What is aromatology ?

AROMATOLOGY

13 Sept

According to Penny Price, aromatology,

“explores the individual chemical components which make up essential oils, their effects on the physiology and pathology of the human being and the potential effects on the psyche.”

but the scope of aromatology stretches much further than that.

In a nutshell, studies in aromatology begin with how essential oils are created in nature and includes a full understanding of bio-chemical processes, plant families, growing environments, the history of methods of distillation and usage, knowledge of organic chemical components that compose essential oils, their safety, and in depth profiles of oil bearing plants and their “chemotypes” which will be the subject of another article, but here is a quick definition,

“A chemotype describes the subspecies of a plant that have the same morphological characteristics (relating to form and structure) but produce different quantities of chemical components in their essential oils.” -Sue Clarke

Then there comes anatomy, physiology, essential oil kinetics and best practices in formulation of possible treatments for body, mind and spirit.

Nothing ends after qualifying in aromatology, on the contrary, now begins a long journey of continued education and exploration through keeping up with the latest scientific findings, workshops, scientific and medical peer reviewed research in publications and journals.

Why is all this so important?

Firstly, it’s estimated that more than 90% of essential oils found in mainstream industries are adulterated with synthetic additives or fragrances. For example, for several years now, France exports 100 times more lavender oil than it produces. How can this be possible unless the oil is being thinned?

Secondly, by checking their provenance, the ethical and sustainable criteria of how they’ve been grown, harvested, distilled and finally their composition allows the aromatologist to ensure not only the therapeutic quality of an essential oil, but also choosing oils for their most pertinent effect for the client.

Thirdly, by taking into account the above, I want to ensure that the products I formulate, which are destined to be absorbed by my clients, are of the highest quality, and offer optimal and safe therapeutic benefits to address their needs.

So, as an aromatologist, my promise to you is

My essentials oils are from organic or wild crafted sources who provide certificates of analysis and origin.
Other ingredients, wherever possible are sourced locally, but also from ethical and sustainable sources overseas.
Other ingredients are ECOCERT or COSMOS certified, used in organic cosmetics and food*

* As one of my teachers Kami McBride says,

“If you can eat it, you can put it on your skin!”