Aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, is a complementary or alternative therapy that uses the healing properties of essential oils in different methods of application. Essential oils are made from concentrated plant extracts and can be used in aromatherapy applications, such as massage, topical applications and inhalation.
Essential oils have been around for thousands of years now. They’ve been used in ceremony, in ritual, and even as medicine sometimes. The knowledge of their benefits and attributes has been passed down through generations. Today, there are also many studies on how scent and essential oils affect us, so we can rely on both science and tradition when thinking about how to use essential oils for aromatherapy.
Source: experiencelife.com
Essential Oil Blends and How to Choose
When used properly, essential oils can have an uplifting effect on the mind and promote calmness. These fragrant and soothing oils work even better when in synergy with each other, so mixing their compounds can offer numerous therapeutic benefits. Essential oil blends can be used for different purposes, from supporting and balancing hormones to easing feelings of depression and anxiety and boosting your metabolism and supporting overall wellness and health.
Depending on what kinds of moods you’re trying to encourage or avoid, you can select your essential oil blend. Whether you’re picking which one to buy or which one to use for the day, focus on what you need the most at that moment and choose an essential oil blend accordingly. The essential oils of lavender, basil, chamomile, frankincense, are generally found to have a calming effect, while bergamot and peppermint oil can have a stimulating effect.
How to Use Essential Oil Blends
Essential oils blends combine two or more oils, offering well-rounded benefits and a more complex fragrance experience. The following are some of the most common ways to can use essential oil blends.
Source: wellnessaromas.com
Put a Bit on Your Wrists
This is the simplest way to use and essential oil. Just rub a couple of drops on your pulse points, but most importantly do a patch test before applying essential oil on your skin as it will help you avoid any unwanted skin reactions.
Diffuse
Using a diffuser with essential oil blend is an easy way to make any space smell beautifully and include aromatherapy in your daily habits. At work or before going to bed, you can use essential oils to help you achieve better results. There are many different types of diffusers, from a simple candlelit type to diffusers that plug in and spray an oil-infused mist.
Source: dezeen.com
Massage Blend
A massage blend can relieve pain caused by several factors, such as dry cough, but also can ease symptoms of a sore neck and promote quality sleep. If you have sensitive skin, you can opt for mixing your essential oils with a carrier oil. This will dilute the powerful properties of the essential oil and you can apply it safely to the skin. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before applying essential oils to the carrier oil.
In the Bath
You can add a few drops of your essential oil blend in your bath and take your bathing experience to another level. The absorption of essential oils through the skin increases in the bath and provides numerous benefits to your wellbeing. An aromatherapy bath is very soothing to the body as the natural essences can bring you relief from headache and have a calming effect and uplift your mood.
Source: soartosuccess.eliteexpertsnetwork.com
For Cleaning Purposes
Some essential oils can be used in cleaning recipes, so you can put a couple of drops in your cleaner or on the rug you use to dust. Also, you can add a couple of drops of essential oils to a steam vacuum and get your house smell naturally and refreshing.
As a Room Spray
This is another option to use your favourite essential oil blends. You can use a bottle spray filled with water and a couple of drops of essential oils blend to spray around the room, on your clothes or the bed sheets.
Source: ascensionkitchen.com
Health Benefits of Essential Oils
Having ups and downs and concerns over certain things in life is a normal thing. But in case you have noticed some changes in the intensity of your feelings, such as sadness, worry and fear, that last for two weeks or more, it may be an indication that you’re facing high levels of stress or struggling with anxiety and depression. Whenever you’re going through a difficult time, it’s a good idea to talk to a therapist who can determine your condition and suggest the right treatment.
Some essential oils may help ease mild symptoms of insomnia, anxiety and stress, but you must always read the label before using them and carefully follow the instructions. It’s important to keep in mind that they don’t cure these conditions and should never be used instead of prescribed medication.
Most essential oils are antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic and can prevent you from getting sick, or if you’re already sick, they can reduce the symptoms and speed up the recovery process. Essential oils alone will not heal your body, so the best way to better immune activity when you’re sick is to take good care of yourself, rest, drink enough water, avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes and eat healthily.
As a drug-free option, most essential oils are safe to use and free of side effects. However, you need to make sure you use them carefully and consult your doctor or aromatherapist. They can help you determine the best way to incorporate essential oils into your treatment and help you manage your condition.