Essential oil diffusers are common on Instagram, but what exactly is aromatherapy, and why are people so obsessed with it?
In simple terms, Aromatherapy is the practice of using concentrated plant essential oils to treat a variety of health problems..
Although scientific research into the medical benefits of aromatherapy is only just beginning, people have been using it for medicinal and religious purposes for thousands of years. However, the actual term aromatherapy was first coined in the early 1900s when French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefossé used lavender oil to treat burns on his hands. Oh, la-la-la!
Essential oils are touted for being used for everything from stress relief to physical healing, but there’s still confusion about what aromatherapy really means and how it actually works. Want to know more? Join us as we sniff out the facts.
Although research suggests that they may have health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It is important to consult with a health professional and research the safety of essential oils before beginning to use them. quality Always be aware of the brand’s products Patch test Before trying a new essential oil.
Aromatherapy harnesses the power of Mother Nature by using highly concentrated natural extracts from all kinds of plants. As you might imagine, it takes more than just a few flowers to make one bottle of essential oil. In fact, it takes 250 pounds of lavender flowers to make one pound (about 500 milliliters) of lavender essential oil. Amazing!
Enough math, aromatherapy is well known for its relaxing and mood-boosting properties, which experts say are primarily felt when you inhale the scent of essential oils, whose molecules are thought to stimulate an area of the brain called the limbic system, which influences everything from emotions and hormones to blood pressure and breathing patterns.
There are several ways to get your nose in the air.
“A simple way to practice aromatherapy is to open a bottle of essential oil and breathe in deeply for a few seconds,” says Tara Gangadharan, certified aromatherapist and founder of self-care brand Thara Sacra.
You can also use a diffuser to spread the scent over a larger space, “such as an ultrasonic diffuser,” says Jade Chute, founder of Aromatic Studies School. “These are typically used for about 15 minutes every two to three hours.”
Whatever approach you choose, make sure the surrounding space is well ventilated and limit the time you spread it – less is more.
You can also apply oils to your skin, and many masseuses incorporate oils into their massages. However, always make sure the essential oil is properly diluted in a “carrier” such as coconut or argan oils, or a body cream or lotion. It’s also a good idea to do a skin patch test to see if you have any reactions.
But no matter how tempting it may be to take a sip, you should never ingest essential oils as they can be highly concentrated and toxic, and you should keep them out of reach of pets as they can cause serious harm to them.
We’ve already mentioned the relaxing effects of essential oils, and studies have shown that their use can reduce stress and anxiety levels by up to 30 percent. “For me, the biggest benefit is that aromas help with stress management,” agrees Gangadharan. Given that stress and sleep are troublingly closely related, it’s not surprising that aromatherapy has also been linked to improved sleep.
But that’s not all: studies have shown that essential oils and aromatherapy can also help relieve pain, reduce nausea and headaches, and combat fatigue. Finally, if you’re looking to improve your performance in the bedroom or at work (ideally not at the same time), aromatherapy can help there, too.
“When using genuine essential oils, side effects are extremely rare,” Shute reveals. But like anything in life, using essential oils isn’t completely risk-free, and “most adverse effects come from improper internal use or improper application of undiluted essential oils to the skin,” she continues.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy also has an extensive list of safety guidelines, but here are some key points:
Improper dilution is one of the biggest risks and can cause skin rashes, irritation, and pain. You should also never apply oils to skin that is already broken or inflamed. Some essential oils (especially citrus oils) can also cause photosensitivity of the skin, so there is a risk of burns if you go outside or are exposed to UV rays after applying topically.
The use of essential oils during pregnancy is also hotly debated, with many recommending that they be avoided at this time. Some oils can worsen or cause conditions such as epilepsy, or interfere with the action of medications (including some antidepressants), so if you have any pre-existing conditions or treatment plans, it’s important to consult your doctor before trying aromatherapy.
Finally, research suggests that aromatherapy may also be harmful to children and pets, so be sure to keep oils out of reach of children and avoid diffusing them when children are around.
Research is being conducted into the effects of aromatherapy on various aspects of health, but findings are still relatively limited and more research is needed. Some people claim that the use of aromatherapy can prevent and treat diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and COVID-19, but there is no scientific evidence to support this.
Additionally, the FDA recognizes essential oils as cosmetics, not drugs, and regularly issues warnings to companies that market their products as medicines.
Research has shown that this habit not only reduces stress, it also has the following benefits:
Each oil is thought to have its own properties and effects, and is often used for a specific purpose. Need a pick-me-up? “Citrus fruits are great for uplifting your mood, easing anxiety, and giving you a zest for life,” says Gangadharan.
Meanwhile, if afternoon sleepiness is making it hard to concentrate, “rosemary and peppermint are great for improving mental function when you’re tired, as their strong scents awaken the senses and clear the mind,” she adds.
People have long turned to lavender as a relaxing scent, but if you’re feeling a bit emotional, “woody scents like cedar and cypress have a strong calming and stabilizing energy,” says Gangadharan.
Don’t worry if a particular scent doesn’t have the effect you were hoping for, she assures: “Everyone perceives scent differently, so experiment to find what works for you.”
Another thing to note is that it’s not just the scent that matters when choosing oils: “One of the most important aspects of aromatherapy is the quality of the essential oils you use,” Shutes reveals.
We are particular about using the best when it comes to our bodies. how Can you tell the good from the bad? “Important information to look for when buying essential oils is: common name (lavender), scientific name (Lavandula angustifolia“It also depends on the type of plant (where it comes from) and the part of the plant that’s used to extract the oil (leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, etc.),” says Shute, as some parts of the plant are better than others for extracting essential oils.
And that’s not all: “Look for words like ‘genuine and authentic’ and ‘100% botanical’ as well as the country of origin,” she continues. “Another important point is that the company itself is dedicated to the aromatherapy field and is not a perfume company.”
Want to learn more about how to buy high-quality essential oils? We’ve written it all.
Especially if you’re new to using essential oils, we recommend visiting a licensed aromatherapist to find the scents that best suit your needs and learn how to use them properly (plus, just imagine how amazing their office will smell!).
“As the use of essential oils increases, there is a lot of misinformation circulating, so we always recommend consulting a doctor, professional aromatherapist or professional aromatherapy association before use,” agrees Gangadharan.
Aromatherapy has been used by people for thousands of years, and modern scientific research suggests that essential oils may help with a variety of health and well-being issues. However, more research is needed in this area, and many claims about aromatherapy are unsubstantiated.
From vibrant lemon scents to soothing earth tones, a wide variety of scents can help you relax, invigorate, and focus. While it may be tempting to jump in, the potential side effects of many oils are not to be underestimated, so it’s important to understand them first.
