Essential oils are natural volatile aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers and other parts of plants, are responsible for protecting them and play an important role in pollination.
These compounds are small organic molecules that are called volatile because they change state rapidly from a solid or liquid state to a gaseous state at room temperature. The physical and chemical properties of the volatile aromatic compounds that make up essential oils allow them to move rapidly through the air and interact directly with the olfactory sensors in the nose. These properties make essential oils ideal for aromatherapy, using these natural compounds to help maintain a healthy mind and body.
The type of volatile aromatic compounds present in an essential oil determines both its aroma and its benefits. To date, more than 3,000 varieties of volatile aromatic compounds have been identified.
Essential oils can be used in a wide variety of applications for emotional and physical well-being. They can be used individually or in complex mixtures, this will depend on the experience of each user.
A study was carried out to verify the effectiveness of aromatherapy with essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) associated with massage for the relief of stress of a nursing staff of the surgical center by evaluating biophysiological and psychological parameters.
The intervention consisted of six aromatherapy massages with essential oils diluted in neutral cream at a concentration of 1% each. Heart rate and blood pressure levels were measured before and after each massage session. The Job Stress Scale (WSS) and the List of Stress Symptoms (LSS) were applied before and at the end of the intervention. There was a statistically significant reduction in heart rate and blood pressure levels after the massage sessions.
The high anti-fungal, anti-bactericidal and parasitic capacity of essential oils such as Cloves, Oregano, among others, has been proven in research.
Conclusion: The use of aromatherapy has shown its effectiveness in reducing the biophysiological parameters of the nursing staff of the surgical center.