Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine practice with the use of essential oils derived from different medicinal plants, flowers, herbs, roots, and trees from all over the world which have powerful effects on improving physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. And when inhaled or applied to the skin, these essential oils can help various health problems because of their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits.
How do these essential oils work?
The active ingredients within these oils are taken directly through distillation, then mixed with alcohol to preserve their strength. The finished result is a very concentrated oily formula that can be mixed with other ingredients. When used in aromatherapy practices they are usually combined with a carrier oil, such almond, jojoba or coconut oil, before being applied directly to the skin.
Aromatherapy can be performed through:
- Diffusing into the air
- Inhaling through the nostrils
- Massage therapy
- Bathing
The types of plants that produce popular essential oils are:
- Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano or peppermint
- Leaves from eucalyptus plants
- Grasses, such as lemongrass
- Fennel seeds
- Zest from fruits such as oranges, grapefruit or lemon
- Flowers, including rose or geranium
- Wood or bark from trees including cedar or pine
- Roots from ginger
- Resin from frankincense trees
Proven benefits of aromatherapy:
- Promotes Relaxation
- Helps Improve Sleep Quality
- Treats Respiratory Issues
- Improves Skin Health
- Soothes Pain and Inflammation
- Helps Reduce Fatigue and Raise Alertness
- Improves Libido
- Improves Digestion and Lowers Nausea
Aromatherapy and skin health
Essential oils can reduce acne, dandruff, cellulite, toe fungus, itching, inflammation from bites, rashes and improve wound healing. One of the most popular oils for treating skin problems is the Tea tree oil, because of its antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and other cleansing properties. Other essential oils excellent for the skin health include lavender, clary sage, juniper berry, lemon, orange, frankincense etc.