Aromatherapy is a holistic symptom management technique that combines essential oils to balance body, mind and spirit. Its complexity partially blurs the lines between cosmetic, hygienic, mood-enhancing and psychotherapeutic applications of plant aromatics.
Angela Hamm, RN, and her colleague, Sarah Hosler, NP, have rolled out a program using aromatherapy for patients at Hillcrest Hospital, part of the Cleveland Clinic system. They teach clinical nurses about the process and have developed a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
History
The use of aromatic plants and essential oils to promote healing and wellbeing has been in practice for thousands of years. Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of medicine, documented the therapeutic properties of plant essential oils in ancient Greek texts and believed that aromatic baths and scented massage were important for maintaining good health and well-being. The development of aromatherapy was further supported by contributions from Islamic scholars and European monasteries during the medieval and Renaissance eras.
In the 16th century, herbal medicine became widespread in Europe following the Crusades. Herbs were cultivated in monasteries to make medicinal remedies, perfumery and cosmetics. During this period, the Egyptians shared their knowledge of aromatic medicine with the Greeks and Romans, including Hippocrates. Hippocrates believed that disease was caused by an imbalance in mind, body and spirit, leading him to encourage his patients to enjoy aromatic baths and scented massage. Other prominent medical scientists who supported aromatherapy during this period were Gattefosse and Galen. Jean Valnet, a French army physician, and Marguerite Maury were also key contributors in advancing aromatherapy.
Symptoms
Aromatherapy uses scents to improve health and well-being. You can inhale essential oils or apply them to your skin in a diluted form. You can also swallow them or use them in massages. People with certain health conditions or sensitivities may want to avoid some types of oils. These include those with severe asthma, hyssop, rosemary, or spike lavender; those with high blood pressure, heart or thyroid problems, or a history of seizures; and pregnant women.
When you inhale a scented oil, tiny molecules go into your nose and pass through olfactory cells that send messages to the brain. This triggers a response that affects many body functions, including mood, memory, and emotions. The smell of some oils, such as chamomile and lavender, can help you relax. Some research suggests that aromatherapy may also reduce anxiety, such as trait anxiety — a general tendency to feel anxious. Other research shows that it may help treat menopause symptoms, like hot flashes and insomnia.
Treatments
Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). People use it with other treatments for certain health problems, like anxiety. It uses scented oils to inhale or apply to the skin, often in massages.
Studies show some scents may help reduce stress, such as ylang-ylang or chamomile. Lavender oil may promote relaxation and sleep. It’s used to treat insomnia and restless leg syndrome. And ylang-ylang helps with hot flashes and mood swings.
An aromatherapist might ask about your symptoms and medical history, then choose which essential oil they think will best help you. They will dilute the oil so it’s safe to touch your skin and may play relaxing music while they massage you.
Only trained aromatherapists should use essential oils on the skin. People with sensitive skin should avoid stimulating oils, such as rosemary and spike lavender, and estrogen-like scents, such as fennel and clary sage. They also should not inhale eucalyptus or tea tree oil, which can trigger respiratory irritation.
Side effects
Aromatherapy can be useful for many symptoms, but it is important to know that some essential oils are toxic and can cause side effects. They should never be taken orally and should only be used under the guidance of a trained professional and with the full knowledge of one’s doctor.
Some of the oil’s active ingredients are absorbed through the skin, so it’s important to always dilute the oils with a carrier such as almond or coconut oil. People with nut allergies should avoid using these oils because they are often derived from nuts and seeds.
Studies show that aromatherapy can help to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, make needle sticks less painful, and improve sleep. It may also make a person more resilient to stress and depression. However, more research is needed to support the use of aromatherapy in clinical practice. Nurses should be familiar with the theory and technique of aromatherapy and work with a physician to incorporate it into the plan of care.
