Aromatherapy is believed to help repair mood, to be able to improve physical and mental health. In addition to burning, there are various ways to use aromatherapy to get maximum benefits.
There are lots of plants or natural ingredients that can be processed into aromatherapy, such as lavender flowers, ylang flowers, roses, jasmine, mint leaves, lemons, apples, and sage leaves.
Aromatherapy is widely used as an adjunct therapy or alternative therapy. Aromatherapy that can be done at home or obtained at a beauty center, such as a spa, may also be able to help individuals feel more comfortable in general. However, experts still cannot prove that aromatherapy can prevent or treat disease.
How Aromatherapy Works
Aromatherapy works by stimulating the nerves of the nose and brain. When we inhale the vapors of essential oils or essential oils, the aroma will enter the nasal cavity and then stimulate the nervous system in the brain that plays a role in emotional regulation.
There are many plants that can be used as aromatherapy. These plants can be processed flowers, roots, fruit, and leaves. Even herbal plants such as kencur and lemongrass can be processed into aromatherapy.
The aroma of the essential oil will stimulate the hypothalamus area in the brain to produce serotonin, which can improve mood. Not only that, aromatherapy is also able to stimulate the nervous system that regulates heart rate, blood pressure, response to stress, and breathing.
When used topically, the molecules of the essential oil can cause certain effects, such as anti-itching on the skin or anti-pain on the joints. But sometimes, the effects are actually negative, such as irritation or inflammation.
Aromatherapy Benefits
A number of studies show that aromatherapy has several health benefits, including:
- Relax the body and mind.
- Improves sleep quality and helps relieve insomnia.
- Relieve pain, such as menstrual pain, pain due to kidney stones, or pain in osteoarthritis.
- Help reduce stress.
- Fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi when applied to the skin.
- Boost immunity.
- Facilitate digestion.
- Relieve anxiety during childbirth.
- Relieves headaches and migraines.
- Relieves nausea.
However, aromatherapy can not be used as the main treatment to treat the disease. The various benefits of aromatherapy mentioned above are as additional or alternative treatments. Essential oils can also be used during pregnancy, one of which is often recommended is lavender oil.
In addition, the effectiveness and safety of the use of aromatherapy still needs to be proven and further researched.
Various Ways to Use Aromatherapy
To get the benefits, there are several ways to use aromatherapy that you can choose, namely:
- Mengbreathe steam aroma therapyInhaling aromatherapy steam, especially eucalyptus oil, is believed to relieve symptoms of colds and nasal congestion. The trick, mix 1-2 drops of aromatherapy oil into a basin of warm water, then lower your head over the basin and cover it with a towel. Inhale the steam that comes out of the warm water, for 5-10 Or if you don't want to bother, you can inhale cotton bud which has been given 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil.
- Use diffuserDiffuser Aromatherapy is a device used to convert aromatherapy oils into steam and spread it throughout the room. There are various types diffuser, either from ceramic (furnace) with wax, or using electric power.
Make sure diffuser Aromatherapy is not used for a long time at home, especially if one of the residents of the house is pregnant or has certain medical conditions.
- To showerSoaking in warm water with a few drops of aromatherapy oil added can relieve stress. You can use lavender, bergamot, lemongrass, jasmine, rose, thyme, lemon, rosemary, or citrus essential oils.
- For massage
But in some people, aromatherapy oils can cause allergies and skin irritation. So, avoid using aromatherapy oils in excess, and make sure they are diluted or mixed with other oils.
Also keep in mind, don't apply aromatherapy oil to bruises, rashes, swelling, or wounds.
- Body care productsThere are various body care products, such as lotions or scrubs, that contain essential oils. Some essential oils are also produced specifically to be applied directly to the skin, in order to scent the body.
Although it has many benefits, aromatherapy also has risks. So, make sure you really understand how to use it. If you have certain medical conditions, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using aromatherapy.