The Health | november, 2019
24
Alternative
One of the best-known essential
oils in aromatherapy, lavender oil is
prized for its calming effects on the
body and mind and ability to lessen
anxiety.
Stop and smell
the flowers
Many psychologists believe aromatherapy works in such a way that the person would find the scent pleasant and
associate it with an emotional state that they wish to be invoked.
The smelling therapy
Essential oils and aromatherapy: Do they really work?
By reenassri sekaran
O
ne of the editors at the office has
her essential oil diffuser switched
on at an all-time high, especially
during the deadline season. I guess
the waft of sandalwood helps her
during trying times. But does
aromatherapy live up to its healing claims?
What is aromatherapy actually?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treat-
ment that uses natural plant extracts to
promote health and well-being. Sometimes
it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy
uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to
improve the health of the body, mind, and
spirit. It enhances both physical and emo-
tional health.
How long has aromatherapy
been around?
Humans have used aromatherapy for thou-
sands 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 psychologi-
cal benefits.
The term “aromatherapy” was coined by a
French perfumer and chemist René-Maurice
Gattefossé in a book he wrote on the topic
that was published in 1937. He had previously
discovered the healing potential of lavender in
treating burns. The book discusses the use of
essential oils in treating medical conditions.
How does aromatherapy
treatment work?
Aromatherapy works through the sense of
smell and skin absorption using products such
as these:
• Diffusers
• Aromatic spritzers
• Inhalers
Oil diffusers work
through the simple
process of oil
diffusion, which
uses heat to turn
oil into a vapour
that is then spread
around a living
space.
• Bathing salts
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. It’s important to
buy from a reputable producer since the oils
aren’t regulated. This ensures you’re buying a
quality product that is 100 per cent natural. It
shouldn’t contain any additives or synthetic
ingredients.
Is it just hype?
Despite these studies that promote the
efficacy of aromatherapy, there are differing
studies, including one in 2000 and another
in 2012, both from Dr Edzard Ernst, former
chair of complementary medicine at the Uni-
versity of Exeter, which found no convincing
evidence aromatherapy is beneficial to one’s
health.
However, people have different beliefs.
When questioned the efficacy of aroma-
therapy to my editor, her love for essential
oils remains strong. “If it smells good, it’s defi-
nitely making me happier and less stressed,”
she smiles as she lights up her essential oil
burner.
One of the most common essential
oils, lavender oil has a calming,
relaxing effect. It’s considered a
nervous-system restorative and helps
promote inner peace and restful sleep
while relieving restlessness, irritability,
panic attacks, nervous stomach and
all-around general nervous tension.
Research has also found that it helps
reduce anxiety and depression and is
a helpful pain reliever.
Bergamot
Bergamot essential oil is produced
from the peel of the aromatic citrus
fruit. It is often used in traditional
Chinese medicine to enhance the flow
of energy, fight bacterial infections
and support digestive health. It is an
effective antidepressant due to its
mood enhancing qualities, promoting
feelings of joy, freshness and energy.
Bergamot essential oil improves
blood circulation, stimulates hormonal
secretions and digestive health,
bringing balance to the body.
Ylang-Ylang
Made from the flowers of the Cananga
odorata tree, this essential oil sedates
or calms nervous afflictions, stress,
anger and anxiety, while inducing
a relaxed feeling. Ylang-ylang
(pronounced EE-lang EE-lang) has
been shown to be effective in reducing
blood pressure.
Many psychologists believe aromatherapy
works in such a way that the person would find
the scent pleasant and associate it with an emo-
tional state that they wish to be invoked, such as
relaxation or invigoration. So, if a certain scent
makes you want to scrub your troubles away,
there’s no harm in taking that bubble bath and
lighting up that candle. — The Health