AROMATHERAPY: DOES IT WORK?

AROMATHERAPY: DOES IT WORK?

Certain individuals report that aromatherapy boosts body health, spirit, and mind. Are these claims realistic? Pay attention to this blog as it clarifies. Nowadays, various products have sprung up to address different body issues. In this case, natural methods are devised to alleviate certain body conditions. Aromatherapy is a universal treatment that utilizes natural plant products to enhance well-being and health. Sometimes, people refer to it as essential oil treatment or therapy. Recently, this process gained more popularity in medicine and science fields. Some claims show that aromatherapy utilizes aromatic essential oils medically to boost the body’s wellbeing. It promotes both emotional and physical health. This article confirms whether these claims are realistic. Read on.

What is Aromatherapy?

It is an activity of utilizing essential oils for medical benefit. People have used this method for many years in addressing common health problems. The fragrant particles in essential oils get transported from olfactory nerves to the brain directly when breathing in. Specifically, they influence the amygdala (the brain’s emotional center). However, essential oils are absorbed through the skin. A massage analyst may incorporate one or two wintergreen drops into oil, aiming to relax tight muscles throughout the rubdown.

Does Aromatherapy Work?

Research institutes have conducted some studies about the effectiveness of aromatherapy. Recently, no conclusive scientific evidence shows any curable ailment by utilizing aromatherapy or essential oils. The outcomes of various potential advantages of essential oils, for instance, stress relievers, and mood elevators, are mixed up. However, most have not established a concrete conclusion. One research showed the positive impacts of using essential oils involving people with dementia. Though different from prevalent beliefs, taking fish oil (a single tablespoon) daily will not alleviate dementia. Evidence reports that lemon oil balm lowers agitation in dementia patients. Other confirmed reliable theories for aromatherapy, like treatment of hair loss or alopecia areata with oils such as cedarwood, lavender, rosemary, and thyme. The natural antibacterial properties in essential oils, often extracted from citrus fruits, is intriguing. For instance, when specifically blended with Dead Sea salts, citrus oil was found to prevent bacterial growth and functioned as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, bergamot, an important citrus oil, combat the propagation of prevalent food poisoning causes such as staphylococcus, e-coli, and listeria.

How to Utilise Essential Oil Safely

The essential oil’s quality in shops differs significantly from pure ones diluted with cheap ingredients. Since there is no existing regulation, the label might not indicate all ingredients constituting the product being purchased. Notably, diffusion in congested places or households affects people distinctly. For instance, peppermint is prescribed for headaches. In addition, utilizing these products near a child below 30 months might cause agitation. Furthermore, it has negative side effects on an individual with a high heartbeat because it reacts with peppermint adversely. The harmless ways to utilize essential oils are;

Aromatherapy Accessories

Individuals can smear keychains, bracelets, and necklaces produced with absorbent substances with essential oils to sniff.

Body Oil

A combination of carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil with essential oils can be induced into the body. Since essential oils contain high concentrations, they might result in irritation. For this reason, avoid utilizing their full strength on the skin. Aroma sticks (essential oil inhalers) are transportable plastic sticks containing absorbent wicks responsible for soaking up important oils. They are covered to maintain the odor underneath until the user is ready.

Most Common Aromatic Oils

Experts found that essential oils include fennel, geranium, clary sage, eucalyptus, cypress, ginger, lavender, helichrysum, lemon, mandarin, lemongrass, neroli, peppermint, patchouli, Roman chamomile, rosemary, vetiver, rose, and ylang-ylang. Users are recommended to utilize essential oils in different ways. For instance, incorporate them into carrier or body oils and use them topically. Also, try using essential oil to improve a facial shampoo or toner. Alternatively, add them to mouthwash, toothpaste, or liquid soap. Furthermore, try diffusing or spritzing these oils in the entire room or transferring them into the bath.

Selecting a Provider

Everyone would desire to consult a qualified aromatherapist, particularly when being an aromatherapy beginner or if certain concerns are to be addressed. Apply for an online directory to access an experienced aromatherapist. When consulting an aromatherapist, an individual is required to answer certain questions and explain their health and lifestyle. Together, the user is capable of establishing a personal diagnosis plan to achieve goals and regulate symptoms. Have some meetings with the aromatherapist or choose to conduct ongoing sessions for a prolonged period. Notably, communicate with a doctor before starting these sessions because aromatherapy is a harmonizing therapy. By doing so, essential oil treatment can be formulated to function collectively with any medicinal treatment or care you are receiving. In addition, such information is available in books and online if desiring to conduct a personal treatment. Also, some courses are provided to educate individuals more concerning aromatherapy. Aromatherapist consultations differ based on certain factors, such as your residential place. Some professionals charge $100 for initial and $50 for continual consultations.

Side Effects

Although many essential oils have positive body effects, people should observe precautions. Also, they cause few side effects like any prescribed medication. Avoid applying essential oils to the skin directly. Some include headaches, nausea, rashes, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks. Furthermore, pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should avoid essential oils.

Conclusion

People should not ingest essential oils because of their reported adverse effects. Also, researchers recommend against utilizing essential oil diffusers and minute domestic appliances that produce aromatic vapor. In addition, they claim that aromatherapy activates smell receptors which transmit signals from the human nervous system to the brain. After that, it might activate particular brain areas such as the limbic system, which serves an essential function in emotions. From the discussion, aromatherapy works depending on your health goals. Individuals should choose quality aromatherapy providers for safety and effectiveness purposes. Communicate with your doctor before subscribing to sessions. However, be aware of side effects, including nausea, skin irritation, and asthma attacks.

Charlotte Cremers
Latest posts by Charlotte Cremers (see all)

MS, University of Tartu
Sleep specialist

Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.

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