Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve your mental and emotional well-being. It’s usually used in combination with other complementary therapies and standard treatment for symptom management.
Several studies have shown that aromatherapy may ease anxiety and stress. It can also help relieve pain, and improve mood and sleep. But it’s important to use the right oils and follow the safety guidelines.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from the roots, seeds, leaves, or blossoms of plants. They contain the volatile aromatic chemicals that give plants their scent. These chemical compounds have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as calming and soothing effects.
They can be inhaled directly from the bottle or placed into a diffuser to release their fragrance into the air. They can also be applied to the skin for topical benefits or diluted and added into food or drinks.
People use aromatherapy to improve their mental and physical wellbeing by combining therapeutic oil blends that can stimulate the desired response. The aromas of the oils are believed to relieve stress and anxiety, promote sleep, boost immunity, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve digestion. While test-tube studies have shown that some of these plant chemicals have beneficial properties, more research is needed before essential oils can be recommended as a treatment or cure.
How do I use essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used only by trained professionals. These include aromatherapists, nurses, physical therapists, and pharmacists.
The most common way to use them is for inhalation through a diffuser or humidifier, which disperses the oil in the air. They can also be mixed with a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, or grapeseed) and applied to the skin. It’s important to note that these oils should be diluted before applying them to the skin, as undiluted essential oil can cause a chemical reaction.
It’s also important to know that there isn’t a large body of research on the safety of these oils, and it can be difficult to tell which ones are safe for you. Some have been linked to allergic reactions, and some may interact with certain medications or trigger a medical condition. If you have any questions or concerns, always talk to your doctor before using them. It’s also a good idea to do a patch test before you start using them on your skin.
What are the possible side effects of essential oils?
The ease with which these oils are available can lead people to believe that they’re safe to use without a healthcare professional. But, as with other complementary therapies, there is not much research on the combination of oils, interactions between them or impacts on medication or health conditions.
Essential oil inhalation stimulates the nervous system, which sends signals throughout the body. When the oil is applied to the skin, it can help to calm and relieve symptoms such as pain or anxiety.
But, there is a risk of allergic reaction and some oils act as stimulants, which can cause nausea or even seizures in some people. And, certain oils can trigger contact dermatitis (an itchy rash that develops when something touches the skin). Infants and children have thinner skin and are more likely to have an allergic reaction to essential oils. It’s also important to avoid ingesting essential oils, because they can be toxic and even poisonous in large amounts.
Can essential oils help with dementia?
Aromatherapy is a promising complementary strategy to help dementia and Alzheimer’s patients deal with anxiety, depression, agitation, and sleep disturbances. The essential oils used in these treatments act by stimulating olfactory receptors that in turn stimulate the part of the brain responsible for regulating emotions.
Studies have shown that certain scents like lavender, lemon balm, and bergamot increase contentment, promote better sleep, suppress agitation and aggression in seniors with dementia, and boost their mood. Rosemary oil also works by reducing cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.
Lavender oil, for instance, dampens glutamate receptors in the brain, which reduces agitation. This is why it is often a recommended remedy for elderly dementia patients with behavioural problems. Some of these oils have even been shown to increase cognitive function, similar to the effect of drugs that boost acetylcholine.
