When you consider how the smell of freshly cut grass or peeled orange can instantly lift your mood, you might not be surprised to learn that certain flavors can calm nerves and even relieve pain.
“Plant aromatics have been used in herbal medicine for hundreds of years,” said Christina Russell, RN, who is certified for healing touch and who is the healing touch coordinator at Nemours duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware, who uses plant essences to treat pediatric patients.
Here she explains why this pleasant modality is becoming an integral part of conventional medicine.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is not a cure for disease; It is the use of oils obtained from roots, leaves, seeds, or flowers of certain plants to relieve stress and create a healing environment. These essential oils are absorbed in a number of ways: inhalation, topical ingestion, or in some cases by ingestion. Inhalation is the fastest and safest way to get oils into the body.
What happens to essential oils in the body?
The scent travels from the olfactory nerves or through the bloodstream to the brain, which then sends messages to areas of the nervous system that control mood and the perception of symptoms such as fear and pain. It’s basically a chemical reaction by the receptors in the brain that respond to the oils.
What fragrances are associated with pain relief?
Research shows that lavender essential oil can help with headaches as well as menstrual, arthritis, muscular, and post-operative pain. In the meantime, peppermint can help relieve headaches along with gastrointestinal, muscle, and neck pain. Chamomile, tangerine, black pepper, and rosemary can also help relieve pain.
How is aromatherapy used clinically?
Patients can seek out a massage therapist who brings in scents through topical application, or they can have a Healing Touch (energy therapy) session and receive an inhaler (also called a sniffer) of lavender or mandarin essential oil. These increase the relaxation response and reduce the perception of pain. Several studies have shown its effectiveness, including one from 2020 that found that pediatric patients who inhaled lavender before a medical procedure experienced significantly less pain and anxiety.
Do essential oils have side effects?
While essential oils are usually not harmful, some people may experience skin irritation if an oil is not diluted prior to topical application. Some oils can react with certain medications, so it is best to consult your doctor first. In particular, people with asthma, allergies, seizure disorders, heart disease or high blood pressure, pregnant women or certain types of cancer should avoid them.
How can aromatherapy be used at home?
There are several ways to do this yourself, as often as needed: by inhaling with a pre-filled sniff; through the use of a diffuser, a machine that releases essential oil particles into the air; by mixing a few drops of oil with body lotion and massaging into the skin; and by adding oils to the bath water. Just read and follow the instructions carefully.
This article originally appeared in the May 2021 Prevention Issue.
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