Aromatherapy is based on smells that have a short wire to the human brain. Once they reach the brain, depending on whether we like a smell or not, they decide how we feel. Smells usually have a stronger effect on our well-being than sounds or colors. That is why we often use our sense of smell to decide whether we like a person or not. The smells in an aromatherapy session can also awaken memories in us that determine our well-being. And all this faster than sounds and colors can.
What is aromatherapy?
One application method of aromatherapy is, for example, baths. With bath additives, depending on the essence, you can achieve a stimulating and soothing as well as analgesic effect. Aromatherapy is understood as controlled applications based on natural essential oils with the aim of maintaining the physical and mental health of people. A distinction is made between the scientific approach to aromatherapy and the complementary approach. In scientific aromatherapy, it is assumed that the effect is due to the inhaled oils as a result of the olfactory sensation of the person. Furthermore, the herbal contents of the oils are supposed to enter the blood through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and in this way influence the functions of various organs. In the medical approach of aromatherapy, the origin of the essential oils used matters, while in complementary aromatherapy, the use of the oils is a subjective decision.
Function, effect and goals
One application method of aromatherapy is baths, for example. Bath additives can be bought ready-made in stores or you can make them yourself. If you want to make bath additives yourself, mix 15 drops of essence with a little cream (50 ml) for full baths. For partial baths, eight to 10 drops of essence are sufficient. The whole is shaken vigorously and added to the bath water. Depending on the essence, bath additives can have a stimulating, soothing and analgesic effect. However, if you have a circulatory disease, you should pay attention to the temperature of the water. Further application methods are: Inhalation, fragrance lamps, vaporization of essential oils in the room, massages, compresses and wraps. Aromatherapy with thyme, savory or clove is able to kill bacteria. Oils of lemon or tea tree can destroy viruses. Lavender oil has a psychologically balancing effect and promotes sleep. Jasmine oil has a relaxing and harmonizing effect. Angelica root helps anxious and reserved people. If you suffer from travel sickness, put a drop on your hand and inhale the oil. Bergamot has a strengthening effect on stress and states of exhaustion. Furthermore, it has a decongestant, anxiety-relieving and mood-lifting effect and promotes creativity. Citronella has a refreshing and stimulating effect, the oil also helps to renew optimism. Spruce needle oil also has a stimulating effect, it also gives new energy in general states of weakness and helps against nervousness and stress. Mandarin oil has an exhilarating effect and relieves tension and anxiety. Melissa has not only a harmonizing effect, but also a mood-lifting and strengthening effect and is therefore often used in aromatherapy against depression, melancholy, stress and sleep disorders.
Risks and side effects
When using aromatherapy, it is important to follow some rules, as it also involves risks. As a general rule, essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin, as this can cause skin irritation and allergies. Eye contact with the oils should be avoided. In addition, some essential oils increase photosensitivity, which makes the skin more sensitive and can lead to severe skin reactions, especially after strong sun exposure. Even for normal skin, certain oils are not recommended. Avoid using essential oils on open wounds and tendency to thrombosis. Furthermore in case of epilepsy. Toxic essential oils such as mugwort or thuja should generally not be used. People who are being treated with homeopathic remedies can use fragrance lamps, but they should refrain from high-dose external application with essential oils. In particular, the following oils should be mentioned here, which can strongly impair the effect of homeopathic remedies: Peppermint, Thyme, Chamomile. Angelica root, anise, basil, savory should not be used during pregnancy.The same applies to mint, nutmeg, myrrh, clove, origanum, juniper and others. For pregnant women, it is generally recommended to consult an expert about which oils may be used. Breastfeeding women can use wound-healing oils externally. For example, rose and jasmine. Women should refrain from using massage oils, baths and inhalations with high doses of oils two hours before breastfeeding. Certain essential oils have a toxic effect and can cause organ damage if taken internally. For example, basil, savory, fennel, camphor, cinnamon and others. Non-toxic oils are tea tree, lavender and rose, which, by the way, also cover the widest and most important range of applications in aromatherapy.
