Aromatherapy: How Can We Benefit?
Miraculous Effects of Essential Oils
First, let's start by understanding what aromatherapy is.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. It is an alternative medicine method in which essential oils obtained from the flowers, leaves and roots of plants are used to reduce stress and provide mental comfort. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain. The oils may activate certain areas of your brain, like your limbic system, which plays a role in your emotions and memories. Aromas stimulate activity in your hypothalamus, which signals the brain to release feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin.
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries. Aromatic herbs have been used in cooking and medicine, as indicated by the discovery of medicinal plant deposits found in graves dating from some eight thousand years ago. Egyptian culture used resins, balms and fragrant oils for medical, magical and religious ceremonies, for embalming, and as an offering to their gods. Other ancient cultures recognised the physical and psychological benefits of scented ointments and oils, including China and India.
Now let's talk about how we can benefit from aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption using products such as diffusers, aromatic spritzers, inhalers, bathing salts, body oils, creams or lotions for massage, facial steamers, hot and cold compresses, and clay masks.
Don’t apply essential oils directly to your skin. Always use a carrier oil to dilute the oils. Remember to do a skin patch test before using essential oils. Since citrus essential oils may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, these oils should be avoided if you are exposed to sunlight. Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use essential oils with caution and under the supervision of a doctor. It's rare that people take essential oils by mouth, and you shouldn't do it unless your doctor says it's OK.
You can use aromatherapy to ease stress, anxiety and depression, boost feelings of relaxation, improve sleep, ease certain types of pain including pain from kidney stones and osteoarthritis of the knee, fight bacteria when you put them on your skin, ease some of the side effects of cancer treatment like nausea and pain, help improve quality of life for people with long-term health problems like dementia, ease discomforts of labour, improve digestion, boost immunity. A lot of research is still being done to establish whether it can be used to treat different types of diseases.
In a study published in the International Journal of Nursing Practice in 2012, researchers investigated the impact of aromatherapy on cognitive abilities and emotional well-being. The study examined the effects of rosemary and lavender essential oils on cognitive function and mood in healthy adults. The findings showed significant improvements in cognitive performance and mood enhancement:
"The results of this study suggest that inhalation of rosemary and lavender essential oils can have a positive impact on cognitive function and mood in healthy adults. Participants demonstrated improved memory retention and reported increased feelings of contentment after aromatherapy sessions."
A study published in the Journal of Pain Research in 2016 examined the effects of aromatherapy on physical ailments. The research focused on patients suffering from chronic muscle pain and found that massage with lavender and peppermint essential oils significantly reduced pain intensity. The study concluded:
"The application of lavender and peppermint essential oils during massage therapy significantly reduced muscle pain intensity and provided relief for patients suffering from chronic pain. These findings suggest that aromatherapy can be an effective complementary treatment for managing physical discomfort."
As it is seen, aromatherapy can be used for many mental and physical needs. The important thing is to be able to correctly identify what you need, use oils in safe ways and consult your doctor for special cases when necessary. If you want to have more detailed information about aromatherapy, you can check the videos below.