Aromatherapy is an ancient holistic art form that uses essential oils to improve mood, alleviate certain mental and physical health problems and promote overall well being. In recent years, aromatherapy detoxes have become a popular home remedy for cleansing and removing toxins from the body. According to naturopath Linda Page in her book, "Healthy Healings Detoxification: Programs to Cleanse, Purify and Renew," aromatherapy can be used in a bath or massage to support your detox program.
Reasons to Detox
According to author Page, there are various reasons people choose to detox. Whether you've eaten too much of the wrong types of food, you feel lethargic, tired or lackluster, want to remove toxins from your body or want to assist your efforts at weight loss, Page points out that detox may provide you with these and many more benefits. However, there is no scientific support for the safety or efficacy of the use of aromatherapy for these purposes, so proceed with caution.
Types of Detox
There are various ways you can incorporate aromatherapy into your detox program. According to author Debra Gilbert in her book, "Release, Relax, Revival: A Holistic Approach to Body Detoxification," detox baths combining Epsom salts and aromatherapy oils cause you to perspire, helping to eliminate toxins from the body. According to author Page, you can also blend a carrier oil such as grapeseed oil with lemon, fennel and rosemary essential oils and rub this mixture into your skin or ask your partner or a massage therapist to massage it into your body to support detoxification However, there is no scientific support for the safety or efficacy of the use of aromatherapy for these purposes, so proceed with caution.
Benefits of Detox
In her book, Page points out numerous benefits of detox, including clearing excess mucous and phlegm from your body, cleansing the digestive tract and eliminating excess build-up of waste products, purifying of the liver, kidneys and blood, enhanced mental clarity, and elimination or reduction of dependence on caffeine, alcohol and other drugs. Again, there is no scientific support for the safety or efficacy of the use of aromatherapy for these purposes, so consult your physician before using such a treatment.
Considerations
Although aromatherapy is an ancient art form that has been used by traditional and herbal medicine practitioners for thousands of years, there is little current scientific evidence to support the claims that aromatherapy detox actually works. Although the scientific community has shown growing interest in aromatherapy and detox procedures in recent years, none of these remedies are backed up by research. There is also no evidence that detoxes are required by the body for the promotion of health.
Warning
Use aromatherapy detox procedures with caution. Always dilute essential oils in water or a carrier oil such as grapeseed or olive oil before topical application. Consult your doctor before using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition or allergies.
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