Explore essential oil therapy, its purported benefits for relaxation, pain relief, and mood, and potential risks like skin irritation, air pollution, and toxicity to pets.
Essential oil therapy is a treatment method from alternative medicine that uses essential oils and basic oils extracted from various plants. These oils are used to treat the body and mind. Proponents of essential oil therapy claim it can treat physical ailments, skin diseases, nervous system problems, and mental disorders. For example, studies have shown that some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, have antibacterial effects. However, we shouldn’t jump to conclusions about their effects on viruses or fungi.
Do essential oils help treat medical conditions?
Information about the effectiveness of essential oils in treating medical conditions is still limited. This is mainly because there aren’t enough studies in this field that follow proper research methods. However, there’s some evidence suggesting that essential oils may have therapeutic benefits. A recent study revealed that essential oils can provide many benefits, such as helping with relaxation, pain relief, and improving mood.
The study also found that using essential oils for massage in spas is effective, especially in relaxing the body in those places. The massage can be enhanced by adding more than ten drops of essential oil. The study was conducted at Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science in Taiwan and published in the Environmental Engineering Science journal.
The study discussed the physical and chemical changes caused by using these oils during massage in spas. Researchers also examined essential oils and essential oil mixtures from Chinese medicine, conducting their research in a monitoring room under different experimental conditions. Additionally, the researchers took samples of air from spa products where massages are performed using essential oils and analyzed their contents. They found that the oils that produced the most chemical compounds were lavender oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, and camphor oil.
The researchers found that essential oils contain chemical compounds called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds interact with the air to form aerosols (airborne liquids) of secondary organic matter. Aerosols are substances suspended in the air, consisting of small liquid droplets floating in the air. These small particles, or aerosols, can cause irritation in the eyes and respiratory system. It is also known that they can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even lung damage.
Massage Benefits for the Body: Explanations and Treatments
Can massage with essential oils pollute the air in the room?
Previous studies have shown that these compounds can indeed be present in the air from essential oils in homes or offices, but not to a dangerous extent. However, previous studies have found that essential oils can lead to the development of respiratory problems, especially for people who suffer from respiratory diseases and increased allergies.
Despite the study’s findings, the researchers determined that it’s impossible to avoid the harmful effects of compounds produced by essential oils. Therefore, they specifically recommend that aromatherapy is one of the most popular alternative treatments. They also advise that health products offering such treatments should take some factors into consideration, as this can affect the levels of compounds present in the air during aromatherapy.
Essential oils can have other negative effects, as they contain various concentrated compounds. These oils can cause skin irritation if not diluted properly. Additionally, many of the oils contain chemical compounds that increase the skin’s sensitivity when exposed to the sun for long periods. This means that after using them, some people experience redness of the skin when exposed to sunlight for a short period. Or, sometimes, reactions occur in parts of the body.
Another danger lies in the origin of the plants. If the oils extracted from them are plants that grow in fields and farms, the essential oils may contain traces of pesticides that the plants have absorbed. Therefore, essential oils may contain residues of chemicals that were used on the plants. Additionally, some of the essential oils may be harmful, especially for certain segments.
It’s worth noting that the popularity of essential oil treatments has increased, so there are more and more people using them. Experts claim that the benefits of essential oils are actually due to a placebo effect – meaning that people who undergo treatment with essential oils convince themselves that they feel more relaxed and calm. Therefore, patients feel that the treatment is effective. Likewise, researchers see that there is very little scientific evidence of the effectiveness of essential oils in treating pain, injuries, and strengthening the immune system.
FAQ
Are essential oils safe to use around pets?
Some essential oils can be toxic to pets, so it’s essential to research and consult with a veterinarian before using them around animals.
Can essential oils cure diseases?
Essential oils can help alleviate symptoms and promote relaxation, but they are not a cure for diseases. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate medical treatment.
