LGR Holistic Wellness

Aromatherapy refers to the skilled and controlled use of essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds, with the aim of helping individuals restore balance and improve health. It helps to balance the psychological, spiritual and physical realm of an individual’s being. It allows the body to manifest positive responses to the aromatic extracts and scents.

The Health Benefits of Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Reduces stress

Many people who are suffering from stress turn to aromatherapy for very rapid relief. The aromatic compounds of essential oils brings about feelings of relaxation while providing a soothing sensation to the mind and body.

Evidence from studies conducted have shown that aromatherapy has an influence on the brain, making it capable of altering a person’s mood and subsequent behavior. However, not all essential oils provide the same effect on every person. This is why it is important to carefully use the essential oil needed in each aromatherapy session.

” Bergamot, ylang-ylang, geranium, lavender and neroli are a few examples of essential oils that work best for relieving stress.

Boosts memory and focus

Aromatherapy using lemon essential oil greatly helps with concentration. Its active compounds have been found to increase norepinephrine, which is a chemical in the brain that plays a role in decision-making.

Rosemary essential oil helps to stimulate memory. Experts from UK’s Northumbria University revealed that study participants who inhaled rosemary essential oil showed improvement in speed and the level of accuracy in answering memory tests. The participants were found to increase their memory test score by more than 10% after their exposure to rosemary essential oil.

” Other essential oils that can help boost memory and concentration are peppermint, lavender, basil and sage.

Boosts energy levels

The minty and invigorating aroma of peppermint essential oil is helpful in boosting physical and mental vitality. Using essential oils to stimulate energy is better for your health, there being no negative side effects experienced, as are often found in other stimulants.

Eucalyptus is another essential oil that gives off a scent which boosts energy levels, by promoting deep breathing. The deep breathing process allows an improved flow of oxygen to the brain. The result is increased alertness and energy.

” Geranium, sweet orange, grapefruit and cedarwood are more examples of essential oils that can help raise your energy levels.

Promotes faster healing

Aromatherapy essential oils help heal cuts, wounds, and also helps patients recovering from surgery. There are many essential oils to help speed up the healing process. Aromatherapy not only makes healing faster. The active compounds in essential oils also helps to reduce, if not avoid, scarring. It also works effectively in reducing inflammation, while staving off infections.

Essential oils are also beneficial for disinfecting many skin wounds. For people with skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, essential oils can help reduce the discomfort brought about by its symptoms.

” Essential oils that are ideal for skin problems, wounds, cuts or burns include tea tree, lavender, helichrysum, chamomile and frankincense.

Relieves headaches

We have probably all suffered from a headache at some point in our life. The causes, severity, and how often you have a headache, of course varies from one person to another. However, regardless of the type of headache you may be suffering from, aromatherapy essential oils may provide you with relief.

Even those who people who suffer from migraine headaches have been found to benefit from the use of aromatherapy. One study showed that inhaling lavender essential oil for about 15 minutes can provide relief. Another study led by Dr. Hartmut G bel, a German researcher, revealed that peppermint essential oil helps reduce pain perception among migraine sufferers.

” Thyme, rosemary, spearmint and lavender have also been found useful in alleviating headaches.

Promotes sleep

Aromatherapy has been proven to help bring sleep to a busy mind. Try using marjoram essential oil, to help you doze off to sleep. Its active compounds also helps to reduce muscle aches and pain, while also providing you relief from arthritis symptoms. So if muscle pain is a problem, this may be helpful for you.

Insomniacs can also turn to sandalwood essential oil. Aromatherapy does not promise to cure your insomnia or the causes of poor sleep. However, it can significantly help a person to better cope with stress and other related symptoms, which can make it hard to fall asleep.

” Other essential oils that help you drift off to sleep are valerian, roman chamomile, neroli and cedarwood.

Reduces the side-effects of cancer

Aromatherapy is also beneficial for cancer patients by helping them manage the side effects of their illness. Complementary treatments for cancer include massage therapy, acupuncture and meditation. One essential oil that works well for treating and easing cancer symptoms is frankincense.

Experts from the University of Leicester revealed that frankincense possesses a certain compound that is capable of targeting cancer cells. Researchers from Baylor University Medical Center also reported that frankincense has the ability to control cancer cells, while also helping the genes to induce healing.

These findings suggested that frankincense shows great potential in even the prevention of cancer. Frankincense also provides relief from fatigue, nausea, anxiety, aches and pains.

” Citrus oil, clary sage, lavender and lemongrass are also good options for cancer patients who use aromatherapy as part of their treatment program.

Strengthens immune system

Prevention is better than cure. This statement is actually more factual than being just a simple clich . One of the best ways to prevent the onset of many diseases is to first ensure that the immune system is functioning properly. If yours isn’t, then find ways to boost it. Diet, nutrition and exercise is an excellent place to start.

In addition to adhering to healthy lifestyle habits, regular sessions of aromatherapy can help to boost your immune system so that it can function at its best.

” Helichrysum, rosemary, frankincense, scots pine, orange, clove and cinnamon are just a few of the many essential oils that you can use in your aromatherapy sessions to help boost your natural immune strength.

Improves digestion

If you need help from constipation, bloating and indigestion you can always turn to aromatherapy for natural relief. Peppermint, for example, can help improve gastrointestinal movement.

Oregano essential oil has active compounds that promote intestinal integrity while also aiding in the repair of the gut lining.

” Lemon, orange, chamomile, lavender, clary sage and ginger have been found effective in providing relief from digestive issues.

In Summary

Whatever essential oil or aromatic plant that you use in your aromatherapy sessions, make sure it comes from approved sources. Although aromatherapy is generally safe to be performed at home, it is best to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Please note that essential oils can have contraindications that should not be ignored, thus advice coming from an expert should always be sought. As with any illness or treatment, it is best not to diagnose and treat until you know what you really need.