What is aromatherapy: how does it work?

Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic materials such as essential oils or other plant compounds to aid your psychological and physical well being. It has been widely used for thousands of years and has grown in popularity in recent years. Through the use of essential oils aromatherapy is used as an alternative to traditional methods of healing aiding in stress, pain, digestion, along with other medical conditions. These holistic treatments aim to improve the health of the mind, body, and soul with their therapeutic properties in innovative ways.

This therapy method is used with a variety of products that assist with inhalation or topical application of a given plant extract. Some common aromatherapy methods include:  

• diffusers
• essential oil rollers
• humidifiers
• topical creams and oils
• candles
• mist sprays

Choose your aromatherapy method based on the benefit you wish to receive. Many oils offer different benefits when applied topically versus inhaled aromatically. One of the most common ways to do aromatherapy is with a diffuser. If you need help in your buying process visit our diffuser blog for a breakdown of each type's uses and benefits.

This therapy method is known for an array of benefits ranging from medicinal to therapeutic. Although essential oils are not backed by hard science, they are attributed to aiding many issues people face daily. Most commonly aromatherapy is claimed to:

• reduce anxiety
• boost immunity
• aid digestion
• alleviate headaches
• improve your mood
• sleep aid
• pain relief
• ward off bacteria and viruses

Essential oils are extracted from plants bringing you pure oil. These potent oils are used for an array of medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Infused into an array of aromatic and beauty products they soothe the body and mind. Applied topically or inhaled these oils are a natural, pure, alternative to the vast majority of products that are chemcially and artificially produced.

Before using essential oils, you must educate yourself on how to use the product properly. Although most essential oils are safe to use there are some precautions that should be taken. Firstly, an essential oil should never be applied directly to the skin. These oils must be diluted down with a carrier oil. A good rule of thumb is to mix an ounce of a carrier oil such as olive oil with a mere few drops of an essential oil to get a safe concentration. Do a skin patch test before a more thorough application to ensure your body does not react to the oil.

Although most essential oils are safe for everyone some groups should take higher precaution. Children and those that are pregnant, or breastfeeding should use caution and consult with their doctor before using. If you are allergy prone you may want to take measures into your own hands to deem an oil harmless before using.

• Add twice the amount of essential oil into your carrier oil solution then you plan to use
• Place a quarter size amount of solution on the inside of your forearm and rub in
• Wait 24 to 48 hours to see if a reaction occurs

This widely used category of products is not heavily monitored in The United States. Due to lack of regulation any company can market their product as aromatherapy regardless of if the product contains any therapeutic aspects. Numerous products use artificially created fragrances yet market themselves as having aromatherapeutic properties. When shopping for aromatherapy be sure to read the entire ingredient list looking for all plant sourced ingredients rather than trusting claims that a product is “made with essential oils”. Ensure you and your family are using safe natural essential oil products that will benefit them.

Aromatherapy has gained a lot of momentum in recent years. With the societal shift to organic, all-natural products aromatherapy has taken the world by storm. Offering an affordable alternative to medical and therapy treatments aromatherapy brings relief to people in numerous ways. Regardless of your ailment or concern, there is an essential oil out there to aid in some way. Try one of our 100% pure essential oil blends  to get you started in your aromatherapy journey today!