The 9 Best Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

 Dec 23,2022

What are Essential Oils?

An essential oil is a type of plant extract. The compound’s name comes from the fact that the oil captures the plant’s essence in the form of its scent or flavor.
Essential oils are created by steaming or pressing a part of the plant in order to produce its oil. A plant’s flowers, bark, leaves, or fruit may be used for this process, depending on which type of essential oil you’re trying to create.
It’s important to note that there are some limitations on what can be called a true essential oil. Generally, oils that were created through a chemical process (instead of a natural one) don’t qualify.
Once an essential oil is created, it’s often combined with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, to create a product that’s ready for use. There are a variety of applications for these compounds.
For example, essential oils have been used by humans for centuries via aromatherapy, in which people inhale essential oils for therapeutic benefit.

What is the history of aromatherapy?

Essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for nearly 6,000 years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used them in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. Essential oils were also commonly used for spiritual, therapeutic, hygienic, and ritualistic purposes.

More recently, René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, discovered the healing properties of lavender oil when he applied it to a burn on his hand caused by an explosion in his laboratory. He then started to analyze the chemical properties of essential oils and how they were used to treat burns, skin infections, gangrene, and wounds in soldiers during World War I. In 1928, Gattefossé founded the science of aromatherapy. By the 1950s, massage therapists, beauticians, nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, and other health care providers began using aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy did not become popular in the U.S. until the 1980s. Today, many lotions, candles, and beauty products are sold as "aromatherapy" products. However, many of these products contain synthetic fragrances that do not have the same properties as essential oils.

How does aromatherapy work?

Researchers are not entirely clear how aromatherapy works. Some experts believe our sense of smell may play a role. The "smell" receptors in your nose communicate with parts of your brain (the amygdala and hippocampus) that serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. When you breathe in essential oil molecules, some researchers believe they stimulate these parts of your brain and influence physical, emotional, and mental health. For example, scientists believe lavender stimulates the activity of brain cells in the amygdala similar to the way some sedative medications work. Other researchers think that molecules from essential oils may interact in the blood with hormones or enzymes.

Aromatherapy massage is a popular way of using essential oils because it works in several ways at the same time. Your skin absorbs essential oils and you also breathe them in. Plus, you experience the physical therapy of the massage itself.

What are the benefits of aromatherapy oils?

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy. It does not provide a cure for diseases, rashes or illnesses, but it can support conventional treatment of various conditions.
It has been shown to reduce:

Nausea
Pain and body aches
Anxiety, agitation, stress, and depression
Fatigue and insomnia
Muscular aches
Headaches
Circulatory problems
Menstrual problems
Menopausal problems
Alopecia, or hair loss

Some types of psoriasis may find relief with aromatherapy, but a healthcare professional should advise about use and application.
Digestive problems may benefit from peppermint oil, but it should not be ingested.
Tooth ache and mouth sores can be relieved by clove oil, but this, too, should only be applied topically and not swallowed.