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Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy.

Aromatherapy is thought of as both an art and a science. Recently, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the fields of science and medicine.
How long has aromatherapy been around?

Humans have used aromatherapy for thousands of years. Ancient cultures in China, India, Egypt, and elsewhere incorporated aromatic plant components in resins, balms, and oils. These natural substances were used for medical and religious purposes. They were known to have both physical and psychological benefits.

Essential oils distillation is attributed to the Persians in the 10th century, though the practice may have been in use for a long time prior to this. Information about essential oil distillation was published in the 16th century in Germany. French physicians in the 19th century recognized the potential of essential oils in treating disease.

Medical doctors became more established in the 19th century and focused on using chemical drugs. However, the French and German doctors still recognized the role of natural botanicals in treating illness.

The term “aromatherapy” was coined by a French perfumer and chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé in a book he wrote on the topic that was published in 1937. He had previously discovered the healing potential of lavender in treating burns. The book discusses the use of essential oils in treating medical conditions.

 Choosing a provider

You may wish to meet with a certified aromatherapist, especially when you’re first getting started with aromatherapy or if you have specific issues you’d like to address. You can find an aromatherapist by using an online directory. Or ask at a spa or yoga studio.

During a consultation with an aromatherapist, you’ll answer questions and talk about your lifestyle and health. Together, you can come up with an individual treatment plan to meet your goals and manage your symptoms. You may have a few sessions with your aromatherapist, or you could decide to have ongoing sessions for a longer period of time.

Since aromatherapy is a complementary therapy, you should talk to your doctor before starting your sessions. That way your essential oil therapy can be tailored to work together with any medical care or treatment you’re receiving.

There’s plenty of information available online and in books if you wish to treat yourself at home. There are also courses you can take to learn more about aromatherapy.

Consultations with an aromatherapist will vary depending on several factors, including where you live. You can expect to pay up to $100 for an initial consultation and up to $50 for follow-up consultations.
Side effects

Most essential oils are safe to use. But there are some precautions you should take when using them, as well as side effects you should be aware of, especially if you take any prescription medications.

Don’t apply essential oils directly to your skin. Always use a carrier oil to dilute the oils. Remember to do a skin patch test before using essential oils. Since citrus essential oils may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, these oils should be avoided if you’ll be exposed to sunlight.

Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use essential oils with caution and under the supervision of a doctor. You should avoid some oils and never swallow essential oils.

Essential oils: The basics

Steaming or pressing plants releases aroma-rich oils. These oils contain the odor and flavor of the plants. They are often referred to as the plant’s essence.

Essences can be added to a variety of products like perfumes, candles, and aromatherapy scents. They’re also sometimes added to foods and drinks.

For centuries, essences or essential oils have also been used as alternative treatments for a variety of medical conditions. In recent years, essential oils have gained popularity as nontraditional treatments. These oils are also gaining attention from the health community.

Essential oils give off an essence. Using them is called aromatherapy. Essentials oils should be diluted in a carrier oil if applied to the skin. Essential oils should not be swallowed.

Extracting essences from plants by natural means produces pure, high-quality oils. These oils can be used in a variety of ways. Many people use essential oils strictly as an aromatherapy product.

These oils can also be applied to the skin or diffused in a steamer. Gently inhaling the scents can provide benefits that include relaxation and headache relief.

“Asthma is a condition that often gets worse in anxious moments,” said Erin Stair, MD, MPH, a New York-based doctor. Breathing exercises combined with some aromatherapy may also offer relief in many instances.

Some essential oils have an anti-inflammatory action and may be beneficial for treating asthma in some people.

Most quality, peer-reviewed studies exclusively examined and analyzed the potential of essential oils as aromatherapy options. Essential oils should never be the main treatment for asthma. For some people, aromatherapy may trigger symptoms.

However, several oils have shown potential as alternative treatments for asthma symptoms:
Clove

You likely know clove from the culinary world. This flower also produces an essential oil that may help relieve symptoms of asthma. Clove essential oil may help reduce symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Rosemary

Rosemary extract relaxes the smooth muscles of the trachea, according to an early study. This results in more relaxed breathing.

A 2018 study showed rosemary can reduce asthma symptoms in people who didn’t see improvement from traditional treatments. Participants in this study saw a decrease in asthma symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, and wheezing.
Thyme

Thyme may reduce inflammation and support the health of lung cells, according to a 2021 animal study. In this study, animals that consumed thyme oil had fewer asthma symptoms. But more research is needed to find out if thyme has the same anti-asthma effects in people.

Thyme extracts have been used to treatTrusted Source other lung conditions such as cough and bronchitis.
How to use essential oils for symptoms of asthma

The best time to use an essential oil treatment for asthma is between attacks, not while you’re having one or experiencing an increase in symptoms.

“It all depends on the person, on the ailment, on how you use it,” says Birgitta Lauren, a Los Angeles-based aromatherapist. However, “a reduction in symptoms can take from 10 minutes to weeks… try each [oil] separately.”

Here are some instructions to help you get started:

    Mix 2 to 3 drops of an essential oil in an ounce of a carrier oil. Carrier oils are neutral oils that dilute the essential oil, helping a little bit go a long way. Carrier oils also help spread the fragrance around so you’re not as likely to be overwhelmed by the scent.
    Spread the oil combination on your chest and inhale the scent for 15 to 20 minutes.
    Wipe clean.
    Repeat daily as needed.

Steam bath

You can also consider using steam to inhale an essential oil.

    Fill a bucket or bowl with steaming water.
    Add 2 to 3 drops of the essential oil to the water and gently stir.
    Place your face directly over the water, being careful not to touch the hot water. Drape a towel over your head so it covers both your head and the sides of the bowl.
    Inhale deeply for 5 to 10 minutes.
    Take a break for a few minutes and then repeat 2 to 3 more times.

Air dispersed oils

An essential oil diffuser or a humidifier can disperse the concentrated oil into the air. Note that it’s important to clean diffusers and humidifiers regularly to avoid mold growth.
Epsom salt bath

If you have a large bathtub, you can also add a few drops of the diluted oil to Epsom salt and then pour the salt into a warm bath. Breathe deeply to enjoy the aromatic benefits of the essential oils in your bath.
Risks and warnings

Different people have different reactions to essential oils, so it’s important to be cautious as you integrate essential oils into your routine. Although they’re widely considered safe, you should speak with your doctor to make sure you don’t have an allergy.

Essential oil diffusers may release volatile organic compounds, which can worsen asthma symptoms.