Benefits Of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, as the name suggests, is the healing of mind, body and soul using beautiful fragrances and scented essential oils. This is a pure and unadulterated natural remedy to many aches, stress and dull moods etc. The essential oils that are used in this therapy are concentrated extracts which are derived from the roots, leaves and blossoms of herbs. The healing properties in these oils are determined by the active ingredients present in them. Unlike perfumes, the fragrances obtained from the essential oils are completely natural and provide therapeutic benefits too. Essential oils are very powerful in their concentrated form. This is the reason they are not directly applied onto the skin. They are first diluted with carrier oils like vegetable oil, apricot kernel oil or sweet almond oil. When two different essential oils are mixed with carrier oil, the result is always more effective in soothing the pain and calming the mind. But only professionals with experience know the formulations and this is the reason why aromatherapy is mostly practised in spas and parlours. Read this article to learn more about this interesting therapy.

Aromas can be used as a first aid measure for minor burns and cuts. For example, lavender essential oil is a good relief for dry and inflamed skin and tea tree essential oil is good for warts, rashes, insect bites, cuts etc. The discomforts of asthma, arthritis and allergies are also relieved using aromatherapy.

 

Undergoing aromatherapy strengthens the immune system of the body and also alleviates any fungal and bacterial infections from the system.  Various diseases are cured because the immunity gets a boost on undergoing aromatherapy. Tea tree oil treats acne, athlete’s foot and onychomycosis nail infections. Another lesser known fact is that aromatic massage reduces cortisone levels in children having juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Aromatherapy has therapeutic effects on menstrual cramps, muscle spasms and headaches also. Eucalyptus oil is best recommended to treat pain, headaches and spasms. Lavender and peppermint oil are also known to have a soothing effect on cramps and pains in general. Aromatherapy brings relief to expectant mothers during labour pains at the time of childbirth. It is known to normalise childbirths and cure severe labour experiences.

 

The most popular advantageous effect of aromatherapy lies in relieving stress and calming down tensed moods. Due to this, aromatherapy is used as a sleep inducer as this indirectly helps in easing stressful situations. This is due to the fact that the scents and essential oils affect the body so that cortisol, the primary hormone that causes stress, is decreased. This is why aromatherapy sessions are so popular at spas and wellness centres. Aromatherapy and massage are two of the best ways to loosen the muscles and de-stress. These sessions also aid in reducing weariness, anxiety and depression etc while increasing the alertness and energy levels of the body.

 

One of the best essential oils to aid in blood circulation is true bay (scientific name: Laurus nobilis) while lemon and grapefruit are also good. Good carrier oil for these essential oils is calendula. The other oils used to improve general circulation are basil, rosemary, thyme, marjoram and clove. These oils also normalize high blood pressure.

 

Peppermint oil, rosemary oil, tea tree oil, sweet orange oil etc have the common function of providing relief to cold symptoms like blocked nose and sore throat etc. Inhalation of the aromas that emanate from a bowl of scented hot water is enough to clear the congestion and bring instant relief.

 

Aromatherapy is a natural and effective method to bring around various therapeutic benefits and we hope that the above article provides with enough understanding and encourages you to try it out for yourself.