Aromatherapy involves inhaling a blend of fragrant essential oils from plants to improve mental, physical and emotional well-being. It’s one of the most widely used natural therapies reported by consumers.
Clinical aromatherapy is gaining credence, with 8 nursing theorists embracing it as a patient-centered and holistic approach to symptom management. But what’s the evidence behind this ancient practice?
How it works
Aromatherapy uses oils from the roots, leaves, seeds or blossoms of certain plants to boost your mood and make you feel better. The oil’s scent triggers a reaction in your nervous system that sends signals to your brain and triggers hormones. When these hormones are released, they may reduce anxiety and pain, among other things. Some research shows aromatherapy can help relieve symptoms of dementia, but more research is needed in this area. It may also help ease trait anxiety, which is a tendency to be anxious on a daily basis, rather than feeling nervous only in specific situations.
You can find aromatherapy products online and in health food stores or regular supermarkets. However, it’s important to buy these oils from a reputable producer and consult healthcare providers who specialize in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) before using them. They can tell you how to use the oils safely at home. They can also explain the possible benefits and risks of aromatherapy for your specific condition based on the latest research.
Symptoms
Aromatherapy can help relieve many symptoms. For example, it can soothe a sore throat and reduce fatigue. It can also improve your mood and sleep quality. It can even relieve some types of anxiety, including trait anxiety, which is a generalized feeling of anxiety that’s more constant in your life and not just tied to specific situations.
Inhaling an essential oil (or smelling it) causes the molecules to move into your nose and come in contact with special cells called olfactory receptors. The receptors send messages to parts of your brain that regulate hormones, like your stress levels and your perception of pain. When used correctly, aromatherapy can relieve some symptoms and conditions, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying it. They can tell you how safe and effective it is for your specific health situation. They may recommend a particular type of aromatherapy, or they might suggest that you try a different treatment.
Treatments
Aromatherapy uses scents from plant oils, called essential oils. These oils can be inhaled directly or indirectly through a diffuser or mixed into lotions and bath salts. They can also be applied to the skin on the chest, abdomen or temples.
The oil’s fragrance stimulates smell receptors in the nose and sends a signal to the brain. It influences the limbic system, which controls emotions and memories. The effect may be calming or stimulating.
Some clinical studies support the effectiveness of aromatherapy in managing pain, nausea, stress, anxiety and depression, as well as boosting mood and immunity. However, more research is needed.
Memorial Sloan Kettering has a program that trains nurses in clinical aromatherapy. Champions are selected to help lead the program and mentor other nurses. The program teaches the best ways to use diluted essential oils, and identifies nursing considerations like flammability, toxicity and patient safety issues. It also offers an online aromatherapy training course for nurses.
Side effects
Aromatherapy uses essential oils, which are volatile liquids extracted from plants. They can be inhaled or applied to the skin.
The oils are diluted with a carrier oil, which helps them evaporate and be absorbed by the skin. Carrier oils can come from a variety of sources, including nuts and seeds. People who have nut allergies or sensitivities should not use these products.
Some studies show that inhaling aromatherapy may reduce anxiety during surgery and other cancer treatments. However, other research shows no benefit. And some evidence suggests that aromatherapy can worsen dementia symptoms, like depression and confusion.
Talk to your healthcare provider before trying aromatherapy or any other complementary and alternative therapy. They can explain the risks and benefits based on your health history and current condition. This PDQ cancer information summary has current information about the use of aromatherapy with essential oils in treating people with cancer. It was reviewed by NCI’s cancer experts and is written for the general public.
