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Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils in holistic treatments to improve physical and emotional well-being. Essential oils, extracted from plants, possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be utilised to improve health and prevent disease. These natural plant oils are applied in a variety of ways:
- Massage (most used method)
- Baths (add a few drops to warm water)
- Inhalations (not for asthmatics)
Aromatherapy is an especially effective treatment for stress-related problems and a variety of chronic conditions.
Research has shown that when they are applied to the skin or inhaled, essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolised in the body, similar to other substances. Many essential oils possess significant anti-microbial properties, in both liquid and vapour form.
Clinical trials have shown that tea tree oil is highly effective in treating thrush. Another study has shown that aromatherapy massage with lavender oil was significantly more effective than both plain oil massage and a control group, in reducing heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and pain in patients in a hospital intensive care unit. |
