Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that can be used alongside other treatments. It is important to work with an aromatherapist and to consult your doctor before starting sessions. Some essential oils may interact with other medications. For example, hyssop oil should not be used by pregnant women.
Many of the words and terms in this PDQ summary are linked to definitions in the NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. To view the dictionary, click on the link.
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds from plants to enhance mood or treat symptoms. It is a safe treatment for most people, but it should never be used in place of medical care or to replace prescribed medications. Aromatherapy may cause side effects, but they are normally mild and do not last long. Aromatherapy is not recommended for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. It is also possible that certain essential oils can interact with certain prescription medicines, so it is important to consult a doctor before beginning this therapy.
Several studies have shown that aromatherapy can alleviate some mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. It has also been used to help patients with cancer. However, the research on this is limited and more research is needed. Despite this, most clinicians believe that aromatherapy is safe and would recommend it to their patients. However, the majority of clinicians have no formal training in using essential oils.
It uses essential oils
Aromatherapy uses extracts of various plants to relieve pain, boost energy and reduce anxiety. The oils are inhaled or applied to the skin via a diffuser. You can find them at your local health food store or online. These oils can also be used in massages. However, make sure to dilute the oils with water or a carrier oil to avoid irritation. Also, do not apply essential oils to the face or eyes. If you have a sensitive stomach, consult your doctor before using these oils.
Essential oils are the volatile, aromatic parts of flowers, herbs and trees. They are extracted by steaming or pressing the plant parts that produce fragrance, such as flowers, bark, roots, peels and leaves. These oils have a range of therapeutic benefits and can be absorbed through the olfactory nerves in your nose or skin to affect the limbic system in your brain, which impacts your mood and emotions. For instance, citrus oils have been shown to alleviate depression and improve immune function.
It is safe
Aromatherapy is safe if done properly, but it’s important to know that essential oils aren’t regulated by the FDA and can be dangerous if they are taken in excess or if you’re pregnant. Consult your doctor before trying any new therapies.
A Cochrane review and other research studies have obtained inconsistent results in evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy for managing BPSD in PWD and caregivers. To evaluate the current state of knowledge, this PDQ cancer information summary uses a mixed-methods systematic review with a convergent segregated approach following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology to identify and critically appraise published and unpublished quantitative and qualitative studies on the effectiveness and safety of aromatherapy in treating BPSD.
The most common aromatherapy practice involves putting a few drops of an oil into a diffuser, which is an electrical device that disperses the oil into the air as it evaporates. It’s a good idea to dilute the oil with a carrier such as water, jojoba, or olive oil. Inhaling pure oil can irritate your child’s eyes and nose, so it’s best to use it in a well-ventilated space.
It is effective
The smell of some essential oils can reduce stress, but more research is needed to prove this. However, it is important to remember that these oils are not regulated by the FDA and may be toxic when ingested. You should use them in a well-ventilated area and dilute them before applying them to your skin.
A recent study found that aromatherapy massage reduced anxiety and stress in cancer patients. The study included 103 cancer patients who were randomly assigned to receive either a conventional massage or aromatherapy massage. The aromatherapy massage group experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression.
Nova Covington, a certified aromatherapist, explains that aromatherapy uses extracts from plants called essential oils. These are highly concentrated oil from various parts of the plant, such as roots, bark, citrus peels, and flowers. They contain the cell chemicals that give the plants their scents and are used in a variety of ways, including putting them on your skin or using them in a diffuser.
