The Health Benefits of AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is a complementary treatment that uses essential oils to enhance relaxation and boost mental sharpness. If you love scents – concocted by distilling volatile oils from the flowers, leaves and bark of plants – you’ll enjoy the varied aromas that deliver aromatherapy’s message.

Brown University researchers note in a review of 18 aromatherapy studies, “odours can affect mood, physiology and behaviour” – most likely because the nerves that carry odour signals to your brain communicate directly with areas involved with emotion and learning. This may explain aromatherapy’s substantial effects, and the list is impressive:

Improve mood and set a positive atmosphere

Scents are powerful stimuli that directly enter the brain, triggering intense emotional responses. By inhaling essential oils, your brain will signal certain emotions that can leave you feeling energised, optimistic, and hopeful. These oils can be added to a hot bath or used in an oil diffuser to create a positive atmosphere inside your home.

Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural stimulant that can help you wake up more easily in the morning. It can also greatly improve your overall mood. Orange, jasmine, sandalwood, and vanilla essential oils have all been shown to greatly enhance mood and promote feelings of optimism. While Rosemary essential oil not only reduces stress but is also highly effective if you need to study for an exam or make a good impression at a job interview.

Relaxation and sleep

Studies have shown that aromatherapy is very useful in treating psychological disorders such as stress, depression, and anxiety. You may use these oils in an oil diffuser or a hot bath. You can also apply these oils topically to emotional trigger points throughout the body, such as the neck, the elbows, behind the ears, and the backs of the knees.

The use of lavender essential oil has been shown to be highly effective as an anxiety reducer. It can even reduce symptoms of PTSD and postpartum depression. As lavender essential oil encourages relaxation of the mind, it can be a powerful sleep aid.

Inflammation relief

Certain essential oils have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that, when applied to the skin, can reduce irritation and inflammation. These oils may either be applied directly to skin or used with a carrier oil.

Tea tree oil is effective in treating acne and skin inflammation. It can reduce redness associated with inflammation as well. For digestive inflammation, peppermint essential oil can be highly effective. It can reduce inflammation of the intestines that results from digestive disorders. If you have dandruff or an itchy scalp, rosemary essential oil can provide itch relief and dramatically reduce irritation.


Pain relief

Aromatherapy can significantly reduce pain, as the oils can be absorbed through the skin. The topical use of essential oils in the treatment of pain is completely safe and works quickly.

Ginger, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils can provide fast relief to the muscles, joints, and tendons for arthritis pain. Chamomile oil can quickly relieve pain related to the digestive system, as well as menstrual cramps. It is also an effective pain relief treatment for lower back and muscle pain.

Boost the immune system

Many essential oils have anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent the development of certain illnesses. Aromatherapy can also improve the immune system, as essential oils that are breathed in enter the lungs and are then absorbed into the bloodstream.

Eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils can greatly prevent colds by keeping your passageways clear of congestion and bacteria. Cinnamon, eucalyptus, oregano, sage, and frankincense essential oils have been shown to boost immune system function when inhaled. Garlic essential oil is also a powerful healing oil that fights against various fungal, viral, and bacterial infections.

Stay safe.

Although aromatherapy is extremely beneficial for your mental and physical health yet it has some limitations which are listed as follows:

• Only use products with essential oils, never any with phthalates.

• All oils, even essential oils, can trigger negative reactions. Watch for allergic reactions.

• Never take an essential oil internally.

• Don’t put undiluted oils on your skin.

• Never use near your eyes.

• If you are pregnant, have asthma or a history of allergies, or if you have cancer or were treated for cancer, don’t use essential oils without consulting your doctor.

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