Published on June 6th 2024

Aromatherapy & Essential Oils for Relaxation and Stress Relief

#Wellness
#Essential oils

Written by

Aromatherapy & Essential Oils for Relaxation and Stress Relief

Alisha

Writer

Aromatherapy & Essential Oils for Relaxation and Stress Relief

Table of Contents

1

. Benefits of essential oils

1.1

. Anxiety and worries

1.2

. Headaches and migraines

1.3

. Sleep

2

. Essential Oil Diffuser Guide

2.1

. Choosing a diffuser as well as the right essential oil

2.2

. Setting and filling it up

2.3

. Operating the diffuser

2.4

. Cleaning and maintenance

3

. List of essential oils based on their common uses

4

. Dos and Don'ts of Aromatherapy with Essential Oils

4.1

. Do

4.2

. Don't

5

. Conclusion

Often, you may have come across the term aromatherapy or spotted essential oil products being sold in the market. But what exactly are the uses of these products, and how can you fully benefit from aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy uses essential oils (volatile oils) derived from flowers, herbs, and trees to promote relaxation and stress alleviation.

They are extensively utilized for their relaxing properties, which assist in relieving anxiety and promote relaxation in a natural, holistic way.

Moreover, these natural oils are thought to interact with the body's olfactory system and can be inhaled or applied topically to improve mood, cognitive function, and overall health.

Benefits of essential oils

1. Anxiety and worries

Essential oils are great remedies for those who are constantly dealing with anxiety.

When you inhale these oils, such as lavender oil or chamomile oil, your brain gives a signal to certain emotions, which in turn makes you feel calm and relaxed.

One may even use these oils for massaging your body to get a stress-free feeling.

2. Headaches and migraines

Essential oils are a great solution for people who have headaches and migraines. A 2013 study regarding the same suggests that:

“Inhalation of lavender essential oil is suggested to be an effective and safe treatment modality in acute management of migraine headaches. Forty-seven patients suffering from migraine attacks reported a significant reduction in pain severity and associated symptoms after fifteen minutes of inhalation of lavender oil.”

3. Sleep

Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile oils help induce good sleep in individuals who regularly face issues sleeping.

When you inhale them for a few minutes, your brain gets serenity from running thoughts as well as anxiety, further promoting a better quality of sleep.

Essential Oil Diffuser Guide

So, are you looking to enjoy the aromatic and therapeutic benefits of essential oils? An oil diffuser is your key to unlocking these benefits. These handy devices use ultrasonic waves to gently disperse essential oil particles into the air, filling your space with a fragrant mist and the power of aromatherapy.

Follow the below guide so that you may create a soothing, energizing, or healing ambiance in your space.

1. Choosing a diffuser as well as the right essential oil

The first step to using a diffuser is to select its type. Generally, there are two types available: ultrasonic and nebulizing.

While ultrasonic diffusers use water and vibrations, nebulizing diffusers atomize the essential oil without water.

Additionally, you need to pick an essential oil based on your requirements.

2. Setting and filling it up

The next step is to set up the diffuser. You must place it in the central area of your room. Make sure you don’t keep it near electronic gadgets or on sensitive surfaces. Also, keep it away from direct sunlight.

It’s time to fill the diffuser. If you are using an ultrasonic one, pour the water first up to the marked line, and then add a few drops of essential oils.

Whereas, if you use a nebulizing diffuser, you just have to add the natural oil.

3. Operating the diffuser

Now that your diffuser is ready to function, you must turn it on. Many models offer settings for continuous or intermittent misting, and some have built-in lights or timers for added functionality.

So check the user manual for the one that you have bought and use it accordingly.

4. Cleaning and maintenance

Regular cleaning is essential for optimal performance. Empty and wipe down your diffuser after each use.

Deep clean it once a week by removing oil residue and buildup.

List of essential oils based on their common uses

Each essential oil has its own particular uses and benefits. They may help you get rid of various health issues when used correctly.

Top essential oils for skin:

  • Lavender Essential Oil
  • Sandalwood Essential Oil
  • Tea tree Essential Oil
  • Rose Essential Oil

For relaxation and sleep:

  • Lavender
  • Sandalwood
  • Chamomile

For energy and focus:

  • Peppermint
  • Lemon
  • Rosemary

For stress and anxiety relief:

  • Ylang Ylang
  • Bergamot
  • Frankincense

For immune support:

  • Tea Tree
  • Eucalyptus
  • Oregano

For pain relief:

  • Ginger
  • Eucalyptus
  • Marjoram

Dos and Don'ts of Aromatherapy with Essential Oils

Aromatherapy, using essential oils to enhance well-being, can be a wonderful way to improve your mood, relaxation, and overall sense of calm. However, it's important to use essential oils safely and effectively. Here's a quick guide to the dos and don'ts:

Do

  • Dilute essential oils: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate the skin. Always dilute them with a carrier oil like jojoba, almond, or grapeseed oil before topical application.
  • Start with a low dilution: A good starting point for dilution is 1 drop of essential oil to 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of carrier oil. You can gradually increase the concentration as needed.
  • Do your research: Different essential oils have different properties. Learn about the specific oil you're using and its intended benefits before using it.
  • Use a diffuser: Diffusers are a safe and effective way to fill a room with the aroma of essential oils.
  • Patch test: Before applying any essential oil topically, do a patch test on a small area of your inner arm. Wait 24 hours to see if there's any irritation.
  • Consult a healthcare professional: If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have any medical conditions, or are taking medications, consult your doctor before using essential oils.

Don't

  • Do not apply essential oils directly to your skin: Undiluted essential oils can irritate or burn the skin.
  • Do not use essential oils internally: Essential oils are not meant to be ingested.
  • Do not use expired essential oils: Essential oils can lose their potency over time.
  • Do not use essential oils near open flames: Essential oils are flammable.
  • Do not diffuse essential oils around pets: Some essential oils can be toxic to animals.
  • Do not overuse essential oils: While generally safe, overuse can lead to headaches or nausea.

By following these simple dos and don'ts, you can enjoy the many benefits of aromatherapy with essential oils safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of several essential oils, their uses, and benefits, you can quickly buy them either online or offline.

All in all, make use of these oils as an alternative medicine for your overall wellness.

They are generally safe, effective, and pocket-friendly, as a single bottle can last longer when diluted and used properly.

Reviewed by

Dr. Rajashri Sonti Cropped.jpg

Dr. Rajashri Sonti

Ayurveda Physician 

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