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Essay: The Benefits and Risks of Aromatherapy: A Holistic Approach to Complementary Medicine

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  • Published: 1 April 2019*
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Introduction: Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing modalities of complementary medicine in Europe and the United States. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils derived from plants for the eudaemonia of the body, mind, and spirit. It is a derivative of herbal medicine, and its goal is the same of modern pharmacology. The scents of the essential oils used during aromatherapy are known to evoke not only strong physical reactions but emotion reaction as well. (Fontaine, 2015, pg. 133) The health benefits of aromatherapy included in Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Nursing Practice by Karen Fontaine; “the body and mind to function more efficiently, decrease and manage stress, refresh or recharge oneself, regulate moods, aid restful sleep, reduce weight, boost the immune system, speed recovery, and refresh a room environment”(Fontaine, p. 139). The benefits of Aromatherapy can take place through inhalation of vapor or penetrated into the skin through massage. When inhaled the oils are evaporated into the air using a stray that stimulates the olfactory system and the nervous system. Which can release antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic effects for several hours. When using these pure essential oils as a massage oils they must always be diluted in a carrier oil since they can cause irritation. Using carrier oils such as olive or almond oil can safely provide the body with additional nutrients and protection. When messaged in the skin the oils become beneficial by boosting circulation and increasing absorption. Aromatherapy is a holistic approach and treatments are recommended by based on the client’s needs. Some oils can be highly toxic which should be limited to a qualified aromatherapist, who must have a strong background, experience with essential oils, and are able to prescribe a single oil or a blend. Aromatherapists practice in settings, such as, private practices, general medicine clinics, and hospitals. Aromatherapy can have side effects, but they are usually rare or mild. These side effects can range from nausea to small allergic reactions. Adverse reactions may occur in pregnant women, children, people with pulmonary disorders, allergies or epilepsy and should consult with their personal health care practitioner or aromatherapist before use. Some oils are able to set off asthmatic spasms, allergies, and the chemical properties of essential oils can adversely interact with conventional medications the clients may be taking. Making it extremely important to make sure these clients are cleared with a qualified aromatherapist or health care practitioner.

Problem

There are some risks when the essential oils are used as a therapeutic intervention. Aromatherapy needs to be practiced correctly under the supervision of a qualified practitioner as the toxicity of essential oil can be entirely different to that of the plant. Patients should be also be aware that the FDA does not monitor all aromatherapy products making it can be difficult to disgustish between a pure, synthetic, or contaminated essential oil. Unfortunately, many aromatherapists and others unknowingly consider natural oils to be completely safe- because they are “natural”. “The dramatic increase in concentration of the essential oil compared with that in the whole plant (often the yield is 0.01%) demonstrates that essential oils are not equivalent to the whole herb. Essential oils are also volatile and fat-soluble and therefore differ from the mainly water-soluble whole herb extracts used in herbal medicine”(Aromatherapy Science, 2006). As previously stated, essential oils toxicity can be completely different than the plant it was derived from but also dangerous due to the ability to pass across membranes efficiently. There are many oils that are seen as non-toxic but can have a toxic effect on some clients. This toxic effect is mainly influenced by the age of the client: infants, geriatric, pregnant clients are especially vulnerable.  

It is very important to know when purchasing essential oils to know that they can be mixed with various diluents, which include petroleum spirits. Even essential oils that are sold at high prices  are not pure. When considering purchasing essential oils remember that they should be sold in brown bottles and do not buy them if they are packaged in clear or plastic containers. If the bottles are exposed to light or air they will oxidize and become more toxic.

Clients should also be made aware that there are some people who claim to be aromatherapists.  These “aromatherapists” may have taken a weekend course or know nothing or little about oils and their composition. They have no knowledge when it comes to the use the oil and their therapeutic actions for medical interventions.

The Role of the Professional Nurse

 Aromatherapy is among one of the most popular complementary and alternative modalities used in nursing practice. Many nurses continue to use aromatherapy as an adjunct to conventional medicine. Many patients prefer more holistic and natural options to treat their disease or condition if available. Not all nurses are familiar with aromatherapy and will not consider it option. Correctly educating nurses with the modalities of complementary and alternative medicines is a very important since nursing care is completely patient-centered. Nurses can teach clients many things about the use of essential oils. The diffusion of essential oils can boost the clients immune system, decrease stress, increase sedation, and speed recovery.  In the article, The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on the Psychological Symptoms of Postmenopausal Iranian Women, there has been a strong correlation with using essential oils during massage and decreased postmenopausal symptoms. “Aromatherapy massage is the most widely used complementary therapy in nursing practice” (Taavoni, 2013). “The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy massage on the psychological symptoms of menopausal women. After eight sessions of intervention, both aromatherapy massage and massage therapy significantly improved psychological symptoms, compared to baseline, with somewhat higher average reductions for aromatherapy massage than for massage” (Taavoni, 2013). There is enough evidence to support that Complementary and Alternative modalities, especially integrating aromatherapy with conventional care.

Summary

 Aromatherapy is the second most popular and desired complementary therapies used by nurses. It quickly and safely relieves the clients symptoms to provide an overall well-being for clients. As with any intervention there are risks when practicing aromatherapy that can include contact dermatitis, interactions with other drugs, and use by so called “aromatherapists”. As always anyone who chooses to use aromatherapy must be aware of these risks and to make sure they are correctly using these essential oils. Clients must understand that aromatherapy is an adjunct treatment to conventional care and not an alternative

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