Aromatherapy is the ancient art and science of blending natural oils to balance, harmonise, and promote health – mind, body, and spirit. It has traditionally included inhalation but can include topical and internal application.
A growing body of scientific research supports the therapeutic use of aromatic plant extracts. These are typically essential oils but may also include infused oils (macerates), resinoids, and oleoresins.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are volatile liquids containing distinctive fragrance compounds from plants. They are extracted from different parts of a plant, such as flowers, bark, leaves and roots, by steam distillation or cold pressing. Essential oils are used in perfumes, cosmetics and other products, for flavoring foods and drinks, and for spiritual, therapeutic and hygienic purposes.
When inhaled, the scent molecules from an essential oil travel through the olfactory system and impact the limbic brain, which is associated with emotion. It is believed that this is how essential oils help alleviate stress, promote relaxation and enhance sleep and mood.
It is important to always prioritize safety, proper dilution and individual response when using essential oils, especially when applied topically. Also, because scientific research on the benefits of specific oils is limited, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional and find what works best for you. This may include a combination of aromatherapy and other forms of treatment, such as massage therapy.
How do essential oils work?
Essential oils are volatile substances that contain a mixture of plant chemicals. They are extracted from the roots, leaves, seeds or flowers of a plant using various methods. People use them to promote physical healing, such as soothing a sore throat, or for their psychological benefits.
The oils can be ingested or applied to the skin. But ingestion should only occur under the guidance of a trained professional, such as a doctor or aromatherapist. The odor of the oil travels from the nose to the brain, where it triggers specific neurotransmitters and affects physiological processes.
Inhalation is the most common way to use aromatherapy. It involves inhaling the scent through a diffuser or placing drops on a cloth or pillow to inhale through your nose or mouth. You can also apply the oils to the skin through massage or adding them to a bath. People typically dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses scented extracts of flowers, herbs or trees to promote physical healing. It also enhances relaxation and may help with some emotional problems, like anxiety or insomnia. The odors from these extracts travel to the olfactory nerve in your nose and send messages to the limbic system of your brain, where they cause a reaction that may influence your emotions and increase your body’s production of feel-good hormones.
The chemicals in the oils can also enter your bloodstream when they are applied directly to your skin. But you should never ingest these essential oils. They are very concentrated and can be toxic if swallowed.
Many studies suggest that aromatherapy can help with a variety of symptoms and conditions, including stress, pain, anxiety, depression and other mental health problems, and some chronic illnesses. But you should always talk to your primary care provider before trying aromatherapy. They can tell you whether it might benefit you, and recommend safe application methods.
What are the risks of aromatherapy?
Although aromatherapy is generally safe, it should only be done under the guidance of a trained professional and with the full knowledge of your healthcare provider. It is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, severe asthma or high blood pressure. It is also not advised to take essential oils by mouth, as some can be toxic and may cause negative effects.
Taking a few drops of oil directly into your nose via a diffuser can be soothing. But it’s important to remember that many of the oils used in aromatherapy are highly concentrated and should be mixed with a carrier oil before being applied to your skin.
When inhaling aromatherapy oils, one should cover their mouth with a towel or cloth to avoid direct contact with the oil and to protect the lungs. Putting a few drops of essential oil into hot water and putting a towel over your head to inhale the steam is also effective.
