The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used them in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. Essential oils were also commonly used for spiritual, therapeutic, hygienic, and ritualistic purposes. He then started to analyze the chemical properties of essential oils and how they were used to treat burns, skin infections, gangrene, and wounds in soldiers during World War I.
By the s, massage therapists, beauticians, nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, and other health care providers began using aromatherapy. Aromatherapy did not become popular in the U. Today, many lotions, candles, and beauty products are sold as "aromatherapy" products. However, many of these products contain synthetic fragrances that do not have the same properties as essential oils. Researchers are not entirely clear how aromatherapy works.
Some experts believe our sense of smell may play a role. The "smell" receptors in your nose communicate with parts of your brain the amygdala and hippocampus that serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. When you breathe in essential oil molecules, some researchers believe they stimulate these parts of your brain and influence physical, emotional, and mental health. For example, scientists believe lavender stimulates the activity of brain cells in the amygdala similar to the way some sedative medications work.
Other researchers think that molecules from essential oils may interact in the blood with hormones or enzymes. Aromatherapy massage is a popular way of using essential oils because it works in several ways at the same time.
Your skin absorbs essential oils and you also breathe them in. Plus, you experience the physical therapy of the massage itself. Professional aromatherapists, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, and massage therapists can provide topical or inhaled aromatherapy treatment. Only specially trained professionals can provide treatment that involves taking essential oils by mouth. At an aromatherapy session, the practitioner will ask about your medical history and symptoms, as well any scents you may like.
You may be directed to breathe in essential oils directly from a piece of cloth or indirectly through steam inhalations, vaporizers, or sprays. The practitioner may also apply diluted essential oils to your skin during a massage. In most cases, the practitioner will tell you how to use aromatherapy at home, by mixing essential oils into your bath, for example. Aromatherapy is used in a wide range of settings, from health spas to hospitals, to treat a variety of conditions.
In general, it seems to relieve pain, improve mood, and promote a sense of relaxation. In fact, several essential oils, including lavender, rose, orange, bergamot, lemon, sandalwood, and others, have been shown to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. Several clinical studies suggest that when essential oils particularly rose, lavender, and frankincense were used by qualified midwives, pregnant women felt less anxiety and fear, had a stronger sense of wellbeing, and had less need for pain medications during delivery.
Many women also report that peppermint oil relieves nausea and vomiting during labor. Similarly, preliminary studies suggest aromatherapy may be an effective approach for post-operative nausea. Other studies suggest aromatherapy in conjunction with massage can help reduce symptoms of colic in infants. Massage therapy with essential oils combined with medications or therapy may benefit people with depression.
The scents are thought by some to stimulate positive emotions in the area of the brain responsible for memories and emotions. But the benefits seem to be related to relaxation caused by the scents and the massage. A person's belief that the treatment will help also influences whether it works. In one study, Neroli oil helped reduce blood pressure and preprocedural anxiety among people undergoing a colonoscopy.
In test tubes, chemical compounds from some essential oils have shown antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some evidence also suggests that citrus oils may strengthen the immune system and that peppermint oil may help with digestion. Fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary sage have estrogen-like compounds, which may help relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome PMS and menopause. However, human studies are lacking. Pregnant women, people with severe asthma, and people with a history of allergies should only use essential oils under the guidance of a trained professional and with the full knowledge of their doctors.
People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating essential oils, such as rosemary and spike lavender. People with estrogen-dependent tumors such as breast or ovarian cancer should not use oils with estrogen-like compounds such as fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary sage. As with any new therapy, people receiving medical care for any illness should talk to their doctors about any aromatherapy they are planning on using.
Most topical and inhaled essential oils are generally considered safe. You should never take essential oils by mouth unless you are under the supervision of a trained professional.
Some oils are toxic, and taking them by mouth could be fatal. Rarely, aromatherapy can induce side effects, such as rash, asthma, headache, liver and nerve damage, as well as harm to a fetus. Oils that are high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can irritate your skin. Add water or a base massage oil such as almond, coconut, or sesame oil to the essential oil before applying to your skin. Avoid using oils near your eyes. Essential oils are highly volatile and flammable.
So they should never be used near an open flame. Animal studies suggest that active ingredients in certain essential oils may interact with some medications. Researchers do not know if they have the same effect in humans. Eucalyptus, for example, may cause certain medications to be less effective, including pentobarbital used for seizures and amphetamine used for narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being.
Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health. Aromatherapy is thought of as both an art and a science. Recently, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the fields of science and medicine.
Humans have used aromatherapy for thousands of years. Ancient cultures in China, India, Egypt, and elsewhere incorporated aromatic plant components in resins, balms, and oils. These natural substances were used for medical and religious purposes. They were known to have both physical and psychological benefits. Essential oils distillation is attributed to the Persians in the 10th century, though the practice may have been in use for a long time prior to this. Information about essential oil distillation was published in the 16th century in Germany.
French physicians in the 19th century recognized the potential of essential oils in treating disease. Medical doctors became more established in the 19th century and focused on using chemical drugs. However, the French and German doctors still recognized the role of natural botanicals in treating illness. He had previously discovered the healing potential of lavender in treating burns. The book discusses the use of essential oils in treating medical conditions.
Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption using products such as these:. There are nearly one hundred types of essential oils available. Generally, people use the most popular oils. Essential oils are available online, in health food stores, and in some regular supermarkets.
Check out these essential oils available on Amazon. Each essential oil has an array of unique healing properties, uses, and effects. Combining essential oils to create a synergistic blend creates even more benefits.
Scientific evidence for aromatherapy is considered to be limited in some areas. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy , the most popular essential oils are:. You can use essential oils in any number of ways. Learn more. Buckle, J. Clinical aromatherapy: Essential oils in practice , 2nd Ed.
Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. England, A. Aromatherapy and massage for mother and baby. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press. More info on this topic. Aromatherapy Home. What it is. How it works. Common uses. How to use essential oils. Find an aromatherapist. More aromatherapy resources.
How do I use essential oils? Essential oils enter the body primarily in three ways—applied to the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Within each of these, there are many different kinds of application methods. For example, you can apply essential oils topically using compresses, sprays, baths, or massaging them into the skin. How do I choose a method to apply essential oils? Some tips: Wound care most often involves topical applications.
Mood effects might be addressed by either inhalation or topical application. For fast action, inhalation might be preferred. Baths involve both inhalation and topical absorption. How can I inhale essential oils? How do I apply essential oils topically? How do I prepare a solution? What carrier oil should I use? What are the techniques? Compress The essential oil is diluted in a liquid carrier water or oil and applied to a dressing or directly to the affected area. Optional heat or cold can be applied.
For example, a few drops of ginger Zinziber officinalis essential oil can be added to comfortably hot water and mixed to disperse the oil; then a cloth can be soaked in the solution and placed on a stiff joint.
Additional heat can be applied as desired.
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