How Does Aromatherapy Work

Aromatherapy has become something of a buzzword for the health and beauty industries. But it is actually a type of alternative medicine that goes back to the early twentieth century. Even Cleopatra enjoyed the benefits of aromatherapy, although it wasn't called that at the time. Contrary to popular belief, true aromatherapy is not merely the use of scents to alter mood. It is the use of fragrant essential oils to treat a variety of ailments.

Aromatherapy works quickly and effectively because, unlike other senses, scent is connected directly to your brain. It seems like there are hundreds of scents you can choose from if you want to unwind at the end of a long day, improve your concentration or relieve stress. Read on to learn more!

One of the most frequent uses of aromatherapy is in the fight against stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy is ideal for anxiety sufferers who are apprehensive about using prescription drugs. While aromatherapy alone won't cure acute anxiety, it can provide some temporary relief. It also works well for those who do not have clinical anxiety but are suffering from unusual amounts of stress. There are several essential oils that are effective in the treatment of anxiety. These include:

• Lavender - is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils. Its scent is very pleasant, its widely used to calm, release tension and offer a peaceful sleep as well. Lavender oil is found in many commercial products, including bath and body care, cleaning products and baby washes

• Chamomile - is often used in traditional herbal medicine. Its calming effects are also present in its essential oil, its scent calms and reduces pain as well.  
• Sandalwood - is well known for its effectiveness against stress. It has been known to not only calm the nerves, but rid one of those jittery and irritable feelings as well.  It is also known to bring one out of a state of depression.

• Jasmine oil - has a scent, which is considered the best for treating nervous conditions, combat depression and overcome sadness.

• Patchouli oil -  is a mood enhancer, and it is also used as an aphrodisiac.

• Vanilla - is another scent that many people love, and it calms, relieves stress and is overall a wonderful scent whose fragrance invokes feelings of well being and pleasant memories. 

The next time you experience anxiety, or need a little stress relief try a soothing scented oil. You might just be surprised at how well it works.

Since you already know aromatherapy works great to relax, why not try it when you need to concentrate? Aromatherapy can be used to turn your brain back on, perk you up, and sharpen your thought process. Imagine the work you can get done with that extra invigorating boost. When it comes to concentration, there are many scents to choose from. There are minty, fruity, and fresh smelling varieties. This means that you'll be sure to find one you actually think smells good. Here are just some of the options available:

• Lemon - improves concentrations and energy levels.

• Mango - this can also help to improve concentration by easing symptoms of depression.

• Pine - this helps to increase energy levels as well as concentration.

• Apple - this can also give you an extra energy boost.

• Rosemary - this scent promotes relaxation and alertness at the same time.

• Peppermint - this has always been recommended to me to improve alertness for long study sessions.

• Eucalyptus - this can be used to provide a slightly different scent.

So if you want to study, concentrate more on work, or just feel energized and alert at the end of a long day, you should try one of these fantastic aromatherapy scents.

For quick results, you can just take a whiff of any of the your choosen essential oils. This can help you calm down when facing a panic attack, an intensely stressful situation, or when you want to improve your concentration. But there are several other ways that you can use aromatherapy to help you. These include:

• Diffusers and aroma lamps - if you want to allow your entire family to take advantage of the effects of aromatherapy, a diffuser or aroma lamp will scent your home with your favorite essential oil. These are great to use around bedtime to help everyone unwind.
• Baths - a nice, warm bath is a great way to reduce tension. Aromatherapy makes it even better. Add five or six drops of a soothing essential oil to your water for a relaxing bath.
• Massages - a massage can help loosen tense muscles and improve brain chemistry to ward off anxiety. Aromatherapy oils can be used to make massage oils to maximize the benefit. Just add ten drops of the essential oil to an ounce of a carrier oil appropriate for your skin type.
• Aromatherapy candles - an easy and simple way to help spread your favorite invigorating scents throughout the house. They are slightly less concentrated, but they still get the job done. Just buy the scents you want and light them whenever you're studying or just need a mental boost. 
• Humidifier - put a few drops of your choosen oil fragrance in your room humidifier and let it work. As the water gets put into the air, the oil gets taken with. When the droplets evaporate, the room is filled with your favorite refreshing sent.
• Rub on oil - rub it onto your chest or under your nose. It works by sending invigorating vapors right up to your nose. Just be careful, many of the oils can be harmful, so you'll have to mix a few drops with a carrier oil so you don't burn or damage your skin.

Note: As long as they are properly diluted before using on the skin, essential oils are very safe. Do use caution, as some may cause reactions in sensitive persons, but most people tolerate them well.