Aromatherapy is the practice of using scents to improve mental and physical wellbeing. Essential oils are a key element of this treatment.
These are extracted from the leaves, flowers, bark, roots, stems or fruit of a plant. They are highly concentrated and should be used properly. Always dilute them in a carrier oil before applying to your skin or adding to a bath.
What are essential oils?
Hidden inside many plants (aromatherapy focuses on the leaves, flowers, roots, bark and seeds) are highly concentrated, volatile, hydrophobic liquids called essential oils. Inhaling these oils releases their pleasant, natural scent, and may also have medicinal effects when applied to the skin.
Inhaled aromatherapy oil molecules travel through the nose and olfactory nerves to the limbic system in the brain. This area of the brain controls emotions and can impact physical well-being, including mood, sleep, memory and appetite.
It can take several pounds of plant material to produce just one ounce of oil, and it’s important to use only pure, high-quality oils with no additives. It is also critical to dilute these oils with carrier oils, as they are so potent.
How do essential oils work?
It’s thought that the smell of these concentrated plant oils stimulates the scent receptors in your nose. This sends messages through the nervous system to parts of the brain that store emotions and memories. Some research suggests that certain scents can calm you down, while others can energize you or help you sleep better.
Essential oils can be used alone or mixed with a carrier oil for massage. You can inhale the oil’s vapor by adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water and leaning over it, or use a diffuser that emits the oil’s odor into the air. You can also add the oil to a bath or use it in a facial steam, provided you follow the safety instructions for that particular product.
Some people use the oil directly on their skin, but this can be unsafe because these oils aren’t regulated by the FDA and the quality may vary widely. Plus, the odor of certain oils can trigger headache symptoms in some people.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
A few studies have found that the scent of certain essential oils can help people who are anxious relax. The calming effect may be related to a decrease in activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to a “fight or flight” response and symptoms like sweaty palms or a racing heart.
Aromatherapy is often used by nurses, doctors, acupuncturists and holistic health care providers. It is also a popular treatment for stress, depression and pain in cancer patients.
Before applying an essential oil to your skin, it’s typically diluted with a larger amount of what is called a carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond). This reduces the risk of side effects, such as a rash or allergic reaction. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about any essential oil you use and how you plan to use it, since some can cause a rash or even liver or kidney damage when swallowed or inhaled.
How do I use aromatherapy?
There are many ways to use aromatherapy. You can inhale the oils directly from the bottle, put them in a diffuser or apply them to your skin. You can also use them in a bath, or add them to body lotions and hair products.
A certified aromatherapist can guide you through using essential oils. They can teach you the best way to use them based on your medical history and symptoms. They can also recommend the right scents for you.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, for example, a relaxing oil like lavender or chamomile can help. You can try adding these to a diffuser or placing a few drops on your pillow before bed. People who have anxiety can benefit from oils that relax the mind and mood, such as ylang ylang, jasmine and neroli. A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that smelling these oils increased alertness and competency on math tests in 40 patients.
