Theory of Aromatherapy
3. Theory of Aromatherapy
Outline of Syllabus Contents
1. History and development of the use of plants and their essences. This will
involve study from the development of human kind, earliest records both written
and others including religious references, Egyptian/Greek/Roman /Arabic
records, and ancient Chinese/Indian text. Middle Ages - Avicenna and the
spread of knowledge plus the work of leading herbalists (Culpeper, Gerard etc.)
The development of allopathic and naturopathic medicine and the role of
aromatherapy within this context especially the development of aromatherapy in
during the last 100 years including the work of Maurice Gattefossé, Dr. Jean
Valnet and Madame Maury and others. Modern research in the fields of
aromatherapy, perfume, and smell should be integrated into the developing uses
and practice of the profession and its increasing use and popularity as a holistic
and complementary therapy. This should be related to the need for regulation of
the profession and the introduction of National Occupational Standards.
2. A holistic approach to Aromatherapy - The role and use of aromatherapy as part
of a holistic lifestyle should be explored as well as its potential, through treating
the whole person, of addressing the subtle energy and changes, which can affect
wellbeing. The time and care with which the aromatherapist’s consultation and
treatment plan defines, treats and meets the needs of the individual and reduces
the necessity for conventional treatments, both outside and within the healthcare
environment, should be explored.
3. Basic Botanical & Chemical Principles - Students will study the taxonomy,
nomenclature, structure and function of plants in relation to the production of
both essences & carrier oils; the definition of the atom, molecule, organic and
inorganic compounds. Also the definition and recognition of the significant
chemical constituents found in essences (terpenes, alcohols, phenols,
aldehydes, ketones, oxides, esters and ethers). Students will explore
chemotyping, biosynthesis and understanding of oxidation, hydrolysis and
essential oil production as well as the causes and avoidance of degradation and
spoilage.
4. Therapeutic properties of essences and safety considerations - this includes the
essence profile of botanical and plant family name, common name, country of
origin, method of extraction, main chemical constituents, therapeutic properties
to assist with conditions; contraindications specific to each essence; potential
toxicology of essences, contraindications and safety precautions; prescriptive
advice, sourcing and storage. The requirements of the Aromatherapy Trade
Council (ATC) for responsible marketing of essences including labeling
requirements should also be addressed.
5. Carrier Media: plant oils, hydrolats, water, creams and gels - Methods of
production of carrier oils including their chemical composition, sourcing and
storage requirements.
6. Blending essences - Detailed study of the reasons for selected specific
essences, selection of appropriate carrier mediums, techniques of blending,
percentage calculations for dilution specific to client’s needs. You will study the
legal considerations including the General Product Safety Regulations,
Cosmetic Product Safety Regulations and Medicines & Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (Department of Health) requirements.
B. Essences, carrier oils and other media are faithfully reproduced from the NOS.
These are the minimum oils which should be included although course providers
are recommended to expand this range at least to include common chemotypes
where relevant
ESSENCES FOR AROMATHERAPY
(reproduced from the NOS)
Plant Family Common Name Botanical Name Part of
Plant used
LAMIACEAE
(LABIATAE)
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia Mill. flowers
Lavandin Lavandula x intermedia Emeric
ex Loisel
flowers
Lavender, spike Lavandula latifolia Medik.
flowers
Clary sage Salvia sclarea L. herb
Marjoram Origanum majorana L.
herb
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis L. herb
Thyme Thymus vulgaris L. herb
Peppermint Mentha x piperita L. herb
Basil Ocimum basilicum L. herb
Patchouli Pogostemon cablin Benth.
leaves
RUTACEAE Neroli Citrus aurantium L. flowers
Petitgrain Citrus aurantium L. leaves
Orange, bitter Citrus aurantium L. fruit
Orange, sweet Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck fruit
Bergamot Citrus bergamia Risso. fruit
Lemon Citrus limon (L.) Burm. fruit
Mandarin Citrus nobilis Lour. fruit
Grapefruit Citrus paradisi Macfad. fruit
ASTERACEAE
(COMPOSITAE)
Chamomile,
Roman
Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. flowers
Chamomile,
German
Matricaria recutita L. flowers
MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus Labill leaves
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus citriodora Hook leaves
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus dives Schauer leaves
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus smithii R.T. Baker leaves
Tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel leaves
GERANIACEAE Geranium Pelargonium graveolens L’Her.
leaves
PIPERACEAE Pepper, black Piper nigrum L. fruit
APIACEAE
(UMBELLIFERAE)
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare Mill. fruit
ROSACEAE Rose, damask Rosa damascena Mill.
flowers
Rose, cabbage Rosa x centifolia L. flowers
OLEACEAE Jasmine Jasminum grandiflorum L. flowers
ANNONACEAE Ylang-ylang Cananga odorata (Lam.)
Hook.f. & Thoms.
flowers
SANTALACEAE Sandalwood Santalum album L.
Santalum spicatum (R.Br.)
A.DC.)
wood
BURSERACEAE Frankincense Boswellia sacra Flueck. resin
Myrrh Commiphora myrrha Engl. resin
STYRACACEAE Benzoin Styrax benzoin Dryand. balsam
ZINGIBERACEAE Ginger Zingiber officinale Rosc. rhizome
POACEAE
(GRAMINAE)
Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. grass
Vetivert Vetiveria zizanioides Nash ex
Small
root
PINACEAE Cedarwood, Atlas Cedrus atlantica Manetti wood
CUPRESSACEAE Cypress Cupressus sempervirens L. twigs
Juniper
Juniperus communis L. berries
18 FIXED OILS FOR AROMATHERAPY
ROSACEAE
Almond Prunus communis L.
Apricot kernel Prunus armeniaca L.
Perah kernel Prunus vulgaris Mill.
FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE)
Soya Glycine max Merr.
Peanut Arachis hypogaea L.
ASTERACEAE (COMPOSITAE)
Sunflower Helianthus annuus L.
VITACEAE
Grapeseed Vitis vinifera L.
OLEACEAE
Olive Olea europaea L.
LAURACEAE
Avocado Persea americana Mill.
PEDALIACEAE
Sesame Sesamum indicum L.
LINACEAE
Linseed Linum usitatissimum L.
CORYLACEAE
Hazel Corylus avellana L.
JUGLANDACEAE
Walnut Juglans regia L.
PROTEACEAE
Macadamia Macadamia ternifolia F. Muell.
ARECACEAE
Coconut Cocos nucifera L.
Formatted: English (U.K.)Updated May 2009 CP 21
ONAGRACEAE
Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis L.
POACEAE (GRAMINAE)
Wheatgerm Triticum vulgare Vill.
EUPHORBIACEAE
Castor Ricinus communis L.
LIQUID WAX
SIMMONDSIACEAE
Jojoba Simmondsia chinensis Schneid.
Other Media
Creams, lotions, gels, water, air, clay, shea butter
Recommended Reading
Battaglia, S. (2003) The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Second edition The
Perfect Potion Paperback 202 pages ISBN: 0646428969
Bowles E Joy (2003) The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils Australia, Allen &
Unwin Paperback 256 pages ISBN 174114051X
Buckle, J. (2003) Clinical Aromatherapy 2nd Edition, Churchill Livingstone.
Paperback 236 pages (August 20, 2003) ISBN: 0443072361
Caddy, R. (1997) Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Colour. Amberwood Publishing
Clarke, S. (2002) Essential Chemistry for Safe Aromatherapy. Churchill Livingstone
Paperback 256 pages (March 27, 2002) ISBN: 0443064857
Davis, P (1995) Aromatherapy an A-Z C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd Paperback 335 pages
ISBN: 0852072953
Gascoigne, S. (1992) Prescribed drugs and the Alternative Practitioner: The
Essential Guide. Energy Medicine Press ISBN: 1-85398-022-6
Gattefossé, R.M. Gattefossé’s Aromatherapy (1993) The First Book on
Aromatherapy, C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd. Paperback 176 pages ISBN: 0852072368
Kusmerik, J. (2202) Liquid Sunshine. Floamicus ISBN: 0-9543295-0-3
Lawless, J. (2002) The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils. Harper Collins Paperback
224 pages ISBN: 0007145187
Sellar, W. (2001) The Directory of Essential Oils. C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd Paperback
191 pages ISBN: 0852073461
Tisserand, R. Balacs, T. (1995) Essential Oil Safety; A Guide for Health
Professionals Churchill Livingstone, Hardcover 296 pages ISBN: 0443052603
Tisserand, R. (1997), reprinted 1993) The Art of Aromatherapy C.W. Daniel Co.
Ltd. Paperback 321 pages ISBN: 085207140X
Lavabre, Marcel (1997) Aromatherapy Workbook. Inner Traditions International,
Paperback 192 pages ISBN: 0892816449
Price, S. (1983) Practical Aromatherapy. HarperCollins Paperback 128 pages
ISBN: 0722508050
Price, S. (1999) Aromatherapy for Health Care Professionals. Churchill
Livingstone. Paperback 394 pages ISBN: 0443062102
Valnet, J. (1980, re-printed 1991) The Practice of Aromatherapy. C.W. Daniel Co.
Worwood, V. (1997) The Fragrant Mind. Bantam Paperback 640 pages
ISBN: 0553407996 Updated May 2009 CP 22
Aims
a. To introduce students to the range of essences as listed in the NOS,
the plant families and Latin names of each essence used as well as
therapeutic properties, contraindications and precautions
b. To provide a detailed understanding of what essences are, their history
and origins, biosynthesis, methods of production, shelf-life, storage and
handling
c. To provide knowledge of a wide range of carrier media as included in
the NOS and their appropriateness in treatment.
d. To provide students with the ability to select appropriate essences,
media, dilution ratios and methods of use relevant to the needs of the
client
e. To enable students to make sound purchases of essences and media
based on knowledge of the environmental factors and labelling
requirements.
f. To enable students to consider both the physical and emotional uses
and effects of essences when blending and implementing treatment plans
g. To provide knowledge of basic chemistry and the chemistry of
essences, including biosynthesis and adulteration relevant to safe and
informed practice.
h. To provide knowledge of basic botany including plant taxonomy,
nomenclature, secondary plant metabolism including environmental
factors and how they relate to the quality, production and use of essences
and carrier oils.
i. To enable students to address both the physical and emotional uses
and effects of essences when selecting blends and implementing
treatment programmes.
j. To enable students to understand and utilise the ways in which
essences may affect emotional wellbeing and the effects of aromatherapy
treatments on the muscles, organs and physiological systems of the
body.
k. To enable students to utilise this knowledge to assess and carry out
appropriate aromatherapy treatments and to develop treatment plans for
clients.
l. To enable the sound and safe purchase and storage of essences and
media based on knowledge of the environmental factors and labelling
requirements
m. To provide an awareness of the importance of the case study
and its relevance in the safe and suitable selection of materials and
method of use and the need for the maintenance of thorough records for
each client and treatments
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be able to:
i.Identify the most suitable range of aromatherapy treatments for each
individual client based on detailed case notes
ii.Blend essences in appropriate media, where relevant, in the correct
dilution ratio for the individual patients needs, taking into consideration
physical, mental and emotional factors.
iii.Write up case studies/client record sheets, showing the reasons for
choosing the oils and dilutions used, writing the oils using the Latin names
with types of treatments recorded and reasons for use including dilution
ratios chosen and why.
iv.Understand the dynamics of blending in relation to botany and plant
chemistry and possible interactions with medications
v.Select safe and appropriate aromatherapy treatments to meet the needs
of clients
vi.Give appropriate aftercare advice and offer support to the patient through
the use of aromatherapy preparations (i.e. lotions, creams or blends of
essences), to use at home and how to label these preparations
