Aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote psychological well-being. It is usually applied to the skin or inhaled. It is not regulated by the FDA and should be used only under a trained practitioner’s supervision.
Some studies suggest that aromatherapy can help people with stress and anxiety relax (7). However, other studies are mixed.
It’s a complementary treatment
Aromatherapy is a type of complementary treatment that uses plant oils to promote relaxation and improve mood. It is used by many people, including nurses, therapists, and doctors. The oil is usually inhaled through the nose or applied to the skin during a massage. Some people also use it in a bath or in a room diffuser.
The odors of plants stimulate the brain’s olfactory nerve cells, which trigger the limbic system to release neurotransmitters like enkephalin and noradrenaline. These neurotransmitters help reduce stress and pain, and they also enhance the function of the immune and endocrine systems.
Some cancer clinics and hospitals offer aromatherapy treatments. A nurse or a therapist may massage the oil onto your skin while playing soothing music. They will probably ask about your medical history before doing the treatment. This is because some medicines can interact with certain essential oils. Also, some oils may cause allergic reactions. They can also irritate the eyes, mouth, and lungs.
It’s safe
Many essential oils have been shown to be safe when used as directed. However, they’re not regulated like drugs, so it’s important to work with a trained aromatherapist. They’ll test your skin sensitivity to determine what oils are best for you. They’ll also avoid any oils that could cause side effects, such as a rash or sun sensitivity. They’ll also dilute the oils with a base oil before they apply them to your body.
Inhaling aromatherapy oils may help relieve stress, especially when combined with breathing exercises or relaxation techniques. Adding calming oils to a bath may also help with insomnia and restless leg syndrome. Some people with chronic health conditions use aromatherapy to reduce pain during treatments, such as needle sticks for dialysis or reducing swelling after surgery. Aromatherapy can also help improve mood in some people who have chronic pain, anxiety or depression. It may also make it easier for cancer patients to get restful sleep.
It’s not a cure
While there is evidence that aromatherapy can relieve some symptoms, it’s important to understand that it is not a cure. It’s not a substitute for mental health treatment, and it may even have harmful side effects. Therefore, it’s important to seek the guidance of a licensed therapist if you have mental health challenges.
Essential oils are chemical compounds extracted from various parts of a plant, including its flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and bark. They can be inhaled, applied to the skin, or added to soaps and bath products. The oil’s therapeutic properties are believed to be based on its scent, which is thought to stimulate the smell receptors in the nose and send signals through the nervous system.
Some people use essential oils to ease anxiety and sleep problems. Others find that the scents of some oils, such as ylang-ylang and jasmine, promote relaxation and encourage positive thinking. However, more research is needed on the effectiveness of these oils for different conditions.
It’s expensive
The essential oils of a plant contain the ‘life force’ of that plant. It can’t be touched or seen but is captured in minuscule amounts in the oil, and each oil has its own curative powers. Unfortunately, many of the aromatherapy products sold in big-box retailers or drugstores aren’t made with real oils. Instead, they may contain synthetic imitations that aren’t listed on the label. They can also be incredibly expensive. That can be a huge barrier to people with cancer.
