Aromatherapy, a practice involving the therapeutic use of aromatic oils, is one of the most popular forms of complementary alternative medicine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, aromatherapy has been used for nearly 7,000 years for spiritual, cosmetic, ritualistic and medicinal purposes. Today, health care providers and holistic practitioners use aromatherapy to relieve pain, promote a positive mood and facilitate relaxation. People suffering from anxiety may find aromatherapy to be a safe, beneficial complementary treatment option.
Effects
Essential oils used in aromatherapy appear to be very effective for relieving anxiety. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that, upon smelling an aromatic essential oil, the nose sends a message to the parts of the brain associated with memory and emotion. Lavender, for example, has an effect on brain cells similar to sedative drugs: It appears to promote sleep and relaxation. Additionally, aromatherapy may be used as a component of another complementary treatment for anxiety, such as massage or meditation. In these cases, the aromatic oils act in synergy with the other treatment options.
Oils Used
Several oils are used in aromatherapy to treat anxiety. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy reports that ylang-ylang can relieve muscle tension and restlessness associated with anxiety. Both species of lavender promote relaxation and relieve symptoms of depression. The popular medicinal herb clary-sage has powerful pain-relieving properties and may ease headaches and muscle pain from anxiety; additionally, it promotes sleep and relaxation. Roman and German chamomile both produce essential oils with sedative effects. These are among the most popular choices for people who turn to aromatherapy for anxiety relief.
Evidence
A few peer-reviewed studies have investigated aromatherapy's efficacy as a treatment for anxiety. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that a combination of rose, lavender and frankincense has been found to be highly effective for reducing fear and anxiety during childbirth. Good scientific evidence supports the use of essential oils and massage therapy to reduce depression symptoms. Topical chamomile and peppermint have been found to reduce pain levels. This is an important finding for people who experience headaches, muscle aches or stomach pain caused by anxiety.
Considerations
No single technique--alternative or conventional--can work as an anxiety treatment for all patients. While most people with anxiety benefit from the use of aromatherapy, it may not provide sufficient relief for everyone. Antialternative medicine writer Stephen Barrett suggests that aromatherapy is an unproved and underregulated form of medicine. People experiencing severe, prolonged episodes of anxiety should consult a health care provider for treatment advice if self-help measures such as aromatherapy fail to alleviate symptoms.
Warning
While aromatherapy is generally classified as a safe practice, it may be associated with some risks. Women who are pregnant should use aromatherapy only under the guidance of an obstetrician or midwife; certain essential oils like clary-sage and pennyroyal may cause miscarriage or preterm birth. Additionally, anyone with estrogen-dependent cancers like breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer should avoid fennel, aniseed, sage and clary-sage. These herbs contain estrogenlike compounds that could theoretically contribute to tumor growth.
