While this practice has become more mainstream in recent years, it’s worthwhile to analyze its true benefits, drawbacks, and effectiveness. We spoke with experts to understand how smell impacts our overall health and well-being. Consider this your 101 guide to creating an aromatherapy ritual.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Nova Covington, a certified aromatherapist and the CEO of Goddess Garden, notes that aromatherapy uses plant-based botanicals that are distilled from the plant. In most cases, people diffuse essential oils, made from the oil of the botanical, to create various scent profiles in their homes. In their best form, essential oils are pure, unadulterated botanical oils, highly concentrated extracts made from plants, leaves, citrus peels, and flower petals, says Covington. We should think of aromatherapy as a holistic healing treatment that uses the natural goods from Mother Nature to promote vitality, happiness, and health, she adds. Avid aromatherapy fans use their oils for a variety of purposes, but some popular wellness goals include:
Improving moodProviding calmnessClearing sinusesReducing stressSetting a tone of a room (think: relaxing or energetic)Scent diffusion alternative to candle-burning
History of Aromatherapy
Most cultures throughout history have used native plants for medicinal purposes—and aromatherapy grew from this knowledge, explains Kelly Fowler, an aromatherapy expert and an instructor at The Soma Institute. Generally, the Middle East is given credit for creating the distillation of essential oils, but it wasn’t until the 1900s that it became more widely used. Fowler explains this is largely due to a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who coined the term “aromatherapy” and brought it to the masses.
Does Aromatherapy Work—and Is It Safe?
Maybe you’ve had a friend claim they could solve any health issue with essential oils—and rightfully so, you were skeptical. After all, can simply sniffing something have an impact? The answer is complicated. Some studies have suggested that aromatherapy can benefit our sleep patterns, help us cope with anxiety and depression, and improve the quality of life for those with chronic health conditions and pain. That said, if you have any worrisome symptoms, always discuss your concerns with a medical professional. Plus, it’s worth noting that The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils, so paying attention to ingredients is necessary. “Organic essential oils are distilled into an oil, but contamination from chemicals is widespread in non-organic products,” Covington warns. Read the back label and ask your dermatologist for advice when in doubt. Be mindful of your specific skin profile or conditions when using essential oils directly on the skin. As Covington recommends, it’s best to test an essential oil on your skin or in the bath. If you don’t experience irritation or inflammation, you can apply it. Remember: Not all essential oils are safe for your skin, so check before dousing yourself in lemon, lavender, or any other variety. Fowler also says to be considerate of essential oil use if you’re on certain medications or have health concerns that could make you more sensitive.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
“One big drawback of aromatherapy is the idea that it’s a cure-all,” Fowler notes. “Some ardent DIY-ers may be inclined to reach for oils when they should be reaching out to health professionals.” So while aromatherapy shouldn’t be considered your only resource when dealing with specific issues, proper use of aromatherapy does provide many meaningful benefits. In fact, she calls lavender’s ability to soothe legendary, and believe it or not, accidental. As the story goes, after Gattefosse burned his hands, he applied lavender oil to one of the wounds. “He realized the hand that had lavender oil spilled on it healed more quickly,” Fowler shares. “We now know lavender oil acts as a cellular regenerator. It encourages the body to produce more cells.” From a scent perspective, Fowler says when we enjoy what we smell, a domino effect happens because of how the body is wired. “Enjoyment of the scent helps the pupils to dilate, and your body will produce chemicals that can encourage the smooth muscle of blood vessels to relax,” she explains. “When your body goes through that vasodilation process, your blood pressure lowers, and heart rate slows a little, which is a signal of calmness and relaxation.” However, she says practicing aromatherapy daily with soothing oils can significantly help calm the mind and body, preparing you for optimal rest and helping you relax when you’re feeling overwhelmed. “Choose a soothing, comforting aroma like lavender oil, which has been proven to decrease blood pressure and heart rate when inhaled,” she recommends. “Add a few drops to your aroma diffuser about an hour before you’re ready to go to sleep.” “If your personal stress has an element of anxiety, then you might be best suited toward citrus oils, which have been shown to help relieve anxiety. If your stress leaves you feeling off-centered or disconnected, oils from wood like frankincense and sandalwood may be best,” she recommends. “If stress has an element of depression with it, you might want to choose something more uplifting in the mint family.” She recommends making aromatherapy part of your daily routine by diffusing energizing oils like citrus, peppermint, ginger, eucalyptus, or lemongrass immediately after you wake up. “Instead of reaching for a caffeine-filled drink or sugary snack during your midday energy crash, try aromatherapy instead,” she adds. “When you smell the scent, you’re already beginning the process of deeper breathing. Introducing the chemical compounds found within the oil to your body enhances the deep breathing experience,” Fowler explains. “When you’re inhaling, the chemotypes in the oil create a wide range of effects.” And to get those feel-good chemical compounds in your system? The fastest avenue is via deep breathing. As you inhale and exhale more mindfully and at a slower pace, Fowler says you produce a reflexive response that encourages your heart rate and blood pressure to decrease and initiates your entire lung capacity, which in turn brings in more oxygen and nutrients.
