aromatherapy-uses-and-possible-benefits.

WELLNESS / Aromatherapy: Uses and Possible Benefits.

Aromatherapy: Uses and Possible Benefits.

Aromatherapy involves the therapeutic use of essential oils. It is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts. It is sometimes called essential oil therapy.

Some people consider aromatherapy both an art and a science. It’s recently gained more recognition in medicine as an alternative remedy.

How long has aromatherapy been around?
Humans have used aromatherapy for thousands of years. Ancient cultures in China, India, and Egypt incorporated aromatic plant components in resins, balms, and oils. These natural substances were used for medical and religious purposes.

Distilling essential oils is attributed to the Persians in the 10th century, but the practice may have been used long before this. French physicians in the 19th century recognized the potential of essential oils in treating disease.

How does aromatherapy treatment work?
Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption. You can use essential oils for aromatherapy through:
- diffusers
- aromatic spritzers
- inhalers
- bathing salts
- body oils, creams, or lotions for massage or topical application
- facial steamers
- hot and cold compresses
- clay masks

There are nearly one hundred types of essential oils available. People commonly use oils like:
- lavender
- eucalyptus
- tea tree
- peppermint
- rosemary
- clary sage

Possible benefits of aromatherapy:

- manage pain
- improve sleep quality
- reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety
- soothe sore joints
- help headaches and migraines
- alleviate side effects of chemotherapy
- ease discomforts of labor
- improve digestion
- boost immunity
Aromatherapy may offer these benefits, but it’s important to note that aromatherapy is not a treatment for any medical condition. While it may provide relief from certain symptoms, it shouldn’t replace and treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Most popular aromatherapy oils include:

- clary sage
- cypress
- eucalyptus
- fennel
- geranium
- ginger
- helichrysum
- lavender
- lemon
- lemongrass
- mandarin
- neroli
- patchouli
- peppermint
- Roman chamomile
- rose
- rosemary
- tea tree
- vetiver
- ylang ylang
Essential oils can be used in many ways. For example, you can add them to body lotions or carrier oils and then apply them topically. You can also diffuse or spritz the oils throughout a room or pour them into a bath.

Side effects
Most essential oils are safe to use. However, you should take some precautions when using them and be aware of side effects, especially if you take any prescription medications.

Don’t apply essential oils directly to your skin. Always use a carrier oil to dilute the oils, and remember to do a skin patch test before using essential oils. Since citrus essential oils may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, these oils should be avoided if you are exposed to sunlight.

Children and people who are pregnant or nursing should use essential oils with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.

Possible side effects of using essential oils include:

- rashes
- asthma attacks
- headaches
- allergic reactions
- skin irritation
- nausea