Medical aromatherapy revisited—Basic mechanisms, critique, and a new development

Abstract

Objective According to a series of recent meta‐analyses and systematic reviews, aromatherapy has shown to be effective in treating patients with different medical conditions. However, many of the clinical studies are of rather low methodological quality. Moreover, there is much conceptual ambiguity with regard to what aromatherapy actually constitutes. Method In this paper, we discuss the conditions under which aromatherapy is most likely to be of medical value by outlining the workings of the olfactory system and the necessary requirements of odors to be therapeutic. We then introduce an aromatherapeutic inhaler that was tested in a series of studies involving 465 participants. Results This inhaler (AromaStick®) produced large to very large effects across a variety of physiological target systems (e.g., cardiovascular, endocrine, blood oxygenation, and pain), both short term and long term. Discussion Inhalation of volatile compounds from essential oils yields almost immediate, large, and clinically relevant effects as long as the scents are delivered highly concentrated from an appropriate device. The changes caused in the body seem side effect‐free and can be sustained when inhalation is repeated.

Beta-caryophyllene enhances wound healing through multiple routes

“…Our observations that BCP activates multiple types of receptors in the skin further unveils the complexity of chemical signaling. Although we humans typically rely on visual and auditory stimuli in communication, it is important to understand how odors in the environment, whether it is from other individuals [1] or from plants [2–6], could be affecting our condition. In addition, BCP is but one component commonly found in essential oils of herbal extracts.…”

“…Odors from other conspecific individuals [1] (Technical terms in the study field of animal behavior and ethology, meaning the same species) and the environment [2–6] affect the behaviors and physiological status in many animals. The significance of olfactory stimuli tends to be underestimated in case of humans.…”

“…However, we have a long history of actively utilizing odorants to heal or alter our physiological conditions. Various herbal plants’ and spices’ extracts have been used to reduce stress, pain, and to promote recovery from injury or illness [2–6]. In spite of such a long history of using herbal plant extracts and although an increasing number of scientists are starting to test natural products owing to their diverse molecular scaffolds and biologically active substructures, there is still a strong need to examine the influences of extracts.…”

Cardiovascular risk markers in women with metabolic syndrome at the menopausal transition using multimodal non-drug therapies

“…Терапевтическое воздействие музыки заключалось в коррекции психоэмоционального статуса посредством ритмического раздражения слуховых рецепторов, воздействия на лимбическую систему, активации метаболизма, нормализации функционирование дыхательной и сердечно-сосудистой систем [28]. Ароматерапия способствовала снижению последствий психоэмоционального стресса, нормализации деятельности эндокринной системы и как следствие нормализации метаболизма за счет воздействия на обонятельную сенсорную систему [29,30]. Позитивное воздействие аэроионизации осуществлялось посредством нейрогуморального механизма, который заключается в передаче заряда аэроионов тканям и стимуляции рецепторов кожи и слизистых оболочек, влияния на тонус парасимпатической нервной системы [31].…”

Integrative Medicine: A Health Paradigm of the Future

“…55 Aromatherapy is the clinical use of essential oils by olfactory or dermal application, although some reviews demonstrated that evidence is still not fully convincing. 56 Recent research evidence is provided about mechanism of action and new developments, 57 as well, as clinical evidence in handling diverse nervous ailments, 58 chronic rheumatic pain, 59 and for patients with palliative care needs. 60 Zootherapy is the use of animals and their product for therapeutic purposes, used since very ancient times by diverse civilizations.…”