Aromatherapy as a Cancer Treatment

The use of complementary alternative therapies in combination with traditional care for the management of cancer patients and other diseases is becoming better recognized among health care providers the world over. There is debate over the efficacy of alternative treatments in general however, due to a lack of quantitative studies related to health benefits. According to proponents, aromatherapy may provide relief to cancer patients from several perspectives. Aromatherapy may provide stress relief, palliative, and anxiety/depression reducing. The claims made for use of aromatherapy are generally backed by patient testimonials related to their perceived well being after treatment. These ideas are explored in greater detail below:

Aromatherapy may be defined as utilization of distilled essential oils from plants for health purposes. Generally aromatherapy oils are used as a means to improve the mood and health of patients in a clinical setting. For cancer patients, essential oils...
[ View Full Essay]