Aromatherapy: Uses and Benefits

A natural therapy that uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds from plants, termed aromatherapy, is a collection of traditional, alternative, and complementary treatments.

People have been using essential oils for health and wellbeing for nearly 6,000 years.

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), aromatherapy is the use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing.

Traditionally, essential oil is defined as a substance derived from vegetable raw materials, either by distillation with water or steam, or by a mechanical process for extracting the oil from citrus fruits’ epicarp, or by dry distillation.

Researchers have found that essential oils can possess antimicrobial activity in varying degrees and have also suggested they possess nematicidal, antiviral, insecticidal, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.

The therapy can be administered by inhalation, massage, or topical application.

How does Aromatherapy work?

The scent receptors in your nose respond to essential oils in aromatherapy, sending messages directly to the limbic system of your brain. Your limbic system is responsible for your appetite, learning, memory, sexual drive, and emotions.

The inhalation of essential oils triggers several bodily responses, including changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory patterns.

Aromatherapy can be used to treat several physical and mental disorders. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to improve your sense of smell, relieve pain, aid in digestion, improve focus, enhance healing, or help you sleep; there are essential oils that can assist you in your needs.

There are several methods you can use aromatherapy, including humidifying, vaporizing, direct inhalation, and diffusing.

Moreover, essential oils are strong and have to be diluted prior to use. Hence, they are mixed with carrier oils for diluting purposes. Carrier oils commonly used include almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.

Healing Benefits of Aromatherapy

1.     REDUCES STRESS

Life is full of stress, and each person experiences it differently. You can manage it even though it’s nearly impossible to avoid.

There is scientific evidence that lavender oil reduces stress. This essential oil lowers blood pressure, calms the nervous system, and rewires the brain waves to make one feel relaxed.

2.     RELIEVES ANXIETY

A recent study in America showed that 18.1% of American adults had anxiety disorders in the last year. The United States has 40 million people suffering from this psychological disorder each day.

Because of this, essential oils have become increasingly popular as people search for natural solutions.

3.     BOOSTS ENERGY

Is there often a slump around 3 pm? Energy has waned, and the coffee is running out. What if you tried a natural alternative to caffeine rather than reaching for the remaining cup?

Fortunately, there are essential oils that can wake up your senses and get you reenergized. Citrus oils, particularly lemon oils, are rich in antioxidant terpenes’ name limonene, which contains an energy-boosting property.

4.     IMPROVES FOCUS

Essential oil use is increasingly popular because of its potential to benefit the brain. People with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other mental illnesses can benefit from aromatherapy, which contains antioxidants that combat free radicals.

5.     REDUCES PHYSICAL PAIN

Researches revealed that aromatherapy is more effective than placebos at reducing pain, including obstetrical pain, surgical pain, and gynecological pain.

6.     IMPROVES SLEEP

The natural sedative properties of essential oils make them a popular sleep aid. It has been scientifically proven that lavender oil promotes peaceful sleep.

7.     AIDS DIGESTION

The essential oil can help maintain digestive health by assisting in the breakdown of nutrients by stimulating digestive enzymes.

Ginger oil has been proven to reduce relieve gas and abdominal pain. IBS can be treated with peppermint.