We're always searching for magically easy solutions to difficult problems.

And many of us are particularly drawn toward solutions that we perceive to be all natural

or untainted by human technology.

One modality that neatly checks both of these boxes is aroma therapy.

The idea that merely smelling the essence of various plants can treat a vast range

of medical conditions.

We're pointing our skeptical eye at it today on Skeptoid.

You're listening to Skeptoid.

I'm Brian Dunning from Skeptoid.com, aroma therapy sniffing essential oils.

The popularity of essences of aromatic plants appears to have skyrocketed in recent years.

Normally they're used as simple fragrances, in perfumes, incense, soaps and candles,

or even popery.

But their recent rise may be due in part to stinkier practices.

A lot of people are now turning to essential oils for medical purposes.

Some believe they promote general wellness, some believe they boost the immune system,

and some depend on specific aroma therapies to treat very specific diseases.

Are they right to do so?

Let's look exactly at what an essential oil is.

First of all, the word essential means that the oil contains the essence of whatever plant

it's from.

It does not mean that it's essential, as in necessary for health.

Leaves, stems, flowers, or whatever part of the desired plant is placed in a distillation

...