Aromatherapy is a practice that uses essential oils to promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy may ease anxiety, reduce depression and headaches and help with digestion, among other conditions.
Talk to your doctor before trying aromatherapy. It’s not recommended for everyone, including pregnant women, and can cause allergic reactions. Also, certain oils can interact with medications.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are plant-based, volatile liquids that contain a variety of chemical compounds, including alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and phenols. Each oil has its own distinct smell and is named for the plant it came from. The oil’s chemical makeup varies by plant and even within the same species.
People use essential oils in a number of ways. For example, they can rub them on their skin or inhale them using a diffuser. They can also add them to bath water or skin care products.
While research is limited, some studies suggest that the scent of certain essential oils can help with physical symptoms like stress and anxiety. However, more research is needed. Since essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, they must be used carefully and properly to prevent harm. For example, it is recommended that people avoid ingesting them or applying them directly to the skin, especially if you have any nut allergies.
How do I use essential oils?
Whether inhaled or used in massage, there are a number of ways to incorporate essential oils into your daily routine. Regardless of how they are applied, the benefits are attributed to their ability to interact with the scent receptors in our nose, stimulating an area of the brain that directly affects mood.
The inhalation of these volatile aromatic molecules is known to relieve a variety of health problems including anxiety, insomnia, respiratory issues and headaches. They also have antiseptic, insecticidal and astringent properties.
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative and integrative medicine that may help alleviate symptoms from certain health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and manage mood disorders that fail to respond to conventional pharmacological treatments. However, the safety of this practice is questionable due to the toxicity of some of these substances and their potential to interact with other medications. This review highlights the various facets of this ancient treatment, highlighting its potential adverse effects and contraindications while outlining best practices to promote responsible usage.
What are the techniques of aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses extracts from flowers, herbs, trees, and their roots to treat health problems such as anxiety, insomnia, headache, respiratory conditions, skin diseases, and more. It involves breathing in the aromatic molecules of the essential oils through the nose or putting them on the skin, usually after dilution with carrier oil.
It’s a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that’s used by some doctors, nurses, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and holistic healthcare providers. It’s also a popular choice for people looking to manage stress or boost their mood.
Studies of aromatherapy have focused on its psychological effects and quality-of-life benefits, such as reducing anxiety and depression. But it’s important to note that the oils used in most published studies are not standardized, which makes it difficult for researchers and clinicians to compare results. Additionally, many of the studies are small and short-term.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
Many studies have shown that aromatherapy can relieve stress and anxiety. It also has been used to ease nausea, vomiting, and pain. It is thought that the oil’s chemical components interact with receptors on the olfactory system in the brain to influence mood, and cause physical healing.
However, there is not enough evidence to show that aromatherapy works for all conditions or symptoms. People should use it only under the guidance of a trained professional, and with the knowledge of their doctors. If ingested, some essential oils can be toxic and cause serious health problems.
If you use an oil in a massage, you should always dilute it with water or another oil before applying to your skin. Undiluted oils can irritate the skin and can burn your eyes. They can also be harmful if inhaled, and can cause a rash, asthma, headache, liver and kidney damage, and may harm a fetus. In addition, some oils are flammable, and should never be burned or added to food.
