Aromatherapy is a non-traditional treatment that can help people with cancer manage their symptoms. It uses scents to relax and improve mood. It can also reduce nausea and vomiting. The oils can be diluted and applied to the skin or inhaled.
It is important to avoid perfume or fragrance oils, which are often mixed with chemicals. It is best to buy pure essential oil.
It is a form of alternative medicine
Aromatherapy uses oils from the roots, seeds, leaves, or blossoms of plants to promote physical and emotional well-being. It is considered a form of alternative medicine and is used by many people in place of conventional treatments. It is believed to work by triggering a response in your body through the sense of smell. The chemicals in the oil stimulate your olfactory receptors, which send signals to your brain. This causes your body to produce hormones that can affect emotions and reduce pain.
These essential oils can be vaporized in an aromatherapy diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed on your skin. They can also be infused into air mists, bath products, lotions, and candles. These oils are called “essential” because they capture the scent and flavor of the plant from which they come.
Some research suggests that aromatherapy can help with some short-term health problems, including stress and anxiety. However, more research is needed to support these claims. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether aromatherapy is right for you.
It is safe
Research has backed the stress-relieving benefits of aromatherapy for some conditions, such as asthma and anxiety. (7)
Aromatherapy uses oils extracted from the roots, leaves, seeds or blossoms of certain plants to boost mood and make people feel better. They work by turning on smell receptors in the nose and triggering responses in the brain. The most common way to use aromatherapy is to inhale it. But it can also be applied to the skin, or ingested in capsules or tincture blends that contain highly diluted oils.
However, there isn’t enough evidence to support using it for other conditions. In addition, the essential oils used in aromatherapy aren’t regulated by the FDA and can be toxic if swallowed or put on undiluted skin. It’s important to work with a trained aromatherapist and your health care provider before trying this treatment. People with a history of seizures should avoid hyssop oil, and people taking certain medications should avoid oils with estrogen-like properties, such as spike lavender and fennel.
It is effective
Aromatherapy uses extracts of flower, herb, or tree oils to treat a variety of symptoms. These oils are inhaled or placed on the skin during massage. The scent of these oils can relieve anxiety, stress, or sleep problems. Aromatherapy can also ease pain and nausea. Some studies show that aromatherapy is effective, but others do not.
The effectiveness of aromatherapy depends on the situation and the type of oil used. For example, lavender can have a calming effect and reduces activation of the sympathetic nervous system that triggers the “fight or flight” response. Some studies have found that aromatherapy can help alleviate some cancer symptoms, such as anxiety, fatigue, and aches and pains.
Aromatherapy is safe for most people, but it should always be done by a trained professional. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy has resources to find a qualified aromatherapist in your area. The therapist will test your sensitivity to certain oils and may ask questions about your medical history.
It has side effects
Aromatherapy involves inhaling the odor of plant extracts, called essential oils. These are made from flower, herb, and tree parts, such as petals, roots, bark, and peels. They contain the chemicals that give plants their fragrance, and they can also help heal skin problems. You can use them in a massage or during a bath.
The olfactory cells in your nose detect the molecules of an oil and send them to your brain, where they activate hormones that affect mood and pain perception. Aromatherapy can improve mood and reduce nausea during chemotherapy. It can also help with sleep and digestion. It is important to talk to your doctor before attempting this therapy, as some essential oils can interact with certain medications.
Some essential oils can be dangerous when taken internally, and they should never be used undiluted. Many therapists use them in diluted form, but you should always check the dilution guidelines. Some oils can cause a skin reaction, and some increase photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). Moreover, some essential oils are flammable, and should be kept out of reach of children.
