Understanding Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential oils derived from plants to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being. The oils are extracted from flowers, herbs, fruits, woods and other parts of plants through processes like distillation and cold pressing. When inhaled into the lungs or absorbed through the skin, essential oils promote benefits by interacting with the limbic system, which influences emotional control and memory in the brain.
How Aromatherapy Works
The limbic system plays a role in controlling several unconscious physiological functions like breathing, heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, behavior, emotion, memory and more. When essential oil molecules are inhaled, they stimulate smell receptors in the nose that send chemical messages to the limbic system and other parts of the brain that control these functions and influence the body in various ways.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
Some benefits of aromatherapy through essential oil use may include:
- Improve sleep
- Boost energy and mood
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Enhance concentration and memory
- Alleviate depression symptoms
- Support immune function
- Soothe pain and inflammation
- Enhance skin health
Essential Oils for Mood, Energy and Relaxation
Many essential oils have adapting properties - they can both stimulate or relax the body and mind depending on what is needed. The oils listed below have demonstrated mood-enhancing effects in research and anecdotal use.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot essential oil comes from citrus fruit peel and carries an invigorating citrusy aroma. Bergamot oil can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Boost energy and blood flow
- Elevate mood and fight depression
- Enhance skin health and heal wounds
- Stimulate digestion
Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang ylang oil originates from canopy flowers of the ylang ylang tree. It has an intensely floral, slightly fruity smell. Ylang ylang oil may:
- Promote relaxation and treat anxiety or panic
- Enhance mood and self-esteem
- Reduce anger, tension, shock and fear
- Support healthy blood pressure and heart rate
- Improve skin and hair health
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil comes from mentha piperita leaves and has a strong, refreshing minty aroma. Peppermint oil offers benefits like:
- Energizing mood and mental focus
- Reducing fatigue, depression and anxiety
- Improving memory and concentration
- Providing pain relief
- Aiding digestion
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is steam distilled from Lavandula angustifolia flowers and prized for its calming floral scent. Lavender oil may help with:
- Reducing anxiety and emotional stress
- Promoting peaceful sleep
- Elevating mood in depression
- Enhancing skin health
- Speeding healing of minor cuts, bruises and burns
- Easing headaches
Choosing a High Quality Essential Oil
To enjoy all of aromatherapys benefits, source pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. High quality oils will:
- Originate from the designated botanical source
- Be gently extracted without heat or solvents
- Test free from fillers, additives and impurities
- Have their essential oil chemistry tested
- Carry approved supplement labels
Organic and Wildcrafted Oils
For the highest quality essential oils, look for those that are Certified Organic or ethically Wildcrafted. Organic oils come from plants grown without pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers or other synthetic additives that can concentrate in the essential oil. Wildcrafted oils are ethically harvested from wild plants in their natural wild habitat.
Reputable Essential Oil Brands
Research oil companies to find those with rigorous quality testing and sustainable, ethical sourcing practices for the best therapeutic oils. Some examples of reputable essential oils brands are:
- Stillpoint Aromatics
- Plant Therapy
- Edens Garden
- Mountain Rose Herbs
- Aromatics International
Safely Using Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
Properly diluting essential oils before use is vital for safety and skin health. And special care should be taken when using oils with babies, children and pregnant women. Other aromatherapy safety guidelines include:
- Perform a patch test for new oils to check for allergic reaction
- Read the oil suppliers guidance on safe use
- Only ingest oils labeled food-grade or consult an aromatherapy professional
- Select childproof essential oil storage away from heat and light
- Keep oils out of reach of children and pets
Diluting Oils for Skin Health
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate skin if applied undiluted. For adults, essential oils are commonly diluted at 1% to 5% in carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, olive, almond, avocado or argan oil. Perform another patch test with the diluted oil.
Special Populations
Children, babies, pregnant women and seniors may require even more dilution down to .25% to 1%. Their skin is more sensitive and absorption rates are different. Many oils should also be avoided. Consult an aromatherapy practitioner to create blends specifically for individual needs.
Using essential oils safely enables you to explore their many potential mood, health and wellness benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment