If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from anxiety, you're always on the lookout for new ways to ease your symptoms. Aromatherapy is one form of alternative medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. While there is no scientific evidence that aromatherapy can cure anxiety, some people find that it helps to reduce their symptoms.
But does it really work? Or is it essentially a placebo?
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. The oils are typically inhaled or applied to the skin, and they are thought to work by stimulating the senses and promoting relaxation. Some aromatherapy products are also said to have healing properties, and they are often used to treat conditions such as headaches, stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
What Is the Evidence that Aromatherapy Works?
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, and recent research has shown that it may indeed be effective. One study found that aromatherapy was able to significantly reduce anxiety levels in patients undergoing surgery. Another found that certain essential oils were able to improve cognitive function and mood in elderly patients. And a third showed that lavender oil was able to speed up healing and reduce pain in people who had undergone surgery. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the evidence so far suggests that aromatherapy may be a helpful way to improve both physical and mental health.
The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Anxiety
Aromatherapy works by stimulating the senses and encouraging the body to produce calming chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. This can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood. In addition, essential oils are often used to treat conditions that can cause or worsen anxiety, such as headaches, stress, and insomnia. By using aromatherapy to treat these underlying conditions, you may be able to reduce your anxiety symptoms even further.
Moreover, aromatherapy is a safe and gentle treatment with few side effects. It can be used in conjunction with other anxiety treatments such as therapy or medication (but also talk to your doctor first before starting any new treatment, even aromatherapy).
How to Use Aromatherapy to Reduce Anxiety
Aromatherapy can be used as needed or daily to help reduce stress and promote feelings of calmness and well-being. There are several ways to use aromatherapy. These include:
- Inhaling essential oils directly from the bottle or from a diffuser. A popular choice is a diffuser necklace (paid link). This allows you to take your favorite essential oil with you wherever you go.
- Applying essential oils to your skin (diluted with a carrier oil) or using an essential oils diffuser. When deciding where to apply essential oils for anxiety relief, some people like to put a few drops on their wrists or behind their ears.
- Burning aromatherapy candles for anxiety (paid link)
- Adding a few drops of essential oils to your bathtub or using an aromatherapy shower bomb
Which method you choose will likely depend on your personal preferences. Some people find that inhaling the oils is the most effective way to reduce anxiety, while others prefer to apply them to the skin via essential oils.
The Best Essential Oils for Anxiety Relief
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants, and they can be used in a diffuser or diluted and applied directly to the skin. There are a variety of essential oils that are thought to be effective for anxiety relief. These include:
- Lavender oil
- Chamomile oil
- Bergamot oil
- Ylang-ylang oil
- Clary sage oil
- Frankincense oil
- Vetiver oil
- Rosemary oil
If you're interested in trying aromatherapy, be sure to purchase high-quality essential oils from a reputable source. You can also talk to your doctor or a certified aromatherapist to learn more about which oils are best for anxiety relief.
Precautions to Take When Using Aromatherapy for Anxiety Relief
Aromatherapy is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few precautions to take when using essential oils. These include:
- Do not ingest essential oils unless you are under the care of a certified aromatherapist or doctor.
- Avoid using essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without talking to your doctor first.
- Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin without diluting them first. This could cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before using aromatherapy. Some essential oils should be avoided if you have certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Aromatherapy is a popular treatment for anxiety, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may be effective. Overall, aromatherapy can complement and even enhance your other techniques for reducing anxiety.