Does aromatherapy really work?
There have been studies indicative of the positive effects of aromatherapy.
A study in Japan looked at aromatherapy using rosemary and lemon oils in the morning and lavender and orange oils in the evenings for Alzheimer’s patients. The idea was to see if aromatherapy helped with dementia. The findings were positive proposing that aromatherapy may in fact really work. (Jimbo D, Kimura Y, Taniguchi M, Inoue M, Urakami K, 2009).
Another study investigated aromatherapy as a therapeutic practice for chronic pain patients. The outcomes showed positive results, although not conclusive. At least one nursing board at a state level has recognized aromatherapy as an alternative treatment plan for pain management. (Buckle, J 1999).
Aromatherapy works, but I don’t think Bath and Body Works aromatherapy line is “real” aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses pure essential oils distilled from plant sources. I’ve never read the ingredients on B&BW line, but many commercial products advertised as aromatherapy contain little to no essential oils because there’s no real regulation (in the US at least) on the term “aromatherapy”. That said, if you like the smell, it might be worth a shot to try it. Another suggestion is to go to a health food store and look at their essential oils. They might have a sleep or relaxation blend that you like, or you can test out their single oils. Just look for “100% essential oil” on the label. You can add a drop to a cotton ball or some tissue and leave it next to your bed.
