Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to promote health and well-being. It can be used for cosmetic, therapeutic and spiritual purposes.
When inhaled, these oils stimulate the olfactory nerves that send messages to the brain. They may help alleviate stress, depression, insomnia and headache, as well as increase energy levels and improve circulation.
What is aromatherapy?
The word “aromatherapy” is derived from the Latin words for fragrance (“arum”) and therapy (“treatment”). It’s a complementary medicine practice that uses essential oils (distilled from herbs, flowers or trees) to promote health and wellbeing. It can be used by inhalation or by applying diluted oil to the skin — most commonly during massage.
Aromatherapy may help ease anxiety and insomnia — it can make you relax, making sleep easier. It’s also been used to reduce nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy.
You can find essential oils in perfumes, bath products and scented candles. But when using them for health benefits, they should be diluted with carrier oils or water, as undiluted essential oils can cause skin rash and irritation. They can also interfere with some medications, so talk to your doctor before trying them. You should also avoid hyssop oil if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant, and some oils can trigger headaches in certain people.
How do I use aromatherapy?
There are several ways to use essential oils, but the most common is simply breathing them in. It’s believed that these plant extracts stimulate your olfactory system and can influence your mood. Some oils, such as lavender, are thought to help reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
Other oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, may relieve headaches. However, longer-term studies are needed to verify these claims. Also, it can be difficult to level the playing field in experiments, as some people may respond differently to different aromatherapy treatments. (This is called expectation bias.)
Another way to use aromatherapy is by applying diluted essential oil to your skin, which may be beneficial to your health. But before you do that, be sure to consult a reputable source for information about the safety and benefits of these oils. Using undiluted essential oils can cause a variety of reactions, including skin irritation and damage to your liver and kidneys.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is used by many healthcare professionals, including nurses, massage therapists, and naturopathic doctors. It is also a popular form of self-care.
Research on essential oils is limited and inconsistent, but some studies suggest that certain scents may help with specific health issues. For example, lavender is known to decrease anxiety and insomnia. Peppermint and chamomile are helpful for headaches. And lemon oil can help improve digestion and boost immunity.
Talk to your doctor before trying aromatherapy. Some oils can be toxic if taken by mouth, and some can interfere with medications. For instance, people with seizures should avoid hyssop oil. People with high blood pressure should use caution when using rosemary or spike lavender. And pregnant women should only use essential oils under the guidance of a trained professional and with their doctor’s approval.
What are the risks of aromatherapy?
Many aromatherapy oils are highly concentrated and can be dangerous if ingested. As a general rule, they should never be applied to the skin without first being mixed with a “carrier” oil to dilute them. Inhaling undiluted oils can also cause irritation and toxicity, as well as harm to the liver and nerves.
While there is some evidence that essential oils have medical properties, they aren’t regulated as drugs and haven’t been shown to cure or treat diseases. In addition, some oils may interact with medications and can cause adverse side effects.
Some experts recommend caution when using aromatherapy for children and pregnant women. And since it’s a form of alternative medicine, it should be used only in conjunction with an approved treatment plan. Talk to your healthcare provider before trying aromatherapy, as a trained CAM professional can help you select high-quality products and make the most of their potential benefits. They can also explain how to avoid common pitfalls.
