Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to improve mood, relieve stress, and ease various ailments. Today, essential oils are increasingly popular as a natural way to improve health and well-being.
Despite its long history, there is still much unknown about aromatherapy. Some studies suggest that the scent of specific essential oils can affect the brain and nervous system, which may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy that uses essential oils to promote relaxation and well-being. The oils are typically diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, diffused in the air, or added to bathwater.
If you’re interested in trying aromatherapy, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips for beginners:
1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books
It’s a good idea to start your aromatherapy library with just one or two books. Choose general resources that will give you some basic information and help you explore the areas that interest you most.
2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums
Facebook Groups, Instagram pages, and other forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others.
3. Choose Five or Ten Essential Oils to Start
You may want to buy more essential oils but start with just five or ten. Essential oils can be expensive, so you might want to experiment with a few first and then invest in more if you decide to pursue aromatherapy further.
4. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils
Choosing a well-known and reputable manufacturer is vital when buying essential oils. Essential oils that are not pure will not have any therapeutic value.
5. Buy at Least One Carrier Oil
You will need to dilute essential oils into a carrier oil for most topical aromatherapy applications. Good all-purpose carrier oils include sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil. Buy cosmetic grade carrier oils, and use only a few drops of essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oil.
6. Store Your Oils Properly
Essential oils should be stored in dark glass containers. Keep the lids tightly closed to keep the oils from evaporating. Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light. Carrier oils will go bad over time, so it’s best to buy them in smaller quantities.
7. Learn How to Do a Patch Test
Sometimes people can have an adverse reaction to essential oils. This might be because they are allergic to it or have been exposed to it many times, and their skin has become sensitive. To determine if you might react to essential oil, you can do a patch test on your skin.
8. Don’t Ingest Essential Oils
Certain essential oils are safe to use topically and should not be ingested. It is important to note that some essential oils may react with a prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, check with your doctor before using essential oils.
Ways to Use Aromatherapy
Using Aromatherapy for Insomnia
Aromatherapy can help with insomnia, relaxation, anxiety, and stress. Aromatherapy uses aromas to induce a variety of emotions in its users. Scents can affect a person’s thoughts without them being aware.
Different odors might elicit other emotions. People use aromatherapy to make themselves feel better mentally and emotionally. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to stimulate or relax people as needed.
There are a few different ways to enjoy the smells of aromatherapy. For example, you can put a few drops in your bath water or use the oils for massage. You can also sprinkle a few drops on your pillow at night.
One particular mixture of oils is a blend of two drops of jasmine and four drops of lavender. This mixture can be used in a diffuser, or you can place the drops around your bed. Just make sure that it is in a place where you will be able to smell it best. This mixture can also be used as a massage oil.
Using Aromatherapy for Anxiety
Aromatherapy can be used to help with anxiety and stress. Some people use it before they go to bed to help them sleep better. Others use it during the day when they need to relax or focus.
Aromatherapy can also be used as self-care to help you feel better mentally and emotionally. When you are feeling anxious or stressed, taking a few minutes for yourself to relax can be very helpful.
There are a few different ways to use aromatherapy to help with anxiety. For example, you can put a few drops of essential oil in your diffuser. You can also set a few drops on your pillow at night. If you want to use it during the day, you can put a few drops in your hand and smell it whenever you need to relax.
Sometimes the everyday stresses of life can build up, and a combination of aromatherapy oils can be magical in creating a harmonic balance, a sense of well-being and relaxation, and promoting sleep.
Aromatherapy for Healing
Aromatherapy can also ease physical ailments like headaches and muscle pain. There are a few different ways to do this. For example, you can put a few drops of essential oil in your diffuser. You can also put a few drops on your pillow at night. If you want to use it during the day, you can put a few drops in your hand and smell it whenever you need to relax.
Although the medical community is not in agreement over whether aromatherapy is instrumental in healing various medical conditions, the idea of recovery through aromatherapy is widely accepted.