The sense of smell is more powerful than we give it credit for. It can trigger many different reactions in the body from the neurological system to digestion among many others. The concept of aromatherapy capitalizes on these powerful effects of smell to improve wellness.
Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that goes back centuries. It employs the use of diffused essential oils to address different mental and physical health concerns. It is not aimed at being curative but more to offer relief and comfort when used alongside other treatments.
Here are some helpful basics to keep in mind if you would like to try aromatherapy for your wellness routine.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are the pillar of aromatherapy. They are extracted from different plants and are highly potent. Each oil has its own distinct scent and brings about a particular effect. That said, some oils can be used in place of each other.
You can turn to essential oils when you:
Are Sleeping Poorly
Sometimes no matter how exhausted you are, you get to bed and can’t seem to fall asleep. The more this problem persists, you may find yourself becoming less productive and irritable.
Lavender and Roman chamomile are highly recommended for insomnia challenges and can be used for all ages. When diffused into your space, they are bound to calm you and make your body relaxed enough to fall asleep. They both have appealing light floral scents and thus are unlikely to cause any discomfort or irritate allergies. Try each out separately to learn what you prefer.
Have Anxiety
The pressures of life can overwhelm the best of us and you may find yourself constantly anxious. You may have a hard time focusing on tasks or find yourself feeling unsettled all the time. Try taking some quiet time to calm your mind.
Patchouli, Bergamot, and Neroli are some of the essential oils that you can incorporate into your quiet time. They contain sesquiterpenes, which are chemical compounds that have a powerful calming effect on the body. Scientific research also shows that they can also be beneficial for improved neurological health.
Suffer From Fatigue
Image Source: Pexels.com
Have you been feeling tired even when you have not done anything exerting? There is a possibility that your energy centers are blocked and you need something to stimulate them.
Spearmint and eucalyptus oils stimulate your senses and relieve pent up exhaustion. When used alongside other therapies such as massages, they improve blood flow. After a session, you will likely feel limber and much more energetic than before.
How to Use Essential Oils
Now that you know which oils to buy for different purposes, it is equally important that you know how to use them. When used wrongly, essential oils may not give you the desired effect and could in fact cause harm. Some ways safe methods is use include:
Humidifier
They are devices that use heat to vaporize water that is infused with essential oil. It is safe and effective and can scent a room for a long time. However, not all humidifiers are designed to handle essential oils so look out for that as you buy one.
Massages
Sweet almond oil or coconut oil are some of the popular options used for massages. You can add a drop or two of essential oil to them to make a back rub even more sensational. For an even better effect, you could warm the mixture slightly using indirect heat such as a water bath.
Scented Candles
Image Source: Pexels.com
There are many varieties of scented candles in the market. On the downside, some of them use synthetic scents as opposed to natural ingredients. The authentic ones can also be a bit pricey. One way to get around this is to make your own scented candles.
Start by melting candle wax using the double-boil method and add 2-4 drops of your preferred essential oils. Stir to mix the essential oil in. Place a wick into a heatproof jar then pour your scented wax into it and allow it to cool. You can buy some transparent glass mason jar design containers and make as many candles as you wish.
Scented candles can be lit at bedtime or during massage sessions to release their scent into the room.
Precautions
If you or anyone in your household has respiratory conditions such as asthma, aromatherapy could be unsuitable for you. It is advisable to seek professional advice before you try using essential oils.
Pregnancy is a sensitive duration with regard to health. Given the potency and stimulative nature of some essential oils, it would be best to be cautious with them. They could cause contractions among other side effects. Calming scents would be more ideal and even then, in great moderation.
On topical application, whereas some experts propose it, there are some risks involved. Consider mixing small quantities of essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it onto your skin. It would be best to consult a skincare expert beforehand.
Conclusion
Natural remedies have been used for centuries and have stood the test of time. Compared to other alternatives, they have very few side effects when used right and they are considerably affordable.
Your journey into aromatherapy will be filled with surprising discoveries. It will be exciting to learn how your body responds to different essential oils. Always insist on authentic brands to get the best results.
Try Before You Buy: Determining What Products You’re Allergic To