From struggling to keep your eyes open at work to not wanting to get out of your bed, our mind and body express stress in a variety of ways. And it's not just physical; mental distress symptoms may include the inability to focus, think clearly, or having zero motivation even if the task at hand is engaging or exciting. We've all been there. Reaching for that fourth cuppa and trying to fuel our body with coffee or energy drinks, all the while experiencing the surge and crash that comes with these artificial bursts of adrenaline.
But, what if you could use a more natural de-stressor? Something that boosts your mind and body more sustainably and holistically?
Well, if you delve into aromatherapy you’ll realise that you can. A practice that focuses on using essential oils for their therapeutic benefits, aromatherapy relies on your sense of smell to help calm your mind and body. And these scents smell better than a hot cup of coffee! So, let's take a look at how this holistic healing treatment works for you.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy, is a science-backed art of natural healing treatment that uses plant extracts to improve the health of your body, mind, and spirit. The benefits of this massage therapy are numerous and far-reaching, both physically and emotionally.
Aromatherapy has been used by humans for thousands of years for its therapeutic benefits. Ancient cultures in China, India, Egypt, and several other parts of the world have relied upon the reinvigorating fragrances of aromatic plant components in resins, balms, and oils to alleviate various health conditions. These natural ingredients have been used for centuries, not just for their medical purposes, but also have religious and spiritual significance.
Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption through products like:
- Essential oils
- Aromatic spritzers
- Inhalers
- Bathing salts
- Facial steamers
5 Best Essential Oils To Improve Your Mental & Emotional Health
- Lavender Oil
Mental Health Benefits: Helps treat anxiety, stress, depression, sadness, and sleep problems
Lavender has a calming, gentle scent that helps create a sense of peace. It is one of the best essential oils for anxiety. A study found that patients who were anxiously awaiting surgery felt more relaxed when lavender was sprayed in their room. No wonder, doctors often encourage women who are pregnant or going into labor to use lavender essential oil to help relieve stress and anxiety.
Diffusing lavender oil may help ease symptoms of depression associated with hormonal changes post-pregnancy. Aroma therapists recommend lavender oil for sleeping better as it acts like a natural sedative. What’s more, it also keeps energy levels high throughout the day when added to a healthy bedtime schedule.
Product We Love: The Blue Pond’s Pure Organic Lavender Oil doesn't just have therapeutic properties but also anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. The oil is great for your skin and can help prevent acne and treat skin pigmentation. The lavender oil is extracted through organically certified processes to give you the best possible quality of oil.
- Frankincense Oil
Emotional Health Benefits: Helps improve concentration, reduces worry and stress, and lifts your mood
It is believed that frankincense oil can help elevate your mood and balance hormones, especially in women. It is yet another one of the best essential oils for sleep. Not just that, frankincense is very effective in relieving depression in terminally ill patients and may help manage physical pain as well. The culmination of its benefits can create a feeling of overall comfort and peace, and emotional stability.
Product We Love: The Blue Pond’s Pure Organic Frankincense Oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating acne, healing wounds, and dealing with the stressors in our body. Frankincense oil has been known to rejuvenate damaged skin and for its anti-ageing benefits.
- Jasmine Oil
Emotional Health Benefits: Makes you feel more energetic, uplifts your mood and enhances sexual desire
Jasmine is mainly known for its emotional and spiritual affinity. This essential oil is often used as an aphrodisiac. Jasmine oil encourages feelings of positive well-being and love. It's one of the best calming essential oils.
A jasmine oil massage improves the respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and regulates blood pressure as a result of being sexually aroused. It also helps treat skin conditions by unclogging your pores and balancing the sebum (oil) levels.
Product We Love: The Blue Pond’s Pure Organic Jasmine Oil is known to restore the glow and youthfulness in your skin by hydrating it deeply. It naturally reduces skin dryness without clogging the pores, and balances sebum production on your face, making it less prone to acne breakouts.
- Chamomile Oil
Physical Health Benefits: Helps treat indigestion, nausea, and eczema, and also accelerates healing of wounds
Chamomile oil is best known for its ability to soothe physical symptoms associated with inflammation. It can help restore the natural balance in your overworked body and mind. In addition, chamomile has been shown to ward off symptoms of depression and increase motivation. The plant extract is especially recommended for treating digestive disorders induced by anxiety and depression as it helps promote relaxation while reducing inflammation in the gut.
Product We Love: The Blue Pond’s Trepho Night Ritual Facial Oil is a pure organic blend of chamomile, grapeseed, and neroli essential oils. Grapeseed and neroli have anti-ageing benefits and help treat dark spots and pigmentation, while chamomile soothes your mind and body.
- Carrot Seed Oil
Mental Health Benefits: Helps treat weakness, reduces fatigue and exhaustion, and de-stresses mind and body
The carrot seed oil has far-reaching benefits. It stimulates blood circulation, enhances brain and nerve function, improves gut health and metabolism, and reduces anxiety and stress. It’s one of the best essential oils for anti-ageing too.
The oil is antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal which makes it a natural detoxifier. It helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles and can speed up the process of wound healing. The anti-inflammatory properties also make it a great essential oil for better scalp health and to treat dandruff.
Recommended product: The Blue Pond’s Pure & Organic Carrot Seed Oil is rich in vitamins A and E. This anti-ageing oil is essential to keep you looking and feeling younger on the inside and outside.
3 Ways To Use Essential Oils & Aromatherapy In Your Day-To-Day Life
- Diffuse Your Essential Oils
Turn on the magic of essential oils by adding a few drops of the oil and water to a diffuser. A diffuser sprays minute oil particles to create an ambience of calm and positivity. For the proper oil-to-water ratio, follow the instructions that come with the diffuser.
- Roll Essential Oil On Your Skin
You can apply essential oils directly to your skin so long as you blend them with a carrier oil because pure essential oils are quite strong. Great carrier oils that are good for the skin include coconut, jojoba, almond, avocado, olive, or marula oils.
- Drink Aromatic Teas
A good way to make the most of the aroma and flavours of these therapeutic ingredients is to sip on them as teas. Make sure the herbs and leaves used are pure and organic instead of just flavoured, synthetic, or scented. There's nothing better than sipping on some chamomile or lavender tea to calm your nerves.
There are a host of aromatherapy oils available. However, the secret to making the best use of them is to identify those that you have a nose for and know the ones that work best for you. This therapy is all about appealing to your nasal cavity—it’s time to get in touch with those scents and sensibilities.