Does Aromatherapy actually work or is it just BS?

[Becky]

How is it supposed to actually work? (Physically not psychologically)

 

[George C]

It's a placebo. However, placebos can be quite powerful, so that doesn't mean that it's completely useless.

 

[Dr.Greenman]

Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose. Those nerves send impulses to the part of the brain that controls memory and emotion. Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating.

The oils are thought to interact with the body's hormones and enzymes to cause changes in blood pressure, pulse, and other body functions. Another theory suggests that the fragrance of certain oils may stimulate the body to produce pain-fighting substances.


http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/tc/aromatherapy-essential-oils-therapy-topic-overview

 

[essentiallysolo]

aromatherapy is relaxing, many associate certain fragrances with calm times in their lives and so they relax when they smell that certain smell. It works well for some, not so well for others. It is not BS, it is just another form of relaxation aide.

 

[Jade Rose]

It is not a placebo. Look up the meaning of what a placebo is. Aromatherapy isn't bs at all. It's used world wide by many different walks of life. You just have to make sure that the essential oils you are using are from a legitimate brand. A company that uses 100% hand crafted or organic essential oils are going to have potent and strong effects. There are thousands of oils that come from plants, herbs, basically....the earth that work wonderfully. Essential oils are not a cure medically (Tea Tree oil however works wonders topically) but they help assist in many different aspects. Lavender oils are calming & help with sleep. Lemongrass and/or Verbena gives you a little "pick me up" as far as energy goes. There are thousands....Get a book on essential oils, it's worth it. I've never heard or seen any health scams such as the ones listed above regarding oils or aromatherapy in my life. (If anything you will just have some cheap wanna be "holistic" brand selling oils they are poor quality...) As with everything else & every other company in life.