A natural therapy for disease prevention, aromatherapy uses essential oils (the fragrant chemicals from plant roots, flowers, stems, bark, seeds and tree leaves) through inhalation, massage or incense. This experimental research surveyed middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling people to explore their satisfaction with physical and mental health and stress relief.
Nursing theorists support its credence. However, buy-in from major stakeholders is required for a successful clinical aromatherapy program.
The History of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an ancient healing practice that uses essential oils to promote mental, physical and emotional wellness. It involves inhaling the scent of oils to stimulate the olfactory senses, which send signals to the limbic system of the brain. Concentrated aromatic extracts, such as infused oils (macerates), resins and oleoresins, can also be used aroma-therapeutically, but essential oils are considered the most potent therapeutic tool for aromatherapy.
Aromatic plants and their fragrant oils have fascinated ancient civilisations for thousands of years. In fact, the Ebers Papyrus provides an early recipe for a natural body deodorant using aromatic herbs.
The modern practice of aromatherapy combines ancient wisdom with emerging scientific research and holistic well-being practices. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, Jean Valnet and Robert Tisserand are notable figures who contributed to the advancement of aromatherapy.
Mood Enhancers
Mood enhancers, like lemon oil and ylang-ylang rose, can alleviate feelings of depression, and promote emotional stability. Frankincense oil can promote a sense of spirituality and mental balance, and help individuals manage stress.
Inhaling aromatherapy oils can also reduce anxiety. Chamomile oil has natural antidepressant and sedative properties, and is often used in essential oils for relaxation. Lavender can improve sleep, and is a natural mood enhancer. Other oils, such as neroli, have been shown to reduce depression in menopausal women.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet are also effective mood enhancers. A diet of whole foods, including lean meats, nuts and beans, can provide the vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain mental health. Other ways to boost your mood include socializing with friends, volunteering, and taking part in activities you enjoy. If your symptoms are severe, however, it is important to seek the help of a physician or psychotherapist. They may recommend medication or other treatments to help address your specific symptoms.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics are products used for beautifying the skin, hair, nails or body. They are often scented with essential oils and have other therapeutic uses. The Center for the Promotion of Imports reports that demand for aromatherapy in cosmetics has increased, and manufacturers are responding by offering products containing higher concentrations of natural aromatic extracts with therapeutic properties.
Some cosmetics are marketed with specific aromatherapy claims, such as helping you sleep or quit smoking. Such a claim would not make the product a drug, as the Food and Drug Administration defines drugs to treat disease or relieve symptoms. It may, however, meet the criteria of an “alcohol-based fragrance.” Many handmade beauty soaps now incorporate aromatherapy into their formulas by adding pure essential oil whose aroma relaxes the consumer as he or she showers.
Medicinal Applications
Medicinal aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils or concentrated aromatic extracts to treat medically diagnosable conditions. This approach is considered part of herbal medicine or phytotherapy, and it requires a thorough knowledge of plant anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and risk-benefit assessment.
Inhalation of aromatherapy oils can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression by triggering certain brain reactions. Oils such as lavender, chamomile and ylang-ylang are known to have calming properties. Several other oils can relieve pain by stimulating the nervous system and causing physiological changes, such as increased blood circulation.
Other aromatherapy oils may boost energy levels and stimulate mental alertness, such as peppermint, juniper, sage and eucalyptus. Aromatherapy is often used to increase quality of life for patients with chronic health problems, such as easing the pain of injections for dialysis patients and reducing nausea from chemotherapy. In such cases, it is important to choose oils from a trusted source. The most reputable manufacturers will use only high-quality, organic ingredients.
