In recent years, aromatherapy has gotten a lot of attention. Even though research is ongoing, some studies have shown that aromatherapy decreases stress, increases our moods, and lowers our cortisol levels.
Knowing this, aromatherapy offers a perfect coping tool for handling stress in your everyday life. You can use it in a way that no one needs to know. It doesn’t impact the functioning of your life, and quite frankly, it smells good. You can purchase jewelry with lava stones that hold essential oil, releasing it throughout the day. You can also use the oils in a diffuser or burn a candle made with essential oils. There are numerous ways to add it to your day that don’t require much thought.
Beyond stress relief, aromatherapy can also improve your sleep using lavender. You can find sachets for your pillow, lotions for your body, or even eye masks infused with lavender. It is considered one of the gentlest essential oils, but you should still follow all instructions when using it. Many people enjoy the scent of lavender. This might be because of the calming effect it’s said to have. For this reason, it is often suggested when dealing with anxiety, stress, or even depression.
It is also thought that aromatherapy can help ease muscle and joint pain. The menthol in peppermint oil has a cooling effect for sore muscles, while marjoram oil is used for muscle spasms due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oil blends are popular thanks to their mobility. You can buy them ready to go or make your own with your favorite carrier oil. Then, put it in your gym bag, in your drawer at work, or on your nightstand table and use the blend when needed.
Some oils are called aroma oils. They are milder but do not always come in the same variety as essential oils. When most people think of aromatherapy, they tend to think of essential oils. Because of their high concentration, essential oils should be used sparingly. Two to three drops will go a long way. If you are using aromatherapy for the first time, especially essential oils, test for sensitivity first. Most often than not, you will need to use a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or coconut oil.
As you consider tools to help you decrease stress while increasing relaxation, aromatherapy is a good option. You can find books, blogs, and apps full of information on the subject and what benefits it provides.
