Aromatherapy and herbal medicine are two disciplines of natural medicine that use plants as a basis for healing and wellness, but they differ in several key ways. Here are five of the main differences between aromatherapy and herbal medicine:
- Application method: One of the fundamental differences is the way the plants are applied. In aromatherapy, the aromatic essences of plants are used in the form of essential oils that can be inhaled or applied directly to the skin through massages or baths. Conversely, in phytotherapy, plants are used in various forms, such as infusions, capsules, ointments and syrups, with the aim of taking advantage of the active principles of the plant.
- Active components: In aromatherapy, the active substances are the aromatic compounds present in essential oils. These compounds can have both physical and emotional effects through smell and skin penetration. In phytotherapy, different parts of plants, such as roots, leaves and flowers, are used to obtain the active components that can have wider effects on health.
- Courses of action: While aromatherapy often focuses on psychological and emotional effects through smell, phytotherapy seeks to treat a wide range of health problems through the ingestion or topical application of plants. Phytotherapy usually addresses problems such as digestive disorders, insomnia, pain and other physical ailments.
- Risks and precautions: Although many essential oils used in aromatherapy are natural, some can be irritating to the skin or cause allergic reactions. Phytotherapy also requires caution, as plants can interact with other medications or cause side effects. Qualified professionals should be consulted before using any of these therapies.
- Approach: Aromatherapy is particularly recognized for its influence on emotional state and psychological well-being. Many essential oils have relaxing, stimulating, or balancing properties that can improve mood and relieve stress. In contrast, phytotherapy aims to treat specific diseases and health problems through the natural components of plants.
In summary, although aromatherapy and phytotherapy have similar roots in the use of plants to improve health, they differ significantly in the form of application, active components, pathways of action, associated risks, and therapeutic approaches. Choosing between these two options will depend on each person's individual goals and health conditions.