The world today is moving at a fast pace and contrary to popular belief, the aggressive advancement of technology and globalisation may very well be responsible for several mental health issues plummeting people into a state of depression and anxiety.

Irrespective of where we are, be it at work or at home, we might even be on a holiday and remain connected to the events taking place all around the world through the Internet and various portable devices. Updates on social activities and world affairs are just a touch away thanks to the many social media platforms, news apps, and incessant notifications.

This leaves little room for people to enjoy the present moment because we are almost always eager to know more and eventually compromise our mental health.

Anxiety is a major consequence of such interconnectedness, which may cause excessive worrying, fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, etc. It can occur in stressful situations, such as taking a test or public speaking. An indicator of when feelings become excessive and interfere with daily life is the body’s natural response to stress and can manifest differently in people.

The question is, how can we reduce this anxiety and stress naturally?

This is where aromatherapy oils come in.

Aromatherapy or essential oil therapy has been around for centuries and aims at improving a person’s health and mood. It uses different essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, sandalwood and eucalyptus among others to function as a relaxant. The oils are naturally extracted from either vegetable raw materials or the outer skin of citrus fruits. There are two methods to extract essential oils: steam distillation and extraction by solvents. Steam distillation is the most common way. During this process, steam is used for vaporising the volatile compound of the plant, which is later condensed and collected as a liquid once it cools down.

A brief history:

In its formative years, ancient cultures from India, China and Egypt had used these aromatic plant components for medical and religious purposes. They have attributed the Persians in the 10th century to the distillation of these essential oils. The publication of these oils took place in Germany in the 16th century.

However, physicians in France recognised the capability of these oils for treating diseases only in the 19th century. René-Maurice Gattefossé, a perfumer and chemist from France, coined the word ‘Aromatherapy’ in a book he wrote in 1937. He also discovered the potential of lavender in the treatment of burn wounds.

Uses and benefits:

Among the many benefits that aromatherapy offers, a few noteworthy ones include improving sleep quality, treating headaches and migraines and reducing stress, agitation and anxiety. The aroma activates receptors in our nose and sends a direct message to the brain’s limbic system.

The aroma creates a holistic effect on the body, relieving a person from the negative effects of:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Sleep issues
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Dementia
• Menstrual and menopausal issues

Methods:

For inhalation, one can use the following products.

• Diffusers
• Aromatic spritzers
• Inhalers
• Candles

Skin absorption method by mixing these oils with products such as-

• Bathing salts
• Body oils
• Hair oils
• Shampoo
• Creams
• Clay mask
• Deodorants & body sprays

Massaging is also an effective way to increase absorption for improved blood circulation. Make sure that the essential oil is not directly applied to the skin. Instead, it is best to dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or olive oil.

Research:

A considerable amount of research has been conducted to understand how effective aromatherapy is with various diseases. One such disease is asthma, which gets worse when a person gets anxious. Aromatherapy combined with a few breathing exercises can offer relief most times, says Erin Stair, MD, MPH, a New York-based doctor.

The battle against stress and anxiety can interfere with daily activities, for example, job performance in adults, school work among teenagers. It also has the potential to adversely affect relationships, hence, throwing a person’s life off track. Aromatherapy offers a sign of relief and relaxation to an anxious person. It helps to reduce stress naturally without the use of any medication.