Aromatherapy uses scents, such as essential oils, to promote health and wellness. Studies show that certain scents can aid in pain relief, anxiety reduction, mood improvement and sleep improvement.
Essential oils are concentrated extracts of different plants, such as flowers, leaves, barks, seeds and roots. They are used for therapeutic, medical, cosmetic, olfactory and massage aromatherapy.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are natural compounds made from a variety of potentially beneficial plants. They contain aromatic compounds that give the plant its distinctive scent. These oils can be extracted from a variety of ways, including distillation (using steam and water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.
The oil must be diluted before use. If used undiluted, the oils can cause skin sensitivity. It is important to read the label and choose products that are pure and reputable. Look for a company that has been in business for several years. Store the oils in dark glass bottles, as light and heat can affect their integrity.
Ingestion of large amounts of certain oils can be toxic and can damage the liver or kidneys. Rarely, inhaling or topical application of some oils can cause contact dermatitis or phototoxicity. Some oils can also be dangerous if taken by mouth or inhaled by infants and young children. They are also highly flammable and can burn skin or eyes.
How do I use essential oils?
Each essential oil has a unique chemical makeup and reason for use. It’s important to speak with a trained aromatherapist, nurse, doctor, physical therapist or massage therapist before applying oils for therapeutic purposes and to learn the proper dilution and application techniques.
The most common method of using essential oils in aromatherapy is to inhale them through a diffuser, dry evaporation or aroma stick device. They can also be diluted with carrier oils and applied topically to the skin, such as during a massage.
Some studies suggest that the scent of certain oils, such as lavender, may help reduce stress and anxiety (9, 10). But more research is needed in this area.
What are the risks of using essential oils?
Aromatherapy is a gentle way of treating the body with natural plant oils. It can be used to improve a range of symptoms including depression, indigestion, headache, muscular pain and sleep problems. It is also known to reduce the side effects of many pharmaceutical drugs.
However, like any substance absorbed through the skin, it’s important to use these oils responsibly. Always follow instructions, avoid direct contact with the skin, and keep a close eye on allergic reactions. Most importantly, make sure you are properly trained.
As Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus once said, “The dose makes the poison.” Essential oils are natural but they’re also highly concentrated. If inhaled incorrectly or applied undiluted, they can cause a reaction, from a simple rash to more serious skin conditions, such as burns and seizures. Undiluted essential oils can also be toxic if swallowed, and may interact with certain medications. For example, some citrus oils increase photosensitivity. If you’re concerned, speak with a qualified herbalist or consult the Victorian Poisons Information Centre.
What are the benefits of using essential oils?
Inhalation and topical application of essential oils can improve the quality of sleep, reduce anxiety, relieve stress, boost mood and encourage healing. They are also used by massage therapists and other holistic health care providers, such as acupuncturists and chiropractors, in treatment for various conditions.
They’re usually extracted from the leaves, roots, bark, flowers and seeds of plants using steam or pressure. It can take several pounds of plant material to produce a single bottle of oil. The scent molecules in the oils travel from the olfactory nerves in your nose to the limbic system of your brain, impacting the amygdala and other emotional centers.
Most essential oils are safe to inhale or apply topically when diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. Undiluted, they can irritate the skin. It’s important to read labels, avoid certain oils and be aware that some may interact with medications. For example, frankincense (Boswellia serrata) can interfere with blood thinners.
