Aromatherapy has been around for quite some time.
In recent years its usage of it has increased a lot. You even can find an aromatherapy diffuser at your nearest departmental store. And as you can see, a lot of people are also using them in their daily life.
I know what you are thinking.
Can aromatherapy treat any diseases?
Is it safe to use?
Here, in this article, I will guide you through all these things. Now, let’s start with what aromatherapy is.
What Is Aromatherapy?
It is basically a holistic healing treatment where natural plant extracts are used in order to promote well-being and health. Aromatherapy often is also addressed as essential oil therapy as it uses aromatic essential oils.
Obviously, these oils are used medicinally for improving the health of the mind, body, and spirit as well. Aromatherapy enhances both emotional and physical health. It is thought of as both a science and an art.
In recent days, it has gained more recognition in the fields of both medicine and science.
Aromatherapy Treatment: How Does It Work?
Through skin absorption and sense of smell, aromatherapy works. The following products are used as a part of it.
- Clay masks.
- Cold and hot compresses.
- Facial steamers.
- Bathing slats.
- Inhalers.
- Aromatic spritzers.
- Diffusers.
- Lotions, creams, or body oils for topical application or massage.
You can either use them alone or combine them with others.
You might be amazed to know that you can find around 100 types of essential oils, but we mostly use the most popular ones. Then you can find the popular ones online, in some regular supermarkets, and in health food stores.
But, I will always advise you to get them from a reputable producer because essential oils are not regulated by the FDA. This way, you can ensure that you are buying a great quality product that is 100% natural, which is important.
Always remember that you are checking the ingredient list for any synthetic ingredients or additives.
Every essential oil has a wide range of unique healing properties, effects, and uses. And in case you combine essential oils to create a synergic blend, it gives even more benefits.
Benefits Of Aromatherapy
We all are hearing a lot of buzz around essential oils and aromatherapy. There are obvious reasons behind it. Here are the major aromatherapy benefits.
- Improve sleep quality. ‘Soothe sore joints.
- Reduced anxiety, agitation, and stress.
- Manage pain.
- Alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy.
- Treat migraine and headaches.
- Boost immunity.
- Improve hospice along with palliative care.
- Improve digestion.
- Fight fungus, virus, or bacteria.
- Ease the discomfort of labor.
Apart from the benefits I have mentioned, there are some conditions that can be potentially treated with aromatherapy.
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Depression.
- Insomnia.
- Asthma.
- Menstrual issues.
- Inflammation.
- Menopause.
- Arthritis.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Cancer.
- Alopecia.
When I am talking about the benefits of aromatherapy, there is a thing that you should know. Although aromatherapy is widely used across the globe, there are some unproven claims.
Scientific evidence for aromatherapy is actually limited in some areas. Research is being conducted regarding the support of using aromatherapy in treating Perkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and the lack of heart disease.
But they are not enough, and a lot of research is needed to prove their effectiveness.
Essential Oils And Their Effects
As per the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, here is the list of the most popular essential oils of aromatherapy.
- Lavender.
- Ginger.
- Fennel.
- Eucalyptus.
- Peppermint.
- Lemongrass.
- Lemon.
- Tea tree.
- Rosemary.
- Clary sage.
- Geranium.
- Cypress.
- Helichrysum.
- Rose.
- Roman chamomile.
- Ylang ylang.
- Vetiver.
- Patchouli.
- Neroli.
- Mandarin.
- Thyme.
- Sandalwood.
- Clove.
- Citronella.
- Black pepper.
- Basil.
- Jasmine.
- Yarrow.
Cautions Of Using Them
As essential oils cause a reaction in your body, every essential oil is not beneficial to everyone. The chemical compounds present in essential oils might generate adverse effects when you combine them with medications.
Also, they can reduce the effectiveness of conventional drugs.
Or…
They can exacerbate the health conditions in the individual.
An individual with high blood pressure should avoid stimulants, such as rosemary. Apart from this, some compounds like sage, aniseed, and fennel act the same way as estrogen. That is why in case you have an estrogen-dependent breast or any type of ovarian tumor, you should avoid all these at any cost.
In addition to these, some essential oils also produce toxins that might cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and liver, especially if they are taken internally. Swallowing or taking essential oils internally can be hazardous and fatal in some cases.
In case you have any of the following conditions, you have to be extra careful while utilizing the benefits of aromatherapy.
- Asthma.
- Hay fever is a type of allergy.
- Skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema.
- Allergies.
- Hypertension or high blood pressure.
- Epilepsy.
In case the essential oil is mixed with a carrier, you need to inform your massage therapist or aromatherapist in case you have any nut allergies. It is because carrier oils are, in most cases, obtained from seeds and nuts.
About The Aromatherapy Side Effects
Most essential oils are totally safe to use. However, there are some precautions that you must take while using them, along with being aware of the side effects of those. In case you are taking any prescription medications, you must know whether using essential oils are safe or not.
Never apply any essential oil directly to your skin. It is always best to dilute it with a carrier oil. Also, always try a skin patch test first and then start using any essential oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here are some most common questions that you should know about.
Q1: What Is The Best Aromatherapy?
Ans. When I am talking about aromatherapy, the main components are essential oils. The oils I have mentioned above are excellent aromatherapy. Here is a list of the best oil you can opt for.
- Eucalyptus essential oil.
- Jasmine essential oil.
- Bergamot essential oil.
- Lavender essential oil.
- Peppermint essential oil.
- Tea tree oil.
- Chamomile essential oil.
- Ylang-ylang essential oil.
Q2: Where Do You Use Aromatherapy?
Ans. As we all know, the most common way of using essential oil is that you need to inhale them either directly out of the container or you can use a humidifier or diffuser. Apart from this, you also can dilute the essential oil with a career oil and then apply that directly on your skin. Another creative way to use them is to mix them with shampoo, body wash, and bath.
Q3: What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Aromatherapy?
Ans. The main advantage of aromatherapy is that it comes with a few side effects, and the disadvantage is you might have an allergic reaction. There are some people who are also sensitive to the smell and can not take it. Apart from this, the major con is that several oils are not available in their pure forms.
Q4: Who Should Not Use Aromatherapy?
Ans. As per doctors, due to potential complications, specifically children and teens should now use tea tree and lavender oils.
To Conclude
Aromatherapy can be really beneficial for treating a lot of health problems and conditions. You just need to pick the right one for yourself. Always go with the 100% pure one. And it is always advisable to consult with your doctor before trying.
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