Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a complimentary form of therapeutic treatment which uses aromatic compounds and essential oils extracted from various parts of the plants. These natural plant extracts are known to improve psychological and physical health. They are made by extracting, pressing or streaming parts of a plant such as the leaves, bark, fruit and flower among others to make compounds that produce fragrance. They can be used in different forms through the sense of smell and skin absorption.

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Essential oils can either be added to carrier oils such as jojoba and coconut oil or body lotions and then applied topically to your skin. It can also serve as an enhancer for your shampoo and conditioner by adding a few drops of these essential oils. It can also be incorporated into your facial toners, toothpaste, mouthwash and liquid soaps. Moreover, you can also diffuse the oil throughout the room or mix a few drops into the bath. Aromatherapy is usually used through the following products:

• Diffusers

• Aromatic spritzers

• Inhalers

• Bathing salts

• Body oils/ cream/ lotion for massage or topical application

• Facial steamers

• Hot and cold compresses

• Clay masks

• Aromatherapy accessories

It is known that when we inhale compounds of essential oils, the scent molecules from these compounds move from the olfactory nerves to the part of the brain called the Amygdala which is the emotional center of the brain. The oils may activate areas of your brain like your limbic system or the hypothalamus which may respond to the oils by producing the feel-good hormone like the serotonin. Hence explaining the elevation of mood and other psychological benefits of Aromatherapy.

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According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, the most popular essential oils are the following:

· Clary sage

· Cypress

· Eucalyptus

· Fennel

· Lavender

· Lemon

· Tea tree

· Rose

· Ginger

· Lemongrass

· Ylang ylang

· Roman chamomile

· Mandarin

· Rosemary

· Vetiver

· Helichrysum

· Geranium

· Patchouli

· Neroli

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Aromatherapy includes both psychological and physical health benefits. The essential oil therapy is known as a complimentary treatment and hence should not be a replacement for any doctor approved treatment plans. Before starting aromatherapy, it is always wise to consult an aromatherapist or your doctor to formulate a treatment plan considering all your needs and existing prescriptions in hand. Some of the benefits and conditions it may treat are mentioned below:

· Reduces stress, agitation and anxiety

· Manages pain and ease discomfort of labor

· Fights bacteria, fungus or virus

· Soothes sore joints

· Improves sleep quality

· Improves digestion and boosts immunity

· Treats headache and migraine

· Helps reduce symptoms of depression

· Solves menstrual issues

· Reduces fatigue and asthma

· Fights arthritis, cancer and erectile dysfunction

· Heals inflammation and peripheral neuropathy

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However, you should be careful while using essential oils as it may or may not cause side effects and therefore it is recommended to always contact your doctor for the treatment. True essential oils are completely natural and void of chemicals and synthetic fragrances. It is suggested that children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use these with caution and under the supervision of a doctor. Essential oils are to be never swallowed or applied in its concentrated form. They should always be diluted by mixing it with a carrier oil as mentioned before or with other body lotions or creams. It is important to do a skin- patch test before applying it. If you have asthma, epilepsy, eczema or psoriasis, then it is recommended to use it with caution. In case of citrus essential oils, it is advocated to reduce sunlight exposure after applied as it may make your skin sensitive to the sun. other side effects may include nausea, skin irritation, allergic reactions, rashes and asthma attacks.

At Aromablend, we use completely natural and vegan ingredients to manufacture our products and the essential oils we use are perfectly diluted into our products for a safe and enhancing experience. To get your Aromablend goodies, visit: www.aromablendbeauty.com