What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy also acts on the central nervous system, relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing, sedating or stimulating, and restoring both physical and emotional well-being (5–7). While essential oils are best known for their aromatherapy properties such as inhaling the aroma, they can also be used on the skin as well. However, you’ll want to make sure they are diluted, as pure essential oils can be too powerful to use on certain areas of the body in their natural form.Essential oils have a variety of health benefits, from skin care to stress relief. The most common way to use essential oils is to inhale them, either directly out of the bottle or by using a diffuser. You can also dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and apply them directly to your skin.Unveiling the Benefits: Tailoring Aromatherapy to Your Skin Essential oils possess remarkable properties that can revitalize and rejuvenate your skin. Lavender oil, for instance, is known for its soothing effects, making it perfect for sensitive or irritated skin.Some studies show aromatherapy is effective in certain situations, like managing anxiety or insomnia. Other studies conclude aromatherapy doesn’t help with certain symptoms. For example, a study published in 2022 finds aromatherapy doesn’t reduce symptoms of depression in people with cancer.It is used as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative medicine, and typically is used via inhalation and not by ingestion. Fragrances used in aromatherapy are not approved as prescription drugs in the United States.
Who is aromatherapy recommended for?
Individuals living with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia may find relief through aromatherapy. Oils like eucalyptus and peppermint possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Aromatherapy may promote relaxation and help relieve stress. It has also been used to help with anxiety, insomnia, and to ease pain during menstruation, labour, and childbirth. Therapeutic massage with essential oils may help with pain from osteoarthritis and other conditions.Aromatherapy may not be safe for people with certain conditions like epilepsy, asthma and some skin conditions. Take prescription medication. Aromatherapy uses natural, plant-based products, but those still can interact with medications.Aromatherapy also acts on the central nervous system, relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing, sedating or stimulating, and restoring both physical and emotional well-being (5–7).The most common adverse effect was dermatitis. Lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil and ylang-ylang were the most common essential oils responsible for adverse effects. Conclusion: Aromatherapy has the potential to cause adverse effects some of which are serious. Their frequency remains unknown.
What exactly is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a practice based on the use of aromatic materials, including essential oils and other aroma compounds, with claims for improving psychological well-being. It is used as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative medicine, and typically is used via inhalation and not by ingestion. Aromatherapy, more formally called holistic aromatherapy, is a field of study and practice that utilized the use of pure essential oils and other botanical aromatic and vegetable oils.Aromatherapy may promote relaxation and help relieve stress. It has also been used to help with anxiety, insomnia, and to ease pain during menstruation, labor, and childbirth. Therapeutic massage with essential oils may help with pain from osteoarthritis and other conditions.Manufacturers often infuse stress relief lotions with essential oils for their supposed relaxation and calming properties. But, it is unclear exactly how effective they are at reducing stress. More research is needed to support the relationship between essential oils and their effect on stress, pain, and anxiety.
What are the physical effects of aromatherapy?
Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation Oils like peppermint and eucalyptus are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for soothing sore muscles and joints. Whether it’s post-workout fatigue or a long day at your desk, an aromatherapy massage can ease physical discomfort. Thyme, ginger, bergamot, rose, clove, fennel and eucalyptus give you plenty of options and some can even provide relief from joint pain. If you notice inflammation on your body, you should first speak with your doctor to ensure it is nothing serious.