It Does More Than Just "Smell Good"
Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.
Aromatherapy is a great, natural compliment or alternative to other health treatment options such as certain prescribed medications.
The inhaled aroma from these "essential" oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.
Rarely taken by mouth; essential oils should never be taken orally without specific instruction from a trained and qualified specialist.
Benefits of an Aroma through inhaling essential oils:
- Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs offer both psychological and physical benefits.
- Not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but when inhaled into the lungs, the natural constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) can supply therapeutic benefit.
Benefits that are more commonly known include:
- Relaxation and stress relief
- Mood enhancement
- Balance and well being
- Relief of minor discomforts
- Boosting the immune, respiratory and circulatory systems
Other conditions for which aromatherapy may be helpful include:
- Alopecia areata (hair loss)
- Agitation, possibly including agitation related to dementia
- Anxiety
- Constipation (with abdominal massage using aromatherapy)
- Insomnia
- Pain
Studies have found that people with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer (using topical chamomile), and headaches (using topical peppermint) require fewer pain medications when they use aromatherapy
- Itching, a common side effect for those receiving dialysis