Effects of Aromatherapy

effects of aromatherapy

The effects of aromatherapy can vary significantly, depending on the types of essential oils you choose and how your body responds to each type of oil and scent.

From helping you become more alert to relieving digestive problems, aromatherapy is purported to help address a multitude of conditions and make you feel better. As with many holistic treatments, there are varying views in the medical community about the effectiveness of aromatherapy. Some health practitioners view the use of essential oils as a complementary approach to traditional medicine. Others say that aromatherapy has no effect on wellness. 

As it relates helping you sleep better at night, aromatherapy can be used to aid relaxation, reduce anxiety, calm restlessness, and promote more restful sleep.

There are several ways to use aromatherapy and enjoy its benefits.

You can add essential aromatherapy oils to your bath, mix them with a carrier oil and massage them into your skin (or have someone do it for you), or simply inhale the aroma provided by a diffuser, candle, oil burner, or scented pillow.

Although there are at more than 40 essential oils, there are certain ones that are more commonly used and generally well tolerated.

  • Oils that promote relaxation
    Lavendar, Bergamot, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Basil

  • Oils that produce anxiety reducing effects
    Lemon Balm (Melissa), Cedarwood, Rose, Sweet Marjoram

  • Oils that promote sound sleep
    Lavendar, Chamomile, Marjoram, Neroli, Sandalwood, Clary Sage

When using any of the above essential oils in your bath water, add 4 to 6 drops directly into the water and use your hands to mix the drops into the water.

If you're using an aromatherapy essential oil (or a blend of several) applied to the skin , the oil needs to be mixed with a "carrier oil," such as almond, sunflower or grape-seed oil, because the majority of essential oils are too powerful to come in direct contact with your skin.

As a general rule, add 5 drops of essential oil to 10 milliliters of carrier oil and blend blend.

In addition to helping you to relax and sleep well, there are other effects that aromatherapy essential oils can have on your mind/body.

  • Breathing or chest problems
    Jasmine, Rosemary, Cypress, Peppermint, Eucalyptus
  • To rejuvenate or uplift
    Lemon, Lemongrass, Spearmint, Rosemary, Sweet Orange, Bergamont, Cedarwood
  • Healing and anti-bacterial
    Tea tree, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Sweet Marjoram, Peppermint, Patchouli
  • Aphrodisiac/romance
    Jasmine, Rose

So if you want to wind down after a busy day at work, reduce anxiety, or get a good night's sleep, the effects of aromatherapy may help you. Discuss using essential oils with your healthcare provider before trying aromatherapy. For more information on using aromatherapy, click here.

Related Articles - Effects of Aromatherapy

Benefits of Aromatherapy
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Aromatherapy Guide
Sleep Hygiene
Insomnia Tips
Sleep Disorders

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