Is aromatherapy good or bad for you?
Many people turn to essential oils to improve stress, insomnia, headaches, and other symptoms. It’s called aromatherapy, and FOX Medical Team’s girlfriend Beth Galvin investigates how it works.
atlanta – At D’Lor Salon and Spa in Atlanta, owner Kim Anderson says aromatherapy is an integral part of the experience.
“We use it in diffusers to create an environment,” Anderson says. “So you can feel relaxed as soon as you walk in the door. We also offer aromatherapy essential oils, massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and more, allowing our customers to customize their services.” .”
Client Ifetayo Ojelade receives a lavender hand massage.
What is the effect of aromatherapy?
For safety reasons, essential oils are highly concentrated and are diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin.
“What we do is we have a base oil and then we add in aromatherapy depending on the customer’s needs,” Anderson says.
“If you’re looking for a more relaxing scent, try lavender or floral scents. If you’re looking for a more energizing scent, eucalyptus or rosemary are all great options.”
Dr. Sharon Bergquist, an internist at Emory Healthcare, says essential oils can help with many conditions.
“First of all, they are not FDA approved,” Dr. Bergquist says. “And because of this issue, there hasn’t been a lot of more rigorous research done. But what we do know is that this is not new.”
History of aromatherapy
For centuries, Bergquist says, different cultures and traditions have used plants medicinally and essential oils for a variety of conditions.
“The idea is that we take the benefits from plants and plant sources and use them for our health,” she says. “More common uses include reducing stress, reducing anxiety, depression, and promoting sleep.”
The website aromaweb.com has suggestions on how to use essential oils.
Use essential oils for sleep, energy, headaches, and stress relief
Essential oils of lavender, chamomile, and clary sage are recommended for sleep.
If your energy is low, bergamot or peppermint may help.
For headaches, try eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and spearmint essential oils.
“There’s always the risk of an allergic reaction, a rash, or some kind of irritation,” warns Dr. Bergquist. “Medications that asthma patients inhale can cause respiratory irritation, so there’s always a risk. But they’re generally a pretty safe option.”
Ogerard says lavender essential oil is her favorite after a long, stressful day.
“I put a lavender blend in the bathtub. I usually start by smelling the blend, then put it in the bathtub,” she says. “And the difference is immediately felt.”
