Role of MAP’S and their essential oils in aromatherapy: A review

Aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person’s mind, mood and to get relief from numerous ailments like depression, indigestion, headache, insomnia, muscular pain, respiratory problems etc. The main motto of aromatherapy is the absorption and penetration of the essential oils to the human skin surface through inhalation and local application as the name signifies essential oils are much essential on one hand and friendlier on the other hand. The phytochemicals gets absorbed through skin or nose and lungs, ultimately reaches the limbic system - the nerve network in brain that controls emotion and instinct. It is medically proven that aromatherapy can lower cortisol level, heart rate, inflammation, depression or anxiety and alleviation from different problems like cerebral pain, stomach ache, conjunctivitis, mononucleosis, indigestion, arthritis, skin allergies, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disorders and urine associated diseases. This review probes the particulars present in the literature regarding the functioning of aromatherapy, its classification, different medicinal plants used, pharmacological actions and safety issues.