Aromatherapy Oils: Good for the Body and Mind
Aromatherapy oils and candles are usually used in homes to provide that olfactory satisfaction of breathing in pleasant scents. Most housewives and even people living alone use these to liven up a room and to set a mood for a particular day. Scents of lavender which makes one feel relaxed, citrus and coffee which are good pick-me-uppers particularly during gloomy and rainy days are among the popular scents used. For people who are fond of purchasing aromatherapy oils and candles from home depots and department stores, you may want to know that other than its ability to make a room smell beautiful, it can help you fight off some diseases.
What are aromatherapy oils?
Aromatherapy oils are extracted from plants, meaning these are natural products, and are processed so that it can be used as oils, perfumes, soap, and others. The use of aromatherapy oils can been traced back to early Egyptians who used them to relieve pain and nowadays, the use of these essential oils improve the mood and reduce stress which can give you a sense of well-being. It is also used to treat allergies, some skin conditions such as acne and swelling, and emotional disorders.
How does aromatherapy work?
Aromatherapy oils can be inhaled, added to bath water, used as massage oil, or applied as hot or cold compress. Once it is inhaled, the olfactory nerve, which is responsible for a person’s sense of smell, sends signals to the brain where it said to have an ability to affect the neurologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune system. For the neurologic system, it has a favorable effect with emotions and in enhancing memory. It also affects heart rate and blood pressure which are critical for the body to perform well. As for the respiratory system, it poses a role in breathing affecting its depth. It also has beneficial effects to the way the body responds to certain disorders.
Lavender is used to reduce stress and headaches and is effective in promoting sleep. Arthritis or painful joints, fever, cold sores, and respiratory problems such as cough, colds, and inflammation of the membranes of the lungs and sinuses can be treated with the use of eucalyptus. Cinnamon, which is popularly used in food preparations, can help with eliminating fatigue, exhaustion, and gastrointestinal problems such as difficulty in bowel movement, and having excessive stomach gas. Peppermint, famous for its flavor in gums and candies, is used to relieve the feeling of the need to vomit and fever.
What are the important things to remember when using aromatherapy oils?
It is important to remember that the production of aromatherapy oils may differ in quality and the process used. Different brands have different amounts of oils being prepared. Some may even be toxic when inhaled in large quantities. It should not be used near the eyes as it can be an irritant to your sensitive eyes. It is necessary to be aware of the proper dilution of these oils before applying them on your skin. These oils are available for external use only and must not be taken in. To be assured that it cannot cause allergic reactions; a skin test must be done initially. Its use must be stopped and must be immediately rinsed off when the skin shows signs of allergic reaction. Aromatherapy oils are not only good for our sense of smell, it can be beneficial to our body as well as long as we know the proper way to use it.
Author Bio: Brent McNutt enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells cherokee scrubs and landau uniform pants as well as a host of additional products.
Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: aromatherapy oils,essential oils,reduce stress,purchasing aromatherapy oils