Aromatherapy uses extracts from plants called essential oils to help with a variety of symptoms and conditions. These oils can be ingested or diluted and applied to the skin.
Smelling certain scents activates smell receptors in your nose, which sends messages to the brain that can affect emotions and hormones. This can lead to better mood, sleep and focus.
What are essential oils?
Aromatic plant oils—concentrated, fragrant chemical compounds found in roots, seeds, flowers and bark—are known to have many health benefits. They can soothe the skin, protect plants from harsh environmental conditions and aid with pollination, among other things.
Most people use essential oils through inhalation, either straight from the bottle or diluted in water or another oil. They can also be used as a massage treatment, mixed into a lotion or in a diffuser. Inhaling too much can be harmful, and it is recommended that you consult a qualified aromatherapist for safe dosages.
If you decide to try aromatherapy, choose only high-quality, pure essential oils. Look for a label that includes the botanical name and country of origin. Also, choose dark-colored bottles to prevent the oil from dissolving plastic over time, tainting the quality. Most essential oils are highly concentrated, and it is important to prioritize safety, proper dilution and individual response, especially for respiratory purposes.
How do essential oils work?
Typically created by distillation of the leaves, roots, flowers, bark, seeds, and resins of plants, essential oils contain many powerful healing compounds. But they’re highly concentrated and should be used sparingly.
In aromatherapy, diluted essential oils are inhaled or applied to the skin. They can be added to a bath, used in a diffuser, or incorporated into soaps and lotions.
Most research on aromatherapy has been inconclusive, and the National Institutes of Health says that more study is needed to determine whether or not the scents truly help certain conditions. In particular, people with asthma or epilepsy should avoid essential oil products unless under a doctor’s care.
A qualified massage therapist can perform an aromatherapy treatment that combines a massage with the use of properly diluted essential oils. If you’re going to try a professional aromatherapy treatment, look for someone certified by an organization like the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. Also, remember that more is not better. Even when diluted, some oils can cause a reaction.
What conditions are treated with aromatherapy?
Some essential oils may help with anxiety and stress, such as chamomile and lavender oil. A few drops of these oils can be diluted and added to a bath or applied to the skin for relaxation. Inhaling aromatherapy may also reduce nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment.
A study found that using lemon and ginger aromatherapy during radioactive iodine treatment helped people to produce more saliva, which helps flush out the iodine and prevents damage to normal salivary glands. Another study found that a combination of lavender and frankincense essential oils reduced fear and anxiety in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Most topical and inhaled essential oils are safe, but some can be toxic if taken by mouth (unless under the supervision of a trained professional). You should never apply essential oils directly to your skin without diluting them first. Some oils can irritate the skin, cause a rash, trigger asthma or an allergic reaction, and harm a fetus.
How can I use aromatherapy?
A small number of studies suggest that the scents of certain essential oils may help relieve anxiety or other symptoms. However, it’s important to keep in mind that aromatherapy isn’t a replacement for traditional treatment or medications.
You can inhale essential oil vapors or apply the oils to your skin in a treatment called aromatherapy. When you apply an essential oil to your skin, you use a “carrier” oil — typically vegetable or olive oil — that dilutes the oil and helps it absorb better.
You can also add diluted essential oils to body lotions or use them in a steam bath. However, you shouldn’t put undiluted essential oils directly onto your skin because they can cause a skin reaction. If you’re interested in trying aromatherapy, ask your doctor if it’s safe for you. Some cancer centers and hospitals offer aromatherapy massages. They’re usually free of charge.
