Aromatherapy is more than “pleasant scents” found in common consumer products. It’s certainly not the artificial scents of popular brands of lotions and candles.
What is aromatherapy, then? In short, it’s the use of natural scents or aromas taken from plants, trees, flowers, berries, and roots, to stimulate therapeutic effects.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
The science behind aromatherapy lies in the way our scent receptors react to specific odors. These receptors send chemical signals to the brain’s limbic center—the emotional hub. This interaction creates various physical and emotional responses.
We experience these effects in everyday life. For instance, we’re more awake and alert when smelling our morning coffee. People may feel more cheerful when a coworker peels a tangerine or orange in the lunchroom. Aromatherapy exposure is everywhere.
How Does Aromatherapy Improve One’s Health?
The research backing aromatherapy is extensive. Studies focus on specific chemical components’ effects on the body’s neurochemistry and biochemistry. Decades of anecdotal evidence vouch for the use of scents for well-being.
Benefits of aromatherapy vary based on the specific essential oil used. Some of the most common include:
- better sleep
- diminished anxiety
- uplifted mood
- reduced pain
- less inflammation
- improved digestion
Each plant species has its distinct personality. It’s important to refer to essential oils by their botanical names.
The most widely-used and well-known essential oil is Lavandula angustifolia (lavender). Its use spans from serving as a deodorant and cosmetic ingredient to acting as a sleep aid, mood stabilizer, and pain reliever. Lavender was also used as an antimicrobial agent during World War I and II.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) eases breathing, calms indigestion, alleviates pain, reduces fever, and relieves mental fatigue. Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is another favorite for its uplifting scent. It has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It can help to soothe stomach and intestinal cramping.
Aromatherapy also has a place in medical settings—for patients and providers alike. Grapefruit is a popular one for a hospital. Many medical practitioners report liking it the most because it helps them to feel calm.
When applied to patient care, there are certain considerations to keep in mind:
- patient consent
- any sensitivities or allergies
- physical conditions (e.g. asthma, epilepsy, hypertension)
- quality of the essential oil
- personal preference
Experts recommend using oils that are GCMS-certified (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry certified) confirming their purity. This means manufacturers ensure the oil matches the chemical constituent profile of its source plant material. They also caution against relying on marketing terms for products such as “natural,” “therapeutic grade,” or “pure,” which can be misleading.
Safety Precautions for Essential Oils
Individuals who want to explore aromatherapy need to be aware of safety precautions. Make sure to adhere to the following:
- Make sure to dilute concentrated oils when using in topical form.
- Avoid using topical aromatherapy products on thinning or injured skin.
- Avoid sun exposure for about 18 hours after applying citrus oils to the skin.
- Do not ingest oils (e.g., putting them in water or on the tongue).
- Consult with a health professional if you have any sort of health condition. Some oils stimulate negative effects rather than positive ones.
- Be cautious about aromatherapy use during pregnancy. Certain oils can be very dangerous for a growing fetus.
- Do not use essential oils on children under the age of two years.
- Avoid using essential oils in an enclosed area if you have dogs or cats. The oils, even when diffused, can be toxic to pets.
It’s imperative to understand which oils are safe for specific individuals. A great resource is the Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless. Another resource with vast information on the use of essential oils is AromaWeb. This website provides profiles for 130 different essential oils.
Ready to Get Your Scent On?
Aromatherapy is a practice rich in history. It’s backed by research and is beneficial for physical and emotional well-being. Its therapeutic effects prove that it is, indeed, much more than a pleasant scent.
Listen to a Podcast
Before trying aromatherapy, it’s important to understand which oils to use and which to avoid. In this podcast episode, we sat down with Kathryn Fritze, RN, integrative and holistic nurse at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. Fritze provided a detailed overview of essential oil safety, benefits, and the science behind aromatherapy. Download it or listen below.
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Medically reviewed by Kathryn Fritze, RN, BSN.
