Aromatherapy for Mental Health Conditions

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What is Aromatherapy and how does it work? And is aromotherapy effective for treatment of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions?

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

Background

For thousands of years, oils from plants have been used to lubricate the skin, purify air and repel insects. Essential oils were used in ancient Egypt for bathing and massage and in ancient Greece and Rome for treating infections. The origin of modern aromatherapy is often traced to the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who is said to have poured lavender oil onto his hand after accidentally burning himself. He believed that the pain, redness and skin damage healed more quickly than expected, and he began to study the effects of oils on the body.

Essential oils are extracted from a plant's flowers, leaves, needles, branches, bark, berries, seeds, fruits, rind or roots. These oils are often mixed with a milder "carrier" oil (usually a vegetable oil) or are weakened (diluted) in alcohol. Essential oils are used in many different ways, including directly on the skin, as a part of massage, in bathwater, via steam inhalation or in mouthwashes.

Aromatherapy sessions often begin with an interview, after which the therapist selects a blend of oils that he or she feels is appropriate for the client. Appointments may last up to 90 minutes. Clients may be asked not to shower for several hours afterwards, to allow more time for oils to sink into the skin. Manmade compounds are usually not used. Commonly sold products such as scented candles, pomanders or potpourri are usually not as strong as the oils typically used by aromatherapists.

There is no required training or licensing for aromatherapists in the United States. Many types of practitioners, including massage therapists, chiropractors and nurses, offer aromatherapy.

Theory

Different theories have been proposed to explain the reported effects of aromatherapy, although none has been proven scientifically. Some explanations include:

Stimulation of pleasure centers of the brain by nerves in the nose that sense smell
Direct effects on hormones or enzymes in the blood
Stimulation of the adrenal glands

Evidence

Scientists have studied aromatherapy for the following health problems:

Anxiety
Lavender aromatherapy is traditionally believed to be relaxing. Several small studies report that it helps relieve anxiety. Overall, the scientific evidence suggests a small benefit. It is possible that aromatherapy may have effects on mood, cognitive performance and relaxation in adults. Larger, well-designed studies are needed to confirm the available data.

Agitation in patients with dementia
There is preliminary evidence that aromatherapy using essential oil of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) can effectively reduce agitation in people with severe dementia when applied to the face and arms twice daily. Other research reports that steam inhalation of lavender aromatherapy may have similar effects. However, other research reports no benefits of aromatherapy using lemon balm, Lavender officinalis, sweet orange (Citrus aurantium), or tea tree oil (Malaleuca alternifolia). Overall, the evidence does suggest potential benefits. There is also preliminary research suggesting that aromatherapy used with massage may help to calm people with dementia who are agitated. However, it is not clear if this approach is any better than massage used alone. Additional research is necessary before strong recommendations can be made.

Poor sleep, sedation
Lavender and chamomile are popularly regarded as effective sleep aids. Research is too early to form a clear conclusion.

Quality of life in patients with cancer or life-threatening illnesses
Aromatherapy and aromatherapy massage are often used in people with severe illnesses to improve quality of life. In one randomized controlled trial, sleep scores improved, but pain control and anxiety scores did not. There is not enough scientific evidence at this time to form a firm conclusion about effectiveness.

Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss. A well-designed study using a mixture of oils (cedarwood, lavender, rosemary and thyme in carrier oils of grapeseed and jojoba) reported improvements in patients compared with patients using carrier oils alone. More research is needed before a clear conclusion can be reached.

Congestion, respiratory tract infection
Eucalyptus oil and a component of eucalyptus called eucalyptol are included in many over-the-counter vapors and other treatments. One small study showed a positive effect of aromatics on mucous clearance in patients with chronic airway obstruction. However, there is not enough scientific information to form a clear conclusion.

Itching in dialysis patients
It is not clear if aromatherapy reduces itchiness in patients with kidney disease on dialysis.

Anxiety or stress in intensive care unit patients
It is not clear if aromatherapy reduces stress levels in patients in intensive care units. Early research suggests that it may not be helpful.

Labor pain
A small trial of aromatherapy for pain management in women during labor gave unclear results. More research is needed to make a conclusion.

Nausea
Aromatherapy may play a role in reducing postoperative nausea. However, the evidence is not clear, and more research is needed before a clear recommendation can be made.

Obesity
It has been suggested that aromatherapy massage may reduce abdominal obesity or appetite. Additional evidence is necessary before a clear conclusion can be reached.

Constipation
Preliminary research in this area is inconclusive.