Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to aid health conditions by inhaling them. Essential Oils can be derived from a variety of plants and are used to give aid in health issues. The easiest way to use essential oils is by Aromatherapy. The process of aromatherapy usually involves a diffuser to dilute the potency of the essential oils. This helps spread the aroma throughout an area at a safe level. Some essential oils can pose a threat if inhaled at a stronger potency but are safe to breathe in if diluted by water or carrier oils. Here are a few of the many benefits of aromatherapy, which can be added to your relaxation massage.
- Some health problems that can be improved by aromatherapy are: stress, depression, memory loss, physical wounds, headaches, insomnia or sleep problems, immune system issues, pain, and indigestion. Being that there are many essential oils, they are all used for different things and should be used with caution.
- People who suffer from stress can benefit from aromatherapy when essential oils that contain relaxants are inhaled. The compounds found in lemon, lavender, peppermint, bergamot, vetiver, and ylang-ylang essential oils have been proven to ease stress and bring a more pleasant mood.
- Aromatherapy has been proven quite effective to eliminate feelings of depression, as well. If patients who suffer from depression aim to avoid pharmaceutical intervention and side effects that come with them, aromatherapy is a fantastic alternative (when paired with counseling as well). Common essential oils used for treating depression are peppermint, chamomile, lavender, and jasmine.
- Aromatherapy is an immense help to patients dealing with memory loss. Conditions such as Alzheimer's can be slowed down by the help of aromatherapy. Even people with little-to-no memory complications can benefit from aromatherapy by boosting their memory even further. The most common essential oil for combating memory issues is sage oil.
- Essential oils have another side to them that may help stimulate the body's natural healing process. Some essential oils have antimicrobial properties that help keep the body protected from infection while healing from surgery or illnesses. Besides healing wounds, some essential oils can even reduce the symptoms of certain skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema. Aromatherapy for healing usually includes essential oils such as lavender, calendula, rosehip, and buckthorn.
- Aromatherapy can also aid in pain relief. The leading essential oils that help alleviate headaches, body aches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis include lavender, chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, juniper, and peppermint.
- Indigestion is another popular focus for some essential oils used in aromatherapy. Citrus essential oils can help ease constipation and bloating while helping speed up metabolism so that food is digested at a faster pace and not letting it cause painful indigestion.
- Even the immune system can benefit from the use of essential oils. The detoxifying properties found in some essential oils (such as lemon, thieves, peppermint, lavender, and valor) can help the stimulation of blood flow and the release of harmful bacteria being held in the body. Some may also help fight insomnia, helping you get the sleep you need to recharge and boost your immune system naturally.
As always, do your research when looking to use essential oils for aromatherapy at home, and let a professional be aware of any other conditions (such as pregnancy) before you start an aromatherapy regimen.