Benefits of Aromatherapy

Introduction

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils to promote the health and healing of the body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and is a holistic therapy that uses essential oils by inhaling them or by using a diluted oil directly or indirectly on the skin.

How does aromatherapy work?

Aromatherapy works by stimulating the nervous system. When diffused or warmed, essential oils release molecules that are recognised by the olfactory receptors in your nose. These receptors then send messages to your brain through the olfactory nerve (the nerve responsible for your sense of smell) which activate the hypothalamus and the limbic system (the group of structures that control your emotions and behaviour).

Your brain then releases hormones such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. These hormones regulate different body functions like mood, sleep, and digestion, and can help reduce anxiety, stress and pain.¹

History of aromatherapy

Although it may seem like a relatively new discovery, aromatherapy and the use of essential oils for healing goes back to 1500 B.C. Aromatherapy and essential oils have been used all over the world and all throughout history:

• The ancient Egyptians used aromatherapy as a holistic medicine and for mummification
• India has a traditional medicine branch called Ayurveda that mostly uses essential oils in massages 
• Hippocrates, the father of medicine, recommended massages with essential oils and aromatics baths for his patients
• The Persian scientist Ibn Sina was the first one to extract rose oil using distillation
• During the Renaissance in Europe, explorers brought aromatic and essential oils from the Middle East. These oils were considered luxurious possessions and were only used by the high classes
• The French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was the first to use the term aromatherapy. He became fascinated with the medicinal properties of essential oils after accidentally treating a chemical burn on his hand with lavender oil. Gattefosse later used lavender, thyme, lemon and clove oils to treat wounded soldiers during World War 1. In 1937, he published his book ‘Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles Hormones Végétales’, from which the English term ‘aromatherapy’ was derived²

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. They can be extracted from the leaves, roots, and flowers of plants. It can take several pounds of plants to produce a bottle of essential oil.

Studies have shown that essential oils used in aromatherapy can help to:³

• Enhance mood
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Manage chronic pain
• Relieve headaches and migraines
• Treat dry mouth
• Kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, and reduce inflammation
• Reduce nausea

The most commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy

There are a wide range of different essential oils available. However, your choice of essential oil should depend on your symptoms and the health benefits you are looking for. The most popular essential oils used include:⁴

• Lavender oil: people usually find it very relaxing. As such, it is used mostly to help with anxiety and to enhance sleep
• Tea tree oil: people use tea tree oil as an antiseptic. It has been effectively used to treat acne, athlete's foot and insect bites
• Peppermint oil: some evidence suggests that it is effective in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).⁵ It has also been used to enhance mood and improve digestion and topically to relieve tension headaches
• Lemon oil: lemon oil is known to reduce anxiety and stress and to ease nausea, with one study stating that aromatherapy with oils like lemon oil can improve the cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer's disease⁶
• Eucalyptus oil: eucalyptus oil is good for managing a congested nose during a cold. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and can be effective in relieving pain

Essential oils application in aromatherapy

Inhalation application 

The easiest and the most commonly used method of essential oil application, inhalation can be done by directly smelling a cotton ball or a tissue soaked in essential oils. Alternatively, you can use a steamer or a diffuser.

Topical application

Topical application allows the essential oils to enter the bloodstream through the skin. It is important to use a diluted essential oil and not a concentrated one. Massages and compresses are common ways of topical applications of essential oils.

Ingestion

Some people take essential oils by putting drops in their drinks or food. Talk with a specialist about the dosage and the precautions before using this method. Do not use this with children, pregnant women, and people with a compromised immune system.

Common side effects of aromatherapy

• Skin irritation: although they are generally safe, essential oils can cause allergic reactions, mild irritation, or redness after inhalation or massage
• Nasal irritation: nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing are common side effects when using essential oils. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions are advised against using essential oils and aromatherapy
• Headaches and nausea: nausea, headache and light-headedness are not uncommon when undergoing aromatherapy, but they are usually not serious and resolve fast
• Potential hormonal problems: there is some inconclusive data that some essential oils have hormone-like effects

Tips on how to safely use essential oils for aromatherapy

• Look for trusted producers who make pure oils without additives
• Store your oils according to manufacturing instructions, and get rid of the old bottles
• Do not use essential oils internally unless advised by a specialist, or when you use safe edible oils
• A little usually goes a long way with essential oils, so use them sparingly
• Dilute your pure essential oils with carrier oils (coconut oil, jojoba oil, vegetable oil) as instructed
• Use essential oils carefully with children, pregnant women, and people who have health conditions
• Call your doctor if you experience any side effects after the use of essential oils

FAQ’s

Does aromatherapy work?

Research on aromatherapy is limited, so the health benefits of the use of essential oils are not guaranteed. However, people have used and talked about the benefits of aromatherapy for centuries.

What are the risks of aromatherapy?

Side effects of aromatherapy are not common, but some people can experience skin and nose irritation, nausea and headaches were also reported.

Who should not use aromatherapy?

Children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems or hormone-related medical conditions should consult with their doctor first before using essential oils.

Summary

Aromatherapy refers to a range of holistic, alternative, complementary therapies that use essential oils to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. The benefits of aromatherapy include stress and anxiety reduction, pain relief, improved sleep, enhanced mood and improved immunity. Aromatherapy can be applied by inhalation or topical application, diffusers, massage oils, bath oils and other methods can be used for delivery of essential oils.

It is vital to use essential oils carefully and safely, and to follow instructions to avoid side effects. If you are planning to try essential oils for the first time, make sure to get your oil from a trusted provider, know why and how to use the oils in a manner that allows you to benefit the most from their properties, and always ask your doctor if you are using essential oils to manage a medical condition.