Aromatherapy benefits are numerous in this promising alternative method that is rising in popularity every year.
These marvelous healing benefits are still continuously being recorded and tested, with the calming effects of aromatherapy being at the forefront of its benefits.
How Does Aromatherapy Work? What is Aromatherapy?
With the help of essential oils or volatile liquid plant substances plus other aromatic compounds, mixed and blended in numerous aromatherapy recipes, aromatherapy appeals to and affects an individual’s health and mood.
This has been backed by quite a number of research studies that reveal how aromatherapy works, indicating that certain aromas stimulate the brain waves that in turn change the effects of certain conditions.
When understanding the effects of aromatherapy, it is important to understand that there are two ways the body can absorb the essential oils. One is through inhaling, which affects more the mood and behavior as it stimulates the nasal cavity’s nerve cells that excite the brain, which transmits positive emotions and feeling to the rest of the body.
Also, the components of the oils get drawn to the lungs where it gets mixed with the oxygen that also gets diluted in the bloodstream.
Another way the essential oils get in the body is through skin absorption. This is why it is popularly used in massages, as the oils easily penetrate the skin layers and then enter the bloodstream, in turn providing the body with physical therapeutic benefits.
Next, let’s explore the many beneficial effects of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy Benefits
The most popular beneficial effect of aromatherapy is in relieving stress and calming down tensed moods, behaviors, and bodies. Thus, using aromatherapy for sleep is very effective as well as easing stressful situations. This is due to the fact that the scents and essential oils affect the body so that cortisol, the primary hormone that causes stress, is decreased.
This is why aromatherapy sessions are so popular at spas and wellness centers. Aromatherapy along with massage are two of the best ways to unwind and de-stress. In turn, these sessions help people to relax their muscles, aid in blood circulation, reduce fatigue, anxiety, depression, and increase alertness and energy.
More aromatherapy benefits include helping the body fight off infections and inflammation, reduce fatigue, and also stimulate the immune system. Thus, aromatherapy is now being used as an alternative complement to the treatment of cancer patients. With various methods, it aids in alleviating conditions of these patients.
Aromatherapy Home Recipes
If you’re looking to enjoy aromatherapy benefits in your own home, you can create a relaxing environment yourself with the following aromatherapy home recipes:
- Burn a tea light under an aromatherapy diffuser or plug in an aromatherapy electric diffuser. The burning of the flame in itself is highly soothing, but then the rich aroma of the essential oils will surely get you to relax as you sit back and breathe deeply, trying to set aside the cares of the day. Experiment with your homemade aromatherapy by using just one essential oil at a time, then trying your own combinations as you get more accustomed to the benefits of each and the scents you like the best. Aromatherapy rose is a popular favorite as well as lavender, bergamot, peppermint, and cinnamon scents.
- Aromatherapy inhalers are small versions of a diffuser, something you can carry with you for use when you are feeling most stressed. You can purchase one of the ready-made aromatherapy inhalers, or you can make one yourself using a tiny bottle with your favorite soothing essential oil. Another homemade aromatherapy option is to saturate a cotton ball with your favorite essential oil and tuck it in a zip-lock back or small sealable container to keep handy when needed.
- You can also use 10-20 drops of essential oil in a warm bath. Then use special aromatherapy body lotion or oil after your bath. This will allow you the benefit of aromatherapy while bathing and then the lingering scent left on your body even hours later, making for a very relaxing night’s sleep if done before bedtime. You can purchase lotions and oils professionally crafted, or you can make your own using unscented lotion or body oil and a few drops of your favorite oil. Test a small spot of skin for sensitivity before using on a large area.
Specific Aromatherapy Herbs With More Aromatherapy Home Recipes
What must first be noted is that not all oils are intended for aromatherapy. Some, such as fragrant oils, are just mainly chemically blended oils that are just used for their scent, with no other benefits whatsoever. Aromatherapy oils are way different, as they are specially crafted for their health benefits.
To help you avoid confusion, here is a short list of some essential oils and aromatherapy benefits you can enjoy:
- Lavender. For use against stress, insomnia, and migraines. Blend with Roman chamomile and carrier oil to enhance calmness and relaxation.
- Clary sage. For stress, coughing, asthma, dysmenorrhea, sore throat, and fatigue.
- Rosemary. For stress, muscle pain, cold hands and feet, and low blood pressure. Mix with bergamot, and you’ll have an energizing blend.
- Ylang-ylang, bay laurel, and other more masculine scents. For stress, rheumatism, skin rashes, and stomach problems. A blend of ylang ylang with bergamot and jasmine is a perfect aromatherapy recipe for calming anger.
- Tea tree. For a number of infections, especially ringworm and athlete’s foot, treating skin blemishes, and boosting of the immune system.
Aromatherapy Cautions & Reminders
Although these oils promise tons of aromatherapy benefits, you must still remember that some of them can be detrimental to certain conditions. If you have a medical condition, or if you are pregnant, please consult with a health practitioner before utilizing extensively.