Article: Aromatherapy: Low-cost relief or flat-out fraud?

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http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/HEALTH/

610310303/1242/health

 

October 31, 2006

 

Aromatherapy: Low-cost relief or flat-out fraud?

By Kathleen Doheny

HealthDay

 

Aromatherapy is an affordable, accessible natural path to relief for a

variety of health problems, ranging from arthritis pain to nausea to

drowsiness, supporters insist.

 

But skeptics dismiss any claims that the use of essential oils from

flowers, herbs and trees can promote health in any way.

And both sides are unlikely to relinquish their positions.

 

Aromatherapy " works for so many different things, it is amazing, " said

Kelly Holland Azzaro, a registered aromatherapist in Banner Elk, N.C.,

and vice president of the National Association for Holistic

Aromatherapy, an industry trade group.

 

Among the most popular essential oils, which are widely sold at

health-food stores and over the Internet, are eucalyptus, geranium,

lavender, lemon, peppermint, rosemary and tea tree, according to the

association.

 

" Uplifting scents such as citrus can keep you awake at work, " Azarro

said. " To help increase alertness, use rosemary and lemon. " And to

combat nausea, try essence of peppermint, ginger and orange, she added.

 

While research into aromatherapy's benefits is limited, some studies

suggest certain treatments can help ease some symptoms.

 

For instance, in a 2005 study published in the journal Chronobiology

International, researchers reported lavender aromatherapy helped all 31

men and women feel more " vigor " the next morning, compared with the

night they breathed in distilled water.

 

But critics find little value in scent therapy. " It's not a therapy,

it's a set of products with odors, " said Dr. Stephen Barrett, board

chairman of Quackwatch Inc., an Allentown, Pa.-based organization that

says it fights health fraud.

 

" If people like the odors and want to pay for them, I would have no

objection, " Barrett said. " There is no evidence that aromatherapy can

alter the course of any disease. "

 

There's also no state licensing for aromatherapists in the United

States. Most practitioners incorporate their training with another

profession, such as licensed acupuncturist or registered nurse,

according to NAHA.

 

If you're interested in pursuing aromatherapy, Azzaro said it's best to

ask a practitioner. " And when you purchase oil, such as from a

health-food store, hopefully some educational materials are with the

product, " she said.

 

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