Essential oils have documented health effects
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils. But the name tells only a partial story. These oils are useful for more than fragrance alone. They can be put in a diffuser, on the skin, used for bodywork techniques, and in some rare instances, taken internally.
Essential oils have many medicinal uses, according to the book "Alternative Medicine": as anitvirals, antibacterials, diuretics, vasoconstricters, vasodilators, antispasmodics and more. Aromatherapists treat health conditions from skin problems to respiratory illnesses with oils.
Physical Health Effects
Essential oils can prevent and treat infectious diseases. In France, oils are used to treat spreadable diseases, according to "Alternative Medicine." They are considered antimicrobial without the harsh side effects of antibiotics. The book reports that a study was conducted in 1973 using oils (clove, cinnamon, melissa, and lavender) for bronchial infections. They did as well as prescribed antibiotics.
Oils are also used to treat cold sores (herpes simplex) and its associated infection, and shingles because of their antiviral properties. Lemon, geranium and eucalyptus can be diluted and applied directly to a cold sore to treat it. For shingles, the pain and skin rash may dramatically decrease within a week.
Although some essential oils calm, others stimulate. For the treatment of arthritis, clove and thyme are used to stimulate the adrenals, decreasing swelling throughout the body. Some stimulating oils can be used to revive the skin, build cells, and improve the skin's metabolic processes.
Lavender oil helps with burns. For a list of which oils help which conditions, consult the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.
Psychological Benefits
During massage, oils purportedly calm the body and mind. Inhaling them can be relaxing, calm the nervous system and aid with grief and heartbreak, according to Aromaweb. Orange is a recommended essential oil for calming. You should experiment with different oils to find what works for you. Different scents appeal to different people.
Reducing anxiety is another use. Mandarin is a particular oil for this purpose. Roman chamomile is used during stressful times (psychological or physical). Spikenard is an oil used to benefit the psyche. Dr. John Steele and Robert Tisserand, aromatherapy researchers, studied the effect that essential oils had on brain wave patterns. They found that some, like rose, were tranquilizing and others stimulated brain activity.
Safety
Like anything else used for health benefits, essential oils should be handled with care and used correctly. They are flammable, so keep them away from heat sources. Generally, essential oils are for external use only. Consult with a qualified professional before ever taking one internally.
As a general rule, essential oils should never be applied to the skin without being diluted first, according to Aromaweb. You may be allergic or sensitive to certain oils, so testing a particular oil on a small area first (always diluted) is best. Some oils, like camphor and bitter almond, are best used by trained aromatherapy professionals.
Using essential oils in conjunction with more conventional medicine is suggested for chronic diseases.
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