Are you stressed out from the rigors of day to day life? Having trouble sleeping because of how anxious you are? Constantly frazzled from all of your responsibilities?
If you answered “yes” to all those questions, now is the optimal time to try cutting down the stress in your life. One simple but effective way you can achieve this is by using essential oils to calm your mind and soothe your body through aromatherapy.
You may have already heard or are familiar with essential oils. After all, people have been using fragrant essences for healing and relaxation for thousands of years. But what benefits does aromatherapy have for you?
What are the Benefits of Essential Oils?
It’s important to understand that aromatherapy is a complementary therapeutic approach. Alone, it cannot cure disease or illness, but it does provide a support system for other forms of treatment. Experts have suggested that aromatherapy can confer multiple benefits.
Here are a few health benefits that experts say aromatherapy can bestow on you:
- Ease muscular aches
- Soothe painful headaches
- Complementary treatment for hair loss or alopecia
- Combat bodily fatigue
- Ease feelings of nausea
- Alleviate conditions, such as anxiety, stress, and agitation
- Help deal with insomnia
The kind of boon you receive from aromatherapy largely depends on the essential oils you employ.
The Best Essential Oils for the Job
There are different kinds of essential oils, each with its own medical benefits. The following are some of the most popular essential oils:
- Melaleuca alternifolia: Also called “tea tree oil,” this plant is found in Australia. Melaleuca can be used to help treat acne, soothe insect bites, and ward off the unpleasant stench of athlete’s foot.
- Basil: When inhaled or rubbed on the temples, essential oil from basil can provide relief from migraines and headaches. Experts have also said that it can make help raise the mood of people suffering from depression and can enhance concentration.
- Lavender: Collected from the beautiful namesake flowers, lavender oil can help aid insomniacs and agitated people sleep easier and can be relaxing as well.
- Lemon: Pressed from the peel of the zesty citrus, lemon oil has been documented to induce positive mood in those who smell it, making it ideal for when you’re feeling down in the dumps.
A Word of Caution
Like all chemicals, essential oils can sometimes cause allergic reactions when some people are exposed to them. This is especially true when the oil is used as a topical ointment, like basil and melaleuca, or when it’s used with massage therapy and similar treatment. Skin allergies may present as itchiness or in rashes and hives. People with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, should be doubly careful when handling essential oils.
Before using essential oils, consult your doctor.
Taking care of yourself means more than just eating healthy and looking after your body. It also means learning when to mentally take a step back and relax. The soothing experience of aromatherapy and essential oils is just one way you can make sure your mind can take a break and sail smoothly on a fragrant sea.