Aromatherapy uses extracts from flowers, herbs and trees to improve symptoms like anxiety and poor sleep. These are called essential oils. They are used by breathing them in or putting them on your skin. They are available online and in health food stores. They are not regulated by the FDA, so you should buy them from a reputable supplier.
It can help with anxiety
Anxiety can be caused by a number of factors, including chronic disease or fear of a future health threat. Many people use aromatherapy to relieve anxiety, and it can be very effective. This therapy involves using extracts from plants called essential oils, which are rubbed on the skin or breathed through a diffuser. It can also be used as part of a massage or a bath soak.
When inhaled, the volatile molecules in an essential oil pass through your nose and enter the limbic system of your brain. Once there, they trigger olfactory receptors to send a signal to the amygdala and hippocampus, which process emotional responses and memory.
A few drops of bergamot oil in your living room diffuser can help you feel calm and relaxed. Research suggests that this oil can reduce your cortisol levels, which are associated with stress and anxiety. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a substitute for medical treatment.
It can help with thyroid cancer
Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that uses natural extracts (oils) to promote healing. It has a long history of use, but was brought into modern medicine by the French pioneers Gattefosse and Valnet. It has many different applications and is also known as clinical or medical aromatherapy, aromatic therapy, or phytoaromatherapy. Clinical aromatherapy is usually performed by a licensed massage therapist in hospitals or clinics.
In a 2016 study, researchers found that aromatherapy can help people with thyroid cancer get through radioactive iodine treatment. The researchers found that the scent of lemon and ginger essential oils increased saliva production, which reduced damage to normal salivary glands.
However, research on the benefits of aromatherapy for cancer patients is limited. Most of the studies that have shown promising results have been done in vitro, meaning that the essential oils have been shown to affect cancer cells in a petri dish. This research is encouraging, but it’s important to remember that these studies don’t necessarily translate to real-world outcomes.
It can help with pain
A growing number of people with cancer are turning to natural therapies to manage pain. Among these therapies is aromatherapy. It uses essential oils to promote relaxation and alleviate pain. It’s a safe alternative to medication and may be available in some cancer clinics and hospitals.
Studies on aromatherapy for pain management have shown that it can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms. The research shows that it is safe and effective for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain and depression. It is also more affordable than traditional drugs and has fewer side effects.
Inhalation of essential oils is an effective delivery method for pain relief, and it can be done at home or in the workplace. However, it’s important to dilute the oils before applying them. Moreover, individuals with certain health conditions should avoid certain oils. Lastly, patch testing is recommended before full application to identify potential allergic reactions.
It can help with sleep
Although little scientific evidence supports claims that aromatherapy promotes sleep, it can help to relax the body and mind. It can also reduce stress, which can interfere with sleep. It is best used in conjunction with good sleep hygiene practices. Try rubbing a sleep-promoting essential oil into your neck or wrists before bed or adding a few drops of an aromatic oil to a cotton pad and placing it by your pillow.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy are extracted from plants, including flowers, herbs, and trees. They are most often inhaled or applied to the skin as a diluted oil. The oil can be distilled from the petals, stems, leaves, bark, or roots of a plant.
It is important to choose high-quality essential oils from reputable suppliers. Avoid using low-quality or synthetic oils, which can have negative side effects. Some people may have allergic reactions to certain essential oils. If you are unsure of how to use an oil, consult your health care provider.
