Aromatherapy is a popular addition to many massage therapy services. Not only during massage, the use of essential oils for aromatherapy has become popular at home in diffusers, lotions, or even in the shower. Aromatherapy most commonly comes from essential oils that are derived from plants, and different plants produce not only unique scents, but also have different properties that can have different effects on the user. Let's take a look at some of the more popular aromatherapy scents/oils and what some of their benefits are.
Lavender - Lavender oil is well-known for its calming and soothing properties.It's aroma can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of relaxation and emotional balance. Many people use lavender oil to improve the quality of their sleep. It is often used in skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It can help with various skin issues, such as acne, burns, cuts, and insect bites. It's also used to promote healthier-looking skin and reduce signs of aging.
Peppermint - Peppermint oil is well-known for its ability to relieve digestive discomfort. It can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. It also has analgesic and vasoconstrictive properties, which can help reduce headaches and migraines. It is often applied to the temples and forehead for quick relief. When inhaled, peppermint oil can open up airways and ease respiratory congestion, helping relieve symptoms of colds, sinus congestion, and allergies.
Lemon - The bright, citrusy scent of lemon essential oil is often used to boost mood and reduce stress and anxiety. It can help create a positive and uplifting atmosphere when diffused. It can increase alertness and mental clarity, making it a popular choice for improving focus and productivity while also helping combat feelings of fatigue. Lemon oil also contains natural antioxidants and has immune-boosting properties. It can support the body's defense mechanisms and help prevent illness.
Sandalwood - Sandalwood oil is renowned for its calming and grounding properties. It can help reduce anxiety, stress, and promote a sense of inner peace. The sweet, woody scent of sandalwood can uplift the mood and provide emotional balance. It's often used to alleviate feelings of sadness or depression. It has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for alleviating various inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and muscle pain. It can also help relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis and coughs, by loosening phlegm and opening airways.
Chamomile - Chamomile oil is renowned for its calming and soothing properties. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and inhaled during bedtime to improve sleep quality. It can also aid digestion by relaxing the digestive tract and relieving symptoms of indigestion, gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.
When using any essential oil for aromatherapy, it is important to use high-quality pure essential oils, not fragrance oils as you can find in craft stores such as what is used for candle or soap making. Essential oils are sold in brown or blue glass bottles (because pure essential oils can eat away or dissolve plastic) and are often priced differently per scent due to how easily or difficult the oils can be distilled, and the rarity of the plants themselves. When using any essential oil, it is important to never use an essential oil "neat" or undiluted on the skin without first mixing it with a neutral carrier oil such as olive, grapeseed, coconut, or almond oil, or a lotion because pure essential oils can easily irritate the skin if it isn't mixed with something else. Any essential oil that claims you can use it "neat" on the skin may already be blended with something or is diluted to the maximum "allowed by law" dilution to still be called "pure". When in doubt, consult with a local aromatherapist or massage therapist for advice on how to best use essential oils, or get a recommendation about what oil maybe best for what you need.