A Beginner’s Guide To Aromatherapy

Written By Lizzie Howard / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

How relaxing is an aromatic bubble bath? It is super relaxing and so is a massage done using aromatic essential oils. The aroma in these oils seems to seep into every part of the body making it calm and rejuvenated. It is this effect that aromatherapy aims at achieving. What is this and why should you consider using it?

Here is everything a beginner needs to know about this topic.

What is Aromatherapy?

According to Healthline, aromatherapy refers to the use of natural plant extracts to achieve healing. The natural plant extracts used are aromatic essential oils. Essential oils are what give a plant its characteristic smell. The beautiful scent from these oils is believed to heal the body and mind.

Plant materials like roots and leaves are crushed and distilled to make liquid oils. These oils are highly volatile. They evaporate into the air where they can be smelled. The oils may also be directly applied to the body. The practice of aromatherapy has been around for centuries. They were traditionally used in Egypt, India, and China.

Types of Essential Oils and Their Benefits

There are various kinds of essential oils that can be used for aromatherapy. The effects differ from one type to the other. Below are the benefits of various types:

• Lemon - Enhances immunity and is an antioxidant
• Lavender – Reduces anxiety
• Jasmine – Reduces depression and childbirth issues
• Ginger – Anti-inflammatory agent and reduces digestive system issues like diarrhea
• Eucalyptus – Decongestion of airways
• Sandalwood – helps one focus and calms nerves
• Rosemary - Decongestion of airways and clearing the mind
• Chamomile – Improves mood
• Rose – Relieves stress and anxiety
• Peppermint – Relieves migraines and nausea

It is important to note that the effects of essential oils are not scientifically backed. There has been little research done in this field. However, people who have used these oils for a long time can swear by their effects. Since these are natural products, you can try them for yourself and find out.

Buying Oils for Aromatherapy

Whether you have a headache that does not seem to go away or suffer from frequent anxiety, you can benefit from aromatherapy. Even if you have no health issue, aromatherapy can help prevent any issues. What should you know about buying the essential oils to use?

Buy the scents you love. This is a great way to start. If that bouquet of roses your love got you the other week smelled so nice you would want to revisit, get rose-scented aromatic oil.

Also, consider what your needs are. If you are aiming at healing a headache, peppermint essential oil is a great choice while full extract cannabis oil is ideal for treating inflammation and intense pain. You can blend different oils to attain the desired effect.

Look for a reputable source to buy from. There are many online retailers you can work with. Look for one that sells pure essential oils. Do not be fooled by labels that claim the contents are therapeutic grade.

There is no such thing because the use of essential oils is not regulated, unlike cannabis oil. Instead, concentrate on the contents and packaging of the oils.

All essential oils must be packed in dark-colored glass bottles. Plastic may interfere with the contents of essential oils and must therefore be avoided as a packaging option. Look at the labeling on the bottle.

This should show the plant’s scientific name, the part of the plant from which the oil was extracted and any other ingredients used. Also consider factors like good customer support, affordability, and speedy shipping when buying online.

Using Aromatherapy

There are several ways of using essential oils for aromatherapy and this may be specified on the specific product bought. You may use a diffuser or spray bottle to get it into the air then inhale. If you do not have a diffuser, you can put a pot on the fire and add a few drops of essential oils. Your house will smell great and you will reap the benefits of aromatherapy.

Essential oils or cannabis oils can be added to body oils, creams, lotions, and bathing salts and applied directly to the body. Inhalers that infuse oil directly to the lungs are also available.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy is good for you. To reap full benefits, choose high-quality products. You can find these at a reliable online store. Use the oils appropriately to benefit from aromatherapy.

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Written By:
Lizzie Howard is a Colorado native who after graduating from the University of Colorado spends her time as a freelance writer. When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys going on hikes, baking for her friends and family, and spending time with her beloved yellow lab, Sparky.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.