The Positive Effects of Aromatherapy and the Benefits of Using Essential Oils
Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils for medicinal purposes is believed to date back over 6000 years. Today aromatherapy and essential oils are used by healthcare professionals and in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes throughout the U.S. for their therapeutic properties. Today’s research supports the health benefits associated with aromatherapy and essential oils as a remedy for a long list of health-related ailments.
If you are new to essential oils and the list of medicinal uses of aromatherapy products, we think it is important to share that Natural Options Aromatherapy offers much more than other aromatherapy stores. That includes both online and offlineAromatherapy Stores. Natural Options Aromatherapy simply offers more, like our NAHA-approved Aromatherapy Certification Seminars and courses, and our finer Private Label Aromatherapy Products.
We not only sell quality aromatherapy products; we also educate people about the many therapeutic uses of essential oils and the correct use of aromatherapy products. It is all part of an industry that continues to increase in popularity as a medicinal remedy by many professional healthcare providers. One of the most obvious signs of this increase is in the number of health care professionals displaying their aromatherapy credentials, i.e., “RN, Registered Aromatherapist“.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the essential oils market is expected to see an annual growth rate of more than 9% over the next six years. In fact, the aromatherapy industry was reported to be worth over $1.6 billion in 2018.
There is an emergence of discoveries about the positive effects of aromatherapy. More and more, people are turning to essential oils to help them with managing stress, anxiety, blood pressure, skin issues, and so much more.
What Is Aromatherapy?
You might still be wondering what aromatherapy actually is. When someone is undergoing aromatherapy, they are using essential oils that are highly aromatic to produce medicinal effects in the body, on the mind, and to also enhance the spirit. You use the natural plant extracts to elicit the desired effect that includes one or more physical, mental, emotional, ailments.
Uses of Aromatherapy
There are many uses for essential oils and aromatherapy products. We should mention that there are other ways that essential oils are used besides their use in aromatherapy. But, by far, the fastest-growing uses of essential oils are linked to aromatherapy. This growing popularity is a big part of what is expected to give the aromatherapy industry the boost mentioned above.
Some of the more common issues or conditions treated with aromatherapy and essential oils are:
- Sleeplessness
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Soreness in joints or muscles
- Labor pains
- Digestive problems
- Immune deficiencies
- Headaches and migraines
- Undesired side effects
Essential Oils with Big Benefits in Aromatherapy
For essential oil to be used effectively as an aromatherapy product, it has to have elevated aromatic properties. Some oils aren’t very aromatic. The aromatic properties allow you to inhale the essence of the oil so your body can receive all of its benefits.
Here’s a look at some of the most highly aromatic essential oils that are frequently found in aromatherapy products, and the more common ailments each respective essential oil is used to treat.
- Lavender – used to treat depression, insomnia, anxiety, headache, pain, and restlessness
- Peppermint – relief of back pain, soothing coughs, boosts mental focus
- Orange – used to calm the mind and bring down the pulse rate, stimulating the immune system, enhance the mood
- Rosemary – reduces stress and tension, promotes respiratory functioning, increases mental focus, boosts energy levels
- Cinnamon – promotes better blood circulation, serves as an aphrodisiac for men and women, increases alertness, battles against depression
How to Use Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy works by the use of your olfactory sense, as well as applied to the skin. There are several methods for applying aromatherapy oils, a.k.a. Essential oils. You can try each of the ones listed below and decide which is best for you. You may decide to use more than one of the following.
- Diffusers – This method is used with an appliance that you’ll put a few drops of your chosen oil into mixed with water. The diffuser then creates a mist that is blown into the air. You will breathe the oil in through the moist air and it will also land on your skin and be absorbed that way too.
- Bath salts – You can find aromatherapy products that are in the form of bath salts. The essential oil is released into the air through fumes produced from your bath.
- Inhalers – An aromatherapy inhaler, also referred to as “personal aromatherapy inhalers“, consists of a plastic tube that has a cotton wick inside and holes or slits on the other end where you can sniff the aroma of your chosen oil. It will usually have a lid to keep everything clean and sealed inside as well.
- Aromatic spritzers – These come in the form of a spray that allows you to spray your chosen aromatic blend over furniture, your skin, into the air, or on your clothes.
- Facial steamers – You can add a few drops of essential oil into the water of your facial steamer. It’s essentially like diffusing the oil straight onto the skin of your face.
All of the methods mentioned above are easy to use, and they don’t require a huge supply of the respective essential oil. In most cases, you’ll only be using a few drops of the oil you choose because of their potency.
Other Positive Effects of Aromatherapy
As more studies are performed, scientists are continuing to find the positive effects offered by essential oils for some ailments. For example, there are findings that aromatherapy oils are helping to combat some of the negative side effects of chemotherapy. Another more recent finding is that Peppermint essential oil can help with digestive issues, while cinnamon oil can help to increase appetite.
Those who live with asthma can find help with respiratory function from rosemary aromatherapy products. Rosemary essential oil can help to open up the airways and the lungs.
Ties are being made between various aromatherapy products and inflammation. Peppermint essential oil acts as an anti-inflammatory when used aromatically. You could also couple that with a topical application.
Other positive effects of aromatherapy have been uncovered regarding erectile dysfunction, menopause, arthritis, alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue.
An Added Benefit to Aromatherapy
An important added benefit that’s worth mentioning, is that aromatherapy used to treat certain conditions and health issues. It doesn’t cause undesirable side effects that you hear about when using some physician-prescribed medications.
Aromatherapy is performed using naturally-occurring, pure, plant extracts in the form of oils. There is nothing added to them that are human-made or synthetic. Essential oils that are used in high-quality aromatherapy products are 100% pure and should not cause you any negative side effects.
Final Thoughts
Aromatherapy products can do a lot for you in terms of your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, orange, rosemary, and cinnamon, amongst many others, can be used on a daily basis to manage all kinds of different conditions and ailments.
Even if you are someone who feels you’re in good general health, you can find positive effects from aromatherapy with essential oils for better wellness. It can help just boost your mood, help you gain focus for getting projects done around the house or at work, and help you manage any stress you may have in your life.
The essential oils mentioned in this article are just a few that are used in the aromatherapy products that you’ll find in our shop. For more oil options and information regarding how to get the positive effects of aromatherapy worked into your everyday life, spend some time clicking through the Natural Options Aromatherapy website. You’ll find instructions for how to use specific essential oils, implements to help you use them such as diffusers, and more.
