Essential oil therapy, or aromatherapy, is defined as a “holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit”. Essential oils are natural oils dervied from plant extracts. They are made by steaming or pressing different parts of a plant, which then captures the compound which produces the fragrance. These oils can be absorbed in many different ways, such as adding to a diffuser or through a massage. However, all of them are not meant to be ingested, as it could cause side effects. The benefits of aromatherapy can be widespread, such as helping reduce stress and anxiety, relieving headaches, and improving the quality of sleep. Which essential oil (or blend of oils) you use would depend on what kind of symptoms you are experiencing. Some of the most popular oils include:
When choosing the best oils, it’s important to think about the purity of the oil along with the quality. In addition, the effects of different oils can vary by individual and what may work for one person may not work for another. Some oils are also not good for pets, so before purchasing and diffusing, it’s important to do your research.Finally, while these oils can be beneficial when used in conjunction, they should not be used as a substitute for treatment of anxiety, depression, or any other mental health disorder. If you do decide you want to look into aromatherapy to help with anxiety, for example, it’s crucial to discuss it with a health professional beforehand. So, try out different oils, see what works for you, but do so safely (and enjoy)!