Discover The expert interview, the section where professionals explain in practical terms why and how essential oils are used in their department.
Professor Mark Moss, Head of the Department of Psychology at Northumbria University in Newcastle.
Mental health: why are researchers interested in the inhalation of essential oils?
Anxiety, depression and stress currently affect more than a billion people worldwide. In the face of this public health emergency, complementary approaches are attracting growing interest. Mark Moss, Head of the Department of Psychology at Northumbria University (UK), explains why inhalation aromatherapy could help improve mental wellbeing.
Why has mental health become a major public health issue?
Mental health disorders now represent one of the greatest challenges of our century. Yet, in many countries, the majority of people who need care still do not have access to it. We must therefore develop complementary solutions that are accessible, inexpensive and easy to integrate into care pathways. Aromatherapy meets several of these criteria.
Why is the inhalation of essential oils particularly beneficial?
The sense of smell is directly linked to the areas of the brain that control emotions, memory and stress. Inhaling an essential oil stimulates these brain circuits, whilst also allowing us to benefit from the biological effects of certain aromatic compounds, such as linalool in lavender or the molecules found in citrus essential oils. It is this dual action that makes this method of administration particularly promising.
What does the current research tell us?
Studies show encouraging results, particularly in reducing anxiety and stress and improving well-being. Our research shows that daily inhalation of essential oils can reduce biological and psychological symptoms in stressed adults*. Similarly, ambient dispersal of essential oil aromas can reduce the stress response caused by multi-tasking**. However, aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. It should be regarded as a complementary approach, integrated into a holistic care plan. The challenge in the coming years will be to conduct more robust clinical studies in order to better define the indications and protocols.
