Herbalism or Aromatherapy: Which is Better?

Herbalism or Aromatherapy: Which is Better?

Herbalism: An ancient practice of using various parts of plants (e.g., leaves, roots, bark, and flowers) for their medicinal properties.

Aromatherapy: An ancient branch of phytomedicine that uses volatile organic compounds extracted from various parts of plants (e.g., leaves, roots, bark, and flowers)

What is Herbal Medicine?  

Herbal medicine, often referred to as phytotherapy, involves using plant-based substances—such as leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds—to promote health and treat various ailments. This practice is rooted in ancient traditions and has been used for thousands of years across many cultures. Herbal medicine is administered in multiple forms, including teas, tinctures, capsules, and extracts.

Key Benefits of Herbal Medicine

1. Diverse Applications: Herbal remedies can address various health issues, from digestive disorders to respiratory conditions and emotional challenges like anxiety and low mood.
2. Synergistic Effects: Many herbs contain multiple active compounds that can work together to enhance their effectiveness, a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.”
3. Personalized Treatment: Herbal medicine can be tailored to the individual, considering their specific health needs and conditions, which can lead to more effective outcomes.
4. Ease of Use: Herbal remedies are portable and easily integrated into daily life.
5. Complementary to Other Treatments: Herbal remedies can be used alongside conventional treatments to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, especially in managing stress and anxiety.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of plant extracts such as essential oils, absolutes, resinoids, CO2 extracts and hydrosols extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Depending upon the plant, these extracts can be found in the leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, or the wood or bark of a tree,

Each oil contains a mix of chemical constituents, which helps to target its bioactive properties. Some oils are used to promote physical healing, such as managing swelling or fungal infections. Others are used for their emotional value. They may help to enhance relaxation, reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and/or alleviate fatigue.

Key Benefits of Aromatherapy

1. Diverse Applications: Aromatherapy can address various health issues, from digestive disorders to respiratory conditions.
2. Synergistic Effects: Essential oils and other plant extracts are often combined to create a synergistic effect. This is usually called a “blend” or a “synergy.”
3. Personalized Treatment: A blend of essential oils and other plant extracts can be customized to the individual, considering their specific health needs, condition(s), and age, leading to more effective outcomes.
4. Ease of Use: Aromatherapy is accessible and can be easily integrated into daily life. Essential oils and other aromatic extracts can be used topically or through inhalation.
5. Complementary to Other Treatments: Aromatherapy can be used alongside conventional treatments to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, especially in managing stress and anxiety.

Comparing Effectiveness and Applications

Approach to Healing

Herbal medicine and aromatherapy both utilize the benefits of plants' compounds for specific health issues, such as chronic pain, digestion, and skin concerns. They can also be used for emotional and psychological considerations, such as relaxation, stress relief, occasional sleeplessness and mood enhancement.

 Forms of Administration

• Herbal Medicine: Available in various forms (teas, capsules, tinctures), making it versatile for different health needs.
• Aromatherapy: Primarily administered through inhalation or topical application of essential oils and other plant extracts, making it quick and easy to use.

Evidence and Research

• Herbal Medicine: Many herbs have undergone clinical studies that support their efficacy for specific conditions. However, the quality and regulation of herbal products can vary significantly.
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils and other plant extracts have demonstrated effectiveness and therapeutic benefits for specific conditions. Like herbal medicine, the quality and production of essential oils and other plant extracts can vary.

 Safety and Considerations

• Herbalism: Generally safer for internal use as it incorporates whole plant matter, but interactions with pharmaceuticals or other natural medicines can occur. Individual components are less concentrated, leading to a lower risk of toxicity.
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils and other plant extracts can interact with pharmaceuticals or other natural medicines. They are highly potent and should be used cautiously. Most adverse reactions occur when they are used internally or undiluted on the skin.

The age and health of the person determine how much and how often herbal medicine or aromatherapy should be used. If users are not familiar with the safety considerations that may apply to either, it is recommended that they consult an herbalist or aromatherapist.

Herbs or Aromatherapy: Which is Better?

Both herbalism and aromatherapy draw from plants' healing potential, but they do so in different ways and with distinct applications. While herbalism uses various plant parts, aromatherapy utilizes the active compounds contained within the plant parts.

Herbal preparations can take many forms, including the use of a whole herb, teas, syrup, tinctures, capsules, and tablets that contain a ground or powdered form of a raw herb or its dried extract. The type of solvent, temperature, and time used in the extraction process can influence the final product's composition and potency. For instance, alcohol-based tinctures are effective for extracting certain constituents that are less soluble in water, while decoctions, which are made by simmering roots, barks, or seeds for extended periods—are ideal for extracting dense, woody plant materials.

Aromatherapy is the use of the volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) found in many plants. VOCs are derived from plant material through extraction methods that are suited to the specific plant part containing the oils. The most common method of extraction is steam distillation, which is a method used to obtain essential oils. Other methods include hydro distillation (essential oils); cold-pressed (citrus essential oils); solvent extraction (absolutes and resinoids); CO2 extraction (CO2 extracts) and enfleurage (blossoms – fragrant wax/pomade)

The method of extraction determines the aromatic product type based upon the amount of pressure used, degree of temperature and the solvent used (water, steam, hexane, ethanol, CO2, and wax).

Both herbal medicine and aromatherapy offer valuable approaches to health and wellness, each with strengths and unique applications.

Ultimately, the choice between the two may depend on individual preferences, specific health goals, and the benefits one seeks.

Combining both practices has proven to provide a comprehensive approach to well-being for those interested in holistic health, employing the benefits of herbs alongside the benefits of essential oils.

Would you like to learn more about Herbalism and Aromatherapy?

Please register for our Herbalism Program with Kat Maier https://www.essenceofthyme.com/offers/qLvsJcAH

Or register for one of our aromatherapy certification programs

• Professional Level Certification Program: https://www.essenceofthyme.com/offers/KfCrW24G
• Gold Standard Advanced Diploma: https://www.essenceofthyme.com/offers/hXiRkvqp 

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References

Maier, K. (2021). Energetic Herbalism: A Guide to Sacred Plant Traditions Integrating Elements of Vitalism, Ayurveda, and Chinese Medicine. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Article by: Colleen Thompson, Cert Ed, MIFPA, RA®, EOT®, CA

For over 25 years, Colleen Thompson has been a passionate and highly respected aromatherapy educator. She has owned 3 aromatherapy stores and a holistic spa, and she founded Essence of Thyme in 1995, where she mentors budding aromatherapists from all over the world, helping them create their own thriving aromatherapy businesses.

About Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies

Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies offers 300- and 630-hour professional aromatherapy certification programs that help you grow a successful, fulfilling career by specializing and creating your market niche. Professional Level Certification prepares graduates to become aromatherapy consultants, launch product lines or retail businesses, or provide services as an adjunct to existing holistic health specializations. Master Level Certification and electives are ideal for certified aromatherapists seeking higher education or a path to clinical aromatherapy practice.

All Essence of Thyme programs focus on aromatherapy product development and advanced formulation, evidence-based research, spa and business management, international industry regulatory guidelines, and sustainability and conservation of essential oil and carrier oil-bearing plants.

Our comprehensive, evidence-based programs meet or exceed the criteria set forth by 5 international professional aromatherapy associations. Learn more about our aromatherapy certification programs.