5 Amazing Aromatherapy Benefits You Probably Didn’t Know About

Aromatherapy refers to the ancient Ayurvedic practice that harnesses the mind and body through essential plant oils. It’s used to be considered an “alternative” therapy. Later, it became an adjunct to spa treatments and certain cosmetic products.

Today, aromatherapy goes beyond that. People practice it at home and its benefits go far beyond scent itself. It offers health and wellness benefits in just a few drops.

Now, if you are wondering what those aromatherapy benefits are, here are 5 of them.

Better cognitive performance

Certain essential oils can increase focus and concentration and even enhance decision-making. Lemon oil is one of them. Studies show how they can raise the levels of brain chemicals linked to motivation and decision-making.

Rosemary, meanwhile, is associated with memory while peppermint stimulates, energizes and increases one’s ability to think clearly. You can place a few drops in a compact, inexpensive ultrasonic diffuser at work or at home to experience all these benefits.

See Also: 10 Essential Oils You Should Have at Home

A better workout

Try aromatherapy both before and after your next workout.

Prior to exercising, use a stimulating essential oil, such as peppermint or eucalyptus, to help clear your lungs and regulate your breathing. These things can help you feel energized and perform at your peak.

Afterwards, try massaging a few drops of pure essential lavender oil on sore muscles. It will help with post-workout inflammation and soreness.

Better digestive health

Digestion is one of the body’s most important biological processes.

When you have poor digestion, you can experience a handful of annoying symptoms. This can range from heartburn, nausea and constipation to fatigue and lack of energy.

When we think of how important smell is to the act of eating, it’s easy to understand how aromatherapy can enhance digestion. Scent doesn’t just stimulate the appetite, it actually stimulates the digestive system by triggering the production of saliva and digestive enzymes.

Rosemary essential oil has stimulating effects on the digestive tract. It’s effective in relieving constipation. Peppermint, lavender and orange essential oils also have anti-spasmodic effects.

Better overall energy

We often think of aromatherapy as a relaxation tool, but it can also have energizing and invigorating effects. Citrus oils, such as grapefruit, lemon and sweet orange, aren’t only popular for their fresh, clean and appealing scents, but also for their invigorating and uplifting effects.

So, instead of relying on a cup of coffee to jump start my day or give me a lift in the afternoon, I like to place a few drops of grapefruit essential oil in my ultrasonic diffuser and just breathe in the energy. I am a frequent traveler and I also use the same method to get over jet lag.

Better sleep

If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, it’s important to look at and address the possible causes. It can be due to stress, digestive issues or any discomfort in your body.

It is also important to create the right environment for sleep. Try eliminating distractions such as electronic devices, light and sound sources before getting to bed. In addition to that, you can also use lavender oil. It’s a classic calming essential oil when it comes to sleep problems.

You might want to experiment with other oils, too. You can try bergamot or cedarwood oil and see if they can help create the ideal sleep environment for you.

See Also: Yoga and Health: From Better Mental Health To Improved Sleep Quality

Conclusion

I was once a hard-working entrepreneur. With a relentless schedule that goes with poor diet, my habits took a huge toll on my health. I speak from experience when I say that aromatherapy is much more than scent. It is definitely “therapy.”

It helped me recover my good health and vitality. This is why I encourage everyone to use aromatherapy not just as a “cure” but as prevention.

About the author:
Puneet Nanda is a successful businessman-turned-yogi, certified Ayurvedic practitioner and proponent of aromatherapy as a means of heightening human well-being. Today, he brings high-quality, pristine, sustainable essential oils and oil blends to consumers, having personally traveled the globe in search of the purest sources. A dedicated social entrepreneur, GuruNanda is also committed to effecting positive change, paying farmers a fair price for the best ingredients and generating employment opportunities within these communities.