There has been an increase in overall interest in aromatherapy and essential oils in recent years. However, a lot of individuals do not trust the potential benefits of aromatherapy, thanks to it being “overhyped” in the media. In truth, reaping the benefits of aromatherapy depends greatly on having the right expectations.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: a lot of people turn to aromatherapy for spiritual purposes. It’s not possible to prove one way or another that aromatherapy and essential oils have spiritual benefits, so that aspect of the practice remains a mystery.
But the spiritual practice of aromatherapy is much different than the practice of holistic aromatherapy for therapeutic purposes. The therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy are certainly science-based. Let’s take a closer look.
There are many other commonplace products, like chamomile tea (which we’ll discuss below), that utilize essential oils and their benefits – and you may not even realize it!
One such product is mouthwash. Listerine is a brand that has come to be synonymous with oral health, but do you really know what goes into it? Most likely not; you simply know that it’s recommended by dental professionals and proven to be effective. In fact, it utilizes several essential oils: eucalyptus, thyme, and peppermint, to be exact. And while many people know that Listerine mouthwash has health benefits, few know how those benefits actually depend on essential oils.
By now, you’ve likely heard about how different essential oils are used for different purposes. That’s because each has a unique chemical makeup that makes it beneficial for certain uses.
Each essential oil contains the natural chemical constituents found in the plant it is made from. These chemical constituents have many different applications; some essential oils are even antibacterial, thanks to their constituents.
An example of a proven benefit of an essential oil is chamomile. Chamomile tea – often even found under names like “sleepy-time tea” – is a popular choice for relaxation, thanks to its mildly sedative effects. This is because one of the constituents in chamomile essential oil also acts as a sedative. Of course, this effect varies from person to person; not everyone feels more tired or relaxed after drinking chamomile tea. But different reactions among individuals is something to expect for pretty much any food or health ingredient – not something limited to essential oils.
It’s very important to note that there is no system of regulations in place for what can or can’t be marketed as “aromatherapy.” Therefore, any product in any store can include the term aromatherapy on its label, or say it makes use of essential oils, even if the product is completely synthetic. Good aromatherapy practitioners will always recommend you use pure, natural products, and nothing made with synthetic chemicals.
Because of all the products out there that are falsely labeled as aromatherapy, a lot of people have misconceptions about what aromatherapy means. Some believe that it is a gimmick, meant to sell you products that simply smell good under the guise of being good for your health. In reality, a lot of things that smell delightful are actually harmful to your health.
Of course, it can be hard to tell the difference between the natural and synthetic products, especially if this is your first venture with aromatherapy. A good thing to do is check for product labels that mention being “100% pure,” and steer clear of labels that make no mention of ingredients – unless you speak with the maker of the product. In many instances, they simply don’t want to reveal their recipes to potential competitors, but they will be happy to discuss the makeup of their products with customers!
Some people with negative opinions of aromatherapy may have these opinions by simply using the wrong approaches. Essential oils must be used the correct way and with the proper intention in order for you to see results.
For example, if you are applying essential oils topically, they should definitely be diluted in something else – like a carrier oil – so as not to be harmful to your skin. Also, the outcome of your usage depends greatly on which essential oils you choose. Do your research, and pick the essential oils that are right for whatever purpose you are using them for. Also remember that aromatherapy does not provide a catch-all cure for your ailments, and should be used as a nice complement to your standard healthcare.
With the right approach and expectations, we’re sure that you’ll see something beneficial in practicing aromatherapy.
Anjaca Aromatherapy is all about “wearable wellness,” empowering the wearers with ancient symbolic meaning and the confidence that can be derived through aromatherapy practice. To this end, we have created the 7 Incanted Pendants of Empowerment, seven unique and inspiring designs that will help you enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy no matter where you are or what you are doing. If you would like to learn more about our diffuser jewelry, browse our collections. We encourage you to bookmark this page and come back often to discover more about our story, and how using essential oils with our diffuser jewelry can become a catalyst for healthful, positive change in your life.
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