AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is a form
of alternative medicine focused on treatment with essential oils.
The most frequently
mentioned advantage in aromatherapy is the fact, that natural essential oils
are used, and most of them have a relaxing effect. Aromatherapy is based on
therapeutic use of specially prepared extracts from flowers, leaves, seeds,
wood, roots or bark of plants, known as essential oils. Their active substances
are various chemical compounds, including esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols,
phenols, oxides and others. The most commonly used are extracts from mint,
eucalyptus, ginger root, lavender flowers, rose and sandalwood or cinnamon
tree.
Aromatherapy
distinguishes two mechanisms of their operation. The first is based on the
influence on the brain through olfactory sensations, and the second is the
result of the complex properties of essential oils, that affect the human body.
Aromatherapy can be
applied in many ways, for example, by inhalation, massage, medical compresses,
baths and mouthwash. Below you will find only some examples of the application
of aromatherapy for individual ailments:
|
Essential
oils used in medicine |
|
|
Ailment |
Essential oils |
|
headache, mirena |
lavender, mint, eucalyptus, grapefruit |
|
rheumatic pains |
pine, eucalyptus, clove, sage, cinnamon, rosemary |
|
decrease in immunity |
ebony, clove, thyme, lemon |
|
hyperactivity, hypertension, insomnia |
melissa, lemon, orange, lavender, geranium |
|
obesity |
lavender, rosemary, juniper |
|
fear, nervousness |
lavender, melissa, orange, sandal |
|
sexuality problems |
ylang-ylang, rosemary, patchouli |
|
cardiovascular problems |
rosemary, pine, lavender |
|
low blood pressure, sleepiness |
thyme, eucalyptus, sage, clove, cedar |
|
hair loss |
rosemary, thyme, ylang-ylang |
|
stress, overwork |
lemon, lavender |
|
menopause |
cypress, sandalwood, melissa, lavender, pine |
INHALATION
Traditional inhalation consists of dropping
about 5 drops of essential oil into warm water and then inhaling the floating
fumes. This can be done under a towel to increase productivity. An alternative
method is sprinkling porous ceramics or bedding. There are also special devices
such as fireplaces, that allow us for easier use of the essential oils.
MASSAGE
The massage has a relaxing effect and improves
blood circulation. For the massage you can also use essential oils (3-5 drops)
diluted with neutral vegetable oil, such as almond, jojoba or evening primrose
oil. Stimulation of the skin by touch alone allows for better absorption of the
oils.
TREATING COMPRESS
For water-based compress, use 4-5 drops of
essential oil per bowl of hot or icy water. Additional use of an emulsifier is
recommended, e.g. a spoon of cream, Dead Sea salt or a few drops of synthetic
emulsifier LV41. Then you need to use cotton cloth, which was soaked in the
solution to cover the treated area.
BATHS
Bathing is a popular method of using essential
oils. To a full bath of water at a temperature of up to 38°C add 10-15 drops of
essential oil and thickener, the bath should take 10-15 minutes. In the case of
more intense oils, e.g. floral, 1-2 drops are sufficient.
MOUTHWASH
Add 3-5 drops of oil and emulsifier to 50 ml of
water. For mouthwash you need a spoon of the solution, which should be kept in
the mouth for 2 minutes.
Air humidifiers, fireplaces, diffusers or
scented sticks are used for frequently used atomizers in aromatherapy.
SCENTED STICKS DIFFUZOR
Source: 1: https://tiny.pl/784nh
Source: 2: https://tiny.pl/78441
CERAMIC FIREPLACE HUMIDIFIER
Source: 3: https://tiny.pl/784n6 Source:
4: https://tiny.pl/784nd
Aromatherapy is a cheap medicine. A traditional
ceramic fireplace costs about 30 PLN, and the cost of essential oil ranges from
6-30 PLN. Candles in the form of heaters will also be necessary for the ceramic
fireplace, their price is about 10 zł per 100 pieces.
Of course aromatherapy has a much wider use,
but I could write and talk about it for hours, but my goal is to awaken your
consciousness and show you how you can deal with illness, stress, fatigue or
irritation. Moreover, aromatherapy has a soothing effect and stimulates your
cells to work! Believe it, it works! I use this kind of inhalation myself
during my daily work routine at home.
QUESTIONS:
- What do you think about aromatherapy? Have you ever come across this term before?
- If you ever use aromatherapy, in what form? If not, what form appeals to you the most?
- What is your favorite smell, even if you do not use aromatherapy? My for sure lavender :)
Sources:
[1] https://www.medonet.pl/zdrowie,aromaterapia---zastosowanie--rodzaje-olejkow--koszty-aromaterapii,artykul,1730063.html
[2] https://e-zielarnia.eu/blog/9_AROMATERAPIA---jaki-olejek-b%C4%99dzie-dla-Ciebie-/
[3] Article: Zdrojewicz Z.,
Minczakowska K., Klepacki K., 2014, „Rola aromaterapii w medycynie”,
Wydawnictwo Continuo
I’ve heard a few times about aromatherapy. Recently I’ve even experienced it a little bit because my pregnant wife is using it among other relaxing technics. I have to admit that it works for me and combined with calm music may give a great effect. I’ve never felt so relaxed before using such simple tools. Of course, the beach with palmas and drinks is more relaxing but aromatherapy is approachable. My wife is using scented candles, especially Christmas ones as it is December and I think that this form is very good. The only drawback is the ugly smell after putting out the candle for a moment. My favorite scent is called ‘Christmas Carols’ but don’t ask me what it consists of, it’s simply great and you can feel Christmas.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, because I have this smell in my collection too! I haven't tried it yet, but after opening it smelled very nice, I'm waiting for the right opportunity and I'll probably also feel the magic of Christmas.
DeleteAromatherapy seems to be a relatively young field of unconventional medicine, but looking at the history of medicine or cosmetology one can be stunned that it was already developing along with the beginnings of civilization.
ReplyDeleteThe action of essential oils in massage and physiotherapy is appreciated by adding them for natural oils during the treatment, to loosen the patient, to create a strong skin congestion and to warm up the muscles, or vice versa - to cool the place of the contusion.
Im not a type of person who needs aromatherapy, but when i have a opportunity to use of course is it a nice experience. This year when i was for weekend on Mikołajki i went to Tropical Park in one hotel and there were a few different saunas. One was Eukaliptus sauna, what means there was used eucaliptus oil which is the best to relieve muscle pain and can often provide relief from some respiratory problems. Another one was alpine herb sauna - soothing, fresh scent of mountain herbs and alpine forests. Refreshing, spicy, balsamic, simply relaxing. That was great and i felt really relaxed.
If lavender is your favourite smell, for what are you using it? Is it for inhalation, massage, treating compress or baths?
Karolina, scented sauna sounds cool! What's the name of this hotel? I will definitely go there! ;)
DeleteKarolina, I am the type of person who likes and appreciates herbal healing very much. I use the lavender smell mostly for bathing, massage and inhalation in the form of ceramic fireplace and heater in the fireplace.
DeleteThematic saunas, that is, those in which various oils are used, are also great! I really enjoy using them in hotels and swimming pools.
yes, i heard about aromatherapy. I'm sure smells can affect our well-being. Help especially for headaches or muscle aches. Is inhalation with mint tea also aromatherapy? I think so, and yet it is popularly used against a runny nose and recommended by doctors. I used such inhalation as a child and it helped. Currently, I like to add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a candle when I have a headache. It helps. It works slower than Ibuprom but does not harm the liver. I like lavender oil too - it reminds me of a forest in autumn. But my favorite essential oil fragrances are mint, cedarwood and orange. I do not know what they help, but they are pleasant, so they affect your well-being.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I've to try your advice with lavender. Maybe it'll be useful for my sick sinuses. I also don't like take medications, but I take it when necessary.
DeleteI've my aromatherapy in candles. I recommend it because they have an additional effect for example they create atmosphere. Some of them even imitate the sounds of a fireplace.
I've never heard term "aromatherapy" but I've been subject to some of them. If I remember corretcly once when I was sick my gradma prepared a bowl of hot water and some herbs, she cowered my head with the towel and told me to inhale the fumes. It helped me with my runny nose and lowered headaches.
ReplyDeleteCan staying in a salt sauna also be classified as aromatherapy?
When it comes to my favorite fragrance, I honestly never thought about it too much. The first thing that comes to mind is the smell of mint.
Yes, as much as possible, sauna is also a form of relaxation, tranquility and energy accumulation, or getting rid of certain ailments and pains.
DeleteMint is one of the most recognizable scents, right next to the smell of pine.
I also use aromatherapy in a similar form as you do, when I am sick.
The term "aromatherapy" is familiar to me and I think it's a very good form of treatment. My mother always told me that at the very beginning of the disease, whenever you feel even the slightest discomfort, you have to try proven home methods, which were very often related to the activities described in the article.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I've never opted for aromatherapy and if I've ever had to deal with it, I was always persuaded or recommended by someone to do so. I've been to a massage several times, where the employees used essential oils to support the human body when performing the massage. Also, back in my family home, I had a bathtub in the bathroom, in which I often used to take a bath by adding various oils and fragrances.
I like the smell of gasoline a lot, but that's probably not what this question is about xD. Besides, I really like the orange smell, I also like lavender very much.
1. It's the first time when I head about aromatherapy. But when I think more about this term I use some medicines as aromatherapy when I have a problem with my sinus.
ReplyDelete2. As I said before I use some medicines when I'm sick. I like candle smell during autumn and winter. Another time I can say I use aromatherapy is sauna.
3. My favorite smell is Cinnamon chai during cold days and lime during hot days.
That's really intresting article. I've heard about aromatheraphy, but never try it myself. I'm using essential oils for my home made soap or as an nice accent to my bath, but i wasn't considering it as "treatment". Just a nice addition to my daily basics. If there's anything i'd like to try is the ceramic fireplace..
ReplyDeleteMy fav scents vary with the seasons. During autumn/winter it's a mix of warm vanilla & sandalwood or cinnamon with orange during christmas time. For spring/summer i like jasmin/green tea/peach.
I have the same! I also try to choose different scents in different seasons, but definitely lavender is the one I like the most, also as lavender flowers are my favorites :)
DeleteI've heard about it but I never tried it, I hate intense smells and my head hurts from them, so for me it is not tempting.
ReplyDeleteOnce I was in herbal sauna which had intense smell and It was really nice and relaxing but I don't know if it counts as aromatherapy. I think that aromatherapy during a bath might be very nice, relaxing in a bathtub with nice smells of oils of candle sounds really nice. At first I didn't know that I can count that stuff into aromatherapy.
My favourite smells are the christmas ones, I love the smell of cinnamon, orange and clove. :)
Magda, of course you have right. I also confirm the information that dry and steam sauna enriched with various fragrant oils is also a kind of aromatherapy.
DeleteUnfortunately, the cinnamon smell is one of those, I do not reach for :(
Aromatherapy is familiar to me and I sometimes practice it in my bath, although recently I have been thinking about an oil fireplace. I used to often use this form and I can see that it is very fashionable again, and designer electrical devices for aromatherapy are also appearing on the market.
ReplyDeleteMusk-scented oils are definitely my favorite. They have many beneficial properties, have a positive effect on heart and upper respiratory diseases, and soothe the nerves. I also highly recommend body oils based on musk, which can be used instead of perfumes - the fragrance stays on the skin much longer than alcohol-based fragrances. 💚
@Małgorzata Ostrowska to answering your questions:
ReplyDelete1. I think aromatherapy has many uses. The main one is giving pleasure and making you feel better.
2. My friend was quite interested in aromatherapy and herbs. She told me a lot about it but somehow I didn't get in to it.
3. As I answered Przemek only in candles. If that matters.
4. This aromatherapy device sounds very good. I think that at New Year's sales - can be tempted to buy.
5. Hmm.. good question.. I think moist (I know it may sounds a bit bizarre), mountain scents and clean air - give me a sense of freedom in these crazy times...
Kinga, thank you for your answers. I believe that fresh smells are the ones hitting the spot.
DeleteIf you feel like it, check this one:
https://magia-zapachow.com.pl/pl/p/MOUNTAIN-RAIN-Olejek-zapachowy-Aroma-House-6-ml/1523?gclid=CjwKCAiAn7L-BRBbEiwAl9UtkB0lda2EJsOt8QiDpDDQO9StRvi2G8kl5hGQM4_NRG314CGnehFzthoCYxAQAvD_BwE
its called Mountain Rain, and it's definitely fresh one.
It's smell will surely remind you of many expeditions to the mountains ;)
Yes, I've heard about aromatherapy, but I've never gone into the subject. This is very interesting for me because I love all essential oils. I have an aromatic fireplace and I use it almost daily. It makes me very quiet.
ReplyDeleteIt turns out that I use aromatherapy with the help of scented fireplaces. Especially as I try to make sure the oils are always natural. I would like to go for a massage with essential oils. Sounds like something very relaxing. I could really try anything.
My favorite fragrance is patchouli with musk. I also often use an oil with the scent of various flowers.
Thanks for this article, I just ordered another two oils 😁
Here you go Magda :) I also recently ordered a few, it's not too much, but only 11 new fragrances, in winter I will test them for sure!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy knowledge about aromatherapy is very brief, but I guess it's a pleasant way of how we can heal our body and mind. I love smell jasmine and moringa flowers. I think this my be a good idea to introduce essential oil to my lifestyle as they can improve so many aspects. Thank you for this article I have now another inspiration for Christmas gifts :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right Magdalena! I would never have thought of such a gift, but maybe it's because the activities repeated during our day routine are so obvious that we forget about them. In that case, I will have an idea for a gift too :)
DeleteI’ve heard about aromatherapy before but I’m not really familiar with this subject. When I was young my mother often used incenses so when I was living with her, I was automatically exposed to aromatherapy. Personally I use inhalation with essential oils when I’m sick, it helps to clear the respiratory track. I also really enjoy aromatic saunas, it’s a great way to relax and it helps me when you’re sick as well. I’m not sure if I have a favorite smell, I think it depends on my mood. I would say it could be some of the tropical fruits like mango, but I also really like the smell of chocolate or coffee.
ReplyDeleteI've been using aromatherapy for a long time. I believe it's a simple and quick way to have some relax and make home more cosy. I use it mostly during autumn and winter. The most often I use scented sticks and ceramic fireplaces. I believe that they are one of the simplest and most popular methods of aromatherapy - we can buy them in almost every store.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to smells - Lavender is also my favorite too! However, in Christmas time (it menas all December to me) I usually use spicy smells such as cinnamon, cloves and obviously mulled wine :))
Great! Then I am not the only one who has been using aromatherapy for years. It was the first time I had to deal with aromatherapy when I was a small 6-year-old child. Then I had big problems with breathing and lungs. I always associate incense or oils with the family home.
DeleteI came across the aromatherapy term before. It’s my sister who introduced me to this topic area. I think it’s a great way to make yourself feel better overall.
ReplyDeleteI don’t use aromatherapy very often, but each time when I feel bad, I like to put a few drops of essential oils into a bowl of hot water and inhale it. Makes me feel much better. However not long time ago my sister bought an essential oils diffusor and apart from its’ main purpose I think it also looks really cool and makes the atmosphere in the room very calm, so I’m considering purchasing one myself.
I have to say I truly enjoyed the smell of Mint and Orange essential oils. Especially now when Christmas is coming it reminds me of good times.
I think it's a really interesting topic. I'm familiar with this term but I've never got into details.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the second question as far as I remember I've used aromatherapy in two ways. One of the methods is a massage and the second one is a sauna. I consider trying different options but not as a daily routine activity, more like a kind of relaxing/spa session.
I have two favourite smells and these are mint and eucalyptus. I really like fresh, refreshing kind of coldish feeling with this aromas.
Of course I know what is aromatherapy and I’ve heard about it many times. I should say that I like nice scents and I’m a perfume collector, but unfortunately I have never tried it by my own.
ReplyDeleteI think aromatherapy is very helpful. Smelling something nice and clean is just good for the soul, in my opinion. On the other hand super strong scents can have the opposite affect, and stress you out. I know that aromatherapy might have health benefits such as relief from depression, improve quality of life and improve sleep. As I’m a fan of massage and nice scents I would like to try aroma massage, I’m sure I would love it! So maybe yours article makes me try it someday :)
About the scents - well, for me, the most nice scents are the fresh one like orange, lemon and peppermint.
I have heard about aromatherapy. I have some scented candles (mostly lavender and christmas scents). I used it for a couple of times but neither me nor my husband enjoyed the smell, it was too intensive and overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteOnce we had a humidifier wich was capable of working with scents (again we just tried this option and then used only pure humidifier).
The idea of massage seems nice, I generally like massages so I think I will give it a try.
When it comes to my favourite scents, there are fruity scents like peach, mango and coconut.
What do you think about aromatherapy? Have you ever come across this term before?
ReplyDeleteYes, I heard this term several times but never really delved into what it is about. But I think aromatherapy influences in the same way as music. I also know that the smell of rosemary helps to increase human memory.
If you ever use aromatherapy, in what form? If not, what form appeals to you the most?
Didn't use aromatherapy on purpose, but used aromatic oils and candles for massage a couple of times.
What is your favorite smell, even if you do not use aromatherapy? My for sure lavender :)
I don't think I have a favorite scent as well as a favorite color for example. I like the smell of coffee, especially when I feel sick on the road, the smell of coffee is very helpful.
I have never used aromatherapy. To be honest I have always been skeptical about this type of "medicine". However, this article seems very interesting and maybe I will give aromatherapy a try. In fact, our well-being and stress levels can have an impact on health, so the relaxation and stress relief techniques described here can be really effective.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to fragrances, I personally like mint and eucalyptus.