Aromatherapy in the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction and Relationship Problems (DRAFT)

Aromatherapy and its tools, essential oils, can be useful adjuncts to any other type of treatment for sexual dysfunction and relationship problems. Functional fragrance naturally derived from pure plant distillation (essential oils) can affect the emotions, mood, and anxiety and be an adjunct in treating behavior disorders. This chapter briefly examines the role of olfaction—the process of smelling that occurs in the same area of the brain (the limbic system) that processes memory and emotion. Essential oils are employed through inhalation or dermal application. The wide-ranging array of aromatic constituents found in essential oils can have a diverse effect on neurochemicals that are released into the body, resulting in a variety of actions: stress reduction, relaxation, mental or sexual stimulation, memory recall, and engendering intimacy.