Aromatherapy: Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oils

Note: Essential oils and aromatherapy are alternative medical practices that may be ineffective. These practices may require further research to be considered evidence-based. For this reason, consult your medical provider before using any alternative medicine. In addition, know that essential oils are not a replacement for professional mental healthcare from a therapist or psychiatrist. 

Essential oils may also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can aid in treating or preventing illnesses. Understanding the comprehensive effects of essential oils may help you make an informed decision about the type of care you'd like to receive in coping with a mental health condition or challenging symptoms. 

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatic oils have been used by humans for thousands of years. The name aromatherapy combines the word aroma, which means fragrance or smell, with the word therapy. Thus, aromatherapy is fragrance therapy. However, the benefits of aromatherapy may go beyond pleasant smells. The effects can also be physiological, as the active compounds in plants are extracted into oils and absorbed through the respiratory system or skin. 

Essential oils, sometimes called volatile oils, are extracted from plants and can have various benefits. These oils can be sourced from the flowers, bark, roots, fruits, and other parts of a plant. Popular oils include lemon, lavender, tea tree, coconut, and peppermint oil. After extraction, the oils can be added to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil for topical application or concentrated for safe inhalation. 

One systematic review of the benefits of aromatherapy concluded that aromatherapy could be a non-invasive and natural way to improve mental health. Specifically, aromatherapy may be an effective alternative therapy or complementary therapy for managing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression alongside traditional therapy. Researchers have also found that aromatherapy could benefit clients experiencing physical medical conditions. However, consult your doctor before trying these treatments, as this method may not treat certain conditions.  

Who can benefit from aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy may be beneficial for managing the symptoms of the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Insomnia
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Joint pain
• Injury 

This form of treatment can be an effective stress management tool to improve mental health and prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression. Stress relief from aromatherapy may also rejuvenate the body and aid in recovery from physical injuries or illness. 

A 2022 study on the benefits of aromatherapy for middle-aged and elderly patients found that aromatherapy was a natural preventative therapy that could aid in cognitive function and help clients with pain management. The benefits of aromatherapy for relieving stress and keeping blood pressure low may help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives. 

How does aromatherapy work?

Aromatherapy can be administered independently at home or by an aromatherapist, massage therapist, or medical professional. Methods of use may include inhaling, smelling, bathing in, or topically applying body oils. Aromatherapy alone is often not enough to treat mental health conditions, but when combined with other therapeutic interventions, it can be an effective complementary treatment. 

When essential oils are inhaled or applied topically, the natural compounds found in plants can incite the brain to produce chemicals like serotonin and endorphins that may cause you to relax and feel optimistic. Essential oils can have stimulating, calming, or euphoric effects. In addition, aromatherapy for relaxation can cause the nervous system to relax, reducing the effects of stress on the body and mind. 

Types of aromatherapies may include the following:

• Cosmetic Aromatherapy: Essential oils can be used for cleansing or moisturizing the skin, body, face, and hair. 
• Massage Aromatherapy: Essential oils applied to the skin can enhance the benefits of massage therapy.
• Medical Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can be a complementary treatment in medical settings. 
• Olfactory Aromatherapy: Scents may tap into memories during talk therapy or provide relaxation.
• Psycho-aromatherapy: Psycho-aromatherapy focuses on the psychological effects of essential oils and fragrances.

What are the therapeutic benefits of essential oils?

Essential oils sometimes have therapeutic benefits. One study published in the National Library of Medicine found that essential oils could treat certain types of cancer by preventing inflammation in the body. Below are a few other examples of ways essential oils may offer treatment:

• Boosting the immune system
• Managing stress
• Easing muscle tension 
• Calming agitation 
• Treating anxiety attacks 
• Alleviating fatigue 
• Aiding with sleep
• Improving cognitive function
• Managing chronic pain
• Reducing inflammation

What are the most popular essential oils? 

There are several essential oils you can choose from. Selecting the right essential oil may help you enjoy the maximum therapeutic effects. For example, certain essential oils may be calming, while others can be invigorating. Below are a few examples to try. 

Lemon oil 

Lemon oil is used for its brightening effects on dull skin as well as its stimulating odor. It has astringent and cleansing properties that may boost the immune system. Potential benefits include mood improvement and nausea prevention. 

Sage 

Sage is an antimicrobial plant that can ease tension and muscle cramps, improve skin dryness, and balance cortisol levels.

Eucalyptus 

Eucalyptus may have positive effects on the nervous and respiratory systems. It can be used to treat headaches and neuralgia. It is also known to boost the immune system against disease, ease muscle pains, treat skin conditions, and reduce symptoms of respiratory illnesses. 

Lavender 

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils because of its relaxing properties. Lavender oil is often used during massage therapy and can effectively treat insomnia. Its smell may be relaxing, and the oil itself has antibacterial properties and benefits for wound treatment. 

Peppermint oil 

Peppermint oil is another popular essential oil. The menthol found in mint plants can have a cooling effect on the skin and reduce nausea. One of the most well-known benefits of peppermint oil is its ability to aid digestion and calm stomach pain. 

Chamomile 

Chamomile is a fragrant white and yellow flower that can have calming effects. It is often used for sleep and relaxation. Chamomile essential oils can have therapeutic benefits for insomnia, muscle tension, and chronic pain. In addition, you can drink chamomile tea for further support in calming or getting sleepy.  

Rosemary oil 

Rosemary oil has a multitude of therapeutic benefits for the skin, hair, liver, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. Rosemary may help regulate blood pressure and improve cognitive function for some individuals with dementia. 

Tea tree 

Tea tree essential oil is often used cosmetically because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties that can be used to treat dandruff, oily skin, insect bites, and cold sores. Tea tree oil can quickly relieve some skin conditions and benefit the respiratory system. 

How to use essential oils safely

Applying essential oils safely can be crucial to ensure a positive experience with this treatment. Allergies, for instance, are a top concern when using essential oils. Avoid any oils containing known allergens. If you are unsure whether you are allergic to an essential oil, a spot test is recommended. You can apply a small amount of the essential oil to your hand and wait an hour to see if you notice any adverse effects, such as redness, swelling, or itching. 

Sourcing high-quality essential oils may also be valuable. Some companies sell fake essential oils that contain artificial fragrances. These lack the benefits of natural essential oils and could have adverse health effects, such as disruptions to the endocrine system. Real essential oils are 100% natural and have minimal risks when used correctly. However, consult a doctor before using any alternative medical treatments like aromatherapy. 

Alternative treatment options 

You can use essential oils at home, at an aromatherapy office, at a massage therapist's office, or at a spa. When using essential oils at home, working with an experienced talk therapist for additional support can also be beneficial. Aromatherapy alone may not be enough to treat depression or anxiety, but when combined with the support of an experienced therapist, it can be a beneficial treatment tool. 

Some clients face obstacles like transportation or cost that could prevent them from seeking therapeutic treatments. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may help clients overcome these treatment barriers by allowing clients to speak to a mental health professional by phone, tablet, or computer. In addition, platforms can allow clients to choose between phone, video, or chat sessions, giving them control over how they receive support. 

The benefits of online talk therapy vs. in-person sessions have been researched since the first cyber-therapy sessions in the 1990s. The current evidence shows that internet-based therapy can be as beneficial as traditional therapy and could be more accessible for many clients. According to a study by the National Center For Health Research, there is no difference between online therapy vs. in-person therapy regarding client satisfaction when treating symptoms of anxiety and depression.