Abstract
Essential oils (EOs), also known as volatile oils, are concentrated natural plant
products which contain volatile aroma compounds. Most EOs are derived by steam distillation,
a tradition which can be traced back as many as 5000 years. They possess unique properties
which result in various possibilities for application, also in modern medical contexts.
Areas for medical aromatherapy include respiratory diseases, pain management or stress
alleviation, amongst many others. Different modes of application exist: The rich ingredients
can be absorbed by the body by anointment, gentle massage, inhalation, or oral intake
of capsules. Also the risks of EO application in medical contexts should be considered,
such as rare allergic reactions, overdosing, poor substance quality or overestimation
of the effectiveness.
Ätherische Öle kennt man vorwiegend als Bestandteil von Kosmetika oder als Hausmittel,
z. B. bei Erkältungen. Sie können aber auch als medizinische Therapeutika unterstützend
eingesetzt werden. Dieser Artikel gibt eine Übersicht über die Möglichkeiten der medizinischen
Anwendung von Aromatherapie.
Schlüsselwörter
Aromatherapie - Medizinische Aromatherapie - ätherische Öle, analgetische Wirkung
- antimikrobielle Wirkung - Wundbehandlung - emotionale Effekte
Key words
aromatherapy - medical aromatherapyessential oils - analgetic effects - anti-inflammatory
effects - antimicrobial effects - wound care, emotional effects
