Aromatherapy is a form of alternative healing that uses the aromatic properties of plants as medicine. Aromatherapy involves inhaling botanical extracts known as essential oils derived from these plants that contain their aromatic components like flowers, leaves, peels or bark for maximum impact.
Studies suggest aromatherapy can have profound effects on mood, sleep and mental recovery. Here are a few scents to try for relaxation and healing:
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula) is a known natural sleep aid and relaxant, and research suggests inhaling lavender essential oil can improve restful sleep as well as reduce anxiety levels.
Smelling certain scents stimulates olfactory nerves which connect with parts of your brain that regulate emotions, survival instincts and memory – possibly explaining why aromatherapy works so effectively.
Aromatherapy uses concentrated extracts from flower, herb and tree parts such as bark, roots, peels and petals to produce oils used during massage or bath sessions or inhalations therapy sessions. Lavender can help treat most ailments; citrus scents boost energy and help manage stress.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is an natural hybrid between water mint and spearmint that thrives both in Europe and North America. Used to flavor food products and cosmetics as well as tea-making processes, this aromatic plant is popularly consumed as an aromatic, caffeine-free beverage.
Their aromatic qualities may help alleviate negative emotions associated with homesickness, loneliness or depression; as well as building emotional resilience and supporting mental recovery.
Before applying essential oils topically, make sure they have been properly diluted with carrier oil or water before being massaged into the skin. Select an organic producer for best results; plastic bottles could compromise quality of essential oil production.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, an Australian native tree with powerful healing properties, can be used to soothe headaches, ease sore throat symptoms and ease muscle aches. Furthermore, Eucalyptus acts as an expectorant and can reduce microbial infections.
Eucalptus oil is extracted from oval-shaped leaves of the eucalyptus tree and boasts a powerful woody aroma. Its main constituent, 1,8 cineole, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which make this an excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic remedy.
Consider purchasing eucalyptus oil that boasts high purity levels from reputable sellers who provide GC-MS reports (Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry), which will demonstrate its chemical makeup. Since eucalyptus oil can be potency essential oil, diluting it before use is advised, along with patch testing for potential sensitivities on skin.
Rose
Rose provides soothing fragrance for relieving PMS symptoms like cramps, bloating and nausea. Furthermore, rose balances sadhaka pitta (the subdosha of pitta responsible for controlling emotions and their effect on heart) while soothing your mind.
Essential oils can be utilized in various ways, from dabbing them onto your skin to adding them to a relaxing bath soak. Aromasticks provide an easy-to-use portable plastic device with a soft absorbent wick that releases scent while inhalation takes place.
Studies show that scented oils can reduce anxiety and help people feel more relaxed, as well as improve mood and alertness.
Chamomile
Aromatherapy involves using 100% pure botanical essential oils extracted by distillation, expression or extraction for health and beauty purposes. Aromatherapy should not be seen as a replacement to medical treatments; rather it offers complementary and alternative therapy solutions that complement medical approaches. Fragrance oils or those mixed with chemicals do not make suitable choices for aromatherapy practice.
Chamomile can soothe nerves, relieve insomnia and ease digestive ailments. The soothing scent can ward off depression while lifting mood. Gentle enough for children’s use and may reduce irritability or hyperactivity; try mixing 10-15 drops of chamomile oil in an ounce of water and spraying as a mist spray.
Geranium
Geranium is a natural stress reliever and highly effective antidepressant. Additionally, it may assist with insomnia, indigestion and allergy-related rashes.
Olive leaf extract possesses antiseptic, hemostatic and cicatrisant properties which make it effective in treating acne scars and helping soothe burns.
Aromatherapy can be dangerous if the oils are not properly diluted, and should never be applied directly to the skin without first testing for allergies and possible interactions with medications. Furthermore, aromatherapy may exacerbate certain medical conditions and interfere with prescribed treatments.
Fill a small jar with dried rose geranium flowers, pour enough extra virgin olive oil over them and let the infusion sit for two weeks before refrigerating or using as desired.
