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What is aromatherapy?

Hydrotherapy • Spa therapy

The word “aromatherapy” was coined by a French chemist and scholar who discovered the virtues of lavender essentials, and helped to create the first lavender growers’ cooperative. It is now synonymous with the use of essences, minerals, herbs and botanicals to ease the symptoms of emotional stress and anxiety.

Aromatherapy benefits

Research indicates that women in particular stand to benefit from stress relief. The National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health states: “Women often complain of anxiety and feeling low around the time of menopause, having mood swings and feeling frustrated. Women are often distressed at these changes and feel that they are out of character.” If you or a loved one are suffering from these or other stress-related symptoms, a healthcare provider should recommend the best course of action. But according to some experts, aromatherapy may be helpful.

For example, a 2011 scholarly review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine observed, “Most of the studies indicated positive effects [of aromatherapy] to quell anxiety. No adverse events were reported.” Concluding, “It is recommended that aromatherapy could be applied as a complementary therapy for people with anxiety symptoms.”