Aromatherapy for Anxiety – How Does It Work?

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Aromatherapy for anxiety. How does it work? Is it real? That’s what I will be talking about today.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to treat illnesses or reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Essential oils are taken from plant. And you can use many part of the plants including the flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance such as a base oil, alcohol, or even lotion and then applied to the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. You can also put it into a diffuser without mixing it with another oil and inhale it in the room. Many massage therapist will use it as part of a therapeutic massage.

Here are some popular essential oils that are used to promote relaxation
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
sandalwood (Santalum album)
orange blossom (Citrus sinensis)
lemon balm (Citrus limon)
rose (Rosa damascena),
jasmine
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
bergamot (Citrus aurantium)

For more information on Anxiety disorders

References
Goel N; Kim H; Lao RP. An olfactory stimulus modifies nighttime sleep in young men and women.
Chronobiol Int. 2005; 22(5):889-904 (Wesleyan article referenced in the video)

Komiya, Migiwa; Takeuchi, Takashi; Harada, Etsumori (2006). “Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice”. Behavioural Brain Research 172 (2): 240–9.

Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K.; Graham, Jennifer E.; Malarkey, William B.; Porter, Kyle; Lemeshow, Stanley; Glaser, Ronald (2008). “Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function”. Psychoneuroendocrinology 33 (3): 328–39.

Herz RS. Aromatherapy facts and fictions: a scientific analysis of olfactory effects on mood, physiology and behavior. Int J Neurosci. 2009;119(2):263-90.

Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

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