For years, aromatherapy practitioners have believed that essential oils can positively influence the brain. Now, a groundbreaking 2024 study by Kokubun et al., published in Brain Research Bulletin, offers exciting scientific support for this idea.

The Integrated Medical Alliance (IMA) has released a new survey showing that 43% of UK adults—around 24.5 million people—have used complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). Dr Naveed Akhtar, says: "Complementary therapies are not alternatives to medicine—they’re partners, working alongside conventional care. High satisfaction and cost savings show real benefits for patients and the NHS."

In the holistic realm of aromatherapy, where the essence of nature is harnessed for healing and wellbeing, practitioners embark on a journey to nurture both body and soul. Amidst the serene scents and therapeutic techniques, it's essential for aromatherapists to ensure their own peace of mind by securing adequate insurance cover. Insurance is a vital shield against unforeseen risks, offering protection to practitioners and clients. Within this speciality, Alan Boswell Group provides tailored insurance solutions for aromatherapists through an exclusive scheme designed for members of the International Federation of Aromatherapists.

The IFA are undertaking three research studies to determine whether essential oils can reduce stress levels using saliva and hair samples to determine cortisol levels. Previous studies have not kept the essential oil active, subjecting it to oxygen and sunlight, killing the active ingredients, so results are not accurate, that is until now.

While it is impossible to predict right now the long-term implications that Brexit may have on the aromatherapy industry, it will be ‘business as usual’ until the UK government decide which of our current laws and regulations they wish to keep, and which to amend, and then finally put a plan together to achieve the changes.