How does aromatherapy help

Improving brain function is one of the top reasons people turn to essential oils. Containing antioxidants that fight free radicals, aromatherapy is helpful for people with Alzheimers, dementia and other mental illnesses. Best Essential Oils to Improve Focus: rosemary, basil, and sage. In a review published in Pain Research and Treatment , aromatherapy has a greater positive impact compared to placebos or control treatments , when it comes to decreasing pain — specifically, gynecological, postoperative and obstetrical pain.

In terms of effective sleep aids, essential oils are popular for their natural sedative properties. Lavender oil is scientifically-proven to promote restful sleep. According to a study published in Nursing in Critical Care , lavender oil improved the sleep quality among patients in the coronary intensive care unit.

Participants who inhaled lavender oil for 15 days showed significant improvements in their sleep quality compared to the control group that did not receive therapy. Upset stomach? Suffering from diarrhea or indigestion? Essential oils can help support digestive health by stimulating digestive enzymes, which help break down nutrients. To reduce abdominal pain and relieve gas, ginger oil has proven healing properties. Peppermint is helpful when it comes to treating IBS. With modern medicine, resistance to antibiotics is becoming a major problem.

This is where essential oils come in. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, essential oils are useful when it comes to fighting infections. For example, oregano is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties that protect the body against bacterial infections. Are you struggling with PCOS or infertility? Essential oils such as rose and geranium are scientifically proven to help women experiencing issues with their estrogen levels. According to a study published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters , essential oils can affect estrogen and help women experiencing the symptoms that come with menopause and lower levels of estrogen.

Do you want thicker, stronger hair? Suffer from dandruff or dry scalp? To avoid the use of harsh chemicals, essential oils are now being used in hair products as a safe alternative to promote hair health. After using rosemary oil for six months, the amount of hair increased significantly among participants in this study with androgenetic alopecia or male or female pattern baldness. Most importantly, pay attention and carefully read safety on products prior to use — especially if you have a medical condition.

Are you ready to experience the healing power of essential oils? FREE U. Top 10 Healing Benefits of Aromatherapy 1. Reduces stress Stress is part of life, and affects everyone in different ways.

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Aromatherapy Essential Oils Therapy. Topic Overview What is aromatherapy?

What is aromatherapy used for? Is aromatherapy safe? These illnesses and conditions include: Lung conditions such as asthma , respiratory allergies, or chronic lung disease. Oils may cause airway spasms. What Is Aromatherapy?

The safest ways to use essential oils include: Aromatherapy accessories: Necklaces, bracelets and keychains made with absorbent materials you apply essential oils to and sniff throughout the day. Body oil: A mixture of essential oils with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba or coconut oil that can be massaged into skin. Because essential oils are concentrated, they can cause irritation.

Avoid using them full-strength on skin. Aroma stick: Also called an essential oil inhaler, these portable plastic sticks have an absorbent wick that soaks up essential oil.

They come with a cover to keep the scent under wraps until you're ready. Allergic reactions to essential oils A small number of people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain essential oils. Although you can experience a reaction to any essential oil, some are more likely to be problematic, including: Oregano oil Cinnamon bark oil Jasmine oil Lemongrass oil Ylang-ylang oil Chamomile oil Bergamot oil Because pure essential oils are potent, diluting them in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction when applying directly to the skin.

Which Essential Oils Are Best? Some of the most popular essential oils include: Lavender oil: Many people find the lavender scent relaxing. It's often used to help relieve stress and anxiety and promote good sleep.

Tea tree oil: Also called melaleuca, this essential oil was used by Australia's aboriginal people for wound healing. Today, it's commonly used for acne , athlete's foot and insect bites. Peppermint oil: There's some evidence peppermint essential oil helps relieve irritable bowel syndrome IBS symptoms when taken in an enteric-coated capsule from a trusted health supplement provider.

It may also relieve tension headaches when applied topically. Lemon oil: Many people find the citrusy scent of lemon oil a mood booster.

It's also often used in homemade cleaning products. How to find quality essential oils The most important thing to consider when shopping for essential oils is product quality.

Here are some tips to help you shop for pure essential oils: Look at the label: It should include the Latin name of the plant, information on purity or other ingredients added to it, and the country in which the plant was grown. Evaluate the company: Purchase products from a well-known and reputable aromatherapy company that's been around for several years. Choose dark-colored, glass containers: Pure essential oils are highly concentrated. They can dissolve plastic bottles over time, tainting the oil.

Most companies package essential oils in small brown or blue glass bottles to protect the quality. Avoid "fragrance oils": Fragrance or perfume oils are made from essential oils combined with chemicals or entirely from chemicals. Compare prices: Essential oils range in price, depending on how involved harvesting and production are.