Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine practice based on using plant-extracted, highly concentrated oils to promote the health of the body, mind, and soul. According to studies, the use of essential aromatherapy oils is genuinely beneficial to both physical and mental wellness. All you need to do is select the appropriate oils for whatever is causing you problems.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Interaction with the limbic system or emotional brain is one way essential oils can be particularly helpful. Because the limbic system is closely connected to the regions of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, memory, breathing, hormone balance, and stress levels, a smell can elicit such a strong emotional response in us. It’s also why breathing certain essential oils can instantaneously make us feel calmer or more attentive.
When applied to the skin, essential oils are absorbed and circulated throughout the body through the bloodstream. They are thus able to provide a variety of benefits to the body’s systems and organs. Massage improves absorption by increasing circulation in that area of the body. Heat can have a similar effect, enabling better absorption of the oil’s molecules.
Which Aromatherapy Oils to Choose
As soon as you visit an aromatherapy oils Australia retailer, you’ll discover that the essential oil options are many. Which one to choose will depend on the benefits you’re looking for. You may want to select an essential for its aroma to have a soothing effect or you may wish to try a certain oil for its stated medicinal effects.
It’s very important tough that when shopping, you know how to spot a product of quality. Considering the fact that not all essential oils are regulated by the TGA, as in the case with the products from international websites, you’ll need to be your own advocate when sourcing the good stuff.
One of the best ways to find out which oils are high quality is by taking a sniff. The oils should smell natural and pleasant. If you notice a twinge of alcohol, or if the smell is more like a kitchen cleaner, stay away. When buying online from trustworthy aromatherapy oils Australia retailers you won’t be able to do the smell test, but you can read the reviews to see what others have to say about the oil. Hence the accent is on the “trustworthy.”
You can also read the label. It should state that the oil is “100% pure essential oil” and include the net contents (including metric measurement). If it states “essence oil,” it’s not pure essential oil, but rather a premixed blend of essential oil(s) in a carrier oil basis (like jojoba). This is useful for some purposes, but it is not pure essential oil. In terms of specific oils you can buy, the range comes down to oils for aromatherapy that can help you:
1. Get More Sleep
Many studies have shown how useful particular smells can be for getting great sleep, especially in stressful settings. In one study, patients who smelt chamomile, lavender, and neroli saw significant reductions in anxiety and increased sleep quality. Another study discovered that lavender improves slow-wave (deep) sleep, especially in women. Simply take a whiff of any sleep-inducing oil before going to bed to reap the effects all night.
2. Relieve Anxiety
Any aroma that makes you feel peaceful and relaxed can be good. Massaging an oil blend with calming scents into your temples, which are pressure points, is an excellent method for relieving tension in less than a minute. Consider lavender, bergamot, rose, clary sage, lemon, chamomile, and sandalwood essential oils for the blend.
3. Get a Mental Lift
When the afternoon slump hits, try inhaling an energizing perfume blend. Choose scents that will help you focus on the rest of your workday. Sniffing rosemary has been linked to improved memory, while peppermint has been linked to increased focus. Burnout and mental tiredness are known to be alleviated by basil and helichrysum.
4. Get an Immediate Energy Boost
Use uplifting essential oils instead of the third cup of coffee. Citrus essential oils are effective for boosting mood and energy levels, as well as alleviating fatigue-causing anxiety and stress. Other essential oils for energy include lemon, grapefruit, orange, peppermint, and ginger.
5. Relieve Inflammation
Many plants have inherent antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. These plants, when concentrated into essential oils, can be very powerful cures for acne, sore throats, discomfort, and other ailments. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to a blemish to kill bacteria and reduce irritation. Mist some rosewater or lavender hydrosol on your skin for immediate relief from sunburn, rosacea, and other sensitivities.
How do You Practice Aromatherapy?
Some of the most common ways to practice aromatherapy are:
Smelling the Aroma
This is the classic method of aromatherapy and involves simply opening the bottle of essential oil and taking deep breaths of the aroma.
Steam Inhalation
In a bowl of hot water, place two to four drops of essential oil. While inhaling the steam, place a cloth over your head that covers the sides of the bowl. The towel arrangement will keep most of the vapours contained within the space covered by it.
Diffuser Method
A variety of essential oil diffusers are available on the market. Simply place a few drops of essential oil in the diffuser and light the candle or turn on the electric diffuser. The essential oil is released as vapours, which you can breathe in.
Dry Evaporation
Put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or a piece of fabric and smell it to inhale the oil’s aroma as it disperses. Put the drops on your pillow for better sleep at night.
