Growing up, unusual smells from air diffusers might annoy some of us. We thought that essential oils from products like this are just for adults while being ignorant of its benefits and what it really does to make the whole room smell like lavender, peppermint, chamomile, cinnamon, and many more. But all throughout, some of us continue to find these familiar smells in dinners, hot baths, malls, and living rooms. If you cannot get enough of essential oils, then aromatherapy is suitable for you!
Who would have thought that oils do not just make miracles in pans; they can also make miracles in our well-being? Curious enough? Let us jump into it!
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Many sources and medical blogs claim that aromatherapy improves health problems like anxiety, poor sleep, loss of appetite, and more. It uses essential oils, which can be used in breathing them or putting them on your skin. Some people use these oils in massage or use them in taking a bath.
Aromatherapy is a well-thought product of science and medicine and is famously known to improve physical and emotional health naturally and medicinally through the years. It is safe to say that aromatherapy never really got out of style.
What Are Essential Oils?
Since it has been mentioned that aromatherapy is natural, it uses essential oils extracted from flowers, herbs, and other tree parts. The cells that give these plants fragrance are called “essence.”
Thinking about how many essential oils are produced every year, it takes a lot of plants to make a pound of essential oil. As endearing as it may sound, some essential oils are not just purely plant-based. Authentic essential oils are not mixed up with artificial chemicals and fragrances that only imitate the smell. These pure essential oils such as lemon, chamomile, lavender, and bergamot are commonly used in aromatherapies, to name a few.
What Does Aromatherapy Do?
It is essential to understand that aromatherapy should not replace your maintenance or current doctor’s medical treatment. It is beneficial in many ways and could help alleviate your fast recovery. However, it would help if you did not stick to aromatherapy alone.
Aromatherapy is beneficial in managing pain, improving sleep quality, reducing stress and anxiety, soothing sore throats, boosting feelings of relaxation, easing effects of cancer treatment, fighting bacteria, virus, and fungus, and easing the discomfort of labor.
Some people also use it alongside medical care for symptoms related to asthma, insomnia, fatigue, depression, inflammation, peripheral neuropathy, menstrual issues, alopecia, arthritis, and many more. However, there is no sufficient evidence backing the claim that aromatherapy treats Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other heart diseases.
Are Essential Oils Worth Your Time?
There is no harm in trying essential oils, but it is vital to keep in mind that researchers are proving it improves health, and there are researchers claiming that there is a lack of information on how beneficial it is to human health.
Aromatherapy is safe but keep caution in using essential oils because it has side effects. Putting essential oils directly on your skin may irritate it. Drinking essential oils can also affect your kidneys or liver. Generally, it can irritate your eyes, skin, and mucous membrane in your nose, so it is important to consult your doctor and ask if essential oils are best for you.
Some sources suggest the safest way to use essential oils. These include aromatherapy accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, and keychains made with absorbent essential oils that you can sniff throughout the day. You can also opt to use it as body oil but in moderation because, as mentioned, it can irritate the skin. Aroma sticks can also be safe as they can also be a portable tool to sniff during the day. It comes with a cover to preserve the scent until you want to use it.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Professionals suggest that aromatherapy activates the smell receptors in your nose, which sends a message through your nervous system through your brain. It can activate your limbic system, which is responsible for your emotions. It can also tickle your hypothalamus, which responds to the oil by creating serotonin which causes a good feeling.
Some professionals also claim that putting essential oil on your skin can cause a response from your body, specifically your joints.
Aromatherapy can work in many ways, like through the sense of smell and skin absorption. Such processes are helpful:
- Diffusers
- Aromatic spritzers
- Inhalers
- Bathing salts
- Body oils, creams, or lotions
- Facial steamers
- Hot and cold compresses
- Clay masks
Keep in mind that you can use these alone or combined. As much as you are knowledgeable about these methods, it is essential to know what essential oils you should use. Several people use popular oils such as clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary, tea tree, and many more.
These oils are common in the market, but remember to consult your doctor about essential oils to get the best results.
Aromatherapies can be found anywhere, but not everyone is professional enough to do it. In Balanced Body Healthcare, you are taken care of inside and out. With their service called Medical Cannabis, a medical treatment embracing the ability to treat a wide variety of medical issues and ailments such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal distress, sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many more, your aromatherapy journey is in good hands.
If you are worried that medical cannabis is not suitable for you, fret not because the clinic will conduct an evaluation first to determine which type of medical cannabis suits you best. There will be recommendations, proper prescriptions, and consultations from trained and well-experienced professionals.
Getting that pamper in a relaxing way of destressing is what you deserve—tempted to book an aromatherapy session now? Start contacting the best healthcare clinic for you and begin your comfortable aromatherapy journey.
Wellness and Relaxation in Kaysville, Utah
Aromatherapy works best as part of a complete self-care routine, not a replacement for medical care. To learn what research says, see the NIH NCCIH aromatherapy overview. For a relaxing treatment that refreshes your skin too, book a facial at Balanced Body, 575 N. Main St. in Kaysville, or explore our IV therapy for hydration and energy. Call (801) 820-4462.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people can use aromatherapy safely when essential oils are diluted and used as directed. Avoid swallowing oils, test for skin sensitivity, and talk to your provider if you are pregnant, have asthma, or have pets at home.
Many people use aromatherapy to relax, ease stress, and support better sleep. Research on other uses is still limited, so it should complement, not replace, medical treatment.
Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and citrus oils such as lemon and orange are some of the most commonly used essential oils.