The tradition of using plant essential oils for health benefits is part of phytotherapy, also known as herbal medicine. With roots in traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy has been extensively used in Europe, most recently as an adjunct to medical care to treat symptoms associated with disease, though limited research confirms effectiveness or mechanism of action. While aromatherapy will not cure addiction, research supports its use as a complementary therapy for helping with withdrawal symptoms.
Essential Oils
Essential oils extracted from wild or cultivated plants contain a mixture of chemicals. Each unique fragrance comes from the combination of chemicals. According to Contemporary Nurse, aromatherapy may directly provide a psychological, physiological or pharmacological effect or work indirectly to stimulate or strengthen the cascade of nervous system responses.
Nervous System Effects
Limited research on the mechanism of action of essential oils indicates the need for randomized, double-blinded studies to determine appropriate choice of essential oils for specific treatment including addiction. A study published in "Phytomedicine" reports that linalool, an essential oil found in lavender, lemon balm and rosemary, provides a sedative action by blocking receptors in the brain to inhibit stimulatory neurotransmitter release. In a review of research published in "Contemporary Nurse" in 2008, the inhalation of essential oils acts on the central nervous system by increasing or decreasing sympathetic nervous system activity and arousal of the autonomic nervous system.
Addiction Recovery
According to Counseling and Values, successful recovery from addiction requires motivation to recover, treatment of underlying cause of issues related to addiction and an ongoing support system. The National Institute on Drug Abuse points to treatment options utilizing pharmacological interventions to prevent withdrawal, block the effects of the addictive substance and decrease craving. Their recommendation indicates even pharmaceutical treatments work best when used along with counseling for behavior modification and the development of coping skills.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms vary and may include anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability and restlessness. In a survey reported in Counseling and Values, 47 percent of participants used a complementary or alternative medicine to deal with the symptoms of withdrawal. According to a study published in "Nature Reviews Neurology," lavender oil and lemon balm used in a base cream and applied to hands and arms twice per day of patients with dementia helped reduce symptoms associated with agitation including restlessness, fidgeting, pacing and anxiety.
Using Aromatherapy
Essential oils may be applied topically to the skin in lotions or creams or used on cloth, cotton balls or warming devices for inhalation. Essential oils absorb quickly through the skin and enter the blood stream and must be diluted prior to use. When inhaled, the essential oils move through the olfactory bulb and into the limbic system of the brain related to endocrine and autonomic nervous system function. Aromatherapy massage incorporates the use of essential oils with massage to promote relaxation.
Safety and Side-effects
Caution must be exercised when storing and using essential oils; many are poisonous and should not to be taken by mouth. Essential oils may cause irritation to the skin and should be diluted as recommended. Discuss the use of essential oils with your physician or pharmacist to help prevent interaction with medications. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate essential oils to ensure purity, safety or effectiveness.
References
- Contemporary Nurse: Aromatherapy in nursing and mental health care; Gillian van der Watt and Aleksandar Janca; August 2008
- Phytomedicine: Inhaled linalool-induced sedation in mice; V Linck et al; 2008
- Counseling and Values: The Role of Meditation in Addiction Recovery; JM Pruett et al; October 2007
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research Based Guide
- Nature Reviews Neurology: Management of Agitation and Aggression Associated with Alzheimer's Disease; CG Ballard et al; May 2009
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