- By Prerna Targhotra
- Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:21 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Benefits Of Aromatherapy: Also known as ‘Essential Oil Therapy’, aromatherapy is widely used to promote overall health and well-being. It is a popular practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain, as per John Hopkins Medicine.
It is used to treat various problems such as stress, anxiety, poor sleep and many others. During aromatherapy, extracts from plants known as essential oils are used by either breathing them through the nose or putting them on the skin. Some people put the oils on their skin when they get a massage or take a bath, states WebMD. Here are some potential benefits of aromatherapy that will make you incorporate essential oil therapy into your regime.
1. Stress Management
Aromatherapy releases a calming effect on the mind and body that initially reduces stress and symptoms of anxiety. Essential oils used in aromatherapy work to reduce stress by calming the nerves and lowering the blood pressure of an individual.
2. Anxiety Management
With the use of essential oils in aromatherapy, individuals experience a reduction in symptoms of anxiety. The benefits of essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, Eucalyptus or peppermint, are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help in alleviating anxiety and stress.
3. Better Sleep
Another benefit of essential oil therapy is that it promotes better sleep. Either by inhaling or mixing essential oils and applying topically, aromatherapy promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation, which further promote enhanced sleep in individuals.
4. Better Digestion
Ginger or peppermint oil is widely used in aromatherapy to get relaxation from digestion-related problems such as bloating, constipation and many others. Peppermint oil has antioxidants that may help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel symptoms and calm the muscles of the stomach.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)