Aromatherapy is a rising new science which, while it can’t heal your body, can help you to feel more rested and relaxed. There are also aromas which can boost your mood—something which can help if you are facing a medical crisis.
Whether you know a lot about aromatherapy or are just starting your journey, read on to learn about some of the oils and scents you should consider for improving your well-being.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a practice of using essential oils (oils that come from specific plants) for specific health benefits. Although there is some science behind the practice of sniffing certain scents to benefit from a brain reaction, it’s important to note that aromatherapy isn’t a medicine, and it cannot heal you.
Rather, aromatherapy is meant to boost general health and well-being and can help you have a more positive mood that translates into disease-fighting powers. Regardless, the only way to know if aromatherapy works for you is to try it out.
What You Need to Get Started With Essential Oils
First and foremost, different scents will have different impacts on your body and mood. You will likely need to try several, over a long period of time, before finding what works for you.
That being said, you can’t do anything without an oil diffuser.
While some essential oils can be applied directly to your skin, most cannot and need to be inhaled. Some of the more powerful scents can burn your nostrils if they aren’t diffused first. This is why you need an essential oil diffuser.
There are some roll-on aromatherapy options. While you can utilize these, ensure you test just a small section of your skin for an allergy before using them daily. If you get hives, dry skin, or any other reaction, discontinue using that oil immediately.
What Scents Are Best for Aromatherapy
The exact scents that will benefit you depend on your mood and whatever trials you are facing in life. Below are some of the most common scents and what they help with.
If you aren’t sure where to start, we recommend ordering a variety pack.
1. Lavender
Lavender is used for relaxation and can help relieve stress and anxiety. It is best placed in a diffuser before bed.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is used to help acne, athlete’s foot, and insect bites. This essential oil needs to be diluted with water and applied to your skin where you are experiencing the problem.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can help relieve the symptoms of IBS and migraines. To use it for IBS, you will need pills from a trusted supplement provider. Those using it for migraines can place it in their diffuser.
4. Lemon Oil
The scent of lemon can give you an energy boost when you are feeling down. Place lemon oil in your diffuser first thing on the mornings you don’t feel like getting out of bed.
5. Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile can be an excellent sleep aid, as it will help clear your mind before bed. Add some to your diffuser as you prepare for bed so your room is filled with the comforting scent when it is time to sleep.
6. Ylang Ylang
Revered in Asian cultures, ylang ylang can help reduce anxiety and give you a burst of energy like lemon. Add it to your diffuser when you are having an anxious day.
7. Frankincense
Known for its mention in the Bible, Frankincense can help clear the mind for meditation. We recommend placing this essential oil in a diffuser and inhaling the scent for 30 minutes prior to engaging in meditation.
8. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus can help you feel less overwhelmed and even help open your airways when you are suffering from a cold. Although it is approved for regular use, we recommend saving this one for your diffuser when you are having a difficult day.
9. Rose
The scent of rose oil can help you overcome grief. Its floral scent has been known to brighten moods and to help individuals feel more at peace. Add it to your diffuser anytime in your life when you are battling with grief.
10. Sandalwood
Another comforting essential oil, Sandalwood, can help you relax your mind to sleep. You can add it to your diffuser or place a few drops under your pillow before heading to bed.
The Dangers of Aromatherapy
While aromatherapy is generally beneficial to most people, it is not ideal for everyone. Below are some of the things to keep in mind before going all out with aromatherapy.
1. Aromatherapy Does Not Help Children
There are many adverse reactions in children to aromatherapy, especially to peppermint oil. So, if you are a grandparent, ensure you shut off your diffuser a few hours before the grandkids come over.
2. Certain Scents Can Affect Your Heart
Certain essential oils, namely peppermint, can increase your heart rate. This is a bad thing for individuals who already have heart problems or a pacemaker. If that’s you, discuss aromatherapy with your doctors before engaging.
3. Can Be Bad For Pets
While using a diffuser with pets is generally safe, most essential oils are toxic to animals if ingested or if they come into contact with their skin. So, if you are using essential oils on your skin, ensure you wash before petting your furry family member. Also, ensure your diffuser is out of reach of a curious cat who could knock it over.
If you or anyone else ingests essential oils by accident, call 911 or poison control immediately.
4. Essential Oils Are Flammable
The last thing we need to make clear is that most essential oils are flammable. It is okay to place them on yourself and in your diffuser, but store them away from open flames or areas in your kitchen where they could catch fire. We recommend storing them somewhere away from any electronics, even your phone, as these can sometimes catch fire.
