Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy that harnesses the full power of some plants. While the word aromatherapy is almost always linked to treatments and actions aimed at relaxing and comforting, its scope is a little broader. Massages, aesthetic treatments and an endless number of techniques include it as a complement that complements the experience of relaxation and sometimes it is reduced to the use of an essential oil, but do we really know what aromatherapy is all about? What is it for? Today we will learn all about natural aromatherapy, its benefits and how we can use it at home.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a complementary alternative therapy that uses essential plant oils for medicinal purposes. These oils are used by inhalation or on the skin and have a direct impact on our body. When an odor is perceived by the nose, it stimulates the nerves that send information about those odors to the brain, especially the hypothalamus and limbic system. It is for this reason that aromatherapy can be a valuable tool for the treatment of certain ailments.
It is impossible to point to the person who created aromatherapy, because for millennia humans have used plants and their extracts to treat various ailments. If we want to talk about the birth of the name, we could say that the French chemist René Maurice Gattefose was the first to use the term aromatherapy to describe a technique that he had applied almost by chance in his laboratory. He had a small accident, injured his hand, and used lavender oil to treat the injury with impressive results. From this moment on, he began to study the properties of other essential oils, information that he would publish in his book.
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Is aromatherapy effective?
Have you ever evoked a memory thanks to a particular scent? The smell of perfume, wet grass, the aroma of coffee... any aroma can be the trigger to bring back a memory. This is what is called Proust Effect and is one of the proofs of the powerful connection between the brain, memory and smell. In fact, smell is the only sense capable of establishing direct connections with the brain complex of the amygdala and hippocampus, which are nothing more than the neural structures where emotions and memory reside. For this reason, it makes sense to understand the effectiveness of aromatherapy in treating certain conditions.
It is important to emphasize that aromatherapy is an excellent complementary therapy but will never replace medical care or treatments. Due to the way it acts and the effect it has on our brain, stimulating the production of chemical substances that produce physical-emotional responses, aromatherapy is not able to cure diseases but it can help in the treatment and relief of minor ailments, improve symptoms and even relieve the psychological stress that produces pain and other discomfort. Aromatherapy has been considered a great help in case of chronic diseases, where there are symptoms such as nausea, headaches and anxiety.
Benefits of Natural Aromatherapy
Natural aromatherapy is a complementary and minimally invasive technique that can allow you to achieve a better quality of life, to the extent that it relieves annoying symptoms that can be part of chronic diseases. However, where aromatherapy really stands out is in the ease with which it can contribute to the management of stress, depression and anxiety, among other psycho-emotional disorders; Aromatherapy stimulates precisely the areas of the brain that are responsible for these responses. Aromatherapy is effective in complementing treatments for conditions such as:
-stress
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Psycho-emotional disturbances: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia
- Antihistamine and nasal decongestant
- Headaches and migraines
- Pain management
- Nausea treatment
It is possible to integrate aromatherapy into everyday life, especially if the aim is to reduce stress and anxiety levels, as well as other emotional discomforts. Aromatherapy is a fantastic ally to create the home you dream of, a cozy place, where there is an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility.
How to do natural aromatherapy at home
Through the olfactory system: When the aromatic molecules of essential oils are inhaled, they reach the brain's limbicsystem through the olfactory
bulb. In this part of the brain there is a direct connection to memory, behavior and emotions. Other aromatic molecules pass directly into the bloodstream as they are absorbed into the lungs. This is achieved in 3 ways:
- Dispersion: a cotton ball or cloth is impregnated in the essential oil that is left in a place close to the patient. You can do this with a handkerchief, pillows, or similar. This seeks to disperse the aroma throughout the space.
- Direct inhalation: an individual inhaler or vaporizer with water is used, in which a few drops of essential oil are added and the patient inhales directly. You can also use bottles of essential oil or a cloth band.
- Evaporation: A vaporizer or oil burner is used, which is filled with water and a few drops of the essential oil are dissolved. The heat evaporates the water with the oil, dispersing it into the environment in a very subtle and safe way.
Through
the skin:Essential oil molecules can be absorbed by the skin and pass into the bloodstream. It is important to dilute essential oils in a safe carrier oil before applying to the body, as they are highly concentrated and can irritate. You can use aromatherapy on the skin with:
- Massage: Use a safe vegetable oil (coconut, olive, almond, etc.) or some simple moisturizer and mix with a few drops of essential oil. Use it for therapeutic or relaxing massages all over your body.
- Compresses: The essential oil is diluted in some warm or cold water and then a cloth is soaked in this water, wrung out, and placed over the affected area.
What NOT
todo Aromatherapy essential oils can also be used in bath salts, bandages, and others. What is not recommended is the oral consumption of essential oils, because although it is true that these components have therapeutic applications and are completely harmless if inhaled, they can be toxic or cause adverse effects if ingested.
For example, taking sage oil for a long time can cause seizures. Camphor used excessively on the skin can cause irritability and nausea, bergamot can cause blemishes, and others can cause skin irritation if used directly, undiluted. It's always important to do an allergy test (smear diluted oil on one spot on your arm and wait 24 hours) before using any essential oil. If you are pregnant, you should not use any essential oils in the first trimester and consult your doctor afterwards to see if they are suitable for pregnancy. If natural aromatherapy can be used, then it is not concentrated or inhaled oils that are used, but the mild aroma of herbs.
Tips for applying natural aromatherapy at home
- Use aromatic plant leaves or flower petals for a relaxing bath
- Create a green corner in your home and integrate aromatic plants. Do you want a relaxing and calm atmosphere? Bring your lavender plant to the spot to perfume the space.
- When pruning your aromatic plants, place the cut branches in vases of water and spread them around the house to perfume the place.
- Boil water with leaves of your plants, cinnamon sticks, etc. in a pot and put it on low heat so that the aroma floods the space.
- Keep some dried lavender flowers in your pillowcase to help you fall asleep
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Create your own closet setting using cloth bags (you can buy them ready-made, they sell them to make gifts) and fill them with lavender and dried lemon leaves. You can place them in drawers or hanging from the closet.
Integrating
aromatherapyinto your daily life is much simpler than you think, not only can you acquire the essential oils, but it is possible to grow the aromatic plants inside your home and receive aromatherapy naturally, risk-free, all while relaxing and taking care of your plants.
lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular scents when doing aromatherapy, as it is recommended for relaxation. It is perfect for reducing anxiety levels, headaches and also helps you relax muscles that tense and hurt due to stress. As if that wasn't enough, it will help you fall asleep.
Lavender is a very easy plant to care for, very hardy, which needs well-drained substrates, moderate watering and plenty of lighting to grow happily. It is recommended to have it in the rooms, to keep them scented and improve the quality of your sleep. Low light? Use a UV lamp or place it somewhere else and cut the flowers when they come out and put them in a cute vase in your room.
mint
Mint is one of my favorite scents, it's so refreshing that it immediately puts you in a good mood and is associated with cleanliness. Peppermint is an excellent stimulant, boosts ideas, invigorates your mind, helps you concentrate, as well as being a decongestant, analgesic and expectorant, so it comes in handy if you have any respiratory conditions.
Mint is a herbaceous herbaceous that you can grow in pots. It requires abundant and regular watering, as well as a well-fertilized substrate. It prefers well-lit places where it does not receive direct sunlight. You can place it in the study or office, at your desk, or wherever you sit down to work.
rosemary
Do you have a hard time moving on Mondays? Having a rosemary at home can help you regain your energy. Rosemary is one of my favorite aromatic herbs because it is practically immortal. That delicious aroma we associate with Mediterranean cuisine is actually a powerful stimulant. It improves the ability to concentrate, sharpens the mental faculties and is also fantastic for relieving inflammation, so it comes in handy to combat muscle cramps and pain.
Rosemary is a shrub that needs full sun, moderate to low watering, and a well-draining substrate. It resists drought and sun very well, but it will die if you take too much care of it. It's better to pass it on a bit and let it believe it's green and lush. When you need an extra touch of focus, cut off some branches and take them to your office or studio in a vase. They last a long time in water and make beautiful foliage, if you want to put some flowers to keep them company.
lemon
Lemon oil is ideal for stimulating clarity of thought, giving you an energy boost, as well as helping to release emotional blockages. If you are one of those who find it difficult to get up in the morning, lemon is perfect for regaining good spirits.
Believe it or not, growing lemons in pots is very possible, so it won't be difficult for you to count on the delicious aroma of their branches, flowers and fruits. This small tree needs plenty of light, moderate watering, and some compost in spring and summer. I assure you that it will fill your home with good energy.
rose
Rose is one of those pampered scents in the world of aromatherapy. On an emotional level, it has relaxing properties, helping to relieve nervous episodes and stress. It helps eliminate nervous tension, improves headaches, and has a vibration of love and delicacy.
It is possible to plant roses in pots, from English, miniature or tea roses, what you need is to choose a good container. Roses prefer a well-drained substrate, plenty of direct sun and daily watering, as well as fertilizer every 15 days. If you manage to give it the care it needs (which is less complicated than you think) you can have roses all year round that you can place in the spaces of your choice to flood with their delicate fragrance.