You might have known the word aroma which typically means pleasant smell. But what is Aromatherapy?
Good and pleasant smells always make us feel better and relaxed. Now, does use aroma as a therapy cure conditions that are usually treated by doctors and regular medical procedures?
Aromatherapy uses oils to calm the effects on the body and mind and the ability to lessen anxiety.
Now let us know in detail about Aromatherapy and how it actually works.

Origin of Aromatherapy

The history of aromatherapy begins over 3500 years BC. Aromatics were at the time for religious purposes, perfume, and medicine. The actual term “aromatherapy” was invented by the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1935 after a burn incident, he claimed he treated it effectively with lavender essential oil.

The theory is based on the belief that scents stimulate the olfactory system, and subsequently cause a response from the body. According to the theory, these responses can cause a person to relax, brighten, or heal.

What is Aromatherapy?

It is a type of complementary and alternative medicine that uses plant oils that give off strong pleasant aromas to promote relaxation, a sense of well-being, and healing.

In general, it seems to relieve pain, improve mood, and promote a sense of relaxation. In fact, several essential oils, including lavender, rose, orange, bergamot, lemon, sandalwood, and others, have been shown to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression.

Procedure of aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is normally used through inhalation or as a topical application. 

Inhalation: 

The oils evaporate into the air using a diffuser container, spray, or oil droplets, or breathed in, for example, in a steam bath. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.

Place a couple of drops in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Cup your hands over your nose and mouth, then take 3 to 5 deep inhalations. Afterward, give yourself at least 3 minutes to relax before continuing with whatever task you were doing.

Oils used in Aromatherapy

Frankincense Essential Oil

It can be used to improve respiratory function, reduce stress levels, induce relaxation, and improve skin health. Frankincense oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a valuable addition to any natural health regimen.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use for problems like headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties you can benefit from by massaging the oil on the affected area. Mix 1 teaspoon of carrier oil with 5 drops of rosemary oil to create an effective salve. Use it for headaches, sprains, muscle soreness or pain, rheumatism, or arthritis.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil

The orange essential oil can be used for a variety of applications that range from lifting mood and reducing stress to adding a fresh, citrusy aroma to a room. Research has shown that orange essential oil may have several benefits. Some examples include antimicrobial activity, pain relief, and anticancer properties

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is thought to work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system — the part of the brain that controls emotions. Many essential oils have been shown to be safe when used as directed.

• Ease stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Boost feelings of relaxation.
• Improve sleep.
• Help improve the quality of life for people with long-term health problems like dementia.
• Ease certain types of pain, including pain from kidney stones and osteoarthritis of the knee.

Conditions that can be Alleviated using Essential Oils

Essential oils can make a positive impact on your health and well-being as long as you use them in a safe way. Some of the conditions that can be alleviated using them are as follows.

• Depression 
• Personality Disorder.
• Nausea.
• Sleep Disorder. 
•  panic attacks.

Summary

As you have seen, aromatherapy uses Essential oils for healing. It has been proven for centuries that this therapy has been used and helped people from relieving pain, stress, and many other conditions.

The only thing is that you should never take essential oils by mouth without specific instruction from a trained and qualified specialist.