Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to promote physical and mental well-being. Its therapeutic properties come from the terpenes found in the oils. These terpenes produce a variety of mind-body effects, such as pain relief, mood elevation, and memory improvement.
It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and headaches. It also helps relieve menstrual cramps and insomnia.
It is a form of alternative medicine
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses scents from plants to improve health. It has been shown to relieve stress and promote relaxation. It is also believed to have antibacterial properties and may help reduce pain. Moreover, it may improve sleep and decrease nausea during chemotherapy. In addition, it can also lower blood pressure and increase immune function.
It is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional certified aromatherapist before trying this therapy. They will help you choose the right oil for your needs and use it in a safe manner. The oils can be inhaled directly or through a diffuser, and they can also be applied to the skin in the form of a massage or bath. The oils are believed to work by stimulating the olfactory nerves, which connect the nose and brain.
Some cancer clinics and hospitals offer aromatherapy. It is important to talk to your doctor before attempting it, as some oils can interfere with certain medical treatments.
It is safe
Using aromatherapy is safe as long as you follow the recommended guidelines. It is important to purchase products that have been distilled properly, and to keep them away from light and heat to prevent degradation. In addition, you should never ingest essential oils or use them on your skin without proper dilution and a patch test. The best way to do this is to consult a qualified aromatherapist.
It is also advisable to limit the use of aromatherapy to children over the age of 3. There is not enough clinical research on younger children, and it can be dangerous if they have allergies or other health conditions.
It is also a good idea to choose high-quality oils, and to avoid those that are labeled as “fragrance.” Pure essential oils should be packaged in dark glass bottles, as plastics can dissolve them over time, tainting the oil. It is best to buy them from a reputable company that has been in business for several years.
It is effective
Aromatherapy involves inhaling the essential oils of plants. These are highly concentrated substances extracted from flowers, barks, stems, leaves, roots and fruits of the plant. They contain aromatic molecules such as phenols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and oxides, which give off characteristic odors. These odors work on pressure points and rejuvenate the body. It is said to be a natural and effective way to relieve stress, tension and depression.
However, research on the effectiveness of aromatherapy is inconclusive. Many claims about the healing effects of essential oils are exaggerated. Some essential oils can be toxic to the liver and may interact with certain medications, such as clopidogrel. They can also be dangerous to children and pets.
It is important to choose a quality essential oil and to use it properly. A qualified aromatherapist can help you choose the right oils for your health needs. For example, pregnant women should avoid hyssop oil. People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating oils, such as rosemary and spike lavender.
It is inexpensive
Aromatherapy is a great way to reduce your stress and anxiety. However, it is important to remember that essential oils should only be used as a supplementary treatment for mental health issues. The best way to get started is to find a reputable aromatherapist and purchase the oils that are right for you. Always read the label and make sure you’re purchasing pure oils. Look for the Latin name of the plant and other information on purity or other ingredients added to the oil. You should also choose dark-colored glass bottles, as the oils can discolor plastic over time.
Using a few drops of relaxing lavender in the bath can help reduce anxiety and relax before sleep. It can also help ease mood swings during hormonal times.
