Aromatherapy Benefits
Aromatherapy or use of essential oils has been practiced for centuries for the purposes of healing and therapeutic benefits for mental health. Aromatherapy is established to have both physiological and psychological benefits. Early civilizations across the world had a practice of using aromatics in their oils, balms and everyday use products for medicinal and religious reasons. Today with growing research evidence of its effects on nervous system use of essential oils and aromatics have acquired acknowledgment in the scientific world and more researches are done to empirically draw conclusions on the benefits of aromas especially in regards to mental health.
Aromatics/Essential Oils
Different plant fragments such as flowers, fruits, seeds, barks and leaves are refined and distilled to extract the organic compounds which are known as essential oils or aromatics. Massive amount of plants are required to produce a small sufficient amount of pure essential oil.
Increasing research has shown clinical effects of inhalation of essential oils. Following are the most effective aromatics for mental health problems such as depressive moods, anxiety and stress.
- LAVENDER (scientific name: Lavandula angustifolia) : known for its relaxing and anxiolytic properties the most sought-after and in-demand EO is of Lavender. It has been evident in studies of individuals with mood disorders that as a part of holistic treatment, inhalation of lavender showed increase in blood pressurestability, enhanced sense of calmness, higher levels of relaxation, elevated mood and reduction of anxiety.
- CITRUS (Scientific name: citrus sinensis): it works as a mood boosting aroma and is famous for its anxietyreducing properties. In addition to having a beneficial effect on mood it also reduces cortisol levels which is the stress hormone hence helps in relieving stress.
- CHAMOMILE (scientic name: Matricaria Cammomilia): is a widly popular aromatic which is famous for its anti–depressing and anxiety reducing qualities. Research suggests it is associated with decreasing stress, helping with low and depressive moods. In addition to that it aids in treating insomnia and sleep disturbances with its sleep inducing and sedative properties.
- SALVIA (scientific name: salvia rosmarinus & salvia officinalis) : commonly known as rosemary and sage respectively are the members of the same family which are effective in increasing positive mood and diminishing anxiety.
- ROSE (Scientific name: Rosa damascene): Evidence states rose EO increases quality of sleep and lessons anxiety increasing positive mood levels.
- YLANG-YLANG (scientic name: Cananga orodata) : a relatively new aromatic to the scientific community however initial studies suggest it showed benefits of increased cognitive processing and helps in decreasing heart rate. It helps in lessening anxiety and individuals using it reported increase in self–esteem.
Methods of Using Essential Oils
There are a number of ways in which essential oils are used to gain their benefits. They can be inhaled, massaged, absorbed into skin with carrier oils and ingested in exceptional cases. Following are the most secure and recommended ways of using essential oils and aromas.
- Massage: Using essential oil diluted in carrier oils such as coconut, almond, olive, and jojoba oil and gently massaging it into the skin is one of the most efficient ways of taking advantage of it. Check out Milk + Honey to indulge in your massage.
- Aromatherapy Accessories: wearing or keeping accessories’ such as bangles, key chains, pendants made of absorbent materials that draw in oils which be inhaled anytime and anywhere. These are especially popular in psycho-aromatherapy to elevate mood.
- Diffusers/Aroma Sticks: using sticks with oil absorbing wicks, and diffusers for inhalation is most frequently used method of essential oils utilization.
To conclude, a growing number of researches have supported the advantages and beneficial use of aromatics to help with mental health problems and increase overall sense of well–being. However, it is a part of a holistic treatment model and can only be effective with other treatment methods especially for diagnosable mental disorders. Aromatics have mood boosting, anxiolytic, anti–depressive, and stress releasing properties but it is recommended to use them safely with the guidance and help of an expert.
REFRENCES
Fung, T. K. H., Lau, B. W. M., Ngai, S. P. C., & Tsang, H. W. H. (2021). Therapeutic Effect and Mechanisms of Essential Oils in Mood Disorders: Interaction between the Nervous and Respiratory Systems. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(9), 4844. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094844
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
