Flower aromatherapy is the practice of using flowers and their scents to help treat medical conditions. This popular form of alternative medicine offers new treatment options for a variety of complaints. You can find flower aromatherapy products online or at your health store. As with any type of medical treatment, you should be sure to purchase products from a reputable source.
History
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, aromatherapy has been practiced around the world for nearly 6,000 years. René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term "aromatherapy." His 1937 book, "Gattefosse's Aromatherapy: The First Book on Aromatherapy," translated in 2004 by Robert Tisserand, discussed the uses of flower aromatherapy for treating wounds during World War I. Today, flowers are still used for therapeutic purposes, often in the form of essential oils. Essential oils are high concentrations of flower extracts used for a variety of purposes. Using essential oils ensures that you will receive the maximum benefits of flower aromatherapy.
Guidelines
You should approach flower aromatherapy conservatively, especially if you have allergies. Often, you will find products available for which you have had no exposure. You may find flower aromatherapy products in the form of essential oils or as additives in a carrier oil such as almond oil. The advantage of using the latter is cost. Some products such as rose or jasmine can be quite expensive. Also, in high concentrations, some extracts of flowers can cause skin irritations.
Benefits
Besides just smelling nice, flower aromatherapy offers several health benefits for you. Pleasant-scented flowers can help relieve stress and reduce anxiety. Others can help treat conditions such as headaches and infections, and some can even relieve muscle aches, according to Whole Health MD. According to a 2005 study published in the journal "Evolutionary Psychology" and reproduced on the website About Flowers, the scent of flowers improves mood and memory.
Examples
Lavender is one of the most popular flowers used for aromatherapy. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it can help relieve insomnia and aid in hair regrowth in patients suffering from alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease which causes excessive hair loss. Its relaxing properties can also provide relief for stress-induced heartburn, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Medical Treatment
Flower aromatherapy also has applications in the medical field. A 2009 study published in the journal "Nature Reviews Neurology" found that flower aromatherapy helped manage agitation and aggression associated with Alzheimer's disease. Another 2007 study in the journal "BJOG" found that aromatherapy can also be used to relieve anxiety during childbirth.
References
- Management of Agitation and Aggression Associated with Alzheimer Disease; "Nature Reviews Neurology"; C. Ballard et al; May 2009
- "Gattefosse's Aromatherapy: The First Book on Aromatherapy"; R. Tisserand, ed.; 2004
- Aromatherapy in Childbirth: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial; "BJOG"; E Burns et al; July 2007
- About Flowers: Evolutionary Psychology: An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lavender
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