What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to support a healthy mind and body. The fragrance from the oils triggers nerves in the nose, which send signals to your brain and start chemical responses in your body.

Some research shows aromatherapy can relieve pain, nausea and anxiety, especially during cancer treatments like chemotherapy. But it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before trying it.

History

Aromatic oils have been used for more than 3,500 years, in every major civilization and era. They have been employed for religious rituals, perfume, and medicine. They have also been used for food flavouring, cosmetics, and odour masking.

Hippocrates, regarded as the father of modern medicine, documented the therapeutic properties of plant essential oils in his ancient Greek texts. He believed that aromatic baths and scented massage were key to good health.

The modern practice of aromatherapy was re-introduced in 1910 when French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse discovered the healing properties of lavender essential oil after suffering burns from a laboratory explosion. He later incorporated these oil into the wound treatment of military hospitals during World War I. He subsequently published several books on this subject and coined the term “aromatherapy” in 1935.

Techniques

Aromatherapy is a practice that uses the healing power of pure, natural essential oils. These oils are highly concentrated extracts that capture a plant’s natural aromatic compounds. They can be inhaled or applied to the skin for therapeutic effects.

Inhalation is the primary method of using aromatherapy. When inhaled, essential oils stimulate the nervous system and trigger chemical responses in the brain. These reactions can affect mood, improve breathing, and reduce pain.

Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before trying it. They can help you decide if it’s safe for you and explain the risks and benefits. They can also teach you proper techniques for using aromatherapy. They may recommend that you use it in conjunction with other forms of CAM, like yoga or meditation. They can also help you identify a symptom that aromatherapy might treat, such as anxiety or sleep disturbances.

Side effects

Generally, the aromatherapy used in massage is safe. However, some oils can be toxic if they are taken by mouth, which is usually not recommended. It is important to buy essential oils from a reliable source. They are not regulated by the FDA, so it is difficult to know if they are pure or have been diluted.

Studies show that some oils can be used to reduce anxiety and pain, especially if used in conjunction with massage therapy. However, there is a lot more we need to learn about the long-term effects of aromatherapy and how it interacts with certain health conditions.

There is some evidence that aromatherapy can help treat trait anxiety, which is a constant feeling of nervousness that does not respond to specific triggers. It also may be helpful for patients undergoing cancer treatments and other chronic diseases. For example, a study found that applying eucalyptus oil to the abdomen relieved nausea and vomiting during a colonoscopy.

Safety

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, which are highly concentrated substances. They can cause reactions when used incorrectly and must be diluted before they are applied to skin. As an alternative medicine, it’s important for nurses to learn about and heed the safety guidelines of aromatherapy.

Nurses should always test a small amount of oil on the skin for allergic reactions. They should also make sure clients do not ingest the oils. This can be dangerous, according to the Connecticut Poison Control Center. Eucalyptus, for example, can be soothing in small amounts but can cause seizures if swallowed.

Infants and children should only be exposed to aromatic oils through a topical application or inhaled if under the care of a trained health professional. Some oils are toxic and can harm the liver or kidneys. They may also be a hazard for a fetus. Some oils contain phenols, which can irritate the skin. Inhaling or ingesting these can be fatal.