What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic practice in which people inhale or smell essential oils. It has been shown to carry many benefits for wellness and stress relief. Studies have shown that aromatherapy does indeed have an effect on the brain and can alter behavior.

How Scents Affect Mental Health

Essential oils have been used for centuries for healing both physical and mental ailments. Among their reported benefits are improving memory and attention, creating a calming effect, preventing inflammation and illness, and more. But how can smelling something affect how we feel?

The olfactory bulb in the brain is responsible for our sense of smell. The olfactory bulb is connected to the hippocampus and the amygdala, which are parts of the brain responsible for memory and emotions, respectively.

Essential oils can be smelled or absorbed through the skin via massage or by soaking in a bathtub. Most often, people do aromatherapy by using one or more of the following:

• Aroma sticks (also called inhalers, they are portable objects that absorb the oil)

• Aromatic spritzers

• Body creams, oils, or lotions
• Diffusers
• Facial steamers

• Salts (to use in the bath)

Rosemary

Rosemary is associated with feelings of contentment, and it’s been shown to have positive effects on performance and mood. Rosemary can reduce cortisol levels, which can help relieve anxiety and stress.

Lavender

The scent of lavender is associated with feeling calm, and for good reason. It can lower your blood pressure, calm your nervous system, and even improve your mood.

Peppermint

Peppermint aromatherapy has been found to:

• Boost mental function

• Help clear coughs and colds

• Lower stress levels

• Reduce physical pain

Ylang-Ylang

Ylang-ylang promotes calmness and reduces stress, making it a good option for unwinding and de-stressing at the end of a long day. Inhaling ylang-ylang can actually slow your breathing and your heart rate, so it may help people who are in shock or have experienced trauma.

Lemon

Research has shown that lemon oil may possess antidepressant effects. It is a good choice for stress relief and mood enhancement as well.

Frankincense

Frankincense has cognitive effects such as increased alertness. Some research suggests that frankincense may actually improve memory as well.

Bergamot

Like lavender, bergamot essential oil also contains linalool, which helps reduce blood pressure and anxiety. Studies of the effects of bergamot essential oil mixed with other essential oils has shown that people experienced:

• Improvements in depression symptoms

• Reduced heart rate

• Relief of pain

• Stress reduction

Lemongrass

Inhaling lemongrass can help cool down body temperature, especially during warm weather.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy can be a fun and easy way to de-stress. You can try different scents and find out which ones you like best. However, aromatherapy is usually a complementary treatment, which means it shouldn't take the place of other physical or mental health treatments. If you are seeking treatment for a health condition, be sure to reach out to a doctor or mental health professional.

Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/aromatherapy-scents-for-stress-relief-3144599

What is your favorite scent for fall? Do you use scents to do aromatherapy and how does it work for you?

#Aromatherapy #Well-being #StressRelief #HolisticThearpy