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You are here: Home / Mind and Body / Exploring Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

September 22, 2014

Exploring Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, has been gaining in popularity. Aromatherapy is using a plant’s aroma-producing oils (essential oils) to treat disease. Aromatherapy can also be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.

Essential oils may be obtained from a plant’s flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance (such as oil, alcohol, or lotion) and put on the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. Essential oils are not to be taken orally. Some essential oils may have anti-viral or antifungal properties. You can also massage the oils into the skin or pour them into bath water. Commonly used essential oils include lavender, tea tree, lemon, rose, sandalwood, and eucalyptus.

Aromatherapy

Is aromatherapy safe?

Aromatherapy practitioners do not need to be licensed in the United States. However, a wide range of licensed health professionals (such as massage therapists, nurses, and counselors) may have experience and training in aromatherapy. You can also search for a practitioner through the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. It is important to talk to your medical doctor to see whether aromatherapy may be helpful (and safe) for your specific health condition and if there is scientific evidence of the oil’s efficacy in treatment.

What is aromatherapy used for?

Aromatherapy may promote relaxation, help relieve stress, and improve mood. It has also been used to help treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions, including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. But so far there is limited scientific evidence to support claims that aromatherapy effectively prevents or cures illness. It may potentially aid with some symptoms. Essential oils can also be used to make natural cleaning products for household use, to make a room smell good, or for beauty purposes.

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WRITTEN BY: Melissa Welker M.Ed., Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Fulton County, Maumee Valley EERA, welker.87@osu.edu

REVIEWED BY: Donna Green MA, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, Erie Basin EERA, green.308@osu.edu

SOURCES:

  • www.webmd.org
  • www.naha.org
  • www.solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu
  • www.umm.edu

Categories: Mind and Body
Tags: health, stress, wellness

Avatar for Melissa Welker
Avatar for Melissa Welker

About Melissa Welker

Melissa Welker, M.Ed., is currently the Family and Consumer Sciences OSU Extension Educator in Fulton County. Melissa enjoys working with community members to improve overall wellness and to make healthy and conscious lifestyle choices. Melissa’s areas of interest include workplace wellness, promoting local foods and the economy, and workforce development. Melissa also serves as a member of the Area 7 Workforce Investment Board.

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