Essential Oils As A Resource To Support The Mental
Essential Oils As A Resource To Support The Mental
3872 Artigo
Abstract: Stressful situations, common in the current world scenario, culminate in negative
impacts on the mental health. Due to the busy routines, with many hours of work and study
each week, academics and health care workers are among the most affected by mood and
anxiety disorders, with an increasing incidence of substance abuse. Besides psychotropic
medications to combat psychosomatic disorders, other intervention possibilities with fewer
reports of adverse effects can be used, such as essential oils (E.O.s). Objective: To conduct a
literature review to investigate possible positive effects of selected essential oils on physical
and mental impacts arising from stress and anxiety. Methods: A literature review was conducted
using Google Scholar, SciELO, and PubMed databases. Original papers that contained clinical
research evaluating the effects of E.O.s on physical and mental health were selected. Results:
The use of essential oils, most notably lavender (8 studies), lemongrass (6 studies), bergamot
(3 studies) and cypress (2 studies), demonstrated to be an effective alternative for the treatment
of anxiety, stress, and depression. Conclusion: The use of essential oils is effective in the
support of mental disorders and is thus of great relevance to the general well-being of academics
and health care professionals.
____________________
1
Acadêmica de Medicina – Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL). Londrina, Paraná, Brasil. ORCID:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0530-0881. E-mail: [email protected];
2
Graduada em Enfermagem – Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL). Londrina, Paraná, Brasil. ORCID:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3121-0003. Londrina, Paraná, Brasil. E-mail: [email protected]
3
Docente de Anatomia – Departamento de Anatomia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de
Londrina (UEL). Londrina, Paraná, Brasil. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3143-4093 . E-mail:
[email protected]
81 Id on Line Rev. Psic. V.17, N. 69, p. 81-93, Dezembro/2023 - Multidisciplinar. ISSN 1981-1179
Edição eletrônica em http://idonline.emnuvens.com.br/id
Óleos Essenciais como Alternativa Viável para o
Cuidado da Saúde Mental de Acadêmicos e Profissionais da Saúde
Introduction
Aromatherapy is a natural method that uses plant oil extracts in the form of
essential oils (E.O.s) and has excellent results on physical and mental well-being. Because
of the broad effects of E.O.s, their effectiveness in supporting people with mental health
conditions has been studied.
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic was an example of a stressful situation
experienced worldwide. Due to the rapid spread of the new coronavirus, the control of
agglomerations and social distancing were the most effective confrontation and
prevention measures. The implementation of such measures was necessary due to the
sanitary conditions and the risk of collapse of the Health System(1). Such routine
adjustments culminated in financial difficulties and evident changes in family and
professional/academic dynamics, in addition to the emotional and mental impact of social
isolation itself (2). Mental disorders demand follow-up and interventions, which are often
Methodology
Given the above, the objective of this article was to present an updated literature
review on the effects of aromatherapy on the physical and mental health of academics
and health care workers. An active search of Google Scholar, SciELO, and PubMed
databases was conducted, prioritizing original papers that contained clinical research and
that evaluated the effects of E.O.s on physical and mental health. Articles from the last
decade were prioritized, so that the narrative review would provide an up-to-date
overview of aromatherapy. First, we present an overview of the relationship between
stress and mental disorders. Next, we outline an overview of aromatherapy, with a focus
on its use in the treatment of mental disorders. Then, we present the specific contributions
of the most studied E.O.s. Finally, we present perspectives for future studies.
Stressful events negatively impact physical and mental health and can lead to the
development of various types of mental disorders. The consequences are perceived in the
overall health of the individual, including sleep disturbances, cognitive problems and in
the concentration and attention levels, among others) (3,4). The COVID-19 pandemic is a
good example of a stressful event experienced globally.
The advent of the pandemic has significantly increased the amount and severity
of mental and mood disorders reports (5), with the most recurrent complaints being related
to anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating (6).
The increase in such reports was most often observed in people of different social
classes, in different forms and intensities (7). Groups that are particularly vulnerable to
(2,8)
these effects are college students and health care workers The most reported mental
(8).
disorders were anxiety and stress, closely followed by depressive states The
persistence of social distancing and adaptation to telework exemplify some of the changes
that have intensified these harms (8).
Among the hundreds of essential oils that promote mental health benefits, a few
stand out. Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is among the most studied and widespread
plant species in the world, given the discoveries about the therapeutic impacts of E.O.s
(24) and its growing relevance in treating mental disorders by presenting a calming effect
(31) and fighting anxiety (32). In addition, we can mention melaleuca, with antibacterial (24),
anti-inflammatory, and antifungal effects (33); lemongrass, with antimicrobial and relaxing
effects (18); and clove, with antimicrobial, stimulating, and antioxidant effects (27,34).
Thereafter, several E.O.s will be presented along with published data from clinical
studies endorsing their beneficial action on mental health. A summary of the effects of
each plant species can be found in Table 1.
Table 1. General descriptive data of the main E.O.s used in mental health care, with their
respective pharmacological effects
Essential Oil Species Therapeutic effects* Reference
Lavender Lavandula officinalis, Anxiolytic, antidepressant,
(22,28,35)
Lavandula angustifolia, sedative, antibacterial, antifungal.
Lavandula hybrida
Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus Anxiolytic, sedative, (36)
anticonvulsant, antibacterial.
Bergamot Citrus bergamia Anxiolytic, antifungal and
(4)
anthelmintic, and treatment for
insomnia
Cypress Cupressus Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic (37,38)
sempervirens
*The effects shown depend on the route of use, dose, and individual.
Lavender is one of the most researched and widespread plants in the world,
characterized as a pioneer species in aromatherapy studies and in the discoveries of the
therapeutic impacts of E.O.s (39). Its benefits were initially identified in the aid of wound
healing (40), but lavender has diverse uses. Nevertheless, its uses for mental health
benefits are the most expressive, with anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
The anxiolytic effects are more significant in cases of mild to moderate anxiety
and are conditioned to each stressful environment/situation to which the individuals are
exposed. The use of lavender to manage anxiety is often associated with the sedative and
relaxing properties of this oil, similar to the expected effects of benzodiazepines (28).
Research on the relevance of lavender use for physical and emotional well-being
is often conducted comparing two different groups, in which one is exposed to the E.O.
(41).
and the other is used for control In such manner, it is possible to see the anxiolytic
potential of lavender in different groups of evaluated patients, considering various forms
of application (inhalation, cutaneous, oral), in addition to other benefits linked to anxiety
treatment, such as improved mood and sleep quality (28).
Lavender (Lavandula sp.) E.O. has the greatest range of positive effects on mental
(42),
disorders. As its potential action is on the limbic system lavender has analgesic
properties (22) and brings a state of relaxation, sedation, and well-being – a result of the
components linalool and linalyl acetate (35).
Studies have shown that lavender E.O. can be used by inhalation or by direct
application to the skin (42), and that it is beneficial in the long term, even more so when
combined with other non-pharmacological measures for the treatment of depression, such
as physical exercise (22).
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a species traditionally used in all continents of the world. Its use is
wide, and its effects can be achieved in different ways, such as infusion, teas, and
diffusion (43). The lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) E.O. is effective against insomnia
and contributes to the overall improvement of sleep quality, and in fighting stress.
Bergamot
Among the most widely used E.O.s in mental health support, bergamot (Citrus
(4).
bergamia) also demonstrates positive results on individuals with anxiety Studies
(46).
indicate that these benefits are linked to the plant component linalool Studies have
also shown new properties of the oil, such as reducing insomnia and potent action on
(4)
microorganisms - among them fungi and helminths and its connection to improved
cognitive function in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (47).
Cypress
Although little studied, cypress (Cupressus sp.) E.O. contains properties against
various microorganisms, as well as anti-inflammatory function. It is effective in treatment
for improving human concentration and systemic circulation (38), and it is also considered
a great source of energy (48).
Future perspectives
The benefits arising from the use of E.O.s are related to the type of oil applied,
since many are already known for their specific effects and mechanisms of action. The
positive notoriety of the use of natural substances in stressful moments will contribute to
a greater interest of the scientific community and the general population, and
consequently lead to credibility and the dissemination of knowledge about aromatherapy.
These aspects are of great relevance considering how mental health is negatively
impacted in aversive situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the long routines
Conclusion
Stress has become increasingly present in everyday life and adverse situations
tend to be unpredictable. Thus, strategies to combat and support mental health are always
necessary. Several E.O.s have reported effects on mood improvement and anxiety control,
and are strong allies in fighting stress. Considering the need for appropriate and conscious
use, E.O.s present great potential to balance the busy routine of the 21st century.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank the Academic Writing Center of UEL for assistance with English
language translation and developmental editing. The authors would also like to thank Prof. Dr.
Celia C. Fornaziero for all the support and incentive for the development of this study. This
study was developed without funding.
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1981-1179.