Aromatherapy: Natural Cure Or Placebo?

A drop of lavender on your pillow for good sleep; a bit of peppermint oil on your temples to help you wake up. Aromatherapy has long been popular, but pricey “aromatherapy bars” and premium products containing high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade essential oils are all over (and expensive), so a lot of us are wondering: Is it worth it?

The short answer is that none of aromatherapy’s health claims are proven, so all the health claims that you find on aromatherapy products are only anecdotal. The Food and Drug Administration says there’s not enough proof to claim medical benefits of essential oils. (Fragrances aren’t under FDA jurisdiction, but products that claim medical benefits –for example, curing insomnia or helping someone quit smoking – do require FDA approval.)

Still, there are plenty of people who will tell you ($40 bottle of essential oils in hand) that aromatherapy has helped them de-stress, sleep, wake up, or focus. Eucalyptus steam rooms and peppermint tea always clear your sinuses, don’t they?

Do you think aromatherapy works? What kinds of oils do you use to cure your everyday ailments? Or do you think it’s all just the placebo effect (and not worth your money)?

via New York Times