Aromatherapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: A review
Aromatherapy is most commonly used therapy for the relaxation purpose to overcome the symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders. Essential oils are most commonly used substances for this purpose. These are obtained from various plant species including lavender, rosemary, sage, and salvia. The objective of this study was to evaluate aromatherapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. A computer-based search of Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsycINFO, AMED, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed. Trials were included if they were potential human trials assessing aromatherapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and utilized validated instruments to assess participant eligibility and clinical endpoints. Selection criteria of the study was decided and taken into consideration. Trials were identified that met all eligibility requirements. Individual trials investigating botanical sources and clinical effects of essential oils used in aromatherapy. Results of the trials are discussed to form the basis of a recommendation. No good quality evidence was identified on which to base a recommendation. However, no serious side effects were reported in any of the studies on the use of aromatherapy. Further studies are recommended to reach at any conclusion.