The use of essential oils in aromatherapy helps people’s health and well-being. There is evidence to suggest that it may help with overall well-being, anxiety, and a few adverse effects of cancer therapies. But further study is necessary. Additionally, some people may find that using essential oils during cancer treatment might help them cope with symptoms like worry and trouble sleeping caused by the disease and its treatments. As a result, some individuals may wonder if using essential oils can help treat or even prevent cancer. A simple no is an answer. Essential oils cannot treat or prevent cancer in humans, according to studies.
However, many cancer patients benefit from their use in reducing some adverse effects. Learn more about them here.
How does aromatherapy work?
Aromatherapy is the use of highly concentrated liquid compounds that come from flowers, plants, or trees. By combining them with other oils or lotions, you can massage them into your skin or inhale it through a diffuser.
What types of oils are in use for aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses fragrant essential oils that are extracted from a variety of plant parts, including flowers, leaves, roots, and bark. Eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, chamomile, peppermint, ylang-ylang, lemon, and jasmine are among the most common oils.
The majority of the time, these oils are concentrate form. They quickly lose smell if exposed to air or light and are delicate to both.
How can I use aromatherapy at home?
Usually, aromatherapy involves inhaling the fragrance of the essential oils, either through a room diffuser or an inhaler. Other times, the oils are diluted using a carrier oil and then used to gently massage the patient.
Not all fragrance oils can be in use for aromatherapy. The oils have to be suitable for inhalation and for use on the skin surface and this requires them to pass certain quality checks for health and safety purposes.
The label on the essential oil will confirm if it is safe for use in massage and for inhaling.
It is possible to use essential oils at home to aid relaxation, induce sleep, reduce nausea and uplift your mood. However, it is best to consult a qualified aromatherapist before doing so.
You can use essential oils at home in the following ways.
Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to water in an oil burner or vaporizer for relaxation.
Add it to warm bath water to induce sleep.
Use aroma sticks to spread the chosen fragrance around your room to lift your mood.
How can I apply aromatherapy at home?
Aromatherapy often entails using an inhaler or a room diffuser to inhale the fragrance of the essential oils. Other times, a carrier oil is in use for diluting the oils before utilizing them to gently massage the patient.
Does aromatherapy work to treat or prevent cancer?
Studies on the impact of aromatherapy on cancer patients’ nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and other medical disorders have been done. According to several research, aromatherapy benefits cancer patients by easing their symptoms of anxiety, nausea, and pain while also elevating their mood and promoting restful sleep throughout chemotherapy.