You would be forgiven for thinking that aromatherapy only provides benefits through our sense of smell, but it actually works on multiple levels. Indeed, smelling essential oils taps into our olfactory senses and our limbic system—the part of our brain concerned with memory and emotion—to bring a sense of calm and well-being. That being said, the actual inhalation of aromatherapy oils can provide great benefits to our respiratory system too. When you inhale the aroma of essential oils, they are also absorbed inside the body. This makes it great if you’ve been struck with the lurgy, as it helps to support the respiratory system, and the antibacterial and antiviral properties of essential oils make them great for fending off the symptoms of a cold.
Finally—this one blew my mind—is that aromatherapy oils can actually be absorbed through the skin. This means that the molecules can enter our bloodstream and deliver all of the benefits from an inside-out approach too. Some blends have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects, so if you’re feeling achy or want to soothe post-workout muscles, applying some directly to your skin can work wonders. But it’s important to always use a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) with essential oils if they’re not pre-blended like the ones below. Never use pure essentials neat as they can cause skin irritation.
So, which aromatherapy blend is right for you? Whether you want to boost your sleep, your mood or just give yourself a little pick-me-up, there’s one for everyone. Aromatherapy can come in many forms to suit your lifestyle, whether via a rollerball roll-on, a bath oil or a diffuser. Ahead are the best blends to try.
Tagged: fragrance