How Are Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Used?

Clinical aromatherapy is the regulated use of essential oils for medicinal purposes. It is far more than just smelling nice or creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Various plant components, such as flowers, barks, leaves, or fruits, are boiled to collect the essence and medicinal benefits of the plant. A wide range of evidence-based essential oils are used in a healthcare setting for adjuvant and effective treatments of

• Infections and health
• Insomnia and rest
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain and inflammation
• Stress, anxiety, and well-being

Clinical aromatherapy is used in various medical settings and departments, such as

• Older people and intensive care
• Dermatology (viruses, fungi, and acne)
• Mental health
• Oncology
• Pediatrics
• Respiratory care
• Women’s health
• Palliative, hospice, and end-of-life care

Their several advantages go beyond animal studies and are used in modern medicine to treat various ailments.

Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from plant parts, such as leaves, berries, seeds, bark, resin, wood, fruits, and flowers. They have unique healing properties and aromas. They are volatile and easily evaporate at room temperature. Their particles are small enough to pass through cell membranes.

Each essential oil has a different chemical composition, which impacts how the oil smells, it gets absorbed and it may affect the body. According to proponents, certain oils can be used to boost mood, increase relaxation and even treat pain. Essential oils have been used for medicinal (cosmetics and fragrances), spiritual, hygiene, and ceremonial purposes worldwide.

Aromatherapy, an alternative therapeutic option for health care, incorporates essential oils as healing agents that act on the body via three distinct pathways. Though these pathways are sometimes independent processes, each pathway interacts with the other and provides therapeutic benefits to the body.

The three pathways for aromatherapy

1. The cutaneous pathway
   • Massage on the skin is the best approach to applying essential oils. Essential oils enter the lymphatic and blood circulation systems after passing through the dermal cells and intercellular gaps. They circulate throughout the body via the blood. 
   • Because these compounds are soluble in lipids, they may pass the blood-brain barrier, immediately influencing the brain.
   • Though the blood circulation system absorbs most essential oil molecules, others are taken by sebum and hair shafts, from which they reach the skin's local microcirculation.
   • Following epidermal application, the essential oil molecules get into circulation and then, throughout the body in their natural condition. Finally, these molecules enter the venous circulation and are eliminated via the urine.
2. The respiratory pathway
   • Small molecules of essential oils transport to the bronchial tubes with air when inhaled. They stimulate bronchial secretion, which has a moistening effect locally.
   • The moist environment promotes better oxygen absorption and is beneficial for lung, throat, or nose infections. When essential oil molecules enter the bronchial tubes, they penetrate the mucus membranes and affect the local tissues based on their therapeutic properties.
   • When essential oil molecules reach the lungs, they facilitate gaseous and nutritional exchange between the blood and lung cells, as well as waste elimination from the lungs. These molecules are absorbed into the blood and circulated throughout the body.
   • Finally, the molecules return to the excretory organs via venous circulation, where they are eliminated via urine, sweat, and breath.
3. The olfactory pathway
   • When you inhale essential oils, the small molecules pass through the nasal mucus membrane and stimulate nerve receptors. This triggers an electrochemical impulse for the olfactory bulbs at the top of the nostrils.
   • The olfactory cells in the nostrils could be extensions of the first cranial nerves, which transport odorant sensations through the olfactory tract and branch to various regions in the brain. The olfactory system stimulates the limbic system's amygdala and hypothalamus.
   • Essential oils stimulate the release of endorphins from the limbic system and peptide-cell receptor network, resulting in a sense of pleasure or well-being.

Cancer therapy is a rough experience for most people. Aromatherapy (a supplementary therapy) might make it easier to manage the effects of cancer.

Cancer is serious, and cancer medications always have side effects due to higher dosages and toxicity. Essential oils can combat cancer therapy's adverse effects. Clinical or adjuvant aromatherapy refers to the inclusion of essential oils in the cancer treatment phase.

Known advantages of using essential oils during cancer treatment

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Reduces your chances of getting headaches and migraines
• Prevents insomnia and other sleeping issues
• Reduces cancer-related inflammation in the body
• May exhibit antibiotic and antimicrobial properties

Common essential oils used as part of cancer treatment to manage side effects

• Rose: Alleviates anxiety and improves mood.
• Peppermint: Helps with dizziness and digestive problems.
• Chamomile: Provides relaxation.
• Sandalwood: Helps with nervous system disorders and focus.
• Tea tree: Boosts immunity and fights infections.
• Bergamot: Provides relief from skin reactions and reduces stress.
• Jasmine: Helps with depression and mood swings.
• Lavender: Relieves stress.
• Lemon: Helps with digestive problems and reduces headaches.

Aromatherapy is safe to use in people with cancer for short-term benefits. It primarily focuses on other health-related conditions, such as stress, depression, and anxiety, to improve their quality of life. Using them in conjunction with standard cancer treatment could be safe and effective. However, it is necessary to discuss their benefits and drawbacks with a medical professional to avoid future complications.

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries and is one of the most effective and safe methods of alternative treatment.

When shopping for essential oils, opt for pure and natural products for better health advantages. 

• Improve mood and set a positive atmosphere
  • Scents are potent stimuli that penetrate the brain directly, eliciting deep emotional reactions.
  • When you inhale essential oils, your brain signals various feelings, which might leave you energized, cheerful and hopeful.
  • To create a good ambiance in your house, add these oils to a hot bath or use an oil diffuser.
• Relaxation and sleep
  • Aromatherapy can effectively treat psychological illnesses, such as stress, sadness, and anxiety. You may greatly reduce bad emotional states by using essential oils to create positive brain messages.
  • Apply topically to emotional trigger spots throughout the body, including the neck, elbows, behind the ears, and the backs of the knees.
• Pain and inflammation relief
  • Certain essential oils have potent anti-inflammatory effects that can alleviate irritation and inflammation when applied to the skin.
  • Because the skin absorbs oils, aromatherapy can relieve discomfort. The topical use of essential oils for pain relief is safe and effective.
• Prevent certain illnesses and boost the immune system
  • Many essential oils have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics that can help prevent the onset of certain ailments.
• Heal skin irritations
  • When applied directly to the skin, essential oils quickly penetrate deeper levels of skin tissue and promote healing.

Although most essential oils are extracted from plant extracts and are deemed safe to use, some people may have adverse responses to these natural substances. Potential side effects may include

• People with sensitive skin: Although essential oils are generally excellent for skin and hair, they can sometimes cause allergic responses in certain people. They might cause inflammation, edema, and redness on the skin. Perform a patch test before using any essential oil.
• Pregnant people: Aromatherapy is not recommended because it can be harmful to a growing fetus during the first trimester. Breastfeeding individuals should consult with their doctor before opting for aromatherapy.
• Hormonal imbalance: Although aromatherapy is extremely beneficial, some essential oils could cause hormone imbalances. Many essential oils act like estrogens and inhibit the effects of androgens. Before using aromatherapy, you should consult with your doctor to check if you have underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, thyroid disorders, and sexual problems.

You may find expensive and inexpensive high-quality, pure oils. Make sure the oils are pure to get optimal benefits and avoid side effects.

• There is currently no evidence-based study revealing aromatherapy or using essential oils can heal any ailments.
• Though several small-scale studies revealed potential advantages, most of these studies have not yet been extended to clinical trials.
• More research is required before physicians can recommend essential oils.
• Although essential oils do not require FDA clearance in the United States, a few reported negative effects have been reported.