Effects of Aromatherapy

it is a form of alternative medicine that exploits the properties of essential oils in order to give the individual a sense of generalized well-being, which involves both the physical and the mind and the emotional sphere.

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The interest in natural medicines and aromatherapy in particular has gradually increased over the years, so much so that nowadays there are many individuals who resort to the use of aromatherapy remedies to treat or alleviate minor ailments.

The effects of aromatherapy can be multiple, variable depending on the type of essential oil used, the way of use (perception of the essence through the sense of smell, application on the skin, oral use, etc.) and the concentration at which it is used. .

According to those who practice aromatherapy, in fact, by using the right essential oil, at the right concentration and in the correct way, it is possible to alleviate numerous ailments.

In this article, we will focus mainly on the effects of aromatherapy exerted through the sense of smell at the level of the central nervous system (neurotropic activity) and on the emotional level.

For further information: Aromatherapy

PLEASE NOTE

The practices described here are not accepted by medical science, have not been subjected to sufficient experimental tests conducted with a scientific method or have not passed them. Such practices, therefore, could be ineffective or even dangerous to health. The information given here is for illustrative purposes only.

Alternative treatments cannot be understood as a substitute for traditional medicine.

For any doubts and for the treatment of any type of ailment or disease, it is necessary to consult your doctor before undergoing alternative treatments such as aromatherapy.

For further information: Aroma diffusers and essential oils , not only can it facilitate relaxation, but it can evoke images, awaken memories, trigger emotions, playing a key role in achieving the state of tranquility sought through the aforementioned techniques.

During a guided relaxation session, the most efficient external suggestions are those that bypass the critical interference of the conscious and rational mind; this is what the essences seem to do: they direct themselves - through the sense of smell - directly to the innermost part of the brain. This part corresponds to a primitive structure called the limbic system. The latter is the portion of the brain responsible for controlling emotions and moods and is closely integrated with the olfactory endings; tant "is that some consider the nose as a sort of" emotional antenna "directly in contact with the outside world.

However, it should be noted that each individual has his own set of olfactory reminiscences capable of evoking both pleasant and unpleasant emotions and sensations. To give a practical example, the essence of lavender is notoriously used to relax and instill tranquility; however, some people may associate the fragrance of this essential oil with bad memories and unpleasant sensations that do not instill calm and tranquility at all.Therefore, the type of emotions and sensations that a given essence can bring out in the individual are subjective and may differ according to the past and the memories of the person under consideration.

they can be different according to the essential oil or perfume taken into consideration.

The perfumes and essences are composed of mixtures of different substances (mainly volatile) responsible for both the same fragrance emanating from the product and the effects exerted on the central nervous system (neurotropic activity).

The table below illustrates the effects that essences and perfumes can exert on the central nervous system and which are the possible compounds thought to be responsible for these same effects. In particular, the essential oils that are attributed to stimulating the central nervous system will be divided from those here that are attributed sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties (the latter, not intended as pharmacological effects, but as the ability to exert a calming effect in the presence of anxious or depressive symptoms; it being understood that - in the presence of this type of psychiatric pathology - the intervention of the doctor and the implementation of a specific and targeted treatment of traditional medicine is necessary).

In any case, it should be noted that it is not always possible to define precise limits between the two neurotropic actions, calming and stimulating. In fact, while in some essences one of the two actions prevails, in others (and they are the majority) the two neurotropic activities are closely connected, so much so that - depending on the dosages - a certain essential oil can have stimulating effects rather than calming and vice versa.

Neurotropic effect Compounds / functional groups Essences and perfumes Stimulating effect Aldehyde functions (citral, citroneal, etc.);
Phenolic functions (eugenol, thymol etc.);
Fatty and aromatic acids (benzyl and amyl acetate, etc.). Jasmine, carnation. Calming effect Alcoholic functional groups (borneol, linalool, menthol, terpineol, etc.);
Ketone functional groups (camphor, ionone, etc.);
Terpene esters (bornyl, linalyl, geranyl, terpenyl acetate, etc.). Orange flowers, lily of the valley, magnolia, lilacs, violets, oregano, linden. Anxiolytic effects Terpene alcohols;
Terpene esters;
Terpene ketones. Bergamot, cypress, Italic helichrysum, lavender, mint, myrtle, mugo, neroli, petit-grain, rose, sage, valerian. Antidepressant effects Terpene aldehydes;
Phenols;
Fatty and aromatic esters. Sweet orange, basil, cinnamon, lemongrass, eucalyptus, jasmine, lemon, rosemary, sassafras, verbena, ylang-ylang

Other possible activities of essential oils

The table below, on the other hand, lists other activities potentially exercised by essential oils on the organism.

Activities Essential oils Sleep adjuvant Cypress, bitter orange flowers (neroli), lemon balm, crispa mint, rose, linden. Anti-sleep Lemongrass, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, niaouli, thyme, verbena. Reduction of appetite Artemisia camphorata, cajeput, myrtle. Stimulating the appetite Basil, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, oregano, sage. Anti-nausea, Antiemetic, Anti-fainting Lemongrass, eucalyptus, lemon, lemon balm, peppermint and aquatic, rosemary, verbena. Anti-migraine Sweet orange, bergamot, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, peppermint and sylvan. Aphrodisiac stimulation Amber, cinnamon, costus, labdanum, musk, patchoulY, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang-ylang.

For further information on the effects of aromatherapy and essential oils, read also:

• Effects and Properties of Essential Oils
• Purified and Activated essential oils
• Side Effects of Essential Oils
• How To Use Essential Oils
• Conservation of Essential Oils

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