Is there really anything to aromatherapy? Has anyone scientifically studied the benefits of aromatherapy? The answer is yes, there have been studies on aromatherapy, with exciting conclusions.
Aromatherapy is when you use smells to improve your body and mental state. You can actually elicit specific physical and emotional reactions with an aromatic scent. This is because your sense of smell is so primal. When you smell something, a very primal space in your brain reacts without you putting a lot of thought into it.
This is why we have such strong reactions to aromas, especially if they are linked to past experiences we’ve had. Using essential oils can calm stress and anxiety.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to affect a person's mood, emotions, and physical health. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that have a strong aroma. These oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin.
There are many essential oils benefits of aromatherapy such as: it relaxes the mind and body, reduces stress, improves sleep quality and helps with depression symptoms. Inhaling aromatherapy can also be used for sinusitis relief and breathing ailments.
Does Aromatherapy Really Offer Any Health Benefits?
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and well-being. But does it actually offer any health benefits? Here are some studies that have been done.
Lavender Essential Oil
One of the most trusted aromatherapy studies shows that lavender has a very powerful effect on you physically. The physical effect of lavender oil is to slow your heart rate and actually lower your blood pressure. Many massage therapists use lavender essential oils in their lotions, oils, and diffusing in their offices for the benefits of aromatherapy.
Some adult-care (senior) facilities use lavender oils and lotions to calm their dementia patients.
Another proven floral essential oil scent is geranium; it also relaxes the body in a similar way to lavender.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Another interesting aromatherapy find is that peppermint oil is quite a potent scent. Peppermint sharpens your mental focus, enabling you to concentrate and feel alert. It has stimulant properties.
In one study, kids who chewed peppermint gum while taking tests received higher scores than students who chewed any other flavor.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
A fun aromatherapy scent is grapefruit essential oil, which is said to work as an appetite suppressant. One study on age perception and scent determined that men thought women who wore grapefruit essential oils were younger than when those same women were evaluated while wearing other scents.
Essential Oil Safety
However, you have to be careful when choosing aromatherapy products. Your body won’t have the same response to a synthetic product as an essential oil. Always choose a quality essential oil for maximum effectiveness.
For best results, buy 100% pure essential oils. For safety, it is also best before aromatherapy oils are applied to the skin, that the essential oils are mixed into lotions or base oils (aka carrier oils), such as fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil.
10 Aromatherapy Scents and Benefits
When it comes to relaxation and stress relief, aromatherapy is a great option. Not only does it smell wonderful, but the right scents can provide a range of health benefits.
If you're looking to try aromatherapy for the first time, or are simply curious about the different scents and their benefits, read on for some information on the most popular aromatherapy scents. Choose your favorite scent or mix several together to create your own personalized aromatherapy experience!
- Chamomile: Reduce stress, improve sleep
- Clary Sage: Relaxation, balances hormones, calming
- Eucalyptus: Clear sinuses, energizing, invigorating
- Ginger: Reduce nausea, digestion support
- Lavender: Better sleep, improve mood, soothing, great for skincare
- Lemon: Increase happiness, improve concentration, cleansing, purifying
- Peppermint: Boost alertness, reduce headaches, refreshing, uplifting
- Rosemary: Increase your focus, memory support
- Sweet Orange: Can reduce anxiety, uplift mood
- Ylang-ylang: Stress reduction, natural perfume replacement
Aromatherapy Benefits For Health and Wellness
Being busy nowadays seems to be the norm for a successful and fulfilled life. This fast-paced lifestyle puts stress and pressure on our bodies and minds. Issues like sleeping problems, lack of energy, fatigued muscles, and impaired concentration.
Natural and holistic solutions can be found in the form of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy utilizes essential oils to obtain the healing properties these natural plant extracts can have on the body and mind.
Be sure to choose high-quality essential oils from a reputable company. Each little bottle is packed with all-natural plant-based compounds that are beneficial for health and wellness.
What are the Benefits of Aromatherapy?
There are many aromatherapy benefits, here are a few of my favorites with some oils to try and some recipes to enjoy them in. This only scratches the surface of what essential oils can do for an individual. Be sure to join our newsletter so you can get updates, learn new recipes and aromatherapy tips, and further your essential oil journey.
Here are some ideas and recipes to help you find the right aromatherapy oil to best benefit you.
1. Aromatherapy for Lack of Energy
When energy levels are zapped, inhale a citrus oil. See how lime, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, or orange essential oil makes you feel. These energizing scents can quickly refresh the mind and body. You can also try inhalation of eucalyptus oil, not only can it give you energy, but it can also help with respiratory problems.
Energy Boost Inhaler Recipe |
Directions: Add drops of essential oils to the inhaler wick, insert the wick into the inhaler. To use, bring under nostrils and take a deep breath in. Inhale to feel a boost of engery. Repeat as needed. |
2. Essential Oils for Sleep Problems
A good night's sleep is the best way to set a positive tone for the next day. Let the soothing aromas of lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, or vetiver oil send you off into a peaceful slumber. Try clary sage or bergamot to relieve stress in the evening time so when bedtime comes, you will be able to fully relax and let sleep happen.
DIY Bedtime Lotion |
Directions: Add unscented lotion to the jar then add drops of essential oils in. To use, apply lotion to chest, arms, neck, back, and/or feet. Take a deep breath to feel calm and relaxed before bedtime. 2% dilution. |
3. Aromatherapy for Impaired Concentration
When there is a deadline looming or a task that needs your full attention, sharpen your mind with the help of oils. Try rosemary, basil, peppermint or spearmint. These are great essential oils for study time too.
Focus Roll-On Recipe |
Directions: Add essential oils to a glass bottle, fill the rest of the bottle with jojoba oil (or carrier oil of choice). Blend oils together by rolling the bottle between palms of hands. 3% dilution. |
4. Aromatherapy for Lack of Spiritual Connection
A spiritual connection can help make life feel more complete. Try using frankincense, cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, or vetiver for a deeper sense of connection. These oils can also help reduce stress.
Meditation Roll-On Blend |
Directions: Add essential oils to a glass bottle, fill the rest of the bottle with jojoba oil (or carrier oil of choice). Blend oils together by rolling the bottle between palms of hands. To use, roll onto chest, arms and neck. 5% dilution. |
5. Essential Oils for Odors in the Air
Purify your space with plant oils. One favorite way to cleanse the air is with an aromatherapy diffuser. An ultrasonic diffuser helps get the aroma of essential oils into the air around you. Essential oils can have powerful actions:
- Antibacterial
- Antimicrobial
- Antiseptic
- Antiviral
These properties help to cleanse the air we breathe in. Try using tea tree oil, rosemary oil, lemon or grapefruit oil.
Homemade Lavender and Lemon Air Freshener |
Directions: Add essential oils and vinegar into the spray bottle, swirl to blend. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water. Add spray top and shake to mix together. To use, shake and then spritz into the air. Use within 1 month. |
Aromatherapy Benefits of Scenting Your Home or Office
Imagine walking into your door after a long day at work to find a pleasant aroma. Those who do this find that their stress melts away and they feel relaxed. This technique is used by businesses today to encourage customers and employees to stay longer.
Some scents can bring back pleasant memories. Essential oils can purify the air and remove unpleasant odors. They also improve mood and calm emotions. The brain's areas that are responsible for memories, emotions, and smells are all interconnected.
The only thing that can travel directly from the nose into the brain's memory and emotional centers is a smell. Scent is an important part of a person's daily life in many ways. An aroma can trigger a variety of emotions and memories that are pleasant to the individual. This encourages people to take action.
Conclusion of Aromatherapy Benefits
Aromatherapy is a healthy, natural way to improve your mood and manage stress. It's also been shown to be helpful in relieving pain and improving sleep quality. If you're looking for an easy, affordable way to boost your health, aromatherapy may be the answer. These aromatherapy scents and benefits can positively touch your life!
Stay safe and avoid side effects when using aromatherapy. Read our blog post on Essential Oil Safety Guide.
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