The Magic of Essential Oils
Our sense of smell is unique among the five senses as it is directly linked to the limbic system, the brain region that governs behaviour, emotions, and memory. Inhalation of essential oils stimulates the limbic system, prompting the brain to release chemical messengers that affect our nervous system and trigger emotional responses. The benefits of aromatherapy, therefore, vary with the choice of oil and can encompass:
- General well-being — Essential oils are recognized for their ability to enhance physical and emotional well-being through their interaction with the brain.
- Headaches and nausea — Certain essential oils can assist in managing and alleviating nausea and headaches.
- Inflammation — Some essential oils are advantageous for reducing and soothing inflammation.
- Joint and muscle pain — Many essential oils possess natural antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
- Sleep and relaxation — Various essential oils are effective in promoting and enhancing sleep and relaxation.
- Skincare — Essential oils offer numerous skin benefits, from balancing oils and treating acne to diminishing wrinkles and dark circles. They are also utilized in addressing psoriasis, eczema, pigmentation, and scarring.
- Household cleaning — Due to their disinfecting, antiseptic, and deodorizing properties, certain essential oils are suitable for cleaning purposes.
How essential oils are used
Diffusion
Essential oils can be dispersed into the air using a variety of devices such as essential oil diffusers, electric vaporizers, personal mini diffusers, and even aromatherapy car diffusers.
This not only enhances the environment with a delightful fragrance but also allows for the safe inhalation of the benefits of essential oils.
Topically
Some essential oils, when applied to the skin, can alleviate muscle and joint pain and promote skin health. This occurs because the oils, once applied, are absorbed into the skin and enter the bloodstream, affecting both the skin cells and the underlying muscles.
However, due to their high concentration, essential oils must always be diluted before direct skin application. For body application, a two to four percent dilution is generally recommended, and for facial application, a one to two percent dilution. Topical uses of essential oils include:
- Applying a diluted solution to pulse points such as the wrists, temples, soles of the feet, or behind the ears using a glass roller bottle.
- Adding a few drops to a warm bath.
- Enhancing your daily moisturizer by adding a few drops.
- Opting for products that contain essential oils.
Candles
Some of the benefits of aromatherapy candles include:
- Natural Lighting — Appreciating the warm, soft glow of candlelight isn't just for the hopeless romantic. It can also offer health benefits, as research indicates that artificial light and nighttime exposure to device screens can suppress melatonin production, increase alertness, and disrupt sleep.
- Decoration — Scented candles not only enhance the ambiance and mood of a room but can also evoke nostalgia. For instance, in a Hamptons-style home, an ocean-scented candle can accentuate your decor. Similarly, for those who enjoy camping, the scent of eucalyptus can bring back cherished memories.
Massage
For those who enjoy the addition of oils in their massage, professional therapists often utilize a blend of carrier oil and essential oil. The benefits of an aromatherapy massage, when combined with particular essential oils, encompass:
- Calming the nervous system, enabling the body to work at an optimal level and repair itself.
- Assisting with depression, insomnia, stress, anxiety, anxiety, grief, muscular pain, digestive issues, fatigue and hormone imbalances.
- Affecting the emotions and mind via the limbic system in the brain which can help to induce deep calm, increase concentration, uplift an individual’s mood or increase happy feelings.
