Medically Reviewed By Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT
— Written By Rebekah Louise
Updated on September 19, 2022
This article will explain aromatherapy and essential oils and the benefits, risks, and safety precautions to consider. It also lists essential oils and their benefits and discusses aromatherapy options.
Essential oils
Research suggests essential oils may offer some benefits. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor these oils for purity and quality. Always discuss new products with your doctor and thoroughly research the brand before using them.
Aromatherapy and essential oils explained
Essential oils come from steam distillation or mechanical cold press of the plant or part of the plant. As such, essential oils consist of hundreds of
Aromatherapy is a
With inhalation, your olfactory system senses the molecules and produces a physiological response via a complex interaction between your brain and body systems. A
People use aromatherapy to improve their spiritual, mental, and physical well-being, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). People with cancer use it to improve their quality of life.
Evidence for aromatherapy benefits
Many use aromatherapy, a
Digestive symptoms
According to a clinical aromatherapy review in
- relieve trapped gas
- stimulate and support digestion
- limit inflammation
- relax muscles
Insomnia, depression, or anxiety
There is
- reduce anxiety
- relieve headache
- have a sedative effect
Pain
Essential oils and aromatherapy
- heal wounds and burns
- relax the uterus
- calm the nervous system, which mediates the sensation of pain
More specifically, aromatherapy is beneficial for painful menstruation and physical symptoms during labor and delivery, according to a
Cancer symptoms
The NCI says that some, but not all, studies show that aromatherapy has positive effects on:
- sleep
- appetite
- well-being
- tiredness
- nausea
- mood
- anxiety
- pain
High blood pressure
The
Essential oils
Below is a table that lists a few of the benefits of several essential oils from plants, leaves, flowers, and woods. This information is from a review in
| Seeds and plants | Reported benefits |
| sweet fennel | anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, relieves gas, relaxes muscles |
| cardamom | antimicrobial, reduces digestive discomfort |
| Stems, leaves, and needles | |
| cistus | boosts immune system, heals wounds |
| eucalyptus | treats wounds and burns, relieves nasal congestion and asthma |
| rosemary | anti-inflammatory, relieves pain, relaxes muscles, heals wounds |
| Petals and flowers | |
| sage | calms nervous system, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, stimulates blood flow |
| geranium | reduces anxiety, encourages relaxation, anti-inflammatory |
| lavender | lowers blood pressure and anxiety, sedative, calms nerves, relieves pain |
| jasmine | antidepressant, aphrodisiac, calms nerves |
| Rinds and fruits | |
| lemon | boosts immunity, reduces anxiety, antimicrobial |
| sweet orange | relieves pain, antimicrobial, reduces odor, reduces anxiety |
| juniper berry | relieves pain, anti-inflammatory, reduces nasal congestion |
| Woods and resins | |
| cedarwood | antimicrobial, reduces congestion |
| sandalwood | antimicrobial, antidepressant, calms the nervous system |
| frankincense | reduces anxiety, heals wounds, antidepressant |
Ways to practice aromatherapy
Common methods include:
- Indirect inhalation: You can add the oil to room diffusers or apply a few drops on a tissue, pillowcase, or piece of clothing. Other options include aromatherapy candles, room fresheners, or wearing an aromatherapy bracelet or pendant.
- Direct inhalation: There is anecdotal use of individual vaporizer masks to inhale essential oils directly. Other options include a nasal stick or breathing the oil from the steam from a water bowl.
- Absorption through the skin: Dilute essential oils for massage, in bath salts, lotions, water therapies, soaps, shampoos, and detergents.
For massage, dilute 12–18 drops in 1 ounce of massage oil or lotion, according to the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), an aromatherapy advocacy group.
Risks of aromatherapy
The use of essential oils
- poisoning
- chemical burns
- a lung infection, known as chemical pneumonitis
- problems during pregnancy
Infectious diseases and aromatherapy
Although not common, essential oils and related products can become contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms. In 2021, a small number of people became ill after using a commercial aromatherapy spray that had bacteria, according to the
Precautions with aromatherapy
When using essential oils, be sure to read the labels and use this guidance:
- Use pure essential oil: Buy essential oils that state they are a “pure essential oil.” They are often sold in dark amber bottles. Pure essential oils are more expensive than diluted oils, have a more intense smell, and disappear rapidly when placed on paper. Avoid essential oil products that state on the label they are “perfumed” or “fragranced.”
- Dilute oils when necessary: If oils are not diluted, they can irritate and damage your skin. Do not apply diluted essential oils to broken or irritated skin. Dilute 12–18 drops in 1 ounce of massage oil or lotion for adults with no health issues. Use about 6 drops in 1 ounce for:
- children 6 years and older
- pregnant people
- older adults
- skin care
- Use safely: Take into consideration the best way to use the essential oil. For instance, if you are in a small room, you may need less oil. In general, you should not eat or drink any essential oils. How you use them will depend on the oil you are using and what you are using it for.
- Consider age: If using essential oils on a child, use a smaller amount and dilute the oil more than you would for an adult. Some oils are not suitable for infants and children.
- Store safely: Keep essential oils out of sight and reach of children. Store oils in their original bottle.
Always read the instructions before using an essential oil. If pregnant or breastfeeding or chestfeeding, seek advice from a qualified health professional before using.
Frequently asked questions
Kerry Boyle, D.AC. reviewed the following questions.
What is the difference between aromatherapy and essential oils?
Essential oils are made from plants. The oils have health and wellness benefits. Aromatherapy uses essential oils through either massage or inhalation to manage or prevent various symptoms. Some people use it for spiritual reasons and for general well-being.
Who should you see for aromatherapy?
If you would like aromatherapy guidance, consider contacting a professional aromatherapy organization, such as the AIA.
No formal qualification is necessary to practice aromatherapy. For this reason, choose a licensed healthcare professional who has voluntarily pursued certification in aromatherapy or a related discipline. They should have documented education, training, and experience. You could also ask your doctor for guidance in selecting an aromatherapist.
Summary
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to manage or prevent various symptoms and conditions, such as anxiety, and to enhance well-being. The main way people use essential oils in aromatherapy is by indirect inhalation. Evidence shows that aromatherapy can help relieve some types of pain. Aromatherapy also has positive effects on sleep and stress.
Essential oils and aromatherapy involve some risks. Use pure essential oils and keep them in the original container until ready to use. Follow the instructions before using, and seek medical advice when necessary.
