ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a few of the common active ingredients found in essential oils that are also accepted for use in widely accepted Western medicine philosophy. It briefly identifies some of the prominent evidence-based essential oil therapies to consider implementing in practice. A great deal of in vitro and animal research and a growing body of clinical evidence has begun to validate the use of essential oils as integrative treatment options. Peppermint essential oil is a known smooth muscle relaxant, and an extensive database of clinical trials exists for the reduction of symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial determined the efficacy of an aromatic essential oil massage in 48 outpatients diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea rating their pain greater than 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. Essential oil therapy is most effective when the totality of ancient traditions, patient results, clinical experience, pharmacognosy, and pharmacology are considered.
