THE SCIENCE BEHIND AROMATHERAPY FOR TREATING MENTAL HEALTH
Aromatherapy has gained popularity in recent years as a complementary therapy for the treatment of mental health conditions. While there is still a need for more rigorous research in this area, some studies suggest that aromatherapy can be an effective treatment option for conditions such as anxiety and depression.
One mechanism through which aromatherapy may work is through the absorption of essential oils into the bloodstream. When essential oils are inhaled, they pass through the nasal cavity and are absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs. From there, they can circulate throughout the body and interact with various systems, including the limbic system.
The limbic system is a complex network of structures in the brain that is involved in regulating emotions, behavior, and memory. The olfactory system, which is responsible for our sense of smell, is closely connected to the limbic system. When we inhale an essential oil, the molecules travel through the nasal cavity and interact with the olfactory receptors, which send signals to the limbic system.
Research suggests that essential oils can have a direct impact on the limbic system, leading to changes in mood and behavior. For example, studies have shown that lavender oil can reduce anxiety and improve mood by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine (Koulivand, Ghadiri, & Gorji, 2013).
The systematic review conducted by Kim et al. (2017) found evidence to support the effectiveness of aromatherapy for reducing symptoms of depression. The review analyzed 12 studies and found that several essential oils, including lavender, bergamot, and frankincense, were effective in reducing symptoms of depression. The review also found that aromatherapy was safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. However, the authors note that more rigorous studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and mechanisms of action of aromatherapy for depression.
The study by Lee et al. (2006) examined the effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in female college students. The study found that the use of lavender oil improved sleep quality and reduced symptoms of insomnia and depression. The authors suggest that the use of lavender oil may be a safe and effective treatment option for improving sleep quality and reducing symptoms of depression and insomnia. However, the study had a small sample size and further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of lavender aromatherapy for these conditions.
The systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhang et al. (2019) examined the anxiolytic effect of aromatherapy on patients awaiting ambulatory surgery. The review found that aromatherapy was effective in reducing anxiety levels in these patients. Specifically, the review found that inhalation of essential oils, including lavender, peppermint, and rose, were effective in reducing anxiety levels in patients awaiting ambulatory surgery. The authors suggest that aromatherapy may be a safe and effective complementary therapy for reducing anxiety levels in these patients. However, more rigorous studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and mechanisms of action of aromatherapy for reducing anxiety in this population.
While the absorption of essential oils into the bloodstream and their interaction with the limbic system may explain some of the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action.
It is also important to note that aromatherapy should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment for mental health conditions. While some studies suggest that aromatherapy can be an effective complementary therapy, it should always be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner and in conjunction with other treatments as appropriate.
While the mechanisms of action behind aromatherapy are still not fully understood, there is some evidence to suggest that it can be an effective treatment option for mental health conditions. However, more rigorous research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic effects of essential oils and how they interact with the body and mind.
Sources:
Kim, J. T., Wajda, M., Cuff, G., & Serota, D. (2017). Effectiveness of aromatherapy for depressive symptoms: A systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 5869315. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/5869315
Koulivand, P. H., Ghadiri, M. K., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2013, 681304. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
Lee, I. S., Lee, G. J., & Kang, E. K. (2006). Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 36(1), 136-143.
Zhang, N., Chen, H., Qiu, J., & Li, R. (2019). The anxiolytic effect of aromatherapy on patients awaiting ambulatory surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 7687804. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7687804