Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to improve your health or well-being.
Aromatherapy may help improve mood, boost relaxation, manage pain, ease digestion and relieve menstrual symptoms, among other benefits. Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts also known as essential oils.
The oils may activate certain areas of your brain, like your limbic system, which plays a role in your emotions and memories. Aromas stimulate activity in your hypothalamus, which signals the brain to release feel-good chemicals like serotonin.
Humans have used aromatherapy for many years with ancient cultures in India, Egypt and Persia incorporated essential oils for religious and medical purposes.
The safest ways to use essential oils include:
- Aromatherapy accessories: Necklaces, bracelets and keychains made with absorbent materials you apply essential oils to and sniff throughout the day.
- Body oil: A mixture of essential oils with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba or coconut oil that can be massaged into skin. Because essential oils are concentrated, they can cause irritation. Avoid using them full-strength on skin.
- Aroma stick: Also called an essential oil inhaler, these portable plastic sticks have an absorbent wick that soaks up essential oil. They come with a cover to keep the scent under wraps until you’re ready.
There are several ailments that can be cured by essential oils:
- Side effects of cancer treatments like nausea and pain
- Improve sleep
- Boost feelings of relaxation
- Ease stress, anxiety and depression
- Ease certain types of pain like osteoarthritis of the knee
- Improve hospice and palliative care e.g.: dementia patient care
The most common essential oils include ;
- Lavender oil: Many people find the lavender scent relaxing. It’s often used to help relieve stress and anxiety and promote good sleep.
- Tea tree oil: this essential oil was used by Australia’s aboriginal people for wound healing. Today, it’s commonly used for acne, athlete’s foot and insect bites.
- Peppermint oil: There’s some evidence peppermint essential oil helps relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms when taken as a health supplement. It may also relieve tension headaches when applied on the skin.
- Lemon oil: Many people find the citrusy scent of lemon oil a mood booster. It’s also often used in homemade cleaning products.
Since aromatherapy is a complementary therapy, you should talk to your doctor before starting . That way your essential oil therapy can be tailored to work together with any medical care or treatment you’re receiving.