Aromatherapy uses scented oils to promote mental and physical well-being. It can be massaged into the skin, added to bath water or vaporized in a diffuser. It is important to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.
Aromatherapy is not for everyone, so it is important to talk to your health care provider before using it. Some oils may interact with medications or exacerbate certain health conditions.
It’s a natural treatment
We’ve all experienced the power of certain scents, from the calming effect of lavender to the energizing effect of citrus. But the science behind aromatherapy is more complex than just smelling pleasant scents. It involves the use of essential oils (derived from plants like flowers, berries, leaves, trees, or bark) to stimulate therapeutic effects. You can inhale them or apply them to your skin.
Research has shown that aromatherapy can reduce stress and anxiety. It can also alleviate nausea and pain. However, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Using aromatherapy as part of an integrative medicine approach is safe for most people, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying it. You should also avoid ingesting the oils, as some can have negative effects. You should only use diluted essential oils. This way, you can avoid irritation and allergic reactions. You can also use a diffuser to inhale the scents.
It’s safe
Aromatherapy uses natural, plant-based oils to treat health problems. It is not a substitute for medical care, and it may not be safe for everyone. Some people are more sensitive to certain oils, and the chemicals in some of them can be toxic if ingested. In addition, aromatherapy is not regulated by the FDA, so you should always work with an experienced practitioner.
Some research shows that aromatherapy can help relieve dementia symptoms (like issues with behavior, thinking, and mood). But more research is needed. You might also hear about it helping with trait anxiety, which is a tendency to feel anxious on a regular basis. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the possible benefits of aromatherapy for your specific situation.
You should avoid using aromatherapy if you are pregnant or could become pregnant, or if you have a diagnosed medical condition like epilepsy, asthma, or skin conditions. Some oils are toxic if you ingest them, and others can interfere with certain medications or cause an allergic reaction.
It’s effective
Aromatherapy uses oils extracted from the seeds, roots, leaves, needles, berries, fruits, rinds, flowers, and woods of certain plants to boost mood, make people feel better, and promote healing. It is thought that when the oil’s molecules are inhaled or absorbed through the skin, they turn on smell receptors in the nose, which send messages to the brain that control emotions and the body’s perception of pain.
A study found that aromatherapy can help with symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including fatigue and pain. It also can increase sleep and reduce anxiety.
Studies of aromatherapy and pain management have shown a positive effect, especially for postoperative pain. However, other studies show that it does not have a significant effect on nonpostoperative pain. In addition, some studies have found that it does not affect stress indicators or biochemical markers of immune system changes. It’s important to talk to a health care professional about your use of aromatherapy.
It’s not regulated by the FDA
For aromatherapy to be deemed as safe and effective, it needs to go through the same rigorous approval process that drugs do. If a product claims that it can treat certain conditions, it must be tested for efficacy in a clinical trial. These types of trials are extremely expensive and require extensive research.
The FDA considers a product a drug if it has therapeutic properties. This includes claiming that it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also relieve pain and other symptoms. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before using these products.
It is recommended that you use oils that are specifically formulated for internal use and avoid those that can be toxic to your liver or kidneys. You should only use them under the guidance of a trained aromatherapist or a medical professional. It is also a good idea to avoid taking essential oils orally. If you want to take essential oils by mouth, choose gelatin capsules or tincture blends that contain highly diluted oils.
