Top Benefits of Aromatherapy


What is Aromatherapy?

Have you ever caught a whiff of a soothing lavender scent and instantly felt a wave of calm wash over you? This is what all aromatherapy is about. Let me tell you more. Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that uses different kinds of scents to treat various conditions. It has been used worldwide for centuries.

In the U.S., it is often used in combination with other treatments for conditions like anxiety, nausea, insomnia, and low appetite. A systematic review done in 2017 showed the positive effect of aromatherapy in relieving both the physical and psychological effects of depression. Plus, Blended essential oils were more effective than single oils like lavender alone. 

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

Breathing in these scents is not just a pleasurable experience—it’s a science! Essential oils release tiny molecules into the air, which travel through your nose and reach the brain with the help of receptors sensitive to smell present in your nose, called olfactory receptors. Studies have shown that inhalation of essential oils is more effective than massage, capsules, tea, or other administration routes. 

Once your brain receives these scents, it releases a symphony of happy hormones, such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. These hormones then help regulate mood, sleep, and digestion.  It’s like a natural prescription for feeling better. Try aroma therapy at home, it helps.

Related

Health A-Z

For You