of massage or aromatherapy massage was on anxiety, with 4 of the trials (a total of 207 patients) reporting a reduction in anxiety.

Of 3 trials that examined depression in cancer patients, one reported significant differences. Two trials reported a reduction in nausea, and 3 reported a reduction in pain. The authors concluded that massage and aromatherapy confer benefits on psychological well-being.

Several of the studies included in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews are discussed in more detail. A randomized controlled pilot study examined the effects of adjunctive aromatherapy massage on mood, quality of life, and physical symptoms in patients with cancer.[3]

Forty-six patients were randomly assigned to conventional day care alone or day care plus weekly aromatherapy massage using a standardized blend of oils for 4 weeks. Patients self-rated their mood, quality of life, and the intensity of the 2 symptoms that were the most concerning to them at the beginning of the study and at weekly intervals thereafter.

Of the 46 patients, only 11 of 23 (48%) in the aromatherapy group and 18 of 23 (78%) in the control group completed all 4 weeks. Patient-reported mood, symptoms, and quality of life improved in both groups, and there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in any of these measures.

Another randomized controlled trial examined the effects of aromatherapy massage and massage alone on 42 patients with advanced cancer over a 4-week period.[4] Patients were randomly assigned to receive weekly massages with or without aromatherapy; the treatment group (aromatherapy group) received massages with lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia Miller [synonyms: Lavandula spicata L.; Lavandula vera DC.]) and an inert carrier oil, and the control group (massage group) received either an inert carrier oil alone or no intervention.

The authors reported no significant long-term benefits of aromatherapy or massage in pain control, quality of life, or anxiety, but sleep scores (as measured by the Verran and Snyder-Halpern sleep scale) improved significantly in both groups. The authors also reported statistically significant reductions in depression scores (as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) in the massage-only group.

A placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial conducted in Australia investigated the effects of inhalation aromatherapy on anxiety during radiation therapy.[5] A total of 313 patients receiving radiation therapy were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: carrier oil with fractionated oils, carrier oil only, or pure essential oils of lavender, bergamot (Citrus aurantium L. ssp. bergamia [Risso] Wright & Arn. [Rutaceae]; [synonym: Citrus bergamia Risso]), and cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica [Endl.] Manetti ex Carriere [Pinaceae]).

All 3 groups received the oils by inhalation during their radiation therapy. The authors reported no significant differences in depression (as measured by HADS) or psychological effects (as measured by the Somatic and Psychological Health Report [SPHERE]) between the groups. The group that received only the carrier oil showed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety (as measured by HADS) compared with the other 2 groups.

Another randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of massage or aromatherapy massage in 103 cancer patients who were randomly assigned to receive massage using a carrier oil (massage group) or massage using a carrier oil plus the Roman chamomile essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile [L.] All. [synonym: Anthemis nobilis L.]) (aromatherapy massage group).[6]

Two weeks after the massage, the authors found a statisically significant reduction in anxiety in the aromatherapy massage group (as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) and an improvement in symptoms (as measured by the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist [RSCL]; the subscales with improved scores were psychological, quality of life, severe physical, and severe psychological).

A study whose primary objective was evaluating an aromatherapy service following changes made after an initial pilot at a UK cancer center also reported on the experiences of patients referred to the service.[7] Of 89 patients originally referred, 58 completed 6 aromatherapy sessions.

The authors reported significant improvements in anxiety and depression (as measured by HADS) at the completion of the 6 sessions, as compared with before the 6 sessions. A small study examined the physical and psychological effects of aromatherapy massage in 8 patients with primary malignant brain tumors attending their first follow-up appointment after radiation therapy.[8]

The author reported no psychological benefit in these patients from aromatherapy massage (as measured by HADS) but reported a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate.

References
1. Cooke B, Ernst E: Aromatherapy: a systematic review. Br J Gen Pract 50 (455): 493-6, 2000. [PUBMED Abstract]
2. Fellowes D, Barnes K, Wilkinson S: Aromatherapy and massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD002287, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
3. Wilcock A, Manderson C, Weller R, et al.: Does aromatherapy massage benefit patients with cancer attending a specialist palliative care day centre? Palliat Med 18 (4): 287-90, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
4. Soden K, Vincent K, Craske S, et al.: A randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a hospice setting. Palliat Med 18 (2): 87-92, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
5. Graham PH, Browne L, Cox H, et al.: Inhalation aromatherapy during radiotherapy: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial. J Clin Oncol 21 (12): 2372-6, 2003. [PUBMED Abstract] 1.
6. Wilkinson S, Aldridge J, Salmon I, et al.: An evaluation of aromatherapy massage in palliative care. Palliat Med 13 (5): 409-17, 1999. [PUBMED Abstract]
7. Kite SM, Maher EJ, Anderson K, et al.: Development of an aromatherapy service at a Cancer Centre. Palliat Med 12 (3): 171-80, 1998. [PUBMED Abstract]
8. Hadfield N: The role of aromatherapy massage in reducing anxiety in patients with malignant brain tumours. Int J Palliat Nurs 7 (6): 279-85, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]


Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.

The Effects Of Essential Oils

Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies

[A note from the editor: I do not condone animal testing in any way whatsoever. Animals are Souls too. Who wants to take responsibility for torture in the name of science?]

Numerous studies on the topical antibacterial effects of essential oils have been published; most have found the oils to have significant antimicrobial activity.[1]

Studies on rats in Europe and Japan have shown that exposure to various odors can result in stimulation or sedation, as well as changes in behavioral responses to stress and pain. A study [2] on the sedative effects of essential oils and other fragrance compounds (mostly individual chemical components of the oils) on rat motility showed that lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia Miller [synonyms: Lavandula spicata L.; Lavandula vera DC.]) in particular had a significant sedative effect, and several single-oil constituents (as opposed to whole essential oils) had similarly strong effects.

The authors do not comment on the presumed mechanism for this effect, though they suggest that the difference in results between the different oils (some of which were found to be stimulating, some sedative) is related to the “different chemical structures of the compounds … and functional groups … indicating the essential role of the volatility of the fragrance compounds and its bioavailability.”


The differences in bioavailability are ascribed to different levels of lipophilia, with the more lipophilic oils producing the most sedative effects. The researchers also found significant plasma levels of the fragrance compounds after inhalation, suggesting that the effects of aromatherapy result from a direct pharmacological interaction rather than an indirect central nervous system relay.

Other studies have investigated the effects of aromatherapy on rats’ behavioral and immunological responses to painful, stressful, or startling stimuli. In two European studies, rats exposed to pleasant odors during painful stimuli exhibited decreased pain-related behaviors, with some variation in response between the sexes.[3,4] Two studies from Japan showed an improvement in immunological and behavioral markers in rats exposed to fragrances while under stressful conditions.[5,6]

References
1. Aridoğan BC, Baydar H, Kaya S, et al.: Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of some essential oils. Arch Pharm Res 25 (6): 860-4, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
2. Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Jäger W, et al.: Fragrance compounds and essential oils with sedative effects upon inhalation. J Pharm Sci 82 (6): 660-4, 1993. [PUBMED Abstract]
3. Aloisi AM, Ceccarelli I, Masi F, et al.: Effects of the essential oil from citrus lemon in male and female rats exposed to a persistent painful stimulation. Behav Brain Res 136 (1): 127-35, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
4. Jahangeer AC, Mellier D, Caston J: Influence of olfactory stimulation on nociceptive behavior in mice. Physiol Behav 62 (2): 359-66, 1997. [PUBMED Abstract]
5. Shibata H, Fujiwara R, Iwamoto M, et al.: Immunological and behavioral effects of fragrance in mice. Int J Neurosci 57 (1-2): 151-9, 1991. [PUBMED Abstract]
6. Fujiwara R, Komori T, Noda Y, et al.: Effects of a long-term inhalation of fragrances on the stress-induced immunosuppression in mice. Neuroimmunomodulation 5 (6): 318-22, 1998 Nov-Dec. [PUBMED Abstract]


Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.

Aromatherapy History

The history of aromatherapy tells that aromatic or essential oils have been used for thousands of years as stimulants or sedatives of the nervous system and as treatments for a wide range of other disorders.[1] They link it historically to the use of infused oils and unguents in the Bible and ancient Egypt,[1] remedies used throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance,[2] and the burning of aromatic plants in various primitive religious rites.

The current applications of aromatherapy did not come about until the early 20th century when the French chemist and perfumer Rene Gattefosse coined the term “aromatherapy” and published a book of that name in 1937.[2] Gattefosse proposed the use of aromatherapy to treat diseases in virtually every organ system, citing mostly anecdotal and case-based evidence.[2]

Although Gattefosse and his colleagues in France, Italy, and Germany studied the effects of aromatherapy for some 30 years, its use went out of fashion midcentury and was rediscovered by another Frenchman, a physician, Jean Valnet, in the latter part of the century.

Valnet published his book The Practice of Aromatherapy in 1982,[3] at which time the practice became more well-known in Britain and the United States. Through the 1980s and 1990s, as patients in Western countries became increasingly interested in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments, aromatherapy developed a following that continues to this day.

In addition to the growing use of essential oils by nurses and aromatherapy practitioners for specific medical issues, the popularity of aromatherapy has also been exploited by cosmetics companies that have created lines of essential oil–based (though often with a synthetic component) cosmetics and toiletries, claiming to improve mood and well-being in their users.

Despite the growing popularity of aromatherapy in the latter part of the 20th century (especially in the United Kingdom), not much research on the topic of aromatherapy was available in the English-language medical literature until the early 1990s or mid-1990s.

The research that began to appear in the 1990s was most often conducted by nurses, who tended to be the primary practitioners of aromatherapy in the United States and United Kingdom (although it is dispensed by medical doctors in France and Germany).

Aromatherapists now publish their own journal, the International Journal of Aromatherapy. Also, many studies regarding the effects of odor on the brain and other systems in animals and healthy humans have been published in the context of odor psychology, neurobiology and aromatherapy.

In addition to topical antibacterial uses,[4] aromatherapy has also been proposed for use in wound care [5] and to treat a variety of localized symptoms and illnesses such as alopecia, eczema, and pruritus.[6-10] Aromatherapy has also been studied via inhalation for airway reactivity.[11]

Studies on aromatherapy have examined a variety of other conditions: sedation and arousal;[12,13] startle reflex and reaction time;[14,15] psychological states such as mood, anxiety, and general sense of well-being;[16-31] neurologic impairment;[24] chronic renal failure;[25] agitation in patients with dementia;[32-36] smoking withdrawal symptoms;[37,38] postoperative nausea;[39] nausea and emesis in combination with fatigue, pain, and anxiety in patients in labor;[26,27,40] pain alone;[41-43] and pain in combination with other symptoms.[23,24,26,27]

Published articles have described the use of aromatherapy in specific hospital settings such as cancer wards, hospices, and other areas where patients are critically ill and require palliative care for pain, nausea, generalized stress, and anxiety.

These observational studies provide examples of the clinical uses of aromatherapy (and other CAM modalities). Subjects have included hospitalized children with HIV,[44] homebound patients with terminal disease,[45] and hospitalized patients with leukemia.[46] Studies of aromatherapy use with mental health patients have also been conducted.[47,48] Most of the resulting articles describe successful incorporation of aromatherapy into the treatment of these patients.

Theories about the mechanism of action of aromatherapy and essential oils differ, depending on the community studying them. Proponents of aromatherapy often cite the connection between olfaction and the limbic system in the brain as the basis for the effects of aromatherapy on mood and emotions; less is said about proposed mechanisms for its effects on other parts of the body.

Aromatherapists also believe that the effects of the treatments are based on the special nature of the essential oils used. Some authors propose that the extraction of essential oils from whole aromatic plants causes them to contain a life force or vitality that allegedly sets essential oils apart from other (synthetic) fragrances.[49] This argument suggests that essential oils produce effects on the body that are greater than the sum of the individual chemical components of the scents.


References
1. Tisserand R: Essential oils as psychotherapeutic agents. In: Van Toller S, Dodd GH, eds.: Perfumery: The Psychology and Biology of Fragrance. New York, NY: Chapman and Hall, 1988, pp 167-80.
2. Gattefosse RM: Gattefosse's Aromatherapy. Essex, England:CW Daniel, 1993.
3. Valnet J: The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines & Their Healing Properties. Rochester, NY: Healing Arts Press, 1990.
4. Dryden MS, Dailly S, Crouch M: A randomized, controlled trial of tea tree topical preparations versus a standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization. J Hosp Infect 56 (4): 283-6, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
5. Hartman D, Coetzee JC: Two US practitioners' experience of using essential oils for wound care. J Wound Care 11 (8): 317-20, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
6. Baker J: Essential oils: a complementary therapy in wound management. J Wound Care 7 (7): 355-7, 1998. [PUBMED Abstract]
7. Asquith S: The use of aromatherapy in wound care. J Wound Care 8 (6): 318-20, 1999. [PUBMED Abstract]
8. Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD: Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol 134 (11): 1349-52, 1998. [PUBMED Abstract]
9. Anderson C, Lis-Balchin M, Kirk-Smith M: Evaluation of massage with essential oils on childhood atopic eczema. Phytother Res 14 (6): 452-6, 2000. [PUBMED Abstract]
10. Ro YJ, Ha HC, Kim CG, et al.: The effects of aromatherapy on pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Dermatol Nurs 14 (4): 231-4, 237-8, 256; quiz 239, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
11. Cohen BM, Dressler WE: Acute aromatics inhalation modifies the airways. Effects of the common cold. Respiration 43 (4): 285-93, 1982. [PUBMED Abstract]
12. Diego MA, Jones NA, Field T, et al.: Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations. Int J Neurosci 96 (3-4): 217-24, 1998. [PUBMED Abstract]
13. Motomura N, Sakurai A, Yotsuya Y: Reduction of mental stress with lavender odorant. Percept Mot Skills 93 (3): 713-8, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
14. Miltner W, Matjak M, Braun C, et al.: Emotional qualities of odors and their influence on the startle reflex in humans. Psychophysiology 31 (1): 107-10, 1994. [PUBMED Abstract]
15. Millot JL, Brand G, Morand N: Effects of ambient odors on reaction time in humans. Neurosci Lett 322 (2): 79-82, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
16. Stevenson C: Measuring the effects of aromatherapy. Nurs Times 88 (41): 62-3, 1992 Oct 7-13. [PUBMED Abstract]
17. Dunn C, Sleep J, Collett D: Sensing an improvement: an experimental study to evaluate the use of aromatherapy, massage and periods of rest in an intensive care unit. J Adv Nurs 21 (1): 34-40, 1995. [PUBMED Abstract]
18. Buckle J: Aromatherapy. Nurs Times 89 (20): 32-5, 1993 May 19-25. [PUBMED Abstract]
19. Hadfield N: The role of aromatherapy massage in reducing anxiety in patients with malignant brain tumours. Int J Palliat Nurs 7 (6): 279-85, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
20. Wilkinson S: Aromatherapy and massage in palliative care. Int J Palliat Nurs 1 (1): 21-30, 1995.
21. Wilkinson S, Aldridge J, Salmon I, et al.: An evaluation of aromatherapy massage in palliative care. Palliat Med 13 (5): 409-17, 1999. [PUBMED Abstract]
22. Corner J, Cawler N, Hildebrand S: An evaluation of the use of massage and essential oils on the wellbeing of cancer patients. Int J Palliat Nurs 1 (2): 67-73, 1995.
23. Louis M, Kowalski SD: Use of aromatherapy with hospice patients to decrease pain, anxiety, and depression and to promote an increased sense of well-being. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 19 (6): 381-6, 2002 Nov-Dec. [PUBMED Abstract]
24. Walsh E, Wilson C: Complementary therapies in long-stay neurology in-patient settings. Nurs Stand 13 (32): 32-5, 1999 Apr 28-May 4. [PUBMED Abstract]
25. Itai T, Amayasu H, Kuribayashi M, et al.: Psychological effects of aromatherapy on chronic hemodialysis patients. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 54 (4): 393-7, 2000. [PUBMED Abstract]
26. Burns E, Blamey C: Complementary medicine. Using aromatherapy in childbirth. Nurs Times 90 (9): 54-60, 1994 Mar 2-8. [PUBMED Abstract]
27. Burns EE, Blamey C, Ersser SJ, et al.: An investigation into the use of aromatherapy in intrapartum midwifery practice. J Altern Complement Med 6 (2): 141-7, 2000. [PUBMED Abstract]
28. Kite SM, Maher EJ, Anderson K, et al.: Development of an aromatherapy service at a Cancer Centre. Palliat Med 12 (3): 171-80, 1998. [PUBMED Abstract]
29. Komori T, Fujiwara R, Tanida M, et al.: Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states. Neuroimmunomodulation 2 (3): 174-80, 1995 May-Jun. [PUBMED Abstract]
30. Wiebe E: A randomized trial of aromatherapy to reduce anxiety before abortion. Eff Clin Pract 3 (4): 166-9, 2000 Jul-Aug. [PUBMED Abstract]
31. Lehrner J, Eckersberger C, Walla P, et al.: Ambient odor of orange in a dental office reduces anxiety and improves mood in female patients. Physiol Behav 71 (1-2): 83-6, 2000 Oct 1-15. [PUBMED Abstract]
32. Ballard CG, O'Brien JT, Reichelt K, et al.: Aromatherapy as a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia: the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Melissa. J Clin Psychiatry 63 (7): 553-8, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
33. Smallwood J, Brown R, Coulter F, et al.: Aromatherapy and behaviour disturbances in dementia: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 16 (10): 1010-3, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
34. Holmes C, Hopkins V, Hensford C, et al.: Lavender oil as a treatment for agitated behaviour in severe dementia: a placebo controlled study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 17 (4): 305-8, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
35. Gray SG, Clair AA: Influence of aromatherapy on medication administration to residential-care residents with dementia and behavioral challenges. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 17 (3): 169-74, 2002 May-Jun. [PUBMED Abstract]
36. Cohen-Mansfield J, Werner P: The effects of an enhanced environment on nursing home residents who pace. Gerontologist 38 (2): 199-208, 1998. [PUBMED Abstract]
37. Rose JE, Behm FM: Inhalation of vapor from black pepper extract reduces smoking withdrawal symptoms. Drug Alcohol Depend 34 (3): 225-9, 1994. [PUBMED Abstract]
38. Sayette MA, Parrott DJ: Effects of olfactory stimuli on urge reduction in smokers. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 7 (2): 151-9, 1999. [PUBMED Abstract]
39. Tate S: Peppermint oil: a treatment for postoperative nausea. J Adv Nurs 26 (3): 543-9, 1997. [PUBMED Abstract]
40. Oyama H, Kaneda M, Katsumata N, et al.: Using the bedside wellness system during chemotherapy decreases fatigue and emesis in cancer patients. J Med Syst 24 (3): 173-82, 2000. [PUBMED Abstract]
41. Dale A, Cornwell S: The role of lavender oil in relieving perineal discomfort following childbirth: a blind randomized clinical trial. J Adv Nurs 19 (1): 89-96, 1994. [PUBMED Abstract]
42. Göbel H, Schmidt G, Soyka D: Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia 14 (3): 228-34; discussion 182, 1994. [PUBMED Abstract]
43. Marchand S, Arsenault P: Odors modulate pain perception: a gender-specific effect. Physiol Behav 76 (2): 251-6, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
44. Styles JL: The use of aromatherapy in hospitalized children with HIV disease. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 3 (1): 16-20, 1997. [PUBMED Abstract]
45. Rimmer L: The clinical use of aromatherapy in the reduction of stress. Home Healthc Nurse 16 (2): 123-6, 1998. [PUBMED Abstract]
46. Stringer J: Massage and aromatherapy on a leukaemia unit. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 6 (2): 72-6, 2000. [PUBMED Abstract]
47. Hicks G: Aromatherapy as an adjunct to care in a mental health day hospital. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 5 (4): 317, 1998. [PUBMED Abstract]
48. Mantle F: The role of alternative medicine in treating postnatal depression. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 8 (4): 197-203, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
49. Dodd GH: The molecular dimension in perfumery. In: Van Toller S, Dodd GH, eds.: Perfumery: The Psychology and Biology of Fragrance. New York, NY: Chapman and Hall, 1988, pp 19-46.


Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.

Aromatherapy Basics

General Aromatherapy Information
Aromatherapy is a derivative of herbal medicine, which is itself a subset of the biological or nature-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Aromatherapy has been defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils from plants for the improvement of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The proponents of aromatherapy claim it is an all-natural, nontoxic adjunct to conventional medicines.

Essential oils are volatile liquid substances extracted from aromatic plant material by steam distillation or mechanical expression. Oils produced with the aid of chemical solvents are not considered true essential oils, as the solvent residues can alter the purity of the oils themselves and lead to adulteration of the fragrance or to skin irritation.

Essential oils are made up of a large array of chemical components that consist of the secondary metabolites found in various plant materials. The major chemical components of essential oils include terpenes, esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols, and oxides, which are volatile and may produce characteristic odors. Different types of oils contain varying amounts of each of these compounds, which are said to give each oil its particular fragrance and therapeutic characteristics. Different varieties of the same species may have different chemotypes (different chemical composition of the same plant species as a result of different harvesting methods or locations) and thus different types of effects. [1]

Synthetic odors are often made up of many of the same compounds, which are synthesized and combined with other novel odor-producing chemicals. Most aromatherapists believe that synthetic fragrances are inferior to essential oils because they lack natural or vital energy; however, this has been contested by odor psychologists and biochemists [2] who probably work for the perfume industry and concoct synthetic fragrances to be sold as pure and 100% natural.

Aromatherapy is used or claimed to be useful for a vast array of symptoms and conditions. A book on aromatherapy for children suggests aromatherapy remedies for everything from acne to whooping cough. [3] Published studies regarding the uses of aromatherapy have generally focused on its psychological effects (used as a stress reliever or anxiolytic agent) or its use as a topical treatment for skin-related conditions.

A large body of literature has been published on the effects of odors on the human brain and emotions. Some studies have tested the effects of essential oils on mood, alertness, and mental stress in healthy subjects. Other studies investigated the effects of various (usually synthetic) odors on task performance, reaction time, and autonomic parameters or evaluated the direct effects of odors on the brain via electroencephalogram patterns and functional imaging studies. [4]

Such studies have consistently shown that odors can produce specific effects on human neuropsychological and autonomic function and that odors can influence mood, perceived health, and arousal. These studies suggest that odors may have therapeutic applications in the context of stressful and adverse psychological conditions.

Practitioners of aromatherapy apply essential oils using several different methods, including direct inhalation via diffuser or drops of oil placed near the patient (e.g., on a pillow); aromatherapy massage, which is the application to the body of essential oils diluted in a carrier oil; and other direct and indirect applications such as placing drops of oil in bathwater, lotions, or dressings.

Different aromatherapy practitioners may have different recipes for treating specific illnesses, involving various combinations of oils and methods of application. Differences seem to be practitioner-dependent, with some common uses more accepted throughout the aromatherapy community.

Training in aromatherapy is available at several schools throughout the United States and United Kingdom; but there is no professional standardization, and no license is required to practice in either country. Thus, there is not a great deal of consistency in the specific treatments for specific illnesses among practitioners.

This lack of standardization has led to poor consistency in research on the effects of aromatherapy: because anecdotal evidence alone or previous experience drives the choice of oils, different researchers often choose different oils when studying the same applications.

Although essential oils are given internally by aromatherapists in France and Germany, their use is generally limited to inhalation or topical application in the United Kingdom and United States.

Non medical use of essential oils is common in the flavoring and fragrance industries, however, and most essential oils have been classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe), at specified concentration limits, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Aromatherapy products do not need approval by the FDA.

References
1. Wildwood C: The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy. Rochester, Vt: Healing Arts Press, 1996. 2. Dodd GH: The molecular dimension in perfumery. In: Van Toller S, Dodd GH, eds.: Perfumery: The Psychology and Biology of Fragrance. New York, NY: Chapman and Hall, 1988, pp 19-46.
3. Worwood VA: Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child: More Than 300 Natural, Non-Toxic, and Fragrant Essential Oil Blends. Novato, Calif: New World Library, 2000.
4. Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Jäger W, et al.: Fragrance compounds and essential oils with sedative effects upon inhalation. J Pharm Sci 82 (6): 660-4, 1993. [PUBMED Abstract]


Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.

Improve The Quality Of Life Of Cancer Patients

This complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

information summary provided by the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) gives an overview of the use of aromatherapy and essential oils primarily to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

This summary includes a brief history of aromatherapy, a review of laboratory studies and clinical trials, and possible adverse effects associated with aromatherapy use.

This summary contains the following key information:

• Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils (also known as volatile oils) from plants (flowers, herbs, or trees) for the improvement of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.



• Aromatherapy is used by patients with cancer primarily as a supportive care agent for general well-being.



• Aromatherapy is used with other complementary treatments (e.g., massage and acupuncture) as well as standard treatment.



• Essential oils are volatile liquid substances extracted from aromatic plant material by steam distillation or mechanical expression; oils produced with the aid of chemical solvents are not considered true essential oils.



• Essential oils are available in the United States for inhalation and topical treatment. Topical treatments are generally used in diluted forms.



• Aromatherapy is not widely administered via ingestion.



• The effects of aromatherapy are theorized to result from the effect of odorant molecules from essential oils on the brain’s emotional center, the limbic system. Topical application of aromatic oils may exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.



• Studies in animals show sedative and stimulant effects of specific essential oils as well as positive effects on behavior and the immune system. Functional imaging studies in humans support the influence of odors on the limbic system and its emotional pathways.



• Human clinical trials have investigated aromatherapy primarily in the treatment of stress and anxiety in patients with critical illnesses or in other hospitalized subjects. Several clinical trials involving patients with cancer have been published.



• Aromatherapy has a relatively low toxicity profile when administered by inhalation or diluted topical application.



• Aromatherapy products do not need approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because there is no claim for treatment of specific diseases.
  Many of the medical and scientific terms used in the summary are hypertext linked (at first use in each section) to the NCI Dictionary, which is oriented toward nonexperts. When a linked term is clicked, a definition will appear in a separate window.

Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.

How The FDA Defines Soap

Not every product marketed as soap meets FDA's definition of the term. FDA interprets the term "soap" to apply only when:

• The bulk of the nonvolatile matter in the product consists of an alkali salt of fatty acids and the product's detergent properties are due to the alkali-fatty acid compounds, and
  
• The product is labeled, sold, and represented solely as soap [21 CFR 701.20].

If a cleanser does not meet all of these criteria ...
If a product intended to cleanse the human body does not meet all the criteria for soap, as listed above, it is either a cosmetic or a drug. For example:

If a product:

• consists of detergents or
• primarily of alkali salts of fatty acids and
• is intended not only for cleansing but also for other cosmetic uses, such as beautifying or moisturizing,
  it is regulated as a cosmetic.

If a product:

• consists of detergents or
• primarily of alkali salts of fatty acids and
• is intended not only for cleansing but also to cure, treat, or prevent disease or to affect the structure or any function of the human body,
  it is regulated as a drug.

If a product:

• is intended solely for cleansing the human body and
• has the characteristics consumers generally associate with soap,
• does not consist primarily of alkali salts of fatty acids,
  it may be identified in labeling as soap, but it is regulated as a cosmetic.

Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.

Aromatherapy: Good Manufacturing Practices

How good manufacturing practice requirements are different

Good manufacturing practice (GMP) is an important factor in assuring that your aromatherapy and cosmetic products are neither adulterated nor misbranded.

However, no regulations set forth specific Good Manufacturing Practice requirements for cosmetics. Do you know what this means?

It simply means, everything in the cosmetic aromatherapy manufacturing is allowed. No wonder that you find about five carcinogens alone in lipsticks! Let alone the known carcinogens propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate in your bubble bath and shampoo. Did you read the labels lately? Your toothpaste has a Warning Label: "Contact the Poison Control Center immediately!"

Propylene glycol is a substance that is smooth like velvet (commonly used as garage floor cleaner and engine degreaser). It is often mixed with essential oils to give the oil a luxurious texture.

In addition, there are companies out there that have made it their mission to manufacture a synthetic oil for every pure essential oil distilled. You may well guess that synthetic oils are considerable cheaper. Aromatherapy companies that solely operate for their profits with no consideration of people's wellbeing use of course synthetic oils.

In contrast to cosmetic and aromatherapy product regulations, the law requires strict adherence to GMP requirements for drugs, and there are regulations specifying minimum current GMP requirements for drugs [Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), parts 210 and 211]. Failure to follow GMP requirements causes a drug to be adulterated [FD&C Act, sec. 501(a)(2)(B)].

How registration requirements are different
FDA maintains the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program, or VCRP, for cosmetic establishments and formulations [21 CFR 710 and 720]. As its name indicates, this program is voluntary. That's right - voluntary. In contrast, it is mandatory for drug firms to register their establishments and list their drug products with FDA [FD&C Act, sec. 510; 21 CFR 207].

How labeling requirements are different
A cosmetic product must be labeled according to cosmetic labeling regulations. See the Cosmetic Labeling Manual for guidance on cosmetic labeling. OTC drugs must be labeled according to OTC drug regulations, including the "Drug Facts" labeling, as described in 21 CFR 201.63. Combination OTC drug/cosmetic products must have combination OTC drug/cosmetic labeling. For example, the drug ingredients must be listed alphabetically as "Active Ingredients," followed by cosmetic ingredients, listed in order of predominance as "Inactive Ingredients."


Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.

Aromatherapy: Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? Or Is It Soap?

The legal difference between a cosmetic and a drug is determined by a product's intended use. Different laws and regulations apply to each type of product. Firms sometimes violate the law by marketing a cosmetic with a drug claim, or by marketing a drug as if it were a cosmetic, without adhering to requirements for drugs.

How does the law define a cosmetic?
The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines cosmetics by their intended use, as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body ... for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" [FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)].

Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, toothpastes, and deodorants, as well as any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.

How does the law define a drug?
The FD&C Act defines drugs by their intended use, as "(A) articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease ... and (B) articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals" [FD&C Act, sec. 201(g)(1)].

How can a product be both a cosmetic and a drug?
Some products meet the definitions of both cosmetics and drugs. This may happen when a product has two intended uses. For example, a shampoo is a cosmetic because its intended use is to cleanse the hair. An antidandruff treatment is a drug because its intended use is to treat dandruff. Consequently, an antidandruff shampoo is both a cosmetic and a drug.

Among other cosmetic/drug combinations are toothpastes that contain fluoride, deodorants that are also antiperspirants, and moisturizers and makeup marketed with sun-protection claims. Such products must comply with the requirements for both cosmetics and drugs.

What about "cosmeceuticals"?
The FD&C Act does not recognize any such category as "cosmeceuticals." A product can be a drug, a cosmetic, or a combination of both, but the term "cosmeceutical" has no meaning under the law.

How is a product's intended use established?
Intended use may be established in a number of ways. Among them are:

• Claims stated on the product labeling, in advertising, on the Internet, or in other promotional materials. Certain claims may cause a product to be considered a drug, even if the product is marketed as if it were a cosmetic. Such claims establish the product as a drug because the intended use is to treat or prevent disease or otherwise affect the structure or functions of the human body. Some examples are claims that products will restore hair growth, reduce cellulite, treat varicose veins, or revitalize cells.

• Consumer perception, which may be established through the product's reputation. This means asking why the consumer is buying it and what the consumer expects it to do.

• Ingredients that may cause a product to be considered a drug because they have a well known (to the public and industry) therapeutic use. An example is fluoride in toothpaste.

• This principle also holds true for essential oils in fragrance products. A fragrance marketed for promoting attractiveness is a cosmetic. But a fragrance marketed with certain "aromatherapy" claims, such as assertions that the scent will help the consumer sleep or quit smoking, meets the definition of a drug because of its intended use.
  

And what if it's "soap"?
Soap is a category that needs special explanation. That's because the regulatory definition of "soap" is different from the way in which people commonly use the word. Products that meet the definition of "soap" are exempt from the provisions of the FD&C Act because -- even though Section 201(i)(1) of the act includes "articles ... for cleansing" in the definition of a cosmetic -- Section 201(i)(2) excludes soap from the definition of a cosmetic.

Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.

Aromatherapy Regulations

Aromatherapy (fagrance) products are sometimes marketed with claims or implications that their use will improve personal wellbeing in a variety of ways, such as "strengthening the body's self-defense mechanisms." These are also known as "behavioral fragrance" or "aromatherapy" products.

Traditionally, perfumes have been considered cosmetics by FDA. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines cosmetics in part as articles intended to be applied to or introduced into the human body "for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" (FD&C Act, Section 201).

On the other hand, articles intended for use in the diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and intended to affect the structure or any function of the body, are considered to be drugs -- with all "new drugs" requiring FDA's premarket approval.

While cosmetics and drugs both are under FDA's jurisdiction, the legal requirements applying to them differ. A claim that a perfume's aroma makes a person feel more attractive, in general, is a cosmetic claim not requiring FDA approval before a product is sold.

But if someone tries to market a scent suggesting effectiveness as an aid in quitting smoking, as a sleeping aid, or to treat or prevent any other condition or disease, or otherwise affect the body's structure or function, such a claim may cause the product to be regulated as a drug, requiring premarket approval. The agency will make judgments on a case-by-case basis.

Claims made in advertising but not on product labeling are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, although advertising claims can be used to establish a product's intended use. Room fragrance systems (deodorizers, odor control) are theConsumer Product Safety Commission's responsibility.

Aroma-essence.com offers therapeutic-grade essential oils and aromatherapy products. Not all oils are created equal. There is a difference between fragrance oils (often synthetic or adulterated oils) and pure therapeutic A-Grade essential oils.