Aromatherapy is of alternative medicine. Its proponents claim that with the help of essential oils of plants it is supposedly possible to improve the psycho-emotional state and general well-being of a person, which helps to treat diseases.
The scent of the oils is believed olfactory receptors in the nose, which then send messages to the part of the brain responsible for controlling emotions.
Essential oils are used for the procedures, but not aroma sticks. Although, in theory, their smell could also have some effect on a person.
In aromatherapy , tea tree, eucalyptus, clove, lemon, cedar, lavender , lemon balm, rose, ylang-ylang, bergamot, rosemary, peppermint and other oils . They are inhaled, swallowed, applied to special bracelets, tampons are soaked in them and inserted into the vagina, smeared on the genitals and other parts of the body, added to baths, massage lotions and even to food.
People who conduct sessions with essential oils call themselves aromatherapists. However, most often they have nothing to do with medicine, which does not prevent them from trying to treat real diseases.
What are essential oils and how are they obtained?
Essential oils are concentrated plant . They have no nutritional properties, but they retain a bright smell and taste, usually more pronounced than that of the plant from which the oil is produced. This is due to the fact that a large amount of plant matter to produce an essential oil . For example, 2,500–4,000 kg of rose petals are needed to produce one kilogram of the product . And to get 15 ml of lavender oil, 1.4 kg of fresh plant is needed.
Essential oils in a variety of ways. Here are some of them:
- Steam distillation. Plant materials are placed in a distillation apparatus over boiling water. Steam is passed through the plant material. The hot air breaks down the plant cells and draws out the essential oils. The steam is then cooled, turns into liquid, and the essential oil is separated from the water.
- Cold pressing. Usually used to extract oil from citrus fruits. The peel of the fruit is passed through a press and the essential oil is squeezed out.
- Solvent extraction. Chemical solvents such as hexane, ethanol, or methanol are used to extract essential oils from plants . The plant material is treated with a substance that extracts aromatic compounds. The mixture is then purified and heated to remove the solvent and produce the essential oil.
What properties are attributed to aromatherapy?
Aromatherapists select a different oil for each client, supposedly focusing on the problem. Each aroma has its own properties, they believe.
Supporters of the procedure that it:
- treats chronic fatigue syndrome;
- relieves stress;
- strengthens the immune system;
- has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial effects;
- relieves spasms;
- relieves fever;
- soothes and tones;
- slows down aging .
Aromatherapy is also used to treat the following conditions:
- cardiovascular diseases;
- disorders of the nervous system, respiratory organs and airways;
- chronic insomnia;
- decreased elasticity of the epidermis;
- asthenic syndrome.
Does Aromatherapy Really Work?
Although essential oil treatments have been used for many years, it is important to remember that oil is not a medicine. And there is still not enough research to the definitive effectiveness of the procedure.
A review of 12 studies on aromatherapy for depression that inhaling or massaging oils reduced symptoms of the disorder . But the studies included in the review were of low quality, as the authors themselves point out. In addition, the selected studies used different systems for assessing the effect. Because of this, the conclusions of the studies cannot be combined with each other, because the same phenomena were assessed differently.
Another review whether aromatherapy helps with anxiety and improves sleep quality in intensive care unit patients. But all the evidence for its possible effectiveness was of low quality, so no conclusion can be drawn in favor of aromatherapy.
There is also no convincing evidence that essential oils is beneficial for insomnia or helps to somehow improve the situation.
But essential oils may affect mood. In one experiment, 56 healthy men and women given lavender oil, which is supposed to calm, lemon oil , which is supposed to invigorate, and just water. The participants took a stress test, placing their hands in cold water. Afterwards, the researchers measured the volunteers’ physiological and psychological indicators: cortisol, immune response, mood, and nervous system function.
The study authors concluded that lemon scent may improve mood, while lavender’s effect was no different from that of unscented water. The scents showed no other effects.
Is aromatherapy safe?
Many plants used to make essential oils irritation or allergies when applied to the skin, and can sensitivity to the sun. For example, caraway oil is safe to use in food, but can cause rashes. Some citrus oils can be dangerous in cosmetics. And peppermint oil can be harmful to people with cardiovascular disease.
A burn of the mucous membranes can be caused by the oil to the vagina or swallowing it in its pure form. Also, eating the product can result in poisoning.
Proponents of aromatherapy do not recommend using the method in the following conditions:
- intolerance to essential oil components;
- bronchial asthma and other respiratory diseases;
- pregnancy , breastfeeding and childhood – there is no data on the safety of aromatherapy;
- infectious skin diseases with open wounds or ulcers;
- varicose veins – in this case, you should not apply oil to the affected area.
The main danger of aromatherapy, like any alternative medicine method, is that they try to treat serious diseases with it. While a person inhales oils in the hope of healing, he loses time and starts the disease.
