Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for healing, and it is offered as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative medicine. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are used in aromatherapy to improve psychological well-being, boost mood, improve sleep, and kill bacteria, funguses, and viruses. However, some essential oils are toxic, and taking them by mouth could be fatal. Rarely, aromatherapy can induce side effects, such as rash, asthma, headache, liver, and nerve damage. Many essential oils were screened for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria along with antifungal properties. Aromatherapy products, and essential oils, in particular, may be regulated differently depending on their intended use. A product that is marketed with a therapeutic use in the US is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA); a product with a cosmetic use must meet safety requirements, regardless of their source.
In summary, aromatherapy can have positive effects on psychological well-being, mood, sleep, and can kill bacteria, funguses, and viruses. However, some essential oils can be toxic and cause side effects such as rash, asthma, headache, liver, and nerve damage. Aromatherapy products, including essential oils, may be regulated differently depending on their intended use.
