Aromatherapy: An Ancient Technique to Improve Your Health and Wellbeing

Do you know what aromatherapy is and how it can help you improve your physical and mental health? Aromatherapy is an alternative technique that uses essential oils from plants, bark, herbs, and flowers to promote balance and harmony in the body and mind.

Essential oils are volatile substances that contain the active principles of plants and that are extracted from them by different methods such as distillation or pressure. Some of the most common or popular essential oils are lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, sandalwood, and rose.

But how does aromatherapy work? What effects does it have on our body? In this article, we will see everything about Aromatherapy: an ancient technique to improve your health and well-being.

What is the historical origin of Armotherapy and how does it work in our body?

Aromatherapy is considered a very ancient technique since civilizations such as China and Egypt used essential oils for therapeutic purposes and to embalm bodies. It was also commonly used among doctors in ancient Greece, medieval times, and Renaissance Europe, as herbs and oils were often used to combat disease.

However, the study of the pharmacology and chemistry of essential oils as such has its origins in the 18th and 19th centuries, in countries such as France and the United Kingdom. In fact, the term “Aromatherapy” was first used in the late 19th century by a French chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé, who studied the medicinal properties of essential oils for many years while working in the family perfumery business.

Aromatherapy is based on the principle that essential oils have specific therapeutic properties depending on their origin and composition. These properties can be used through different application methods that allow essential oils to enter our body through smell or through the skin, and from there they can reach our central nervous system, or spread throughout the body upon reaching the bloodstream.

Thus, essential oils can influence our mood, our emotions, our memory, and our health in general. Let’s see below what these benefits are and how to get them.

What benefits does Aromatherapy have for physical and mental health?

Did you know that Aromatherapy can not only help you feel better emotionally, but also physically? The essential oils used in this technique have therapeutic effects that can improve your health in a variety of ways. From relieving pain and inflammation to strengthening the immune system and preventing infections.

Here are some examples of the benefits that Aromatherapy can offer you for your physical and mental health.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties

Some essential oils relieve pain and improve inflammation by reducing the chemical mediators that cause these symptoms, such as prostaglandins or cytokines. They also relax muscle tension and improve blood and lymphatic circulation, which favors the elimination of inflammatory substances.

Some essential oils that relieve pain and inflammation are peppermint, arnica, ginger, oregano, and chamomile.

Antimicrobial, Antifungal and Antiseptic Properties

Some essential oils have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties and help our body by inhibiting or eliminating pathogenic microorganisms that can cause diseases or alterations in the skin or mucous membranes.

They also boost the immune system and prevent the spread of infection. They can be used to clean and disinfect wounds or affected areas. They also promote healing and regeneration of damaged tissues.

Some essential oils that provide antimicrobial and antifungal properties are lemon, rosemary, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and frankincense. Essential oils with an antiseptic effect are rosemary, lavender, and chamomile. Some essential oils that stimulate the immune system are eucalyptus, oregano, frankincense, and orange.

Antioxidant and Astringent Properties

Some essential oils have antioxidant properties, which allow them to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that accelerate aging. Some studies suggest that the antioxidant properties of some essential oils such as oregano may induce cell death in some types of cancer.

Some antioxidant essential oils are argan oil, jojoba oil, rosemary, oregano, and lemon.

Other oils such as sandalwood, lemon, and ylang-ylang have astringent properties. They contract the tissues by reducing the secretion of liquids or fats, and also tone and firm the skin and mucous membranes.

Sedative and Relaxing Properties

Some essential oils have sedative and relaxing properties that induce sleep and relaxation by decreasing central nervous system activity. They also calm nerves, emotions, and stress.

They reduce stress and anxiety by balancing the levels of hormones such as cortisol and serotonin, which regulate our mood and stress response. They also induce feelings of calm, well-being, and joy.

Essential oils improve the quality of sleep by facilitating the process of falling asleep and maintaining sleep, and also favor a deep and restful sleep that allows us to wake up with energy and vitality.

Some essential oils with a sedative effect are lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, and rose.

Improve Cognitive Function and Concentration

Some essential oils help improve cognitive function and concentration by stimulating brain areas related to learning, memory, and attention. They also increase alertness and mental clarity.

They can also help us improve our mood, with antidepressant and stimulant properties, and can combat fatigue. Some essential oils that improve cognitive function and concentration are rosemary, lemon, oregano, and eucalyptus.

Expectorant Properties

Expectorant essential oils help clear mucus and phlegm from the airways, making breathing easier and relieving coughing. They also relieve nasal and bronchial congestion.

Some essential oils with an expectorant effect are eucalyptus, mint, lemon, thyme, and rosemary.

Diuretic Properties

Diuretic essential oils favor the elimination of excess fluids in our body by increasing the production and excretion of urine. They also help eliminate toxins and prevent fluid retention.

Some essential oils with a diuretic effect are lemon, rosemary, and orange.

Adding Essential Oils to Your Food

In addition to these general properties that contribute to improving our physical and mental health, some essential oils can be used in the kitchen to add flavor, smell, vitamins, and minerals to our favorite dishes by adding an aromatic and nutritious touch to meals. They also stimulate appetite, digestion, and metabolism.

When using these oils in our food we must ensure that they are 100% natural and suitable for internal use. The essential oils most commonly added to dishes are rosemary, lemon, mint, thyme, and orange.

How can Aromatherapy be applied in everyday life?

Aromatherapy can be applied in different ways in your daily life, depending on your needs and preferences. Below we present some of the most common ways and the benefits they can bring you, and the recommended oils in each case.

Inhalation

It consists of emptying a few drops of essential oil on a handkerchief or a bowl of hot water and gently inhaling the aroma. This method is ideal for treating respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, stress, and anxiety.

Some of the most recommended essential oils for inhalation are eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, lavender, and lemon. Care should be taken not to get too close to the steamer or handkerchief to avoid irritating the eyes or skin. You can also use a diffuser or humidifier to aromatize the environment.

Massage

It consists of diluting the essence in a lotion or vegetable oil such as olive, avocado or wheat germ before being applied to the skin to avoid an allergic reaction. This method is ideal for relaxing muscles, improving circulation, relieving pain and inflammation, and boosting the immune system.

Some of the most recommended essential oils for massage are arnica, ginger, chamomile, frankincense, and ylang-ylang. It should be massaged with smooth, circular movements, following the direction of blood flow. You can also ask a professional or a family member to help you massage hard-to-reach areas.

Aromatic Baths

It consists of a bath with warm water and essential oils to produce an effect of relaxation and mental peace. This method is ideal for combating insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Some of the most recommended essential oils for aromatic baths are lavender, sandalwood, rose, jasmine, and orange. 5-10 drops of essential oil should be added to the bath water and mixed well. It is recommended to stay in the bath for between 15 and 20 minutes and then dry with a soft towel. Do not use soap or other products that can alter the effect of the oils.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy is an ancient technique that can improve your health and well-being through the use of essential oils from natural plants. These essential oils have specific therapeutic properties that can be harnessed through different application methods, such as inhalation, massage, or aromatic baths.

Thus, aromatherapy can help you reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, relieve pain and inflammation, improve cognitive function and concentration, stimulate the immune system, provide antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, and add taste, smell, vitamins, and minerals to the dishes.

We invite you to try aromatherapy and enjoy its benefits for your health and well-being. Remember to consult a professional if you have any questions or contraindications about the use of essential oils. Aromatherapy is a natural and simple way to take care of yourself and your environment. Discover the power of plants and their aromas!