Your Cancer Answers: Aromatherapy is a supportive agent for patients
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants (flowers, herbs or trees) as therapy to improve physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Numerous National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinical trials demonstrate aromatherapy is a supportive agent in cancer patients. Researchers have shown improved sleep, reduced in pain, depression, stress, anxiety and in physical and psychological symptoms. Further benefits include improved quality-of-life issues by increased mobility, reduction in blood pressure, pulse and respiration.
Essential oils like Roman chamomile, geranium, lavender or cedarwood are the basic materials of aromatherapy and are natural aromatic compounds. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. If you have ever enjoyed the gift of a rose, a walk by a field of lavender or the smell of fresh cut mint, you have experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. Essential oils can lift the mood, calm the senses and elicit powerful emotional responses. They go well beyond their fragrant appeal and can bring you to a place that is peaceful, balanced, energized and tranquil.
In addition to their beautiful fragrance, essential oils have been used throughout history in many cultures for their therapeutic benefits.
Modern scientific study and trends toward more holistic approaches to wellness are driving new discover of essential oil health applications.
Aromatherapy may work by sending chemical messages to the part of the brain that affects moods and emotions. Essential oils are most often used by inhaling them or by applying them in diluted form to the skin. Safety testing on essential oils has found very few bad side effects. Aromatherapy products do not need approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because no specific medical claims are made.
Certain essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal effects and when diffused in the air can be very stimulating (energizing) while others can be calming and soothing. Beyond emotional benefits, essential oils can also be used as cleansing and purifying additives to laundry and surface cleaners throughout the home. Using essential oils can be both profoundly simple and life changing. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are uplifting, joyful, invigorating, grounding and calming. Many patients find complementary treatments, such as aromatherapy, help them manage the symptoms caused by cancer and the treatments for it easing their journey to wellness.
