Aromatherapy Explained: Advantages, Misconceptions, Guide
A-thought-provoking read, huh? Essential oil diffusers have taken social media by storm, but you're probably wondering, "What the heck is aromatherapy anyway, and why are people so gung-ho about it?" Well, buckle up, folks. Let's dive into the world of scents and find out!
Aromatherapy, in a nutshell, is the ancient practice of utilizing the concentrated, natural extracts from plants to promote health and well-being. It's been used for centuries for medicinal and ritual purposes, though the term only caught steam in the early 1900s, thanks to French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse, who used lavender oil to heal his burns. Oh la la, talk about a life savior!
Essential oils are touted for their benefits in a variety of areas, including stress reduction and physical healing. However, there's still some confusion about what aromatherapy truly offers in terms of real benefits. Ready to get your nose into the deets? Join us as we sniff out the facts!
Now, let's drop some knowledge bombs here: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils, so it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before you start using them and to research a brand's products for quality. And, because you're not a shopsitting cat, always perform a patch test before trying a new essential oil!
How aromatherapy works its magic
Aromatherapy harnesses the power of Mother Nature's finest, using highly concentrated plant extracts. It takes some serious flower power to create a bottle of essential oil - in fact, about 250 pounds of lavender flowers are needed to produce a single pound of lavender essential oil. Whoa, talk about a quantities game!
But let's be real — math ain't the main event. Aromatherapy is arguably best known for its relaxation and mood-boosting powers. Scientists believe this phenomenon primarily happens when we inhale the scents of essential oils, which stimulate an area of the brain called the limbic system. This region has a major impact on our emotions, hormones, blood pressure, and breathing patterns.
Ready to immerse yourself in the olfactory experience? "A simple approach to diving into aromatherapy is by opening a bottle of essential oil and inhaling deeply for a few seconds," suggests aromatherapist Tara Gangadharan, founder of the self-care brand Thara Sacra. You could also use a diffuser to disperse a scent into a larger space, like an ultrasonic diffuser, says Jade Shutes, founder of the School of Aromatic Studies.
Just remember to ensure proper ventilation and limit diffusing time to keep things fresh and enjoyable. And, before you consider chugging that lavender oil, don't! Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic. Plus, they can be harmful to pets, so keep 'em out of their reach!
Benefits of aromatherapy
You've probably heard that essential oils can help you chill out and manage stress — and there's science to back it up, potentially reducing levels of stress and anxiety by up to 30%. "For me, the biggest benefit is how aroma can support managing stress," affirms Gangadharan. And if stress and sleep are a constant, smelly bedfellows, it's no wonder that aromatherapy has also been linked to improved sleep.
But the perks don't end there! Studies have suggested benefits for pain relief, nausea relief, headache relief, fatigue reduction, and even enhanced performance in the bedroom and at work (but not at the same time, of course)!
Risks and side effects
"If using genuine, authentic essential oils, side effects are incredibly rare," admits Shutes. However, remember, nothing in this life is completely risk-free. Most negative effects come from improper internal use or improper application of essential oils undiluted on the skin. Always dilute oils properly in a carrier, like coconut or argan oil or body creams and lotions. Perform a skin patch test before trying a new essential oil.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy also provides lengthy safety guidelines, but here are a few key takeaways:
Improper dilution can cause rashes, irritation, and discomfort, and oils should be avoided on broken or irritated skin. There's also a chance of experiencing burns if you venture outdoors or into UV light after topical application, as some essential oils (especially citrus oils) can cause skin photosensitivity.
The use of essential oils during pregnancy is a hot debate and often not recommended, while they can exacerbate or trigger certain conditions (such as epilepsy) and interfere with medications (including some antidepressants), so always discuss aromatherapy with your doctor if you have an existing condition or treatment plan.
Finally, research suggests aromatherapy can be harmful to children and pets, so keep oils out of their reach and avoid diffusing when they're around.
Recognizing unsubstantiated claims
While research has explored the role of aromatherapy on various health aspects, further investigation is needed to validate some claims, such as preventing or curing conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and COVID-19. The FDA recognizes essential oils as a cosmetic product rather than a drug and frequently sends warnings to companies marketing their products as medicinal.
How aromatherapy can help
In addition to easing stress, research suggests that aromatherapy may benefit those with:
- Cancer symptoms and treatment side effects
- Arthritis pain
- Headache and migraine pain
- Insomnia symptoms
- Improved hair growth for those with alopecia
- Lowered blood pressure
- Alleviated menopause symptoms
Popular oils for aromatherapy
Desirable scents from vibrant lemony zests to comforting earthy tones are at your disposal to potentially promote relaxation, boost energy, and enhance focus. If you're feeling sluggish in the afternoon, "citruses tend to be great for uplifting and easing anxiety and giving you a zest for life," shares Gangadharan.
Meanwhile, if emotional turmoil hits, "wood aromas, like cedarwood and cypress, have a strong grounding and stabilizing energy," Gangadharan shares. Don't worry if a particular scent doesn't work its charm; remember, everyone experiences aromas differently, so experiment to find what suits you best.
Lastly, remember, quality matters: Look for reputable sources, read labels carefully, and seek advice from experts. Happy sniffing!
- Aromatherapy can potentially improve hair growth for individuals with alopecia due to the properties found in certain essential oils.
- The limbic system, a region of the brain that affects emotions, hormones, blood pressure, and breathing patterns, is stimulated by inhaling the scents of essential oils, thus aiding in relaxation and mood-boosting.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the purity or quality of essential oils, making it essential to consult a healthcare professional before using them and to research product quality from a brand.
- Essential oils are highly concentrated and come in milliliters (ml), with 250 pounds of lavender flowers required to produce a single pound of essential oil.
