All of us have heard about Aromatherapy, but do we really know what its health benefits are? No?
Come on, let’s find out.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Aromatherapy is a centuries old practice. 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.
Essential oils are basically plant extracts made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant (flowers, bark, leaves or fruit) to capture the compounds that produce fragrance. It can take several pounds of a plant to produce a single bottle of essential oil. In addition to creating scent, essential oils perform other functions in plants, too. Skin absorbs essential oils very well. A massage therapist might add a drop or two of wintergreen to oil to help relax tight muscles during a rubdown. A skincare company may add lavender to bath salts to create a soothing soak.
What can essential oils do?
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Although people claim essential oils are natural remedies for a number of ailments, there’s not enough research to determine their effectiveness in human health. The quality of essential oils on the market varies greatly, from pure essential oils to those diluted with less expensive ingredients. And because there’s no regulation, the label may not even list everything that’s in the bottle you’re buying. That’s why essential oils should not be ingested.
Here are some of the fragrances that will definitely leave you mesmerized:
Bergamot
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This essential oil is said to be useful for the urinary tract and digestive tract. When combined with eucalyptus oil it may help relieve skin problems, including those caused by stress and chicken pox.
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Clove
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This essential oil is a topical analgesic, or painkiller, that is commonly used for toothache. It is also used as an antispasmodic antiemetic, for preventing vomiting and nausea, and as a carminative, preventing gas in the gut. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and antifungal properties.
Chick here to check out additional benefits of clove.
Tea tree
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This essential oil has antimicrobial, antiseptic, and disinfectant qualities. It is commonly used in shampoos and skin care products, to treat acne, burns, and bites. It is used for mouth rinsing but it should never be swallowed, as it is toxic.
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Peppermint oil
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There’s some evidence peppermint essential oil helps relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms when taken in an enteric-coated capsule. It may also relieve tension headaches when applied topically.
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Sandalwood
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Sandalwood oil comes from the wood and roots of Santalum album, or the East Indian sandalwood tree. This is one of the most valuable trees in the world. Earthy and warm, sandalwood essential oil also features anxiolytic properties, which make it great for reducing anxiety.
Here are some additional benefits of sandalwood.
Lemon
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Lemon is sourced from its leaves. Preliminary studies have shown that lemon has sedative and anxiety-reducing properties. Lemon essential oil is a natural mood lifter and stress-reducing oil with a bright and fresh fragrance.
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There are many essential oils with stress-reducing properties, whether you’re seeking a remedy for anxiety, a natural way to improve your sleep, or something to balance your mood during a meditation session.
If you’re experiencing severe stress or physical symptoms related to stress, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.