ESSENTIAL OILS IN AROMATHERAPY

ESSENTIAL OILS IN AROMATHERAPY

Humans rely on their senses for a lot of things. Our day-to-day lives and our reactions are all based on our senses. One of the senses which affects our mood and reactions is the sense of smell. A simple whiff of anything can either make our whole day better or ruin our mood for a long time.

 

Certain smells or fragrances bring a smile to our faces, such as

  • Fresh flowers,
  • spices,
  • rain,
  • earth after rain,
  • new books,
  • petrol,
  • perfumes, etc.

And others can bring a frown on our faces, like- Rotten fruits, trash, wilted flowers, etc. Even imagining these makes you frown.

 

Do you know that a good smell or a nice fragrance can really relax and soothe the body and soul?

The aromatherapy industry works with the same goal.

 

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an industry that works towards soothing the body and mind using natural fragrances from plants and their extracts.

It is used for the purpose of healing and well-being and upliftment of the mind and spirit. It enhances mental health and thus boosts physical well-being as well.

 

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

essential oils

Essential oils are oils combined with compounds made using natural plants, trees, herbs etc. to extract their essence.

It is widely used in the aromatherapy industry to make the experience soothing and worthwhile.

Kanha Nature Oils manufacture and supplies 100% Pure and Natural Essential Oils.

 

 

ESSENTIAL OILS AND AROMATHERAPY

Essential oils are used in the aromatherapy industry for the treatment of the mind and soul and for healing.

Aromatherapy is also known as essential oil therapy. This is because it largely uses essential oils for fulfilling its goal, which is to provide users a satisfying experience.

It is basically a medicinal method to induce calmness and relaxation without the intake of harmful chemicals. However, this does not mean that aromatherapy can replace medical treatment for certain conditions. It simply means that it has health benefits.

 

Aromatherapy has many benefits. It is believed that smelling essential oils may cause a boost in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a hormone that stabilizes our mood.  It also has an impact on the hypothalamus.

Compounds and essential oils made of different flowers or natural plants react differently and play different roles in aromatherapy. They are also used differently for various treatments.

 

METHODS OF USING AROMATHERAPY

Essential oils are mainly used in three ways:

  • Inhaling,
  • Topical Application and
  • Cosmetic Aromatherapy.

Diffuser

  1. INHALING– Essential oils, when used in a diffuser, spray, candles, bath, etc., releases a soothing smell as the oil evaporates into the air.

It excites the olfactory senses and spreads through the body after entering the lungs. It also affects the limbic system of the brain, affecting emotions and stress. it releases stress, thus providing a feeling of healing.

 

2.TOPICAL APPLICATIONS– Essential oils are applied to the skin after massaging the area of application. This increases blood circulation and absorption power.

Essential oils are never directly applied to the skin. It may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Dilution with a carrier oil is necessary.

 

3.COSMETIC AROMATHERAPY– When essential oils are used in skincare products like moisturizers, hair care products, or bathing products, it is known as cosmetic aromatherapy. It helps in rejuvenating, cleansing, toning and moisturizing the body.

 

DIFFERENT ESSENTIAL OILS USED IN AROMATHERAPY

Some essential oils used in aromatherapy are:

1.CLARY SAGE– It is beneficial for women as it helps in regulating menstruation, ease cramps, and uterus related problems. It is also used for skin problems of all skin types and also controlling cellulite. It also has antimicrobial activities.

2.ROMAN CHAMOMILE– It is used in the treatment of inflammation, muscle spasms, irregular menstruation, ulcers, insomnia, wounds, etc. It is also known for its anxiolytic and antianxiety properties.

3.YLANG YLANG– It helps with rapid heartbeat and breathing problems. It is also used in shock and trauma situations. It is used as an antidepressant and is known for helping with stress.

4.LEMON– It is known for its antiseptic and detoxifying properties. It is widely used for skin problems and giving a boost to the immune system. It helps in digestion problems. It also has mood uplifting properties.

5.ROSEMARY– It helps with stomach and liver-related issues. It also helps with heart problems. It is used to calm the nerves and provide a soothing sensation.

 

BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils have numerous health benefits which in improving physical as well as mental health. These benefits include:

1.FUNGAL INFECTIONS– Fungal infections like athlete’s foot and candida are known to be treated using tea tree oil

2.ANTISTRESS– Essential oils give promising results while dealing with stress and anxiety. It helps to induce a feeling of well-being.

3.INSOMNIA– Sleep-related issues like insomnia can be treated using essential oils like lavender oil. People with dementia also show positive reactions to the use of essential oils.

4.IMMUNITY BOOST– Antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of essential oils help in the prevention of diseases and boosting immunity.

 

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS

As the name suggests, it is a combination of two or more essential oils which are blended together either for the final aroma, the therapeutic qualities, or both.

While blending two or more essential oils together, it is necessary to take precautions and have proper knowledge about the properties of each essential oil.

It uses only natural ingredients and a perfect copy of it cannot be developed using synthetic replacements.

It can be divided into various categories- fruity, spicy, medicinal, citrus, etc. based on their fragrances.

 

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS USED IN AROMATHERAPY

KANHA NATURE OILS experts have developed few essential oil blends which are very beneficial for our health and wellness. A few of them are :

1.APHRODISIAC ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND– A blend of sandal, ylang-ylang, jasmine, rosewood, and patchouli essential oils which help in stimulating romantic feelings and helps in having a better sexual experience.

2.MEDITATION ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND– A well-contemplated blend of patchouli, orange, marjoram oil, frankincense, and lavender essential oil which helps in inducing the feeling of calmness, reducing stress, restlessness and promoting sleep.

3.PAIN RELIEF ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND-A medicinal blend of clove oil, turmeric, wintergreen, eucalyptus, and ginger essential oils which soothe the muscles and provides coolness and pain relief.

4.ANXIETY ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND– A relaxing blend of rosemary, lemon, lavender, and clary sage essential oils which induce a peaceful feeling and acts as an antidepressant.

5.CONFIDENCE ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND- An assuring blend of ylang-ylang, bergamot, orange, and neroli essential oils blends which induce calmness, freshness, and energy in your body.

 

BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS

  1. Custom and best quality fragrances
  2. Mood development
  3. Inducing sleep
  4. Antibacterial properties
  5. Relaxation of mind
  6. Relieves pain

 

RISKS AND CAUTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH AROMATHERAPY

  1. It is important to remember not to directly apply essential oils on the skin as it may cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
  2. Try to seek the help of a professional before using essential oils if you are not familiar with its usage.
  3. Make sure that the essential oils you are using are pure and not contaminated as it can be harmful.
  4. Use essential oil only after taking permission from a professional, especially if you are already taking a medication, as it can hinder the effect of the medicine.
  5. Certain essential oils may worsen conditions like blood pressure or tumors.
  6. NEVER swallow essential oils. Essential oils are not made for internal use and cause damage to several organs if swallowed.
  7. learn about proper usage and storage of essential oils to assure the best results.

 

CONCLUSION

Aromatherapy and essential oils go hand-in-hand. One cannot exist without the other. It has numerous health benefits which help in uplifting mood and spirit. But every good thing can have side effects if used carelessly. Make sure to learn about the essential oils before using them and taking professional help. Follow proper precautions and enjoy the best results!

 

REFERENCES

  1. https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/aromatherapy-overview#:~:text=Lemon%2C%20chamomile%2C%20lavender%2C%20cedarwood,oils%20used%20regularly%20in%20aromatherapy.
  1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10884#using_aromatherapy
  1. https://www.medindia.net/alternativemedicine/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-types.htm
  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
  1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-essential-oils#1
  1. https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/essential-oils-smell-candles/
  1. https://aromatherapyoil.in/products
  1. https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/aromaticblending.asp