Aromatherapy is considered to be both science and art.Aromatherapy has been known to provide a significant amount of therapeutic benefits. It has gained a lot of appreciation recently in the fields of medicine and science.Is aromatherapy limited only to the usage of oils? Does it really reduce stress? How familiar are people with this therapy? These doubts are very common to people who have heard about aromatherapy, and this article will help to answer these doubts so that you can enjoy this blissful therapy.Introduction To AromatherapyAromatherapy is described as a healing treatment for your body that uses natural products and plant extracts to enhance your well-being. Aromatherapy has gained a reputation as a therapeutic window to well-being. But what is the history of aromatherapy? Is it a modern world practice, or has it been there for long? Please read the following facts to enhance your knowledge about it.As defined by NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy), it uses plant extracts and aromatic substances to promote holistic healing.It is also known as essential oil therapy as it extensively uses oils for application.It increases physical health as well as emotional health.Essential oils have been used extensively for a long time dating back to 6000 years.Ancient cultures in Egypt, India, and China have used aromatic plant extracts to produce oils and balms.Persians in the 10th century were credited for the distillation of essential oils.Queen Cleopatra used aromatherapy to beautify her body and relax her mind.She sent her royal workers to scatter herbs on her path to get rid of pungent smells and bad vibes.Sense of smell is elevated during the spring and summertime because of the moisture present in the air.Smells are often linked to memories because they are connected to the hippocampus and amygdala of the brain.French chemist and perfumer had created the term ‘aromatherapy’ in his book published in 1937.The essential oil was defined as a ‘component gained from raw vegetable material, either by dry distillation, distillation is done with water or steam, or by mechanical labor of epicarp of a citrus fruit’ by ISO (International Standards Organization) in 1997.In the plant species population, less than 1% of them can produce essential oils.Aromatherapy usually consists of inhalation, massages, and topical submissions.The essential oils are diffused into the air using an essential oil diffuser during inhalation.Topical applications of essential oils include massage oils, soaps for baths, and a wide range of skincare products.Areas enriched with sweat glands or body hair follicles are known to absorb the essential oils more effectively.Benefits Of AromatherapyNo doubt that aromatherapy has been there for a long time, but does it provide any benefit to us? Is it capable of curing a disease? Let us find out.People have used aromatherapy to uplift their mood and help with certain diseases.Specific scents can help you deal with feelings and thoughts and provide a new perception.This therapy helps manage pain by applying the essential oil and massage.It also helps get a good night’s sleep as the smell particles help the mind relax.Other benefits of this therapy are that it reduces stress and anxiety.It is also known to improve bowel movements and hence improve digestion.Diffusing essential oils are known to increase the oxygen content in the air.Also, it may help in getting rid of decongestion and disinfecting the respiratory tract.For women, aromatherapy may help them reduce menstrual problems.Hair loss or Alopecia may also be helped using aromatherapy.In the present day, aromatherapy is being used in Japanese firms to enhance the productivity and mood of the employees.Different Essential Oils Used In AromatherapyA wide range of essential oils is used in aromatherapy. A particular essential oil is subjected to a particular benefit that it may provide. What are the different types of essential oils used? Continue reading to know.Essential oils are a concentrated form of oil and can cause damage to your skin if applied directly.Essential oil is always diluted with a medium or carrier oil.The degree of the smell of essential oils can vary along with their harvesting time.Fragrance oils are not to be used as they are essential oils mixed with chemicals.Olive oil or sweet almond oil are common carrier oils added to essential oil.Basil essential oil helps sharpen your concentration power and reduce depression.Basil essential oil should not be used during pregnancy.Bergamot essential oil is good for the urinary and digestive tract.Lavender essential oil is used for stress reduction and anxiety reduction.Lavender essential oil is also used to treat minor cuts and burns. It works as an antiseptic.Lavender oil promotes sleep as well. 149 lbs (68 kg) of lavender flowers are used to make 17.63 oz (500 gm) of lavender oil.Jasmine essential oil is known to be an aphrodisiac. Using an essential oil diffuser to spread jasmine essential oil in your rooms can increase your alertness.Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.Tea tree essential oil is, also known as melaleuca, used by Australian tribes to heal wounds.Geranium essential oil is used as an insect repellant and to cure skin issues.Rosemary essential oil is known to promote hair growth and cure muscle spasms.Rosemary essential oil also enhances memory and supports the nervous system.Clove essential oil is used as a painkiller for toothache.Eczema can be treated using chamomile essential oil.Eucalyptus essential oil can be used to relieve your respiratory tract during flu.Yarrow essential oil is known to treat the inflammation of joints.Citrus oils like grapefruit and lemon are known to enhance the mood and promote positive thoughts.Peppermint oil helps relax your gut and reduce headaches.Twenty-eight cups of peppermint tea are needed to produce just one drop of peppermint essential oil.Lemon oil is also known to be a significant mood booster.Pure essential oils can be bought both online and offline.To be sure if the products are pure essential oils, check for the Latin name of the plant and purity information about the essential oils in their label.Pure essential oils are very crude and can melt plastic bottles if left over for a long time.Purpose Of AromatherapyEssential oils have proven to be helpful for both physical and mental health. But why use aromatherapy? What purpose does it serve? Dig into this section to know why.Essential oils are used in different beauty products to improve your skin.Stress reduction can help a person make better decisions so that essential oils can reduce your anxiety and stress.The aromatherapist assigned to you will provide you with a holistic approach to treating your entire body.As per research reports, pleasant scents help improve your mood by 40%.When the scent reaches your brain after traveling through the olfactory nerves, the amygdala in the brain is impacted the most.Amygdala is known as the emotional center of the brain.Aromatherapy is proven to enhance the quality of life in people.Essential oils have all kinds of therapeutic aids that help make daily life more comfortable.
Aromatherapy is considered to be both science and art.
