Aromatherapy is a centuries-old method of treating health conditions and improving one’s mood. It’s the use of fragrant essential oils that has specific benefits for overall health and well-being. Nowadays, aromatherapy has become more popular for a wide variety of uses, especially at home.
Using aromatherapy at home has many benefits. You can diffuse essential oils throughout the house to keep each space fresh-smelling. Aside from creating a pleasant ambiance, there are also numerous health benefits you shouldn’t miss. Read on for the insight.
Promotes Relaxation
Perhaps the most well-known and widely confirmed benefit of aromatherapy at home is helping with relaxation. Diffusing your favorite fragrance oils can set a pleasant mood that can help you relax after a long, tiring day.
The most effective relaxant among essential oils is lavender. However, what makes you feel relaxed may depend on your preferred fragrance. For instance, lemon myrtle oil is suitable for those who love a clean citrus smell around the home.
On the other hand, eucalyptus oil for topical application is also suitable for relaxation. Eucalyptus is one of the most common components in massage oils. It has a mint-like smell with a hint of citrusy and woody aroma.
Eases Anxiety, Depression, And Stress
Aromatherapy is one of the available supplementary treatments for anxiety, depression, and stress. The scent from the essential oils can impact the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for mood. There are specific oils that can positively impact one’s emotions.
Again, the most effective essential oil for easing anxiety, depression, and stress is lavender. Its sedative effect can help with panic attacks. Along with it are chamomile, peppermint, jasmine, sweet basil, and frankincense.
For boosting a positive mood, citrus essential oils like sweet orange, yuzu, and bergamot may help. Sage is also an effective mood booster and a stress reliever. Although these oils don’t cure depression or anxiety, they can help alleviate symptoms that affect one’s daily life activities.
Aids Better Quality Sleep
Nothing beats good quality sleep, especially for working adults. When you’re asleep, your body recovers from physical and emotional stress. However, not everyone can fall asleep whenever they want, and aromatherapy offers a great solution.
When you feel relaxed, it’s easy to fall asleep. Aromatherapy aids better quality sleep—helpful for anyone struggling with insomnia. You may diffuse some essential oils or apply a drop on your pillows before bedtime.
Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, peppermint, bergamot, and sandalwood can help you fall asleep faster. Their aroma can relax you and help you achieve a night of uninterrupted sleep. It’s excellent for regaining energy and battling fatigue.
Helps Manage Chronic Pain And Illness
Aside from its psychological and emotional benefits, aromatherapy can also help manage chronic pain and illness. Patients undergoing physical therapy, chemotherapy, or those recovering from chronic diseases can take advantage of aromatherapy’s calming effects.
Aromatherapy, with the help of essential oils like peppermint, ginger, lemon, and cardamom, can relieve feelings of nausea, a common symptom for those undergoing cancer treatment. Applying topical eucalyptus oil can relieve pain from arthritis and osteoporosis. These benefits make health conditions more manageable.
Relieves Cold And Flu Symptoms
Colds and flu are common during the fall and winter. The temperature drop can affect the immune system, making it easier for the virus to spread. When this happens, at-home aromatherapy can go hand-in-hand with prescribed medicine to make one feel better.
Eucalyptus, peppermint, and ginger essential oils can relieve cold and flu symptoms like headaches and breathing difficulties. You may put a few drops of any of the three essential oils in a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapor. It can help improve breathing and reduce fever.
Another oil popular in Asia for relieving headaches and cold symptoms are white flower oil. It’s a combination of eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint oil. These oils are known to be effective analgesics.
Improves Concentration
Maintaining concentration can be challenging for those who work and study from home. Aromatherapy can help improve your focus and memory. You can increase your productivity by diffusing some essential oils in your office.
Peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils can help boost concentration. These oils can make your mind relaxed and ready to focus on work or study. Some citrus oils like lemon and grapefruit can also improve one’s memory, which helps one study for exams.
On top of aromatherapy’s health benefits, it also offers tremendous improvements in your household. Diffusing some essential oils at home can make the area smell clean and fresh while keeping insects at bay.
Citronella, thyme, sage, and rosemary essential oils are effective insect repellants. As you indulge in their relaxing aroma, you also drive away harmful insects that may spread diseases like mosquitoes and flies. For homes with pets, diffusing some citronella oil can keep away ticks and fleas.
Conclusion
Using aromatherapy at home may help improve your overall wellness. Whether you’re challenged by a health condition or want to try something to help you relax, aromatherapy provides numerous options. The information shared in this article hopefully convinces you to use aromatherapy at home. Reap its benefits now.
