Benefits to Aromatherapy

In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about Aromatherapy from the benefits to Aromatherapy to which oils we recommend and even the best places to get essential oils.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy is a traditional therapy that has been around for close to 6,000 years for the purpose of enhancing one’s health or mood.

Fundamentally, essential oils are made from plant extracts. To create them, different plant components such as flowers, bark, leaves, or fruit are steamed or compressed to extract the compounds that give off aroma.

Essential oils come in around a hundred different varieties. Each essential oil has its own special unique healing properties, applications, and outcomes. Even more advantages are produced when essential oils are combined to form a compatible fusion.

Ways to Incorporate Essential Oils

There are numerous ways to use essential oils. For instance, you can add them to your body creams or carrier oils before applying them topically onto the skin. You can add them to your shampoo, conditioner, or facial toner. Or add them to mouthwash, toothpaste, or liquid soap. The oils can also be added to a bath or diffused or sprayed around a room.

Essential oils can enhance your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being so we highly recommend them as there are so many benefits to aromatherapy.

Benefits to Aromatherapy

Numerous advantages come with aromatherapy such as

• Relieving pain
• Improving sleep
• Reducing anxiousness, stress, depression and anxiety
• Relieving joint pain
• Headache and migraine relief
• Reducing the negative effects of chemotherapy
• Enhancing digestion
• Increase immunity
• Improving skin conditions
• Relieving and repelling bug bites and rodent pests in the home
• Improve aging of the skin

Numerous ailments may be treated using aromatherapy, including:

• Asthma
• Acne
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Inflammation
• Neuropathy in the limbs
• Period problems
• Alopecia
• Cancer
• Erection problems
• Arthritis
• Menopause

Choosing the Right Essential Oil: A Guide

Since essential oils are not subject to FDA regulation, it is crucial to purchase them from a trustworthy manufacturer. This guarantees you’re purchasing a high-quality, all-natural product. No artificial substances or additions should be present.

Look for “Pure” and “Organic

When purchasing essential oils, pay close attention to the words “pure” and “organic.” Use only pure, organic essential oils because they have the needed healing effects.

Beware of “Natural” and “Fragrance

Some labels use the term “natural,” which is merely a marketing gimmick and says nothing whatsoever about the oil’s quality. Another warning sign is the phrase “fragrance,” which generally denotes that the oil is synthetic and intended to be used as a perfume.

Choose Trustworthy Brands

Essential oils bought from the discount store are synthetic and harmful and can have a negative impact on your health so we only recommend buying them from reputable well-known brands such as DoTERRA or Young Living. We have also recently created our own range of functional health essential oil blends using DoTERRA oils in our online shop. All blends are 100% therapeutic grade, natural, and pure and can help aid many conditions such as depression, stress, anxiety, balancing hormones, stopping snoring, hair loss issues plus more!

Listening to Your Senses

When choosing an oil in a shop, trust your gut. Just observe the scents you are drawn to and ask your body what it wants. Citrus oils excite, woodsy oils offer grounding and relaxing qualities, while florals typically help heart healing.

Aromatherapy oils to use for what?

Popular essential oils and their benefits to aromatherapy

Some of the most often used essential oils and the benefits to aromatherapy are:

Clary sage

The antimicrobial, astringent, and antiseptic properties of clary sage essential oil can aid with circulation. It is a great “time of the month” remedy since it has been praised for its capacity to control hormones and because its aroma is known to have antidepressant benefits. In 2014 research of 22 postmenopausal women in their fifties, many of whom were depressed, revealed that inhaling diffused clary sage reduced cortisol levels and raised thyroid hormone levels, which in turn reduced depression.

Eucalyptus

In addition to curing colds and chest infections, eucalyptus essential oil is a pesticide with the power to eradicate weeds, fungi, germs, insects, and mites. Additionally, 99.9% of influenza virus particles are killed when sprayed into the air for an hour at intervals of fifteen seconds. Even the drug-resistant parasite that causes malaria has been proven to be killed by eucalyptus, both through direct touch and vapor, without affecting the red blood cells that the parasite is present in.

Lavender

Lavender is a great all-rounder and is especially good to help with stress, relaxation, promote sleep, and is also great for cuts and acne. It’s a Sedative, antispasmodic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anesthetic, anti-carcinogenic, immune-stimulating, and antiviral.

Ginger

Good for digestion.

Frankincense

Frankincense reduces negative emotions and stress levels. According to a 2019 study, the frankincense ingredients incensole and incensole acetate can open up ion channels in the brain to reduce anxiety or sadness.

It also increases immune system performance and prevents illness. According to studies, frankincense has immune-boosting properties that could help fight off cancer, infections, and even harmful germs. Studies involving patients with plaque-induced gingivitis have revealed that the antiseptic properties of this oil may help prevent gingivitis, poor breath, cavities, toothaches, mouth sores, and other infections.

Lemon

Lemon essential oil makes an excellent addition to homemade household cleaners because of its potent antibacterial, astringent, and antiseptic properties. Additionally, it has a significant amount of D-limonene, a chemical that helps to tone the skin, improve circulation, and lessen the look of wrinkles. In fact, recent studies have demonstrated that D-limonene has potent anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing capabilities. You should apply sunscreen liberally because lemon essential oil can make the skin extremely photosensitive.

Ylang Ylang

Improves mood, reduces depression, and eases anxiety. It is also known for blood pressure reduction, lowering the heart rate, encouraging skin and scalp oil production, warding off flying insects, and killing bug larvae.

Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil has very energizing properties. It can increase heart rate. Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and immune system strength have all been linked to inhaling the aroma of rosemary. Additionally, studies have revealed that it helps the area of your nervous system that regulates organ function by raising brain wave activity. However, it also causes a reduction in cortisol levels while stimulating a number of body processes. It is frequently found in skincare products, especially organic ones because it not only offers advantages for the skin, but it also significantly increases a product’s shelf life and is also good for cystic acne.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass essential oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties as well as being antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. Its anti-fungal qualities are particularly useful in battling the unpleasant yeast linked to dandruff. According to one study, participants who took a dandruff tonic with a 10% lemongrass oil concentration noticed a significant decrease in dandruff in as little as a week.

Peppermint

As a stimulant, antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant, peppermint essential oil is also useful. It works well as a headache remedy. In one study, participants stated that the discomfort of their tension headaches significantly decreased within fifteen minutes, and the pain persisted for the following hour. It has calming effects on nausea, enhances focus and memory, and has analgesic properties, which numb and treat skin pain.

Roman Chamomile

Chamomile is known to relieve anxiety and despair and helps with PMS, bodily aches, sprains, and strains.

It can also help with sleep disorders and encourages relaxation. It also reduces pain associated with arthritis and joints,

supports healthy skin, and fixes skin conditions. Relief from nausea is also known and via digestive and gastrointestinal assistance it provides and can also reduce inflammation.

Tea tree

Tea tree oil is deodorizing, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and has anti-cancer properties. It has been demonstrated to delay and even reverse the formation of cancers in mice. It also destroys oral germs for up to two weeks, cures gingivitis, clears up mild to moderate dandruff and kills the influenza virus. In treating acne, tea tree oil functions similarly to benzoyl peroxide. It takes longer than benzoyl peroxide, but it has fewer adverse effects and is less drying. It works well as a spot treatment and may even ease rosacea.

Guidelines for using essential oils

Inhaling the aroma of essential oils is the best and safest way to use them. Use an essential oil-infused candle, incense, or essential oil spray to try the inhalation method if you’re a newbie. Or you can bring an essential oil bottle with you and sniff it occasionally throughout the day. Additionally, you can apply a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and store it in a tiny jar. When you want to relax or clear your mind, open it up and give it a sniff.

How much essential oils to use?

Always use less than you anticipate. We advise adding 8 to 12 drops of an essential oil per ounce of the substance you plan to mix it with.

Precautions when using essential oils

Avoid putting essential oils on your skin directly. Always dilute the oils with a carrier oil/ liquid soap/unscented cream or lotion etc. Always perform a skin patch test prior to using essential oils. Also, Citrus essential oils should not be used if you will be exposed to sunlight because they may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun so you are more likely to get sunburnt.

Can aromatherapy be harmful?

The use of most essential oils are safe. However, there are some safety measures you should take when applying, as occasionally some can have negative effects that you need to be aware of, particularly if you take any prescription medications.

Essential oils should only be used under the guidance of a professional and with extreme caution for children and women who are pregnant or nursing.

Some oils should never be ingested, and some are toxic so it’s best to research each oil before you buy them or ingest them or get guidance from a professional.

The use of essential oils can have the following negative side effects on some people:

• asthma attacks
• rashes
• headaches
• allergy symptoms
• skin sensitivity
• nausea

If you have any of the following: Use essential oils with caution.

• Asthma
• Epilepsy
• hay fever
• high blood pressure
• eczema
• psoriasis

How to store essential oils

Keep essential oils in a room that’s cool and dark. Note the time you purchased them as well as when essential oils grow bad, they lose their therapeutic properties and become irritating to the skin. “Frequently, the aroma will alter and let you know. Make it a habit to discard anything more than a year old, though, if you’re hesitant.

Advice for using essential oils in a diffuser

Don’t run the diffuser continuously. Make sure the diffuser is on a timer and that the space is well-ventilated if you’re using one. We recommend 10 minutes on and 30 minutes on. Never leave a diffuser on nonstop.

The recommended essential oils for newbies are:

Lavender

Compared to other essential oils, lavender may have the most uses. Both pain-relieving and skin healing abilities are present in it. It works wonders on small burns, bruises, and scratches. Additionally, because of its relaxing properties, it makes for a wonderful evening diffuser oil to aid in better sleep. Also great for acne if added to your skin cream.

Peppermint

Peppermint is incredibly reviving and cleansing. To relieve pain and increase blood flow, add one drop to a foot bath. While taking a deep breath directly from the bottle is excellent for calming nausea. Peppermint is also great for repelling spiders, mice, and bugs in the home.

Tea tree oil

Great to add in a face and body cream to reduce acne and blemishes. Do not get in the eyes or mouth as can be toxic if ingested. Its also toxic to cats and some animals so be careful around them too.

Rosemary

Great for cystic acne.

Ways to incorporate Aromatherapy?

The best ways to incorporate aromatherapy is

• Using Diffusers
• Fragrant spritzers
• Inhalers
• Bath salts
• Body creams
• Lotions
• Oils for topical or massage usage
• Facial steamers
• Clay masks for compressing with heat and cold

Our recommendations

At Wholistic Natural Health Australia, we often recommend the use of essential oils for numerous issues to help you on your health journey. We use DoTERRA for their high quality. We advise joining Doterra if you frequently use essential oils and practice aromatherapy. They are the highest quality oils available, and you get a 25% discount on all goods in addition to receiving frequent freebies and the opportunity to earn points for even more freebies.

Our go-to oils from DoTerra that we highly recommend are:

Onguard

In the house, On Guard can be used as a non-toxic cleaner on various surfaces. On Guard also produces a nice clean, energising aroma when diffused.

Digestzen

When used internally, DigestZen is a great companion to help with digestion, calm infrequent upset stomachs, and lessen irritating gas.

Zendocrine

Zendocrine essential oil blend promotes the body’s natural ability to get rid of undesirable chemicals.

Balance

DoTERRA’s grounding blend, fittingly called DoTERRA Balance, has a calming aroma that conjures up images of harmony for the mind, body, and emotions.

Purify

DoTERRA Purify is a unique blend of essential oils with a revitalising scent. Citrus and fir essential oils are combined in this stimulating mixture, which leaves a light, fresh aroma in the air and on surfaces. DoTERRA Purify can be diffused to add a reviving scent to any space.

We hope youe enjoyed our blog on the benefits to aromatherapy. If you are interested in knowing more about the benefits of aromatherapy our team will be happy to help you on your essential oils journey. Get in touch with us if you would like to know more.

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