Aromatherapy is the use of concentrated, fragrant essential oils extracted from plants and flowers to treat various medical conditions. It is an ancient tradition that has been used successfully for centuries by various cultures. According to the University of California at San Diego, aromatherapists use as many as 40 different essential oils to treat the physical and mental ailments of a patient. Aromatherapy can help to relieve pain, reduce anxiousness and help to relax patients.
Maternity
Some pregnant women undergoing labor and delivery can become very anxious and even fearful of the pending event. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, using scents such as rose, lavender and frankincense can be beneficial in relaxing anxious expectant mothers during labor and delivery. This type of aromatherapy gives the laboring women a sense of well-being and also helps to relieve the pain they are experiencing. In addition, women in the throes of labor can also be come very nauseated and even vomit. To prevent this, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests using the peppermint aroma to help relieve nausea and vomiting.
Cancer Patients
According to the University of California at San Diego, cancer patients can be helped through aromatherapy by relieving stress. This reduced level of stress can help to boost the immune system function and help the cancer patient to resist and fight off disease. In addition, aromatherapy can help to improve depression and elevate mood in cancer patients. Cancer patients also frequently have problems with nausea and vomiting, especially when undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. To help to relieve this, some cancer patients are treated with peppermint oil in aromatherapy to help relieve these problems. Some cancer patients experience problems with appetite and digestion. The University of California at San Diego recommends using rose oil to improve appetite and digestive problems.
Dementia
Dementia patients can often become socially withdrawn and less involved in activities. According to research conducted by Clive G. Ballard, MRC Psych, MD, John T. O'Brien MRCPsych, DM, Katharina Reichelt, MSc and Elaine K. Perry, PhD, it was found that aromatherapy increased the percentage of time that a dementia patient engaged in constructive social activities. In addition, the study found that agitation in dementia patients was reduced by 35 percent. Significant improvements were found in the domain of nonaggressive agitation and verbal nonaggressive behavior. Therefore, aromatherapy may be very helpful in treating patients who have dementia and also exhibit aggression or act out verbally toward family members and caregivers.
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