Imagine coming home after a long or intense day of work. You go inside and are instantly transported to a state of relaxation with the scent of rose geranium or lavender. You breathe more fully and deeply and are now present with yourself. Whatever was triggering your stress melts away. You feel peaceful.
That’s the power of aromatherapy.
Simply inhaling and breathing in the aroma of a scent can help us feel rejuvenated, relaxed, or more connected to ourselves and the world. For centuries, aromatherapy has also helped people with various health concerns.
That’s why we’ve put together 15 amazing ways aromatherapy can help you!
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the mindful and careful use of essential oils for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Many can vouch for the effectiveness of aromatherapy in centering your mind and helping with your well-being. And we all know that when we take time for self-care and self-improvement, we show up as better parents, partners, friends, and workers. It helps you do the inner work so that you can focus on the present moment.
Aromatherapy is primarily used through inhalation or is diluted and used topically on the skin. Internal use is only recommended under the guidance of an experienced and qualified aromatherapist.
It can be used on its own, or with proper knowledge and training from someone like Jennifer Langsdale M.S. here at Wild Nurturer Aromatherapy, where aromatherapy shines as a part of any integrative health program as a complement to other health practices.
How Can Aromatherapy Help Me?
There are many ways that aromatherapy can help physically, mentally, and spiritually. Here we break down 15 amazing benefits that aromatherapy provides.
Help your body
- Reduce pain
Massaging in topical aromatherapy ointments can help reduce inflammation, and joint and muscle pains, without the heavy medicinal blend you get from over-the-counter products. Chamomile essential oil is one of many essential oil options that can help heal sun damage on the skin.
- Get healthy hair
Applying different aromatherapy blends to your scalp or hair can help promote hair growth, hair shine, and even the strength of your hair. Your hair will look and smell incredible! One of Jennifer’s favorites is Atlas Cedarwood oil for the scalp.
- Fight bacteria, viruses, or fungi
Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus, provide anti-viral and anti-microbial benefits when either inhaled or applied topically to support lung and upper respiratory health, and relieve decongestion.
- Reduce headaches
Inhaling an essential oil blend can help reset your mood and calm your nervous system, reducing headaches and migraines. Get your diffuser going, or include some massage with a topical essential oil blend to ease tension and be pain-free.
- Strengthen your immune system
Alongside a healthy lifestyle, aromatherapy can help boost your immune system with anti-viral, antioxidant, and stress-reducing properties. With regular practice and usage, combining these applications will help your overall immune system function better.
Help your mind
- Relieve stress and anxiety
Chamomile, rose, and lavender essential oils are known for their calming and sedative effects, making them a great go-to when you’re feeling stressed out or anxious. If you’re out or at work, bring a travel inhaler with inserts so you can get the stress and anxiety relief you need, when you need it.
- Improve focus
Whether you’re finishing a work project or meditating to relax, there are times we just want to focus and keep distractions at bay. If you need help focusing, rosemary essential oil can help you clear your head to tackle the task at hand.
- Boost energy
It’s amazing how a scent like sweet orange or peppermint can boost your energy immediately. It can lift you from a foggy state, increase your energy after being sick, and give you the extra motivation you’re seeking.
- Improve sleep
One of the first areas to address to kick-start a healthier lifestyle is sleep. And we all know how good it feels when we’re getting enough shut-eye. Incorporating essential oils within your bath and night routine can help you relax and sleep better.
- Reduce depression
If you’re feeling down, some oils demonstrate anti-stress, antidepressant, calming, anti-anxiety, and relaxing qualities. You can support your mood with a quick and natural pick-me-up without negative side effects.
Help your soul
- Calm your mind, body, and soul
Aromatherapy is not religious nor is it associated with any one religion. With a history of burning incense in many religions worldwide, it’s natural to see how oils can be incorporated into our spiritual practices for a calmer life.
- Connect to a more spiritual state
Whatever your beliefs are, aromatherapy helps open and clear the mind, allowing for an enhanced spiritual connection.
- Enhance meditation
Meditation is practiced to relax the mind and escape the stresses of every day. Diffused, or diluted and used topically on the body, oils can be used to create different experiences during your meditation. From better focus to absolute relaxation.
- Help the inner healing process
Under the guidance of a professional, aromatherapy can be used in conjunction with traditional medicine, as part of an integrative healthcare program. This method helps to heal the inner and outer aspects of our being.
- Connect to nature
We are a part of nature, and there is a deep connection when utilizing oils that derive from flowers, leaves, and roots of the earth. Plants have helped heal people for centuries, so it’s natural to feel and appreciate that connection. You’ll feel more in touch with yourself and ready to play and explore with the world around you.
Wrapping Up
With busy schedules and long to-do lists, it’s important that we take a moment for ourselves and enjoy the many benefits that aromatherapy brings.
Inhale a scent and feel more connected to the present moment and to ourselves. Aromatherapy can help us with colds and flus, give us energy, reduce stress, and spiritually connect us. It’s a powerful thing and even more so because it’s done naturally.
Want to get started on the benefits of aromatherapy? Check out the many available Aroma Collections.
Safety First:
Please note this is by no means a full or comprehensive guide to the use of these essential oils. The oils listed above do have research studies that have demonstrated the effects discussed. If you have a health concern consult your medical professional of choice, and when seeking aromatherapy advice seek out a well-educated professional. Always dilute your oils. Never ingest. Do not use on infants, small children, immune compromised, or if you’re pregnant, as many oils are considered unsafe for these groups.
Author bio:
Erin Hunter is a freelance health writer for hire, who lives on an acreage with her husband and son. With a passion for nature and wellness, she also has a natural living blog. When she’s not working on her latest project, you can find her outdoors exploring with her son.
