Aromatherapy commonly called essential oils therapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses plant-based essential oils to promote healthy living. These oils are extracts taken out from natural plants, flowers, herbs and berries. Each oil is made of unique ingredients and performs a distinct function that in a way improves the physical and emotional state and works magically on the body, mind and spirit. On that note, let’s look at the various health benefits of aromatherapy , and how it can be incorporated in your daily skincare routine.
Lowers stress levels
The ever rising financial obligations, death of a loved one, unemployment, marital issues and low-self esteem are some of the most common contributors of tension in life. While stress is inevitable, with the help of aromatherapy it can certainly be managed. Essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, peppermint and jasmine are scientifically known to soothe your mind and restructure your brain waves leading to lowering of blood pressure and heart rate. These essential oils, especially lavender, have calming properties that instantly reduce the stress levels and make you feel relaxed.
Promotes sound sleep
By rearranging the circadian rhythm, aromatherapy makes you feel tired in a natural way thereby helping you to fall asleep. All you have to do is spread any of the essential oil containing sedative properties such as lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile and sandalwood, in the bedroom prior to bedtime and wait for the magic to happen. Needless to say, having a restful sleep will rejuvenate the brain, promote weight loss, fight insomnia and bring a host of other health benefits.
Boosts the immune system
Immunity means the ability of one’s body to avoid or not be affected by diseases, viruses and infections. Having a low immunity can wreak havoc on your overall health. This is where aromatherapy can be of great help. Essential oils like oregano, myrrh, ginger, eucalyptus, and cinnamon are known to have antifungal and antiviral properties that increase your immunity levels.
Helps in managing the symptoms of cancer
Nausea, depression, insomnia and tiredness are few of the commonly seen symptoms in cancer patients. Plus, chemotherapy is one treatment that is very important for curing cancer but involves a lot of pain. Aromatherapy helps in relieving the pain, reducing stress, promoting sleep and treating anxiety. Please take note that aromatherapy can only reduce the effects of cancer and not completely treat it. Ginger, rose and lavender, among others are some of the best essential oils that can be used for cancer patients.
Increases energy levels
Most people like to rely completely on tea or coffee for their daily dose of energy. However caffeine is highly addictive, and can affect the body adversely if taken in excess amounts. The good news is that aromatherapy can increase your energy levels naturally. Essential oils like limonene, jasmine, tea tree, and citrus are jam packed with antioxidant terpenes which rejuvenates the mind and keeps you going all day long.
Other Proven Benefits Of Aromatherapy
- Aromatherapy is known to relieve the gynecological, postoperative and other kinds of physical pain. Essential oils such as turmeric, and thyme will do wonders for you if you suffer from chronic pain.
- If you lack focus, use sage, basil and rosemary oils. These are known to improve cognitive performance and sharpen memory.
- Aromatherapy can help manage your digestive health, as well as keep abdominal pain and gas problems at bay. Juniper berry, ginger and fennel aids digestion.
- Aromatherapy can help manage the hormone levels hence its good for women suffering from PCOS or infertility. Geranium and thyme work magic when it comes to boosting the estrogen levels.
- Essential oils work wonders on skin and hair. If you want a glowing skin and healthy, shiny hair, aromatherapy won't disappoint you.
Using Aromatherapy in your skincare routine
Using aromatherapy for skincare is a tricky business. While some essential oils can really help tone your skin and make it look all brightened up and young, other oils can cause serious chemical burns and other reactions on your skin. This is why you must always choose the right essential oil depending on your skin type. Argan, lavender, cedarwood, vetiver, neroli, geranium, grapefruit, tea tree, ylang ylang, rose, frankincense, among others are the best essential oils that can be included in your daily beauty regimen.
When using essential oils in your skincare routine, make sure to not directly apply it on the face. It's recommended to use essential oils in diluted form to avoid the risk of getting any burns or irritation. Essential oils can be diluted in carrier oil.
Photo credits: Stefanie (model) Provence, South of France
Final thoughts
This is how Aromatherpy helps us in our daily living. It might be physically, emotionally or even in our beauty regimen.
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Cheers,
Zalina
