You must have heard about the term aromatherapy. Known as a holistic healing treatment with plant extracts, aromatherapy is used to promote good health and well-being. It is healthy for your body, mind, and spirit. If you’ve been a little low in these confusing and hard times, it’s time you should aromatherapy for your well-being.
Aromatherapy has been there for thousands of years. Ancient cultures have used plant extract for medical and religious purposes. If you are curious about what aromatherapy is and how to use aromatherapy for stress relief, you can find all your questions answered here!
Read on to find out all about aromatherapy and its benefits!
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy refers to essential oil therapy and aromatic plant extract oils for psychological and physical health. Essential oils can be used as a topical application, massage, inhalation, and water immersion to achieve the desired response.
The aroma or smell from the oils can produce a soothing effect in your body making you feel better. Essential oils can affect you psychologically as well as physically. There are aromatherapy candles, bath products, essential oils, and other products which are widely available for you to try.
Essential Oil In AromatherapyMany studies have shown that aromatherapy can be a great stress reliever. It is believed that aromatherapy is beneficial and can also alter brain waves and behavior.
What are the Benefits of Aromatherapy?
You might be looking for some benefits of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is not something used as a regular medical treatment but for some conditions, aromatherapy can be very beneficial for your body and mind. Here are some of the benefits of aromatherapy you should know about:
- Aromatherapy can help relieve stress, anxiety, and even depression.
- Aromatherapy makes you feel relaxed.
- Aromatherapy improves sleep quality.
- Aromatherapy alleviates and manages pain.
- Aromatherapy can treat headaches and migraine.
- Aromatherapy can soothe sore joints.
- Aromatherapy can fight bacteria and fungus.
- Aromatherapy can improve digestion.
- Reduces the side effects of chemotherapy.
- Improves the quality of life.
How does Aromatherapy Work?
Aromatherapy is soothing and healing for your body and mind. Aromatherapy can activate areas in your nose which are called smell receptors which send messages in through the nervous system to your brain and that in turn makes you feel relaxed and healed.
The essential oils or aromatherapeutic products may activate certain areas in your brain that play a major role in controlling your emotions. It can also boost the production of serotonin making you feel good.
Also read: Essential Oils for Anxiety
Aromatherapy can be done through the sense of smell and skin absorption using products like:
- Diffusers
- Spritzers
- Inhalers
- Bathing products
- Body oils, creams, lotions for massaging or topical application.
- Steamers
- Compressors
- Masks
Also read: Aromatherapy
You can also combine the products and use them simultaneously. There are so many essential oils to try which are easily available everywhere. Here’s how to use aromatherapy for stress relief:
1. Diffusers
Diffusers are most commonly used for aromatherapy. Aromatherapy diffusers include essential oils and evaporate them through the air, this air is inhaled by the individual making them feel better.
Diffusers are a good way of trying aromatherapy because they spread the scent very effectively. You don’t have to open fire as they are run with batteries. It creates a soothing effect and creates an amazing vibe.
2. Candles
Candles are a great option for aromatherapy. Lighting an aromatherapeutic candle can be the best way to scent up the room and create a nice feel. Just light the candle and let it burn.
It is simple and pleasant. They don’t give off much smoke and create incense which lasts for a long time. Make sure you are using good-quality candles.
3. Body Products
This can be a convenient and go-to option for aromatherapy. Using body products doesn’t mean that everyone is going to smell the aromas, the aromatherapeutic body products create a scent that isn’t necessarily smelled by others if they are not close enough. You can try lotions, oils, and creams on your body and go to work and you’ll sense the aroma for hours.
4. Massage
Massage can be one of the best options if you are trying aromatherapy for stress relief. Have a therapeutic massage from a spa or someone who will do the massage for you.
It is a wonderful and cheap aromatherapy for stress relief it is not only good for your stress but also relieves certain pains from your body.
5. Meditation
Meditation is great for stress relief. The combination of aromatherapy and meditation can relieve the stress and anxiety of your body if you do it regularly. Even a 5-minute meditation while inhaling the aroma of therapeutic products like diffusers or candles can be incredible for your mind as well as your body.
Essentials Oils to Try for Aromatherapy to Relieve Stress
Essential oils are considered best for aromatherapy. If you are trying aromatherapy for stress relief, you have numerous options of essential oil to try out. These oils may help alleviate stress and anxiety. Some of the popular scents used for aromatherapy for stress relief are:
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil has an amazing scent and is deemed to be the best for its calming effects on the mind and ability to lessen anxiety.
2. Neroli Essential Oils
Many believe that inhaling the scent of neroli essential oil can help you calm down and reduce worrying and other stress-related factors.
3. Lemon Essential Oils
Lemon essential oils are right in linalool which is found in various fruits like lemons and oranges. It is a great essential oil for relieving stress, depression, improving mood and sleep.
4. Basil Essential Oil
Basil essential oil is used to improve alertness and alleviate the symptoms of stress and depression. It can also headaches and migraines. However, this essential oil should be avoided in pregnancy.
5. Lemongrass Essential Oil
For natural stress and anxiety relief, most people use lemongrass essential oil with diffusers. Inhaling the scent of lemongrass oil can stimulate relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Aromatherapy is great to try if you have stress and anxiety. It may make you feel better. There are rare cases of aromatherapy side effects but you need to do it properly to avoid any problem, especially if you are on any prescribed medication.
Also read: Jasmine Oil
