March
2008
No Advantages from Aromatherapy?
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Breathe in. Breathe out.
Study results released just today from the Ohio State University Medical Center suggest that, while people may “feel better” with the use of aromatherapy, the physical evidence doesn’t stack up. A team of scientists from the medical center traced heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones and immune function in a group of 56 study volunteers. Following “mild stress” administered by the scientists, subjects were then exposed to one of three substances: lavender, lemon or distilled water. The result: to the scientists’ surprise, “no measurable benefits” were observed with either of the aromatherapy scents.
Scientists intended to observe the physiological effects, if any, of aromatherapy to discern potential for its “positive medical impact.” The study is published online through the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Each person took part in three half-day sessions where they were exposed to both scents. Participants were monitored for blood pressure and heart rate during the experiments, and the researchers took regular blood samples from each volunteer. The researchers tested volunteers’ ability to heal by using a standard test where tape is applied and removed repeatedly on a specific skin site. The scientists also tested volunteers’ reaction to pain by immersing their feet in 32-degree F water. Lastly, volunteers were asked to fill out three standard psychological tests to gauge mood and stress three times during each session. They also were asked to record a two-minute reaction to the experience which was later analyzed to gauge positive or negative emotional-word use. The blood samples were later analyzed for changes in several distinct biochemical markers that would signal affects on both the immune and endocrine system. Levels of both Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 – two cytokines – were checked, as were stress hormones such as cortisol, norepinephrine and other catacholomines.
Following analysis of the study’s tests and observations, the scientists found no sign that either the lemon or lavender had any physiological impact on the volunteers. In terms of psychological impact, results showed that only the lemon aroma had measurable effect on subjects’ reported mood. Subjects’ previous opinions of aromatherapy had no bearing on observed effects.
Though we’ve been highly skeptical of the grander claims made by the now burgeoning aromatherapy industry, we’d delayed judgment on the more moderate claims like tension relief. Of course, we’re always on the lookout for truly legitimate complimentary therapies (and the research that makes or breaks their claims to that legitimacy).
The study, though small, is the most comprehensive research yet on the physiological effects of aromatherapy (or, in this case, apparent lack thereof). Yet, there’s still the nagging question about why many people appear to “feel better” with at least some applications of aromatherapy. As one of the scientists explained, “[T]he human body is infinitely complex. If an individual patient uses these oils and feels better, there’s no way we can prove it doesn’t improve that person’s health. But we still failed to find any quantitative indication that these oils provide any physiological effect for people in general.”
Pure placebo effect? The study results suggest, as we mentioned, that the lemon aroma had “clear” psychological impact beyond that of the distilled water; however, the lavender actually had less effect than the water. Is it a case in which we should simply apply the law of averages? Is there something more promising (albeit vaguely so) about lemon? The scientists are already planning future follow up research.
And what about that placebo effect anyway? Is it a bad thing? Who is most likely to experience it? How can I get me some? Sure, there’s an important distinction to be made between feeling better and “getting better” in some physical way. However, if people earnestly report that they feel better, doesn’t it stand to reason that something of some sort has happened in them physiologically speaking? We intend to roll up our sleeves and eagerly dig into the subject in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, though there appears to be little reason to restock the lavender oil supply, there’s no sense wasting any you’ve already got. Looking for tension relief? Grab some tea, close the bathroom door, dim the lights, and enjoy the oil in a nice hot bath. A bit of indulgence, we say, is still gratifying in its own right.
obo-bobolina Flickr Photo (CC)
Further Reading:
10 Forgotten Stress Relief Tips
That’s Fit: Create a Not-To-Do List
Technorati Tags: aroma, aromatherapy, lavender
Does “bach flower remedy” fall under “aromatherapy”?
I used “walnut oil” with great succes when my kids were in the teething stage. It supposedly helps people going through ” difficult transition periods”
Placebo?
Marc
I really believe in the power of mind over matter. I think that if you believe something to be true, then that is your reality. Now, it says in this article that lemon nor lavender had any physiological impact on the volunteers. But, it did affect mood. I think that this is very interesting.
I’d never assumed that “aroma therapy” meant actual physiological healing. I’d always thought it was just mood enhancing and nothing more. But my argument for the physioligical benefits of aroma therapy are as follows…
I use aroma therapy, ergo…
I feel more relaxed, confidant, ergo…
I walk more confidently, ergo…
I improve my posture, ergo…
I don’t develop back problems.
Am I crazy for thinking this?
There have actually been a sizable number of studies that at least found that essential oils have benefit as a complimentary therapy. The results of some can be found here:
http://altmed.creighton.edu/Aromatherapy/Studies.htm
not surprising huh?
to me at least.
but I guess it is the nose’s version of the placebo/sugar pill.
M.
Ah… yet another bought and paid for study to prove that “alternative” medicine does not work…. what a bunch of BS. these studies are always unerlyingly funded by modern medicine in an effort to keep people running to doctors for perscriptions. a very sad state of affairs indeed. the public needs to wake up and realize they are being manuplated at the cost of their health and lives. Ive used aromotherapy for years… it posivitly, absolutly… works. Amazing stuff. you do have to use good quality oils though… such as those from Young Living or a similar company.
Soft Baby Powder AND Cinnamon Stick Scent Candles are so relaxing to smell when you walk into the room!
Somewhere on Cafepress, you can find “aromatherapy stinks” t-shirts.