What Are the Benefits of Aromatherapy?

aromatherapy benefits

Aromatherapy is a type of natural healing based on the use of essential oils. These oils are extracted from flowers, leaves, fruits, barks or roots and are distilled to produce a highly concentrated and potent scent.

It is widely used for stress and anxiety relief, boosting your immune system, reducing pain and improving sleep. You can try different types of aromatherapy to suit your needs, including using essential oils in a bath or as a massage. You can also add essential oils to a diffuser and then breathe them in.

A few drops of essential oil in a hot bath can be beneficial for calming your nerves and relaxing your muscles. The warm water and the soothing aroma of the lavender, chamomile, vetiver or ylang ylang oils can help you unwind from a long day. It can also be helpful for those with insomnia, restless leg syndrome or hot flashes that may be keeping you up at night.

You can find these and other oils at a natural health food store or at your local pharmacy. Often they are also available as an ingredient in beauty products and fragrances.

Many people choose to use aromatherapy as a complementary therapy when undergoing cancer treatment, especially for pain management and stress reduction. It can also be used for general well-being or to enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Research shows that aromatherapy benefits include enhancing mood and improving mental health, increasing concentration, decreasing fatigue and improving overall quality of life. It has been shown to reduce pain, fatigue and nausea in patients receiving chemotherapy.

In addition to helping you relax and unwind, many essential oils are anti-inflammatory and help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics. Some oils are also thought to have antioxidant properties that can fight free radicals in the body.

Some essential oils are believed to lower cholesterol levels, especially those derived from citrus. Others have a sedative effect that helps you sleep better at night, which can lead to improved quality of life in some people.

Other oils are believed to have anti-cancer effects, particularly for breast cancer. They have been found to increase the survival rate of people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Studies have also shown that aromatherapy benefits the brain and heart. It can decrease anxiety, improve concentration and focus, and boost immunity by stimulating the production of serotonin.

It can also be beneficial for those who have had a recent surgery or traumatic injury. Some studies have shown that aromatherapy can help heal wounds and speed up recovery.

You can also use certain essential oils to relieve menstrual pain. In a small study of 45 high school girls, a single abdominal massage with an essential oil blend was found to be more effective at relieving menstrual pain than acetaminophen.

Aromatherapy can also be used to ease headaches, nausea, vomiting, cold and flu symptoms, and joint pain. It can be used in conjunction with massage, acupuncture and meditation. It is important to consult a doctor before trying any form of aromatherapy.