Benefits of Aromatherapy

January 31, 2023

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Also referred to essential oil therapy, aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit.
 
Aromatherapy is thought of as both an art and a science. Recently, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the fields of science and medicine.

What is aromatherapy?

 
Millions of people around the world use aroma therapy to improve their quality of life. In simple terms, aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants to alleviate a variety of health conditions, including:
 
• Stress
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Pain
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Low energy
• Meditation
• Appetite
 
Aromatherapy has also been treasured throughout history by cultures around the world for use in spiritual ceremonies, personal hygiene, or just as an inviting and comforting scent for their home. It is one of the most popular, effective, and safest alternative therapies.

How does aromatherapy treatment work?

 
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.
 
The essential oils used in aromatherapy are extracted from plants and flowers and can be diluted in carrier oil or water before being applied to your skin or inhaled. The most commonly used essential oils are lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, and chamomile.

Aromatherapy benefits

 
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils in holistic healing. Holistic healing is a form of alternative medicine that can include spiritual, emotional, and physical practices. A recent article from Healthline provides in-depth information about how to use essential oils and their side effects. It’s said to:
 
  • Manage pain
  • Improve sleep quality
  • Reduce stress, depression, and anxiety
  • Soothe sore joints
  • Treat headaches and migraines
 

Some Popular Aromatherapy Scents

 

Eucalyptus has a bracing and invigorating scent that is popular for silencing coughs and relieving congestion, joint pain relief, and it may even play a role in controlling blood sugar.

Spruce has been used for centuries by indigenous Americans to relieve muscular stiffness and arthritis, reduce anxiety and stress, and assist with respiratory discomfort. Spruce essential oil is also associated widely with yoga and to heighten meditation.

Bergamot is a citrus fruit, the bergamot orange. Grown in southern Italy, bergamot has a beautiful aroma which modern aromatherapists recommend for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Geranium is widely believed to promote cell health, encourage the recycling of dead cells, and speed wound healing. Ease anxiety, relieve depression, mood swings, and help balance your emotions with this pleasant and uplifting aroma.

Lavender is used to ease insomnia, depression, stress, and lower blood pressure. It is also used for its beneficial effects on asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, coughs, and sore throat.

Ylang-ylang is used as an aphrodisiac throughout Asia and the South Pacific and is known for its stress reducing properties with an exotic, sweet, and sensual scent.

Chamomile is well known for its calming properties. The soothing, gentle scent of chamomile promotes a sense of inner peace and relief from depression, stress, and anger.

Neroli has been perfuming baths since the 17th century and is a key component in the original perfume, Eau-de-Cologne. Aromatherapists praise its ability as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac, as well as its ability to combat insomnia.

Bulgarian Rose has been used therapeutically to enhance creativity and inspire the appreciation of beauty and harmony, relieves tension, and depression.

Jasmine oil is uplifting and euphoric and helps boost confidence, while simultaneously reducing fear and anxiety. Roughly eight million jasmine blossoms are hand-picked in order to produce a single kilo of jasmine essential oil.