RN Edited by Kristin McHenry Aromatherapy has been practiced for centuries using pure oils extracted from plants.
Oils come from seeds, berries, barks, petals, resins, roots, and other sources.
Aromatherapy can be used for sensory stimulation, reminiscing, and creating mood affects with positive results. It can create a therapeutic and aesthetic environment for patients. However, it doesn't work for everyone. Patients may have an impaired sense of smell or just don't respond. When successful, aromatherapy can eliminate or reduce sedative administration for aggressive patients, help patients reconnect with their pasts, decrease depression and promote more restful sleep, and create an atmosphere that helps patients feel special and boost self-esteem.