Aromatherapy uses fragrant essential oils from plants to help improve your mood and wellbeing. You can use these oils by applying them to the skin or inhaling them.
Clinical aromatherapy is embraced by 8 major nursing theorists and provides an alternative method for balancing physical health, spiritual needs and well-being. It is recommended to avoid using undiluted oils.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be used in many different ways, from diffusing them in a diffuser or humidifier to mixing them with a carrier oil and applying them directly to the skin. They can be a powerful tool for relaxation, stress relief and mood enhancement, and are found in a wide variety of plants such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree and more.
When inhaled, the scent molecules of essential oils travel from your nose to the limbic system of the brain where they affect emotions, behavior and memory. This is why familiar smells can trigger memories or emotions, and can also contribute to your sense of wellbeing.
There is ongoing research into the therapeutic benefits of specific essential oils, and some test-tube studies have shown that certain oils have antifungal, antibacterial or other beneficial properties. However, since essential oils are not regulated by the FDA as drugs, they can’t be claimed to treat or cure any diseases.
How do I use essential oils?
Often, people use essential oils to help with stress, anxiety and sleep problems. They’re also used by acupuncturists, massage therapists, chiropractors and holistic health care providers to treat certain health conditions, such as knee pain or nausea caused by chemotherapy.
There are three main ways to use essential oils: aromatically (inhaling), topically with a carrier oil and internally. It’s important to read the labels on your essential oil bottles and follow any instructions that come with them. Less is more when it comes to these concentrated oils — they can cause a reaction when used in large amounts.
It’s also important to keep essential oils out of the reach of children. Even diluted, they can be dangerous for kids, as they can cause a skin reaction and could be ingested if swallowed. Also, be aware that some oils can make you photosensitive to sunlight. That means you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 12 hours after using these types of oils.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
People use aromatherapy to treat a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. Some studies report that aromatherapy may reduce anxiety and stress, improve mood, relieve headaches or nausea, and help people sleep better.
Most of us know that pleasant smells can make you feel happier, and the sense of smell is strongly linked to memory. Scientists don’t know why this happens, but they do believe that some of the chemicals in the oil are absorbed through the nose and enter the brain to produce a psychological effect.
Other chemicals from the oil are absorbed through the skin, where they can cause the same effects. It’s important to choose GCMS-certified (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) essential oils that are guaranteed to be pure and free of other ingredients, such as fillers or synthetics. It’s also important to follow the instructions for using them, and to always dilute them before applying them to your skin or inhaling them. Talking to a functional medicine provider before trying aromatherapy can help you find out if it’s right for you.
What are the risks of aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is widely available and may be tempting to try. But it’s important to seek professional advice about your aromatherapy practice and products, and follow instructions carefully.
Aromatherapy uses distilled plant extracts to promote well-being. It’s believed that when you inhale a certain scent, receptors in your nose communicate with parts of the brain that store memories and emotions. This is thought to affect your mental, emotional and physical health.
Some studies have shown benefits of aromatherapy, such as reducing anxiety and depression. However, other research has been inconclusive.
Some of the risks associated with aromatherapy are skin irritation, allergic reactions and chemical burns from improper dilution. Also, some essential oils can interact with medications and have adverse side effects if swallowed. For example, anise can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and eucalyptus can cause seizures.
