Aromatherapy treats certain conditions by employing essential oils from plants, which are typically either inhaled or applied topically to the skin with massage. Aromatherapy has gained popularity as an alternative medical treatment, but reliable studies have been scarce. The main problem with scientifically studying aromatherapy's effects is that participants would know when they're given a "placebo" essential oil versus the actual aromatherapy oil due to the lack of scent, explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Therefore, reliable double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on aromatherapy oil's benefits have been difficult to perform.
Induces Relaxation
Aromatherapy oils can help you to relax and relieve mild anxiety. Inhaling certain essential oils used in aromatherapy, such as lavender, can help you to relax and reduce fear or anxiousness, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Aromatherapy oils have been used to induce relaxation by inhaling them, applying them topically with massage or employing a combination of the topical and inhalation therapies, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Relieves Pain
Aromatherapy oils may help to reduce your pain. Employing aromatherapy treatments can decrease the amount of pain-relieving medication needed in people with rheumatoid arthritis, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Applying topical aromatherapy chamomile oil may relieve pain associated with cancer. Applying peppermint oil topically to the forehead may also relieve pain from headaches. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center cites a double-blind study of 57 people with acute tension headaches. A portion of the study participants applied Tiger Balm ointment, which contains clove oil, menthol, cajaput and camphor, to their foreheads, while other study participants applied a placebo ointment with a similar scent and another group took acetaminophen. The study revealed that the participants who applied the Tiger Balm ointment experienced greater relief of their headache pain than the placebo group and saw equal pain relief with faster effects than the acetaminophen group. Another study cited by the University of Pittsburgh found that massaging the abdomen with lavender, rose and clary sage essential oils helped to relieve menstrual pain.
Stimulates Positive Mood
If you have depression or mood problems, aromatherapy oils may help. Aromatherapy oils used via inhalation combined with massage using essential oils may help to treat depression, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. For example, one study found that massage performed with aromatherapy oils helped to relieve anxiety and depression symptoms in people who were receiving cancer treatments, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Some essential oils may work more effectively than others in elevating mood, however. For instance, a study of aromatherapy with geranium oil revealed decreased anxiety levels, while studies using rosemary, vetivert and bergamot essential oils found no benefit in treating depression or stimulating a positive mood.
Treats Fungal Skin Infections
If you have fungal skin infections like athlete's foot and vaginal infections, topical applications of aromatherapy oils may help. Test tube studies have revealed that hundreds of different essential oils have antimicrobial effects in fighting bacteria, fungi and even viruses, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Tea tree oil in particular may be effective in treating fungal infections when applied to the skin, not taken orally. In addition to tea tree oil, an open study found that bitter orange oil may help to kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
Helps Treat Alopecia
Topical applications of certain aromatherapy essential oils may help to treat alopecia areata, a condition that affects both men and women involving temporary hair loss in small, round patches. One seven-month-long double-blind study investigated the topical use of cedarwood, lavender, rosemary and thyme essential oils in treating alopecia areata, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A portion of the 84 study participants massaged either the essential oils or a placebo oil into their scalps every night. At the end of the trial, 44 percent of the people with alopecia areata who used the essential oils on their scalp saw new hair growth, while just 15 percent of the placebo group experienced any hair growth.
Relieves Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms
Aromatherapy oils may help to treat the agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Several clinical trials have been performed on the use of aromatherapy oils, particularly lavender and lemon balm, for treating dementia-related agitation in elderly individuals, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. One small study released lavender oil or a water placebo into the air in a hospital ward filled with patients with dementia. The patients who inhaled the lavender oil experienced decreased agitation. Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients with severe dementia found that applying a lemon balm essential oil-based lotion to the skin decreased agitated behavior.
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