Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being.
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. It is sometimes called essential oil therapy.
Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind and spirit. Increases physical and emotional health.
Aromatherapy is equally framed as an art and a science. Recently, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the fields of science and medicine.
How long has aromatherapy been around?
Humans have used aromatherapy for thousands of years. Ancient cultures in China, India, Egypt, and elsewhere incorporated aromatic plant components into resins, balms, and oils. These natural substances were used for medical and religious purposes. They were known to have physical and psychological benefits.
The distillation of essential oils is attributed to the Persians in the 10th century, although the practice may have emerged earlier than that. Information about the distillation of essential oils was published in the 16th century in Germany. 19th century French doctors recognized the potential of essential oils in treating illnesses.
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The medical community became more familiar with the topic in the 19th century and focused on the use of chemical drugs. However, French and German doctors still recognized the role of natural botanicals in treating disease.
The term “aromatherapy” was coined by a French perfumer and chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé in a book he wrote on botany, which was published in 1937. He had previously discovered the healing potential of lavender in treating burns. The book discusses the use of essential oils in treating medical conditions.
How does aromatherapy treatment work?
Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption using products like these:
- diffusers;
- aromatic spritzers;
- inhalers;
- bath salts;
- body oils, creams or lotions for massage or topical application;
- facial steams;
- hot and cold compresses;
- clay masks.
You can use them alone or in any combination.
There are almost a hundred types of essential oils available. Generally, people use the most popular oils.
Essential oils are available online, at green food stores and in some regular supermarkets. It is important to buy from a reputable producer, as oils are not always regulated by inspection agencies. This ensures that you are purchasing a 100% natural quality product. They should not contain any additives or synthetic ingredients.
Each essential oil has an array of unique healing properties. Combining essential oils to create a synergistic blend creates even more benefits.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has a variety of benefits, such as:
- relieve pain;
- improve sleep quality;
- reduce stress, agitation and anxiety;
- soothe painful joints;
- treat headaches and migraines;
- alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy;
- alleviate work discomforts;
- combat bacteria, viruses or fungi;
- improve digestion;
- improve hospice and palliative care;
- increase immunity.
Unproven claims
Scientific evidence for aromatherapy is considered limited in some areas.
Research to support the use of aromatherapy in treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease is lacking.
Diseases that can be treated with the use of Aromatherapy
It has the potential to treat many conditions, including:
- asma
- insomnia
- fatigue
- depression
- inflammation
- peripheral neuropathy
- menstrual problems
- alopecia
- Cance
- erectile dysfunction
- arthritis
- menopause
Most Popular Aromatherapy Oils
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, the most popular essential oils are:
- Salvia sclarea
- cypress
- eucalyptus
- fennel
- geranium
- ginger
- helichrysum
- lavender
- lemon
- lemongrass
- tangerine
- neroli
- patchouli
- mint
- Roman chamomile
- osa
- rosemary
- tea tree
- vetiver
- ylang ylang
You can use essential oils in many ways. For example, adding them to body lotions or carrier oils and applying them to the body.
You can also incorporate them into liquid soap, toothpaste or mouthwash. You can also diffuse or spray the oils throughout the room or place them in a bath.
Side effects
Most essential oils are safe to use. But there are some precautions you should take when using them, as well as side effects you should be aware of, especially if you take any prescription medication.
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Do not apply essential oils directly to your skin. Always use a carrier oil to dilute the oils. Remember to do a touch test before using essential oils.
Since citrus essential oils can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, these oils should be avoided if you are going to be exposed to sunlight.
Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use essential oils with caution and under a doctor’s supervision. You should avoid some oils; Never swallow essential oils.
Always speak to your doctor before starting any aromatherapy treatment. Remember that aromatherapy is a complementary therapy. It is not intended to replace any doctor-approved treatment plan.
So, have you ever heard of aromatherapy? Have you ever used this technique or know someone who has benefited from the power of oils? Comment!
Now, speaking of aromas, you might also like to check out: How to make a homemade room diffuser, without spending almost anything.
Source: Your Health
