The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy

Okay Glossies, we all love a spa day, but sometimes our bank cards don’t love us after we’ve been! So if you need some inspiration on how to create the perfect at-home spa setting, then keep reading because we believe Aromatherapy is what you need!

You’re probably wondering, how can Aromatherapy help me create a spa setting, well we have the answers for you! Aromatherapy is a practice that uses aromatic essential oils to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit, claiming to improve psychological wellbeing.

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as a therapeutic practice, and it remains popular today because of its positive effects on our mental wellbeing. It's great for relaxing and reducing stress, making it the perfect addition to your at-home spa day! So, if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or feeling lower than usual, then Aromatherapy can help you relax and unwind amidst the chaos of the modern world (and yes, it is pretty chaotic!) Essential oils have all of a sudden become really popular and you can get your hands on so many different oils but how do they link to Aromatherapy?

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oils capture the plant’s scent and flavours which is why they smell so amazing and are perfect for aromatherapy. The word ‘essential’ refers to the fact that the oil contains the ‘essence’ of the plant. Essential oils have a tight connection with aromatherapy as the holistic healing treatment uses natural plant extracts to ensure you feel calm and relax. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve your body, mind and spirit by enhancing both your physical and emotional health. It’s always important to remember not to confuse essential oils with perfumes etc as the latter usually include pure chemical components whereas essential oils are derived from plants. There are all sorts of different essential oils, for example; Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood and many more.

Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption using products such as diffusers, bathing salts, body oils, lotions, clay masks and even facial steamers! When practicing aromatherapy, the oils can be applied to the skin, smelled, heated or dabbed onto a pillow/tissue so that the aroma is dispersed into the air. Our skin is the body’s largest organ and anything we apply to our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream; so, this is how they offer many benefits to us.

One of the most common ways to use essential oils is to inhale them; either directly or by using a diffuser. Each essential oil has an array of unique healing properties, uses, and effects.

We have spoken about Aromatherapy a lot but if you want to explore it, you need to understand the benefits as well. It is important to know that it does not provide a cure for diseases, rashes or illnesses but it can help improve sleep, reduce pain and body aches, boosts immunity, help to fight bacteria, and improves digestion. In all honesty, the list is endless!