Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a complementary, alternative approach to healing. It entails the use of essential oils and extracts to increase spiritual, mental, and, in some cases, physical well-being.

The benefits of plant oils and aromatherapy have been recognized by the Chinese, Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and Native Americans for thousands of years. For centuries, they have been used to promote health and wellness and to foster optimal mental health. In fact, the Bible makes numerous references to various oils, highlighting their historical significance and uses.

Substances used in aromatherapy are usually made from concentrated plant oils and extracts from different parts of plants, herbs, and trees. The plant parts include blossoms, roots, leaves and seeds, each of which have individual properties.

While there are many different methods of extraction, oil products are typically made through solvent extraction, cold pressing, or, more commonly, through a distillation process. They are very concentrated, so dilution before use is almost always necessary. In addition to aromatherapy, other aromatic plant products might be applied to the skin or used in the bath, depending on the purpose.

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Lavender

HOW AROMATHERAPY BENEFITS OUR MOOD

The Effect of Fragrance on the Brain

Aromatherapy works to affect our brain function. Humans have an acute sense of smell: We are able to smell as many as 1 trillion different things (1). While some evolutionary models suggest that humans have slowly been losing this sense of smell over time, the fact is that we still use our sense of smell all the time but are not aware of it: It is an unconscious process.  We have millions of olfactory nerves within our nasal cavities. Everyone has a different sense of smell determined by their genes.

The benefits of aromatherapy are explained through the process of smell and transmission in the brain. The sense of smell is the only sense that goes directly to the limbic system of the brain. All other senses (sight, smell, taste, and touch) go directly to the thalamus or processing center of the brain. When a smell enters the nose, it stimulates olfactory nerves, which, in turn, send impulses to the limbic system, a part of the brain. The limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, learning, and memory, goes on to stimulate the autonomic nervous system to include heart rate, breathing, memory, and stress, stimulating the release of hormones ("happy hormones" like endorphins) and "happy" neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These effects stimulate various aspects of mental functioning and help build the immune response to both active and chronic conditions.

Through these processes, certain smells evoke memories and emotions. Some smells cause a sense of disease or danger. The smell of a good home-cooked meal travels through the nose to the hypothalamus, where it stimulates hunger or it may even evoke childhood memories of the meals at the dining room table. The smell of a flower stimulates feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin; it stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, known to promote trust, love, and emotional warmth and to decrease anxiety and stress. Some are also believed to promote relaxation and sleep. It is no wonder that aromatherapies tend to work well on the mood.

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Some herbs and plants are used for the benefit of aromatherapy include:

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• ​​Citrus (lemon)

• Lavender

• Frankincense (considered the "king of the oils")

• Myrrh

• Peppermint

• Eucalyptus

• Cinnamon

• Balsam Fir

• Myrtle

• Cedarwood

• Hyssop

• Sandalwood 

• Tea Tree

• Bergamot

Perhaps a smell that once evoked good memories would be a good aroma therapy choice for you.

Some of the abovementioned plants may also claim some medicinal properties: Explore the links above. There are also many online sources about oils from reputable companies and research sites which may be worth investigating as well (ConsumerLab [trial with subscription cost]), German Commission E, NOW, Aura Cacia, NIH, Doterra, Rocky Mountain Herbs, Young Living, and others) This is NOT an advertisement; these are reputable essential oil companies. Just go exploring.

There are some measures that need to be taken into consideration when using oils: Sensitivity to an oil, when diffused, in a hot or non-ventilated room, can be toxic for some people. They can cause some skin irritation and can increase sun sensitivity. And, many can cause digestion problems and toxicity if taken orally (ingested).