A holistic healing treatment, aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts - in the form of essential oils - to promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy benefits not only your physical well-being but also your mental and emotional health as well.
Essential oils are an integral part of aromatherapy. Made from flowers, herbs, and parts of trees through a specific process, essential oils retain their natural components, and the chemistry of the plant is unchanged.
How Aromatherapy Works
It is believed that aromatherapy activates some parts of the nasal area, called “smell receptors”, which send messages to your brain. The essential oils may activate the brain’s limbic system which plays a role in your emotions. They may also affect your hypothalamus, which responds by creating feel-good hormones like serotonin.
The essential oils are also claimed to be absorbed through the skin. When they are massaged into the skin, the essential oils are thought to activate the skin’s thermal receptors and destroy fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Some experts also believe that essential oils possess anti-inflammatory benefits and provide soothing relief for muscular pain, burns, and arthritis.
Mental Wellness Benefits
The different essential oils provide a wide range of benefits to your mental well-being, depending on the type of oil used. While using the oil cannot cure any health issue, it is known that the essential oils help to cope with the symptoms you are experiencing. Some of these essential oils include:
The sweet scent of lavender helps promote calmness and wellness. One of the most commonly used essential oil, it is also said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and some mild pain.
The oils in peppermint are known to help alleviate symptoms of mental fatigue and boost energy levels.
Often used to increase focus, sandalwood suppresses feelings of negativity and brings a sense of calm. Its woody scent has a natural therapeutic effect on the limbic system.
With anti-depressant properties, ylang-ylang boosts the mood and reduces depression.
Chamomile restores balance to the body and it also helps to ward off symptoms of depression and increase motivation.
When used in aromatherapy, clary sage helps to alleviate stress by inducing a sense of well-being.
Promoting relaxation, frankincense is known to help lift the mood and balance the senses.
Uplifting and invigorating, grapefruit essential oil makes you feel energised.
How to Enjoy Aromatherapy for your Mental Health
For a more balanced mental wellness, you can conveniently and quickly enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in different forms.
Infuse any space or room with your favorite essential oils through any type of diffuser. Create an inviting haven that relaxes your senses.
Lighting a candle gives your room a more soothing ambience. Ensure that the candle you use contains natural ingredients, including essential oils.
Choose your favourite scents in your hair and body care products to give your mood a boost or feel calm and relaxed. Apply your aromatherapy lotion or oil on your body and savor its scent while keeping your skin soft and smooth.
For a full aromatherapy experience, complement your massage oils and body care products with a relaxing massage to soothe tired muscles and improve circulation.
To best enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy at home, check out Banyan Tree’s wide array of pure essential oils, and all-natural hair and body care products for a more balanced mental health.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/aromatherapy-overview
https://www.mhainde.org/the-benefits-of-aromatherapy/
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/aromatherapy
https://www.verywellmind.com/aromatherapy-for-stress-research-and-techniques-3144598
1 comment
This article beautifully highlights the incredible benefits of aromatherapy. It’s amazing how essential oils can have such a profound impact on our well-being. It’s truly a natural remedy worth exploring.