Aromatherapy is often used as a treatment for stress. Shirley and Len Price, in "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals," write that when aromatherapy was first introduced in the 1960s, the main function was to relieve stress. Today, many aromatherapy scents are used to treat stress, including lavender, geranium and ylang ylang. These scents contain a high percentage of a chemical component which is thought to contribute toward the effectiveness of aromatherapy scents for the treatment of stress.
Application
According to the Prices, one of the quickest ways in which aromatherapy scents access the body for the treatment of stress is through inhalation. The nose has a direct link to the brain and is able to process the information received more quickly than any other method of application, such as absorption though the skin.
However, the topical application of aromatherapy scents through massage is another way of applying aromatherapy scents for stress. The Prices write that, although some scientists still dispute the effectiveness of this method, a 1992 study confirms the absorption of aromatherapy oils through the skin.
Linalool for Stress
Aromatherapy scents suitable for use in the treatment of stress often contain a high percentage of the chemical component alcohol, in particular, linalool. Shirley Price, in "Aromatherapy Workbook," writes that aromatherapy oils that contain alcohols have a calming effect. In addition, oils that contain ketone and ester components are also calming. An abstract of a study published on the PubMed.gov concludes that oils with a high linalool content can reduce anxiety and aid in relaxation.
Scents for Stress
Shirley Price recommends the use of aromatherapy scents such as lavender, Roman chamomile, geranium, ylang ylang, sweet marjoram and neroli to treat stress. Stress can manifest in physical problems as well as physiological problems, if left untreated. Nicola Jenkins, in "Aromatherapy: An Introductory Guide to the Healing Power of Scent," writes that stress can be treated with aromatherapy scents through the treatment of the symptoms or the cause; for example, treat a cause of stress such as irritable bowel syndrome with peppermint oil but treat a symptom such as anxiety with lavender oil.
How to Use
Shirley Price advises using aromatherapy scents for stress by adding a few drops of an appropriate scent on a tissue, in an aromatherapy diffuser, in a spray bottle with water or to a bath. Combine several aromatherapy scents for a synergistic and more effective result. Alternatively, combine aromatherapy scents with a carrier oil or lotion to use in massage.
Cautions
Always dilute aromatherapy scents with a carrier oil or lotion for topical application. Use just a few drops in a diffuser or on a tissue. Check individual scent profiles and cautions before using essential oils for aromatherapy, as some aromatherapy scents may be more toxic, sensitizing or active than other scents. Some individuals may react differently to others in certain situations. Used correctly and safely, aromatherapy scents can help alleviate some of the symptoms of stress.
References
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals,"; Shirley Price, Len Price; 2002
- "Aromatherapy Workbook"; Shirley Price; 2000
- "Aromatherapy: An Introductory Guide to the Healing Power of Scent,"; Nicola Jenkins; 2005
- PubMed.gov: Study on the Effects of Inhaled Linalool in Mice
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