Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy that harnesses the full power of certain plants. Although the word aromatherapy is almost always associated with treatments and actions intended to relax and comfort, its scope is a little broader. Massages, beauty treatments and countless other techniques include it as a complement that complements the relaxation experience and is sometimes 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 oils from plants for medicinal purposes. These oils are used by inhalation or on the skin and have a direct effect on our organism. When a smell is perceived by the nose, it stimulates the nerves that send information about these smells to the brain, especially to 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 been using 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 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 had a memory evoked by a particular scent? The smell of perfume, wet grass, the aroma of coffee... any scent can be the trigger to bring back a memory. This is called the Proust Effect and is one of the proofs of the powerful connection between the brain, memory and smell. Indeed, smell is the only sense capable of establishing direct connections with the brain complex of the amygdala and hippocampus, which are the neural structures where emotions and memory reside. For this reason it is logical to understand the effectiveness of aromatherapy in the treatment of certain conditions.

It is important to emphasise that aromatherapy is an excellent complementary therapy but will never replace medical care or treatment. Because of the way it works and the effect it has on our brain, stimulating the production of chemicals 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 alleviate psychological stress that causes pain and other discomforts. Aromatherapy has been considered a great help in case of chronic illnesses, 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 help to achieve a better quality of life by alleviating bothersome symptoms that may be part of chronic illnesses. However, where aromatherapy really excels is in the ease with which it can contribute to the management of stress, depression and anxiety, among other psycho-emotional disorders, as aromatherapy stimulates precisely the areas of the brain that are responsible for these responses. Aromatherapy is effective in complementing the treatment of conditions such as:

- Stress

- Psycho-emotional disturbances: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia

- Antihistamine and nasal decongestants

- Headaches and migraines

- Pain management

- Treatment of nausea

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 in creating the home you dream of, a cosy place where there is an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquillity.

How to do natural aromatherapy at home

Through the olfactory system:

By inhaling the aromatic molecules of essential oils, they reach through the olfactory bulb to the cerebral limbic system. In this part of the brain there is a direct connection to memory, behaviour and emotions. Other aromatic molecules pass directly into the bloodstream as they are absorbed in the lungs. This is achieved by 3 routes:

- Dispersion: a cotton wool or cloth is soaked in the essential oil and left in a place close to the patient. You can do this with a handkerchief, pillow or similar. This is to disperse the aroma throughout the room.

- Direct inhalation: an individual inhaler or vaporiser with water is used, in which a few drops of essential oil are added and the patient inhales directly. Bottles of essential oil or a cloth bandage can also be used.

- Evaporation: a vaporiser 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 through the skin and pass into the bloodstream. It is important to dilute essential oils in a safe carrier oil before applying them to the body, as they are very 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 moisturiser and mix with a few drops of essential oil. use it for therapeutic or relaxing massages all over the body.

- Compresses: Dilute the essential oil in a little warm or cold water and then soak a cloth in this water, wring it out and place it on the affected area.

What NOT to do

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 too long can cause convulsions. Camphor used in excess on the skin can cause irritability and nausea, bergamot can cause blemishes, and others can cause skin irritation if used directly, undiluted. It is always important to do an allergy test (smear diluted oil on a 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 then consult your doctor to see if they are suitable for your pregnancy. Natural aromatherapy can be used, as concentrated oils are not used on the skin or inhaled, but rather the gentle aroma of herbs.

Tips for natural aromatherapy at home

- Use aromatic plant leaves or flower petals to take a relaxing bath

- Create a green corner in your home and integrate aromatic plants. do you want a relaxing and calming atmosphere? Bring your lavender plant into the room to scent the space.

- When pruning your aromatic plants, place the cut branches in vases with water and scatter them around the house to scent the place.

- Boil water in a pot with leaves from your plants, cinnamon sticks, etc. and put it on a low heat so that the aroma fills the space.

- Keep some dried lavender flowers in your pillow cases to help you fall asleep

- Create your own wardrobe air freshener using fabric sachets (you can buy ready-made ones, they're sold as gifts) and fill them with lavender and dried lemon leaves. You can place them in drawers or hang them in the wardrobe.

Natural aromatherapy: grow your own aromatic plants

Integrating aromatherapy into your daily life is much easier than you think. Not only can you buy the essential oils, but it is possible to grow aromatic plants indoors and receive aromatherapy in a natural way, without any risks, all while you relax and take 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 it also helps to relax muscles that are tense and sore due to stress. As if that wasn't enough, it will help you fall asleep.

Lavender is a very easy to care for, very rustic plant, which needs well-drained substrates, moderate watering and plenty of light to grow happily. It is recommended to keep it in bedrooms, 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 as they emerge and put them in a pretty vase in your bedroom.

Peppermint

Peppermint is one of my favourite scents, it is so refreshing that it immediately puts you in a good mood and is associated with cleanliness. Peppermint is an excellent stimulant, it 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 a respiratory condition.

Mint is a herbaceous plant that you can grow in pots. It requires abundant and regular watering, as well as a well-fertilised substrate. It prefers well-lit places but where it does not receive direct sunlight. You can place it in the study or office, on your desk or wherever you sit to work.

Rosemary

do you find it hard to move on Mondays? Having rosemary in your home can help you regain your energy. Rosemary is one of my favourite aromatic herbs because it is practically immortal. That delicious aroma we associate with Mediterranean cuisine is actually a powerful stimulant. It improves your ability to concentrate, sharpens your mental faculties and it's also great for relieving inflammation, so it's great for muscle cramps and aches.

Rosemary is a shrub that needs full sun, moderate to sparse watering and a well-draining substrate. It withstands drought and sun very well, but will die if you take too much care of it. It is best to overlook it a little and let it grow green and lush. When you need an extra touch of concentration, cut some branches and bring them to your office or studio in a vase. They last a long time in water and make nice foliage, if you want to put some flowers to keep them company.

Lemon

Lemon oil is great for stimulating clear thinking, giving you a boost of energy, as well as helping to release emotional blockages. If you are one of those who find it hard to get up in the morning, lemon is perfect for getting you back in the mood.

Believe it or not, growing lemons in a pot is quite possible, so it won't be difficult to enjoy the delicious aroma of its branches, flowers and fruit. This small tree needs plenty of light, moderate watering and some fertiliser in spring and summer. It is sure to fill your home with good energy.

Rose

Rose is one of the most popular aromas in the world of aromatherapy. On an emotional level, it has relaxing properties, helping to alleviate nervous episodes and stress. It helps to eliminate nervous tension, improves headaches and has a vibration of love and gentleness.

It is possible to grow roses in pots, from English, miniature or tea roses, all you need to do is choose a good container. Roses prefer a well-drained substrate, plenty of direct sun and daily watering and fertiliser every 15 days. If you manage to give them the care they need (which is less complicated than you think) you will be able to have roses all year round that you can place in the spaces of your choice to fill with their delicate fragrance.