Aromatherapy and science? Really? Yes, one can find tons of research backing the medical uses of essential oils. And they're not just antibacterial, they can do a whole lot more.
Historical Aromatherapy Use
The use of infused aromatic plant oils as a means to restore as well as maintain wellness has been used for centuries. Coined as the term "aromatherapy" since the 1900s, this therapeutic medicinal practice of using essential oil continues to be used for both physical and emotional needs. Aromatherapy is fast becoming a noted and requested therapy in many parts of the world.
Application of Aromatherapy
The application of aromatherapy is most widely recognized through means of inhalation, yet topical applications as well as ingestion are also part of this practice. When inhaled, the various aromatic molecules pass through the olfactory centers, infiltrating the bloodstream via the lungs causing physiologic changes. Molecules of essential oils also stimulate nerve centers that in turn affect the limbic system, which controls our emotions and memories. It is known that aromatic compounds can influence mood, perceived health, and states of alertness.
Confirmation in Modern Science
In western culture, validation of medical therapies comes through empirical research. Rising popularity with main-stream society has prompted researchers to take a closer look at this ancient therapy. Although still largely unproven by a wide breadth of research, preliminary studies, both in vitro and clinical, show positive effects using this medicinal therapy.
Cancer: Aromatherapy is used as mainly a supportive care for people with cancer, specifically for increased sense of well-being and to offset nausea associated with standard cancer treatments. According to the National Cancer Institute, few peer-reviewed studies show a significant difference helping patients with cancer despite an increase in its use by patients. Reviewed studies call for more in-depth research to be conducted.
Dementia: The standard treatment for dementia in conventional medicine is to use neuroleptics or antipsychotic drugs. In elderly people such drugs are poorly tolerated, especially for patients with severe dementia. Researchers from the Wolfson Research Center, UK (2002) conducted a double-blind, placebo controlled study on using aromatherapy (combined with the antipsychotic) as a treatment for agitation in people with severe dementia. After 4 weeks of treatment, results indicated that there was a 35% improvement in agitation and that the active treatment (using Melissa officinalis) was well-tolerated by the patients. Researchers support further studies to investigate using aromatherapy as an adjunct or alternative to conventional treatments.
Anxiety: Laboratory results (using animals) indicate statistically significant differences when aromatherapy was applied. Clinical trials are few. Yet, one joint review by the Universities of Newcastle and Northumbria, United Kingdom (2006), looked at the pharmacology of essential oils and found evidence that essential oils exert measurable psychological effects in humans. Researchers concluded that aromatherapy provides a potentially effective treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders, especially since the side effects are minimal (if non-existent) compared to conventional psychotropic drugs.
Pathogens: Due to rising concern over antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, much investigative work has been done on the efficacy of essential oils to counter these mutating microbes. Most published studies have found that topical applications of essential oils have significant antimicrobial activity.
In Review
The empirical evidence for the use of aromatherapy for various illnesses is still in its infancy. Despite a lack of foundational studies within the field, popularity of aromatherapy among western population continues to grow. It is acknowledge by researchers and hospitals alike that less intrusive forms of treatment are needed and thus more research into the benefits of essential oils is warranted. As research continues, the science of aromatherapy will broaden and refine. It is certain that the reputed effectiveness in traditional medicine will see a broader validation by science research in the years to come.
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