Aromatherapy: therapeutic applications of plant essential oils

As is the case with many other complementary and alternative therapies in the United States, the use of essential oils or aromatherapy has increased in recent years. The term "aromatherapy" can be confusing because it is used to describe a wide range of practices involving odorous substances. In order to advise and better inform patients, physicians and other health professionals should be able to differentiate between aesthetic applications of odors and clinical uses of essential oils (essential oil therapy). They also should be able to identify key issues regarding safety and efficacy. There is a growing body of evidence in the scientific literature suggesting that plant essential oils, alone or in combination with other therapies, may be beneficial in treating a number of health conditions. This article describes essential oil therapy and identifies key issues for practice.