Aromatherapy: Effects

Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils to alleviate illness or to influence and relax the body (= increase well-being). It is a form of phytotherapy (herbal medicine).

Indications (areas of application)

Effects Active ingredients
Disinfectant
  • Anise
  • Eucalyptus
  • Chamomile
  • Lavender
  • Carnation
  • Tea tree oil
  • Thyme
  • Onion
Mood enhancing
Colds
  • Eucalyptus
  • Spruce (spruce needle)
  • Mint
Cough
  • Anise
  • Eucalyptus
  • Mountain pine oil
  • Nutmeg
  • Peppermint
  • Thyme
  • Thuja
  • Juniper
  • Lemon
Analgesic (painkilling)
  • Bergamot
  • Geranium
  • Chamomile
  • Menthol
  • Peppermint
Spasmolytic (antispasmodic)
  • Anise
  • Fennel
  • Chamomile
  • Lavender
  • Melissa
  • Peppermint
Mosquito repellent
  • Eucalyptus
  • Tea tree oil

The procedure

Essential oils can be applied (used) in different ways and thus enter the body: for example, directly through the skin (transdermal) or the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract; enteral).

Another route is via fragrance molecules: The scents of essential oils exert a special healing effect. Via the olfactory mucosa of the nose, the body perceives the scent molecules and causes the release of messenger substances (e.g. endorphins), which are, for example, analgesic and mood-enhancing. For example, lavender works exclusively through the sense of smell.

The diffusion of scents can be done both by means of a fragrance lamp or a room fan.

Other forms of application are: Inhalation, massage, mouthwash and sauna infusion.

There are ready-made mixtures for the various areas of application.

Possible side effect

Essential oils should not come into direct contact with skin and mucous membranes in an undiluted state. This could cause severe irritation. Sunlight may increase this irritation.

Note: Asthmatics should be especially careful when using essential oils, as inhalation may cause breathing problems.

The following side effects of phytotherapy are distinguished:

  • Allergic reactions (eg, chamomile).
  • Toxic effects (none of the above active ingredients).
  • Unintended pharmacological effects (e.g., chamomile).
  • Mutagenic (mutagenic effect) or carcinogenic (carcinogenic effect) effects [could only be demonstrated in animal experiments].
  • Interactions (interactions) with other drugs
  • Effects caused by contamination (contamination).