Theoretical Basis and Application Prospects of Aromatherapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treating Depression
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.14.018
- VernacularTitle:中医香薰法治疗抑郁症的理论依据与应用前景
- Author:
Molin JIANG
1
;
Hui SHEN
1
;
Yang LI
1
;
Wei LU
1
Author Information
1. Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Capital Medical University，Beijing，100010
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
depression;
aromatherapy in traditional Chinese medicine;
aromatic herb
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(14):1574-1578
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
This paper summarizes the theoretical basis of aromatherapy in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） for treating depression， from the perspectives of aromatic properties in relieving constraint and dispersing stagnation， awakening the spleen and promoting its transportation function， harmonizing the five zang （脏） organs， and regulating emotions to nurture mental well-being. The potential clinical applications of TCM aromatherapy are also discussed. In the future， it is necessary to strengthen high-quality clinical evidence about aromatherapy， deepen mechanism studies with an emphasis on the "nose-brain" pathway， explore aromatherapy-based integrative mind-body intervention strategies， assess and control potential safety risks， as well as promote the translation of clinical findings and the development of novel dosage forms. These efforts will help standardize and advance the clinical application of TCM aromatherapy in the management of depression.
