The science-backed benefits of aromatherapy

By Elle Warren 

Your friend recommends peppermint oil to treat a headache. A coworker claims that smelling lavender every night helps them sleep better. According to Google search data, the last decade has seen a dramatic increase in the popularity of essential oils—but does it really work, or is it just a fad? 

Aromatherapy is the use of natural plant extracts, AKA essential oils, to promote physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. It’s based on the idea that scents and natural plant properties can influence the brain and body, and therefore be used to enhance health and mood. Let’s take a look at what the current research tells us about the many benefits of aromatherapy and how you can incorporate it into your wellness plan.

What’s the history of aromatherapy?

Although aromatherapy has risen in popularity recently, it’s not new. In fact, it’s been around for thousands of years. The practice of aromatherapy has roots in Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese cultures. These parts of the world have long used plant oils for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Hippocrates himself, dubbed the “father of modern medicine,” was adamant 2,500 years ago that “the key to good health rests on having daily aromatic baths and scented massages.”

In 1937, the term “aromatherapy” was coined by French perfumer and chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé after discovering the power of lavender oil in treating burns. In recent decades, essential oils have been utilized in common household products, like Vick’s Vaporub (which contains eucalyptus, cedarleaf, and nutmeg), lotions, and shampoos. 

What are the benefits of aromatherapy?

It’s not recommended to use aromatherapy as a substitute for medical treatment, but it can be an effective complement to your holistic wellness plan. Here are some of the things it can improve:

• Stress
• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Mood
• Sleep
• Muscle aches and headaches
• Skin problems 
• Hair loss
• Digestive issues

What does the research say about aromatherapy?

How do we know about the benefits listed above? It’s not just based on anecdotal evidence—although that’s not to be dismissed, either. But these benefits have also been tested considerably by scientific research, with some very promising results. 

One of the most notable success stories of essential oils involves dementia patients. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, there’s evidence to suggest that lemon essential oil can reduce agitation, and overall quality of life, in people with dementia. 

And that’s not all. Perhaps you’ve noticed that tea tree oil is in a variety of skincare products—that’s because it’s proven highly effective in treating acne. In another example, oils like thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood have shown positive results in the treatment of alopecia, or hair loss.

The research on citrus oil is particularly interesting, due to its natural antibacterial properties. In one study, citrus oil, especially when combined with Dead Sea salts, inhibited bacterial growth in mice and acted as an anti-inflammatory agent. The citrus essential oil bergamot has been shown to help fight the growth of common causes of food poisoning, like listeria and e coli. 

Other research findings on the efficacy of essential oils include pain reduction during childbirth, lowering of blood pressure, relief from stress, anxiety, and depression, and better sleep. 

Want to test out aromatherapy for yourself? We’ve got you covered.

Types of aromatherapy

You can reap the benefits of aromatherapy in a multitude of ways. You might inhale them via an essential oil diffuser or oil burner, or dilute them with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and apply essential oils topically. You might also use them in massages and baths or put a drop or two on your pillow or clothing. There isn’t a universal method that’s better than others—it’s a matter of personal preference and what makes you feel best. You might experiment with different methods to discover your favorite. 

Interested in working with a professional to get aromatherapy? You can find an aromatherapist on the online directory of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

Which essential oils should I use?

The kind of essential oils you use will depend, of course, on what you want to get out of them. Here are just some of the oils commonly used in aromatherapy and the benefits associated with each:

• Lavender oil. It can be used as an antiseptic for minor cuts and burns. Lavender oil is also good for enhancing relaxation and relieving headaches.
• Lemon oil. In addition to its antibacterial properties, lemon oil is said to boost mood and help relieve stress. 
• Peppermint oil. When applied topically, peppermint oil can reduce headaches as well as other aches and pains. In aromatherapy, it can be effective in treating coughs and colds, improving mental function, and reducing stress.
• Tea tree oil. Evidenced by the research above, tea tree oil is a good one to incorporate into your skincare routine. In addition to treating acne, its soothing properties also make it effective for shampoos and lotions.
• Chamomile oil. Chamomile oil can help relieve eczema and rashes, reduce inflammation, relieve digestive problems, and like many oils, improve stress. 

Safety tips and considerations

When buying essential oils, it’s important to go to a reputable supplier. It’s an unregulated market, so that means a lot of low-quality products get sold. Essential oils shouldn’t contain any additives or synthetic materials. 

You should also remember that essential oils are not meant to be ingested, and some of them are actually toxic if consumed. But as long as you follow these rules of thumb, essential oils are very safe and have little to no side effects. They can be a quick and easy way to ground yourself in the present moment, improve your mental health, and alleviate physical discomfort.

Ready to give aromatherapy a try? Explore our essential oil products and more now!