Aromatherapy: is it as beneficial as claimed?

Smell is a powerful sense and aromatherapy takes advantage of this sense to rejuvenate the body and the mind with the use of aroma or fragrance. But many consider this type of treatment is unscientific and delusion. It was also recently mentioned in a newspaper that long-term exposure to aromatic oils and vapors can cause harm to the body. However, its popularity is mounting every day. Though there is not much evidence to support its efficacy in treating any illness, there are several clinical studies that have found it to be an effective complimentary therapy method. Many studies have approved that aromatherapy makes you feel good.Latest review of Aromatherapy

It is just that one has to understand the proper function of certain oils and use them sensibly. For example, a hyper person should not use stimulating oil. Similarly marjoram oil brings down blood pressure or Lemongrass oil revitalizes the body. These aspects should be clearly understood.

It is the therapeutic use of aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, derived from roots, leaves, seeds, barks or flowers of plants to facilitate mental, physical and psychological well-being. 

 

When you inhale an essential oil, it stimulates the part of the brain connected to smell. This stimulation sends a signal to the limbic system of the brain that controls emotions. These results in release of some chemicals which make the person feel relaxed and cool. Some of the widely used oils are Eucalyptus, Lavender, Sandalwood, Oregano, Citrus oils including lemon, Peppermint, Bergamot etc.

Though primarily, aromatherapy was recognized for relaxation, but over a period of time it also began to be used to ease many health related issues because many of them have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Some common medicinal properties of essential oils used in aromatherapy include analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative. 

 

As mentioned above, there are several clinical studies that have found it to be an effective complimentary therapy method in alleviating the symptoms of headaches, insomnia, stress, and depression. Aromatherapy has also been shown to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. 

It’s physical and psychological benefits also depends on the method of application. Generally there are three ways that aromatherapy can be used to your benefit:

Massage - Essential oils are diluted with carrier oils like olive, almond, etc as these carrier oils are necessary for spreading the essential oils. This is then massaged all over the body and the oil is allowed to soak into the skin.

Breathing - There are two ways you can breathe in. Apply a few drops of the oil onto your handkerchief, hold it under your nose and breathe deeply or heat a bowl of water, add a few drops of essential oil and then inhale the steam. You can also use oil burner which allows the oils to fill the entire room.

Bath- Add a few drops to a lukewarm bath. The heat of the water will create vapors that can be inhaled. At the same time the oils are also infusing into your skin. 

Aromatherapy in some other countries

In most of the Western Europe, aromatherapy is integrated into mainstream medicine as an antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral treatment, so much so that in France, there are certain essential oils that are available as prescription drugs and can only be prescribed by a doctor. 

Overall, aromatherapy when used correctly has many advantageous effects on the body, which has been scientifically acknowledged by many recent studies.