There has been little research on the efficacy of aromatherapy, which is the therapeutic use of essential oils produced from plants. However, some research has shown that aromatherapy may have health advantages.
Below are some of the benefits of aromatherapy and possible risks. But first, what is aromatherapy, and how does it work?
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a natural treatment method that employs natural plant extracts to enhance health and well-being. It is also known as an essential oil treatment.
Aromatherapy is a therapeutic practice that employs fragrant essential oils to promote the health of the body, mind, and soul. It benefits both physical and mental well-being.
It is recognized as both an art and a science. Aromatherapy has recently attracted increased attention in the domains of science and medicine.
How Does Aromatherapy Treatment Work?
Aromatherapy uses things like these to operate via the sense of smell and skin absorption:
Diffusers, fragrant spritzers, inhalers, bath salts, massage oils, creams, or lotions for topical application, and face steamers. You may use them individually or in any combination.
There are approximately a hundred different kinds of essential oils. The essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, it is critical to purchase from a trustworthy manufacturer. This assures that you are purchasing a high-quality, natural product. There should be no additions or synthetic components in it.
Each essential oil has its own set of medicinal powers, applications, and consequences. Creating a synergistic combination of essential oils provides even more advantages.
What are the Best Oils for Aromatherapy?
The most common essential oils, according to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, are:
- Clary sage
- Eucalyptus
- Cypress
- Fennel
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Helichrysum
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Patchouli \speppermint
- Rose of Roman Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Tea tree
- Vetiver
- Ylang ylang
Benefits of Aromatherapy
1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress is a natural aspect of life and affects everyone differently. While avoiding it is practically impossible, there are strategies to manage stress.
Lavender essential oil has been clinically shown to alleviate stress. Furthermore, lavender relaxes the neurological system by reducing blood pressure and heart rate and rewiring brain waves.
Lavender, lemongrass, geranium, jasmine, and chamomile are the best essential oils for stress.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 18.1 percent of people in the United States had an anxiety condition in the previous year. Every day, 40 million individuals suffer from this mental ailment! As a consequence, more individuals are seeking a natural cure, which is why essential oils have grown in popularity.
In a study conducted by the American College of Healthcare Sciences, patients were given hand massages once a day for one week with an essential oil blend of lavender, bergamot, and frankincense.
Patients reported less pain and depression, and the findings confirmed that massage with this essential oil blend has a greater healing power than massage alone for pain and depression management.
2. Boosts Focus and Energy
The good news is that there are essential oils that may energize your senses and put a spring in your step. All citrus oils, particularly lemon, are high in antioxidant terpenes like limonene, which have inherently stimulating properties.
Peppermint improves exercise performance, enhances brain oxygen concentration, and performance, and minimizes weariness, according to research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Are you ready to say goodbye to weariness and feel invigorated all day? When life hands you lemons, smell them! Peppermint and lemon are the best essential oils for boosting energy.
Do you find it difficult to focus on the work at hand? Essential oils may help you improve your focus, memory, and cognitive ability.
One of the most common reasons individuals use essential oils is to improve brain function. Aromatherapy, which contains antioxidants that combat free radicals, is beneficial to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other mental diseases.
Best Essential Oils for Improving Concentration: rosemary, basil, and sage.
3. Improves Sleep
Essential oils are renowned as efficient sleep aids due to their inherent calming effects. Lavender oil has been shown in studies to enhance comfortable sleep.
According to research published in Nursing in Critical Care, Lavender oil increased sleep quality among cardiac critical care unit patients. Participants who breathed lavender oil for 15 days had significantly better sleep quality than the control group who did not receive treatment.
Chamomile, ylang-ylang, and bergamot are the best essential oils for improving sleep.
4. Improves Immune System
Antibiotic resistance is becoming a major issue in modern medicine. Here is where essential oils come into play.
Essential oils can help fight infections because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano, for example, is well-known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, which protect the body from bacterial infections.
Best Essential Oils for Immune Support: oregano, ginger, myrrh, eucalyptus, frankincense.
5. Balancing the Hormone Levels
Do you have PCOS or infertility? Rose and geranium essential oils have been clinically shown to aid ladies who are having estrogen difficulties.
According to research published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters, essential oils may impact estrogen and aid women suffering menopausal symptoms, and decrease estrogen levels.
Sage, geranium, and thyme are the best essential oils to use to balance your hormones.
6. Minimizes Physical Pain
According to a paper published in Pain Research and Treatment, aromatherapy had a larger favorable influence on pain reduction than placebos or control therapies, notably gynecological, postoperative, and obstetrical pain.
Eucalyptus, turmeric, chamomile, thyme, and ginger are the best essential oils for relieving physical pain.
7. Improves Digestion
Essential oils may assist digestive health by activating digestive enzymes, which aid in nutritional breakdown.
Ginger oil has been shown to alleviate stomach discomfort and relieve gas. Peppermint is beneficial in the treatment of IBS.
Ginger, peppermint, fennel, and juniper berries are the best essential oils for digestion.
Are there Side Effects of Aromatherapy?
The majority of essential oils are completely safe to use. However, there are certain precautions you should take while taking them and potential negative effects to be aware of, particularly if you use prescription drugs.
Do not apply essential oils to your skin. To dilute the oils, always add carrier oil. Before utilizing essential oils, always do a skin patch test. Citrus essential oils should be avoided if you are exposed to sunshine since they may make your skin more susceptible to the sun.
Essential oils should be used with care and under the supervision of a doctor by children and women who are pregnant or nursing. Some oils should be avoided, and essential oils should never be swallowed.
The following are some of the negative effects of using essential oils:
- Rashes
- Asthma flare-ups
- Allergic reactions
- Headaches
- Nausea caused
- Skin inflammation
Use essential oils with care if you have asthma, hay fever, epilepsy, elevated blood pressure, eczema, and psoriasis.
