By Hadiza Ibrahim
The practice of Aromatherapy has been adopted by a lot of people. According to Heathline.com, Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.
Recently, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the fields of science and medicine.
It has been used by humans for thousands of years. Ancient cultures in China, India, Egypt, and elsewhere incorporated aromatic plant components in resins, balms, and oils. These natural substances were used for medical and religious purposes. They were known to have both physical and psychological.
However, the French and German doctors still recognized the role of natural botanicals in treating illness.
The term “aromatherapy” was coined by a French perfumer and chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé in a book he wrote on the topic that was published in 1937. He had previously discovered the healing potential of lavender in treating burns. The book discusses the use of essential oils in treating medical conditions.
Aromatherapy works through inhalation and topical application using products such as diffusers, aromatic spritzers, inhalers, bathing salts, body oils, creams, or lotions for massage or topical application,facial steamers, etc.
Aromatherapy has an array of benefits. It’s said to manage pain, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety, soothe sore joints, treat headaches and migraines, alleviate side effects of chemotherapy, ease discomforts of labor, fight bacteria, virus, or fungus, improve digestion and boost immunity.
Scientific evidence for aromatherapy is considered to be limited in some areas, which indicates that more Independent research should be done to fully explore the medical benefits of aromatherapy.
Although it has the potential to treat many conditions, including asthma, insomnia, fatigue, depression, inflammation, menstrual issues, alopecia, cancer, erectile dysfunction, arthritis, menopause
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, the most popular essential oils are clary sage, eucalyptus, fennel, ginger, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, mandarin, patchouli, peppermint, chamomile, rose, rosemary, tea tree, ylang ylang
You can use essential oils in any number of ways. For example, add them to body lotions or carrier oils, and then apply them topically. Try enhancing a facial toner, shampoo, or conditioner with essential oils. Or incorporate them into liquid soap, toothpaste, or mouthwash. You can also diffuse or spritz the oils throughout a room or pour them into a bath.
Before engaging in aromatherapy,You may wish to meet with a certified aromatherapist, when you’re first getting started with aromatherapy or if you have specific issues you’d like to address. You should also talk to your doctor before starting your sessions. That way your essential oil therapy can be tailored to work together with any medical care or treatment you’re receiving.
Most essential oils are safe to use. But there are some precautions you should take when using them, as well as side effects you should be aware of, especially if you take any prescription medications.
Always use a carrier oil to dilute the oils before applying on skin. Remember to do a skin patch test before using essential oils. Since citrus essential oils may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, such oils should be avoided if you’ll be exposed to sunlight.
Pregnant women or nursing mothers and children should use essential oils with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.
Some Side effects of using essential oils may include rashes, asthma attacks, headaches, allergic reactions, skin irritation and nausea.
