Some of the rather varied list of claims include mood alternative, as biofeedback tied in to relaxation, stress release, concentration and meditation."... "an alternative to synthetic drugs to feel good." "addresses the nervous system and the energy fields of the body. It soothes the body, cleans the body, clears the body, and tones the body."... The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood, states that there are about 300 essential oils and that they constitute an extremely effective medical system. The web site of Beyond Aromatherapy has stated (allegedly quoting Hippocrates) "There is a remedy for every illness to be found in nature." Its online catalog includes descriptions of "ancient healing uses," astrological correspondence, and Chinese medicine characteristics of more than 80 essential oils. (Barrett MD, 2001, (http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/aroma.html)
Clearly the indication of these claims is not only far reaching but indicates their use as medicine. The misrepresentation of products is in fact illegal in most U.S. states and according to the FDA:
In 1997, Los Angeles attorney Morse Mehrban charged that Lafabre and Aroma Vera had violated the California Business and Professions Code by advertising that its products could promote health and well-being, relax the body, relax the mind, enhance mood, purify the air, are antidotes to air pollution, relieve fatigue, tone the body, nourish the skin, promote circulation, alleviate feminine cramps, and do about 50 other things [2]. The National Council Against Health Fraud served as plaintiff, and I served as an expert witness in the case. In September 2000, the case was settled out of court with a $5,700 payment to Mehrban...
Barrett MD, 2001, http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/aroma.html
This particular case and others like them, will likely have limited effect on the bottom line of the industry, as it stands to increase its total sales, and therefore profit exponentially in the next ten years. It goes without saying that in so doing it will likely sell a great deal of product, to misguided consumers, who will hopefully not parish of serious diseases, while trying to use aromatherapy to cure them.
Regulating such services, is difficult, as the industry is frequently left to self-regulation, which usually consists of minimal disclaimers following their outrageous "medical" claims. Though it is true that there are natural substances that have legitimate claims to therapeutic effect in those who use them, it is also clear that without regulation such uses could expand to such a degree that individuals are not only taken for a few dollars but could be taken for their health and even their life. Buyer beware, may not be enough, and though consumers need to reflect on what they believe such substances will do for them, companies need to be more responsible with their claims and if they are not, prosecution must be the answer.
Resources
Barrett, S. MD. (2001), "Aromatherapy: Making Dollars out of Scents." Retrieved September 10, 2007 at http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/aroma.html
Russell, M.(ND). "Aromatherapy: A great Alternative Therapy." Retrieved September 10, 2007 at http://aromatherapy-guide-to.com/printview.aspx?articleid=350064
