Aromatherapy: essential oils that will make you feel better

Surely you have heard of aromatherapy and its important benefits on a physical and emotional level, but do you really know what it is and how it works? We give you some keys to discover it, put it into practice and get hooked on its benefits. Read on to find out what this ancient technique can do for you.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY

Ancient civilizations, aware of its benefits, already used it in massages, baths and even in medicines. And is that aromatherapy is a technique that uses the essential oils of many plants and flowers to help improve various ailments, both psychic and physical. To do this, plant compounds and aromatic plant essences are extracted , and they are distilled or pressed using precise techniques that guarantee their purity and quality.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY USED FOR

The use of aromatherapy is widely extended in many disciplines; We summarize the main ones so that you can enjoy its multiple properties:

To calm emotional disorders
To relieve physical ailments
For aesthetic and relaxation treatments
To make your home smell better
To clean your home

HOW AROMATHERAPY IS APPLIED

By inhalation : it is the most basic way to use it. You can place a few drops of essential oil behind your ears or on your wrists (check before it is suitable for direct contact with the skin) and bring them to your nose to gently inhale the aroma. You can also dilute it in hot water and steam it, a great remedy to clear the airways in case of asthma or colds.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Thanks to the immense variety of plants and flowers, there is a wide range of essential oils on the market that you can use to your advantage by applying aromatherapy according to what interests you most. The most popular essential oils are:

Lavender essential oil: to relax you and fight insomnia.
Rosemary essential oil: to stimulate the ability to concentrate.
Peppermint essential oil: To raise biorhythms and energy.
Lemon essential oil: to concentrate better.

AROMATHERAPY OILS

If you want to get started in aromatherapy, nothing better than getting a complete kit of essential oils. These aromatherapy oils promote optimism, harmony, energy, and concentration. Eliminate odors and create a serene and calm environment.

Vsadey Essential Oil Set of 14, € 20.99

ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSERS

Having a humidifier or essential oil diffuser will make the task much easier if you want to enjoy essential oils in your home or workplace. The aroma spreads very quickly, and many have different light modes to create the atmosphere you want.

Amazon VicTsing Humidifier, € 18.99

AN AROMATIC BATH

Being volatile, essential oils find in the bathroom the ideal place to release all their benefits. By adding a few droplets to the water, they diffuse quickly throughout the room, and in addition to penetrating the skin, its vapor is absorbed by smell, so the benefit is double. Check that the water is at a temperature of about thirty degrees and remain in the water for at least fifteen minutes. It will end up being the bathroom of your life.

HIMALAYA SALTS

Himalayan salts are ideal for taking magnificent aromatherapy baths that help us expel toxins from the body and purify the skin.

Himalaya Salts from NortemBio, € 8.87

RELAXING MASSAGES

The combination of smell and skin is especially stimulating. Research has shown that touch encourages the secretion of endorphins (the "hormones of happiness"), thus making it easier for the skin to absorb the chosen essence. Choose one appropriate to the type of ailment you have, which will also determine how the massage you need will be, energetic or gentle. This application is ideal in the case of contractures and to relieve muscle tension.

NATURAL MASSAGE OIL

Lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial. It was used by the Egyptians, the Romans, and today it is the most used in the world. Perfect for receiving (or giving) a relaxing massage!

Grace & Stella Lavender Essential Oil (120 ml), € 9.98

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY USED FOR

The use of aromatherapy is widely extended in many disciplines; We summarize the main ones so that you can enjoy its multiple properties.

To calm emotional disorders: smell directly accesses our neuronal center, the place where our emotions are gestated. Thus, a smell is capable of exerting a reaction in our state of mind, being able to help improve insomnia, depression or anxiety. Don't you feel better when you remember a smell that you were fond of when you were a child?
To alleviate physical ailments: Although there is still not enough scientific evidence for aromatherapy in serious conditions, it does appear to be beneficial in minor ailments such as PMS, dermatological problems and even digestive complaints. Oh, and for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, also indicated in the prevention of colds.
In aesthetic and relaxation treatments: to make the treatment more effective and therapeutic, many spas and beauty centers use it both in the massage lotion and as an air freshener. Double relax!
At home: create a super pleasant atmosphere at home and full of good vibes by placing the right scents in strategic places. In addition, aromatherapy is your perfect ally against the odors of humidity or pets, purifying the environment and achieving a fresher environment and isolated from germs.

MOST POPULAR ESSENTIAL OILS: WHAT THEY ARE FOR

Thanks to the immense variety of plants and flowers, there is a wide range of essential oils on the market. Find the most suitable for you according to the effect you want to obtain.

Relaxing: bergamot, incense and cedar are indicated to combat anxiety states. Lavender is especially indicated in cases of insomnia, since according to the National Sleep Foundation, it lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, and has a relaxing effect. Sandalwood is also a powerful relaxant, helping you create an incredible sense of peace with yourself.
Revitalizing: Orange, Lemon, and Grapefruit essential oils provide some great energy shots when you're feeling out of shape. Also get one of eucalyptus, which increases the waves of brain activity and relieves mental fatigue.
Stimulants: As smell is connected to our limbic system (the center of emotions), aromatherapy can also be used to promote sexual vigor. The essential oil of cinnamon is a powerful aphrodisiac and that of white sandalwood favors the production of testosterone. Also try palmarosa, which warms and relaxes the body thanks to its blood circulation properties.
Antiseptics : due to its antimicrobial properties, tea tree essential oil is a great disinfectant that you can use both in house cleaning and to soothe the skin after waxing (check that it can be applied directly or mix it with your usual moisturizer). Thyme essential oil is also a powerful antiviral. Its power to kill germs is included as an ingredient in many green household cleaners.