Essential oils or phytogenic plant products are plant extracts that have many health benefits including relief of pain and headaches. These essential oils are obtained from considerably huge amounts of plant material which may increase in their price. For instance, 1 pound of lavender essential oil is obtained from 250 pounds of lavender flower. These are concentrated plant extracts made by pressing or steaming the plant material. Owing to their healing properties and aroma, these have been used in healing practices for thousands of years.
Aromatherapy is in practice for thousands of years. Olfactory nerves are directly related to your brain. When inhaled, sent molecules in aromatherapy affect the limbic system of the brain which is involved in the regulation of memories, emotions, and sensations. On the other hand, when you apply essential oil to your skin, its molecules get absorbed into the bloodstream and are distributed throughout the body. It is helpful in various health issues like insomnia, pain, nausea, stress, and anxiety.
Potential health benefits of aromatherapy with essential oils:
- Lowers stress and anxiety
Essential oils are known to have benefits like calming anxiety and lowering stress levels. In today’s world where life is a big hustle Mental health issues are appearing at an increasing rate. Fortunately, many people are now conscious about their mental well-being owing to raising awareness among people. This is probably one of the leading causes that a large population of people choose aromatherapy. However, it is not a magic pill that will solve all your problems in one day. Rather think of it as an aid to your medical care routine.
- Relief in headache and pain
Essential oils are also known to have a soothing effect on headaches and migraine. Studies have shown many cases where patients with severe migraine problems felt great relief within just 2 hours of the application of essential oils. Along with headache relief, aromatherapy is also helpful in reducing stress and anxiety which may result in different pain in the head.
- Antimicrobial action
Essential oils come from plants. The chemical composition of their compounds enables them to fight against a wide range of pathogens. Studies have shown essential oils to have antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-parasitic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Essential oils like lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil have antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat many infections.
- Relief in nausea
Essential oils are helpful in vomiting and nausea. It removes the need for anti-nausea medications. Some of the common fast-acting essential oils for nausea are peppermint oil, ginger oil, cinnamon oil, lemon oil, and lavender oil.
- Improves sleep quality
Essential oils are known to promote sleep. Every person is different, and so is the effect of essential oil on them. You may need to try several oils to find out the one that works best for you. Essential oils known to have a relaxing effect on the mind are peppermint, lavender, and chamomile.
- Help from menstrual cramps
Maybe you didn’t have an idea about the benefit of aromatherapy with essential oils. Practitioners suggest essential oils when used in combinations, help with the symptoms of endometriosis and menstrual pain. Lavender, marjoram, rose essential oil, and sage are a few essential oils that are known to relieve menstrual cramps.
- Relief in Muscle pain
Have muscle pain? Don’t worry aromatherapy has a solution for your muscle aches too. It reduces inflammation and pain to promote muscle relaxation. Eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils are said to reduce muscle pain.
Some of the common essential oils and their benefits:
Here are some benefits of the most common essential oils witnessed in various scientific experiments and studies.
Lavender essential oil
- Relives stress
- Calms nerves and improves focus
- Headaches and migraines
- Antiseptic properties too
Peppermint oil
- Improves respiratory function
- Helpful in reliving sinus problems
- Relief in muscle pain
- Helps with insomnia
Jasmine oil
- Eases stress
- Reduces depression
- Helpful in childbirth
- Improves sleep and focus
Eucalyptus oil
- Improves respiration and breathing
- Soothes stuffed-up nose
Tea tree oil
- Antimicrobial
- Antiseptic
- Boosts immunity
Lemon oil
- Kills bacteria
- Improves mood
Frankincense oil
- Acne treatment
- Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties
Lemongrass oil
- Lowers stress and anxiety
- Relieves tension
Vetiver oil
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant properties
- Promotes skin health
- Calms nerves
- Boosts overall mood
Bottom line:
Aromatherapy with Essential oils from plants is a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle. Essential oils are for those who are looking for substitutes for pharmaceutical drugs. Aromatherapy may seem like a lot of work but it is quite the opposite. These oils provide help with stress, anxiety, nausea, respiration, muscle pain, headaches, migraines, focus, mood, and sleep quality. Considering the health benefits associated with aromatherapy, it is surely worth it. However, be sure to consult a certified practitioner before starting aromatherapy at home.
