In Brief: Aromatherapy's benefits limited to mood improvement
In Brief
Aromatic plant oils have been used since ancient times to improve mood and health. Today, such oils, also known as essential oils, are incorporated in massage, added to baths, or inhaled in steam or through a diffuser. Little systematic empirical research has been devoted to aromatherapy, and many of the available studies are inadequate. The Ohio State study is particularly well designed and should set a standard for future research on the health effects of aromatherapy.
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