Lots of people often use aromatherapy to relieve stress, aches, anxiety or even inflammation. But during the process of this practices, they use some essential oil which is sometimes referred to as essential oil therapy.
But what is Aromatherapy and Essential oil, read further to catch all the exciting details below
What Is Aromatherapy
The Aromatherapy is a practice of using essential oils for holistic, therapeutic, or medicinal benefits. People often use aromatherapy alongside medical treatments to help relieve symptoms of various conditions.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) defines aromatherapy as “the therapeutic application or the medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing.”
Aromatherapy is usaually used through inhalation or as a topical application
Inhalation:
In the process of inhaling, the oils evaporate into the air using a diffuser container, spray, or oil droplets, or breathed in, for example, in a steam bath.
Apart from providing a pleasant smell, aromatherapy oils can provide respiratory disinfection, decongestant, and psychological benefits.
According to the University of Minnesota, Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, the part of the brain connected to smell, including the nose and the brain. Molecules can enter the nose or mouth pass to the lungs, and from there, to other parts of the body.
As the molecules reach the brain, they affect limbic system, which is linked to the emotions, the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, and hormone balance. In this way, essential oils can have a subtle, yet holistic effect on the body.
Topical applications:
Massage oils, and bath and skin care products are absorbed through the skin. Massaging the area where the oil is to be applied can boost circulation and increase absorption. Some argue that areas that are richer in sweat glands and hair follicles, such as the head or the palms of the hand, may absorb the oils more effectively.
People use aromatherapy oils for many different ailments, including:
- stress and anxiety
- headaches and migraine
- insomnia
- arthritis
- inflammation
- muscle spasms
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy. It does not provide a cure for diseases, rashes or illnesses, but it can support conventional treatment of various conditions such as:
- Nausea
- Pain and body aches
- Circulatory problems
- Menstrual problems
- Menopausal problem
- Muscular aches
What Are Essential Oils?
An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile chemical compounds from plants. Essential oils have been used for nearly 6,000 years, with the aim of improving a person’s health or mood.
In 1997, the International Standards Organization (ISO) defined an essential oil as a “product obtained from vegetable raw material, either by distillation with water or steam, or from the epicarp of citrus fruits by a mechanical process, or by dry distillation.”
Essential oils can be absorbed by the skin. A massage therapist might add a drop or two of wintergreen to oil to help relax tight muscles during a rubdown. A skincare company may add lavender to bath salts to create a soothing soak.
Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin. They should always be diluted with a carrier oil. Often time, a few drops of essential oil to an ounce of carrier oil is the requirements. Most common carrier oils are coconut oil, sweet almond oil or olive oil.
Top 10 Essential Oil
1. Black pepper oil: This is commonly used for stimulating the circulation, muscular aches and pains, and bruises. Combined with ginger essential oil, it is used to reduce arthritis pain and improve flexibility.
2. Peppermint oil: There’s some evidence peppermint essential oil helps relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms when taken in an enteric-coated capsule (from a trusted health supplement provider). It may also relieve tension headaches when applied topically.
3.Clove Oil: is a topical analgesic, or painkiller, that is commonly used for toothache. It is also used as an antispasmodic antiemetic, for preventing vomiting and nausea, and as a carminative, preventing gas in the gut. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and antifungal properties.
4. Eucalyptus oil: can help relieve the airways during a cold or flu. It is often combined with peppermint. Many people are allergic to eucalyptus, so care should be taken.
5. Geranium oil: can be used for skin problems, to reduce stress, and as a mosquito repellant
6. Jasmine oil: has been described as an aphrodisiac. While scientific evidence is lacking, research has shown that the odor of jasmine increases beta waves, which are linked to alertness. As a stimulant, it might increase penile blood flow.
7. Lavender oil: is used as an antiseptic for minor cuts and burns and to enhance relaxation and sleep. It is said to relieve headache and migraine symptoms.
8. Lemon oi: is said to improve mood, and to help relieve the symptoms of stress and depression.
9. Rosemary oil: has been seen to promote hair growth, boost memory, prevent muscle spasms, and support the circulatory and nervous systems.
10. Tea tree oil: is believed to have some antimicrobial, antiseptic, and disinfectant qualities. It is commonly used in shampoos and skin care products, to treat acne, burns, and bites. It features in mouth rinses but it should never be swallowed, as it is toxic.
Side Effects:
A small number of people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain essential oils. You’re more likely to have a bad reaction if you have atopic dermatitis or a history of reactions to topical products.
Disclaimer: The information published in this article is purely for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not intend to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and should not be treated as medical advice.
