You Can Get Relief From These Problems Through Aromatherapy
Even though the term "aromatherapy" is relatively new, it has been in practice for more than 6000 years. It has received international standards with a substantial predicted global market growth of $16.0 billion by 2026. Especially in the post-COVID scenario, the popularity of aromatherapy has scored the highest.
Aromatherapy is a form of medicinal treatment where we use aroma-producing oils or essential oils to treat many physical and mental illnesses. In fact, it has various antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant properties that prevent a lot of diseases.
Hence, we can easily presume the many benefits of a professional aromatherapeutic massage or session. But, if you are looking for some specific cures, keep reading!
How Aromatherapy Works
The use of aromatherapy is itself ancient. We can find traces of essential oils used in ancient Greece, India, and Chinese civilization and dates back to Hippocrates (around 460–377BC). So, even though today we see it as science, back in those days, aromatherapy was more of a "miraculous cure."
Aromatherapy is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Inhalation through incense.
- Massage with essential oils.
Aromatherapy has a very scientific process of influencing our brain and controlling emotions. When we inhale a smell, our nose's olfactory nerves absorb it and carry it to the brain. It then hits the amygdala in our brain limbic system.
Amygdala is also known as the emotional center of our brain. So, when the smell enters the amygdala, it creates various emotional reactions in our minds. For example, we can relate specific aromas to particular incidents or places. This is how the amygdala influences our memories.
Again, body massage is another popular form of aromatherapy. In this process, the oil particles get absorbed by our skin. However, skin absorption is a comparatively slower process than inhalation. When our skin absorbs the oil, the valuable properties influence various functions. For example, massage with lavender oil reduces stress.
So, here are some of the benefits of using aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy for Anxiety
Oils to Try: Lavender, Rose, Bergamot, or Frankincense
A study conducted in 2017 by Saloni Dattani, Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser shows that the global share of people with any mental disorder is 10.7%, whereas anxiety disorder stands at 3.8%. As "mental health" often headlines in health discussion, we must find some herbal solutions.
Aromatherapy is an organic way to treat anxiety-like symptoms. You can try massage or inhalation with Lavender, Rose, Bergamot, or Frankincense if you feel anxious. These oils have antioxidants that remove toxins from your body, providing a fresh mental state.
Aromatherapy Helps Insomnia
Oils to Try: Lavender, Chamomile
Lavender is scientifically proven to promote relaxing sleep. If you find yourself struggling for a good night sleep, try infusing lavender oil in your bed-chamber. It calms your nerves and improves your sleep quality. Chamomile is also a good alternative that helps insomnia symptoms
Aromatherapy for Depression
Oils to Try: Lemon, Lavender, Jasmine
Lemon oil is excellent to treat depression-like symptoms. It has a citrusy scent that boosts your energy and mood. This is why you would often find psychiatrists using lemon aroma in their chambers. You can also use Lavender oil for the same purpose.
However, we would always recommend you to see some professionals if you feel terribly down. Early treatment of depression can lower a lot of risks.
Aromatherapy Helps Peripheral Neuropathy
Oils to Try: Lavender, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile
If you have diabetes and you've also been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy (weakness and numbness in hands and legs due to nerve damage), aromatherapy can be an excellent complementary treatment.
Lavender, Peppermint, and Roman Chamomile are some essential oils that help treat nerve diseases. However, aromatherapy for peripheral neuropathy is a complementary treatment. You should continue it with the regular medicine that your doctor prescribes.
Aromatherapy Helps Arthritis
Oils to Try: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Ginger, Rosemary
Aromatherapy can significantly improve your arthritis condition and relieve pain. According to Julie Chen, a physician in San Jose, California,
"Certain scents activate smell receptors in the nose, which triggers a reaction in the nervous system."
This reaction in the nervous system or the emotional center (amygdala) stimulates our feelings by releasing hormones such as Dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-good hormone. Thus, aromatherapy helps arthritis by reducing the pain and improving your lifestyle.
Aromatherapy for Menopause
Oils to Try: Clary Sage oil, Peppermint
Hot flashes are very common in women in their menopause. Those sudden hot surges or sweating are not only uncomfortable but painful too. And no one would be more thankful if they got a solution or relief.
At this point, rubbing two to three drops of sage oil on the back of your neck or smelling it using a napkin might soothe the feeling. Sage oil also has an antidepressant-like effect. Apart from Clay sage oil, you can also use peppermint to reduce cramping pains.
P.S. It is common to experience menstruation-like cramps during perimenopause.
Aromatherapy Helps Menstrual Issues
Oils to Try: Cinnamon oil, Clary Sage oil
Lavender oil's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce menstrual bleeding and period cramps. Cinnamon oil, once again, helps lower uterine contractions. Take 2 to 3 drops of cinnamon oil on your palm and apply it over your lower abdomen.
Moreover, Clary sage is a beneficial essential oil for pain relief. It has an antispasmodic quality that relieves cramps of involuntary muscle. Thus, aromatherapy helps fatigue and other menstrual issues as well.
Aromatherapy Helps Inflammation
Oils to Try: Thyme, Rose, Clove, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Fennel
When the immune system is overactive, the body experiences inflammation. Various factors can cause inflammation, including a viral infection or a reaction to some allergy. When the body detects a problem, it sends blood cells to the affected area to help cure the problem and eliminate those foreign invaders.
But, then what are we missing? Well, not all inflammations are beneficial to our bodies. For example, it won't know if you are too exhausted with your work pressure or something else. Your body will keep sending the white troops to fight, which weakens your immune system in the longer run.
According to a study conducted in 2010, Thyme, Rose, Clove, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Fennel are some oils that have anti-inflammatory qualities. You can use these oils regularly to limit those reactions by lifting your mood.
Aromatherapy Helps Asthma
Oils to Try: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Clove
Aromatherapy helps asthma in many ways. For example, cold or bronchitis can worsen your health. Eucalyptus or clove oil can relieve you from cold, wheezing, or stuffed mucus.
Again, asthma gets worse during an anxiety attack. Lavender oil can lift up your mood and maintain calmness in your brain. So, in short, aromatherapy can keep your mind calm, fight the common cold and improve asthma symptoms.
Now Is The Time To Join The Aromatherapy Revolution
After such a long discussion, it wouldn't be wrong to quote Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, who said, "Healing begins with an aromatic bath and daily massage." If you want to heal, why not heal both physically and mentally?
Aromatherapy has the key ingredients that get into your soul through your mind and body. It uplifts your mood, relieves pain and improves your lifestyle. It is how you can get relief from various problems through aromatherapy.
We hope we can portray the benefits of aromatherapy as much as possible. But, it would be incomplete without you getting into it. So, if you are new to aromatherapy, take a look at our beginner's guide to aromatherapy and start your journey right away!