Aromatherapy: What Is Aromatherapy?

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aromatherapy?nav=govd Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants as a complementary health approach. The essential oils are most often used by inhaling them or by applying a diluted form to the skin. Aromatherapy is sometimes used for insomnia, but its effectiveness for this purpose is uncertain. Aromatherapy with peppermint oil has been used for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress, and aromatherapy with lavender oil has been used for anxiety, but little rigorous research has been done on these uses. Aromatherapy is sometimes incorporated into massage therapy for various conditions. For example, it has been used in supportive massage therapy for people with cancer, to attempt to relieve pain, anxiety, and other symptoms. Many essential oils are used in aromatherapy, including those from Roman chamomile, geranium, lavender, tea tree, lemon, ginger, cedarwood, peppermint, and bergamot.