Aromatherapy works. Spread the word!
The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) host an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the clinical benefits of aromatherapy. The IFA does this to educate the public about the difference aromatherapy can make to people's wellbeing and the important role it has in healthcare.
Historically, anecdotal evidence has outweighed scientific evidence in the support of essential oils for improved wellbeing. However, there has been increasing scientific research substantiating their health benefits. This has involved case histories, clinical trials, clinical audits, and patient reported outcome data, which has led to a higher level of public confidence in the benefits of aromatherapy. Awareness and understanding of the full extent and benefits of essential oils still requires greater recognition.
Essential oils were researched for their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties during the COVID-19 pandemic and given the emotional impact on society during this period, the IFA wants to raise awareness of how essential oils can improve our mental wellbeing. The government were urged by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Integrated Healthcare (PGIH) in 2018 to embrace complementary, traditional, and natural medicine approaches to achieve optimum health and to reduce burden on the NHS. It feels like now more than ever incorporating complementary approaches would give people an opportunity to discover new ways to improve their health and embrace self-care, particularly using essential oils.
For more, here is the in-depth article written by the IFA for Aromatherapy Awareness Week.