What Is Aromatherapy?

aromatherapy water

Aromatherapy is the use of plant-based oils to promote healing and wellness. The essential oils are extracted from the various parts of a plant—like its flowers, leaves, roots, barks, or fruits. They are highly concentrated, and it takes kilos or pounds of raw material to make just a few drops of oil. The oil can be inhaled, applied to the skin, or diffused into the air as a fragrance. They can also be added to a variety of products like body lotions, soaps, and perfumes. Inhaling the scent can have a therapeutic effect, and applying the oil to the skin has the added benefit of stimulating the body’s limbic system which helps with memory, mood, emotion, and cognition.

Aromatherapists typically recommend blending different essential oils to create a synergistic blend that can provide additional benefits. The oils are available at many health food stores and in some regular supermarkets. Look for a reputable producer that uses 100 percent natural, organically grown, undiluted oils. The company should also offer a money-back guarantee.

Some studies have shown that essential oils can help with sleep and relaxation, as well as improve digestion, ward off seasonal ailments, soothe coughs, aid in mental clarity, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and stimulate the immune system. But, more research is needed in some areas, and the oils are not regulated by the FDA. It is always wise to consult your doctor and a certified aromatherapy practitioner if you are considering using them.

The most common way to use essential oils is to inhale them, but they can also be used as a massage oil or in bath water. When using them as a massage oil, dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Always do a patch test before full use, as the oils are highly concentrated and can cause allergic reactions in some people.

As for bath water, a few drops of the oil can be added to warm bathwater for a soothing, relaxing bath. The most commonly used oils for this purpose are lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most popular and reputed to have antiseptic and calming properties. Chamomile and ylang-ylang are both calming, with ylang-ylang having the added benefit of balancing emotions.

A spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of an aromatherapy oil is another simple, yet effective method for treating insomnia. A combination of ylang-ylang and lavender can be particularly effective. In addition to improving sleep, this blend can help ease muscle tension and stress.