Some lotions, candles and beauty products marketed as aromatherapy contain chemicals that may be harmful. They can also interfere with medications you take.
Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, discovered the healing properties of essential oils when he used lavender oil on his burns after an accident in his lab. This led to the science of aromatherapy.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from different plant parts such as flowers, leaves, barks, roots and seeds. These oils have various aroma and flavoring properties, as well as other functional activities that can help address specific health issues.
Most commonly, inhalation and external application of essential oils are used to enhance mental and physical wellbeing. These oils are known to relieve stress and promote relaxation. They are also believed to help treat headache, insomnia and other psychological conditions.
Some test-tube studies have shown that certain oils are antimicrobial, preventing the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. However, more research is needed to validate these claims in human trials. Before using any essential oil, consult your healthcare professional to assess the potential risks and benefits.
How do I use essential oils?
There are many ways to use essential oils. One of the most popular is to inhale them, either straight from the bottle or via a diffuser or humidifier. They can also be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.
Several studies have shown that certain essential oils can improve health and wellbeing, including anxiety and stress, and promote relaxation and sleep. Some can even reduce pain and nausea.
Before you start using essential oils, make sure you buy them from a reputable supplier and that they are 100% pure. Avoid “fragrance oils,” which are often diluted with chemicals. Instead, look for bottles that display the Latin name of the oil, the country of origin, the common method of extraction and other information.
Where can I buy essential oils?
Essential oils can be purchased from a variety of sources. Some of the most reputable essential oil and aromatherapy retailers and suppliers are found online. These companies are typically staffed by highly educated, experienced professionals that truly understand the value of high quality, therapeutic grade essential oils.
Some health food and “natural” stores carry essential oils, but the selection is often limited. Additionally, health store owners generally do not know much about the proper use of essential oils.
Avoid vendors that sell their oils in plastic or clear glass bottles. The oils deteriorate more rapidly in these containers. Also, look for vendors that offer small retail sizes of their essential oils in dark colored bottles with orifice reducers (see the Bottle Suppliers listed within AromaWeb’s categorized Business Directory). This feature prevents accidental spillage and makes it easier to measure out a single drop of oil.
What are the techniques for aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a technique for using plant extracts to promote well-being. The oil’s scents are inhaled or applied to the skin, and the practice has been around for thousands of years.
When you inhale an essential oil, molecules move into your nose and get noticed by special cells that send messages to the brain via the olfactory system. The brain then responds by triggering a reaction within the body, like reducing your stress levels or boosting your sleep quality.
Essential oils are concentrated plant compounds that contain a variety of possible health benefits, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. They’re extracted from various parts of plants, including seeds, bark, stems, flowers, leaves, berries and rinds. People use them in diluted form to safely put them on the skin for therapeutic purposes.
What are the risks of aromatherapy?
Some studies have shown that certain aromatherapy oils can help make children feel calmer and sleep better. Aromatherapy can also help relieve pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, cancer treatment side effects or headaches. It can also help people with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Researchers aren’t sure exactly how aromatherapy works, but they believe that smell receptors in your nose communicate with parts of the brain called the limbic system. When you breathe in the molecules from essential oils, they stimulate these parts of your brain and influence your emotions and physical health.
Some cancer clinics and hospitals offer aromatherapy massages for their patients. Talk with your healthcare team about whether this complementary therapy is right for you. Be sure to use only high-quality, purified oils.
