There is a lot of junk medical advice floating around on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. As a result, I sometimes receive questions about whether or not some advice is helpful or a myth. Case in point – essential oils. You’ve likely seen any number of ads or posts on your social media feeds touting them as the holy grail for healing. In this post, we’ll explore the facts of whether or not aromatherapy can actually be used for healing.
Aromatherapy was coined in the 1930s and was discovered by accident when French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was in his perfume laboratory and burned his arm on one of his other lab experiments. His first reaction was to immerse his burnt arm in a pot of lavender, and he found the effects soothing and effective and thus began an extensive study on the healing powers of essential oils.
Today, aromatherapy is used in three ways – at home, in clinics, or for Aromachology (psychological and mental healing). Since the sense of smell has powerful effects on the mind, essential oils are thought to have healing effects. While it’s no secret certain herbs can be blended to create salves that heal physical pain, the question is whether or not the scents of essential oils can heal things like anxiety, stress, and depression.
According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the answer would appear to be yes. They said, “Aromatherapy showed potential to be used as an effective therapeutic option for the relief of depressive symptoms in a wide variety of subjects. Particularly, aromatherapy massage showed to have more beneficial effects than inhalation aromatherapy.”
Perhaps this is a placebo effect, or perhaps the sense of smell is powerful enough to rewire the brain. Whatever the cause, it would seem there’s no harm in trying aromatherapy to feel better. Here are some recommended oils for boosting one’s mood:
- Lavender: Considered helpful for easing one to sleep
- Chamomile: Said to provide a calming, soothing effect on the nervous system
- Sandalwood: The sweet, woody scent gives a sense of relaxation and warmth
- Cardamom: Its sweet, spicy scent is comforting and will give feelings of warmth and well-being
Even the American College of Healthcare Sciences reference a number of studies that seem to indicate aromatherapy could have healing effects for mood disorders, stress and anxiety. However, it’s worth noting that while there may be uplifting benefits to essential oils and aromatherapy, they also said, “If you or a client are experiencing severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, please refer to a trusted physician, naturopath, or mental health provider.”
We’ll stand by that advice as well. If nothing you’re doing is working to ease symptoms of mental health problems, please seek a professional to help. For all the good self-help can provide, sometimes we need mental health professionals to truly heal, and that’s okay.
Hammond Psychology and Associates is the go-to resource for residents seeking psychological evaluations from a licensed psychologist in the Tampa Bay area. Click here to learn more about our Psychological Testing services in our Brandon location.