When people hear the word “therapy,” more often than not, counseling or physical therapy come to mind. What about aromatherapy? Aromatherapy, also known as essential oils therapy, involves using a plant’s aroma-producing oils for both psychological and physical benefits. Essential oils are retrieved from a plant’s flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots, which are then combined with another substance such as oil, alcohol, or lotion. These oils can be inhaled, sprayed in the air, rubbed onto skin, or supplemented with a nice, warm bath.
How Aromatherapy Works
Aromatherapy experts believe that nerves in our nose are stimulated by the scents in the oils. These nerves deliver impulses to the part of the brain in charge of memory and emotion. The results may be calming or stimulating, depending on the type of oil.
The interactions between the body’s hormones and the oils are thought to change blood pressure, pulse, and other physiological functions. Another theory suggests that the fragrance of certain oils may prompt the body to generate substances that fight off pain.
Embed from Getty Images
Smells can serve as a form of alternative medicine.
Image Source: Maskot
What Aromatherapy Can Treat
Aromatherapy has the ability to promote relaxation and help reduce stress. Furthermore, it has been used to treat a large array of physical and mental conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Muscular aches
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Circulation problems
- Digestive problems
- Menstrual problems
- Menopausal problems
- Depression
Precautions for Aromatherapy
Not all aromatherapy products with aromatherapy labels are pure and natural. Products with artificial ingredients do not provide true aromatherapy benefits. At worst, they do not provide benefits at all and can even be harmful. At best, they only partially provide the benefits of natural products. Read ingredient labels to verify whether the product contains fragrance oils or impure components.
Several oils are potent and can be hazardous, especially if ingested. A few oils may cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some people. If you are pregnant or have asthma, epilepsy, or other health conditions, you should steer clear of these oils. Children younger than the age of five should also avoid using aromatherapy, due to their tendency of being very sensitive to the oil. Also, avoid putting these oils near your eyes or mouth, as skin and membrane irritations may arise.
Moreover, protect your pets when it comes to the dangers of aromatherapy. For example, cats are highly sensitive to essential oils. Cats, dogs, and even birds have a more developed sense of smell than humans; the scents encompassing aromatherapy may overwhelm them. More serious consequences include seizures and liver damage when your pet is exposed to an excess amount of essential oils. If this occurs, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
Embed from Getty Images
The aroma of multiple kinds of herbs can contribute to therapeutic aromas.
Image Source: VOISIN/PHANIE
Aromatherapy as an Alternative Medicine
As a type of alternative medicine, aromatherapy encompasses essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds to improve your health or mood. Many deem this type of treatment as unscientific and wishful thinking. However, scientific proof of its potency is ever-increasing. Although there is an insufficient amount of evidence to confirm that aromatherapy actually prevents or cures diseases, it is a widely accepted theory that aromatherapy has rather pleasant effects on our bodies. Happy smelling!
