There is nothing wrong with placebo. But the therapeutic properties of plants (and Essential Oils are just a distilled aromatic plant concentrate) is well documented. Dr Jean Valnet wrote one of the first and most respected books on Aromatherapy, but few who use EO’s read it, not even most who study the use of EO’s read it. Valnet was a doctor working with front line troops in WW2 and when the drugs ran out had to rely on his knowledge of herbs to help the sick soldiers (see http://www.oilsandplants.com/valnet.htm).

Personally I have witnessed some remarkable improvements during my two decades as a professional aromatherapist. The most notable is in those oils which have a decidedly cytophylactic effect, namely Neroli, Frankincense and Lavender.

Valnet presents some scientific data in his book. Gattfosse(http://www.oilsandplants.com/gattefosse.htm), a chemist and scholar also produced scientific studies in the practical medical use of EO’s and used them successfully during WW1 to reduce and prevent infection.

So the pseudo-scientific hedge-witch aromatherapy fan is walking on the path of some very fine research and empirical evidence.

I myself was fortunate enough to do my training with the mother of aromatherapy, Madame Micheline Arcier, who herself worked with Dr Valnet. When giving a lecture to a room full of very sceptical doctors I asked them how many had used EO’s? Two (out of about 150) raised their hands. Then I asked how many had used Vicks Vapour Rub or Olbas Oil and all but two raised their hands. Then I pointed out that the active ingredients in those preparations are EO’s and already they started to be less cynical.

After the lecture a maxilo-facial surgeon came up to me to tell me how useful a lot of dentists still find Clove Oil for its combination of analgesic and anti-bacterial qualities.

I am not saying EO’s dont also work on a vibratory level, a subtle level. But on purely physical levels they always have, and always will pack a powerful punch.