How Does Aromatherapy Work?

The benefits of aromatherapy are many and diverse. They include anxiety reduction, energy boost, improved mood, and reduced allergies. People have been using aromatherapy for thousands of years by incorporating them into resins, balms, and oils. But what exactly is aromatherapy and how does it work? Healthline describes aromatherapy as a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to promote health and wellbeing. Essential oils are made from flowers, herbs, and tree parts, according to an article by WebMD. Essential oils are extracted from these plants and are known to have both physical and psychological benefits. In aromatherapy, smelling these essential oils can activate smell receptors, which send messages through your nervous system to your brain, which may activate certain areas of the brain. Aromatherapy is also used on the skin to help cause responses in your skin and other parts of your body. So, what can you expect from aromatherapy? Some of the most well-known benefits of aromatherapy include stress reduction, mood and energy-boosting, and allergy reduction, among many other benefits. In this article, we will discuss how aromatherapy can offer these benefits and more, plus how to use aromatherapy and where to find the tools for it.

Stress reduction

Aromatherapy essential oils have many benefits, and they're great for reducing stress and anxiety. You can use them in a variety of ways, including inhaling the scent directly or indirectly through a diffuser. They can also be applied topically or passively, such as in massage oils or bath products. Lavender, for instance, has been known to relieve stress and anxiety quickly. Its calming effect makes it a popular choice for many aromatherapy enthusiasts.

The most well-known benefit of aromatherapy is its ability to reduce anxiety. In a 2011 study, lavender essential oil was used to reduce heart rates among patients with high blood pressure. It also improved skin clarity and helped patients with anxiety. In addition, lavender essential oil has also been found to reduce stress. Combined with meditation, aromatherapy can provide passive stress reduction benefits. It is one of the few treatments that can help individuals deal with their stress and anxiety.

According to one study, 33% of Americans report extremely high-stress levels. More than seventy percent report a decrease in their physical and mental health when under high-stress levels. Therefore, aromatherapy is an excellent way to improve the quality of life for everyone. But which essential oils are best for reducing stress? Take a look at our top picks:

Lavender - Prized for its calming effects on the body and the mind

Ylang Ylang - Research suggests that this oil led to a decrease in blood pressure and stress-hormone levels

Bergamot - This oil may help reduce stress and promote relaxation

Lemongrass - Thought to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms

Sweet Orange - Preliminary research suggests that this oil may help alleviate anxiety

Frankincense - Used to unwind and ease stress, and helps to reduce anxiety

Tranquil Synergy Blend - The oils in this synergy blend help to reduce worry and stress, and assist in mental relaxation. The oils in this blend include bergamot, patchouli, blood orange, ylang-ylang, and grapefruit. 

Relax Synergy Blend - This synergy blend combines lavender, marjoram, mandarin, patchouli, geranium, and Roman Chamomile to promote a peaceful and tranquil state of mind. 

Meditation Synergy Blend - Ylang ylang, patchouli, frankincense, clary sage, orange, and thyme come together in this wonderful blend to help evoke a calmer, more meditative state of mind. This is a great oil to help clear your mind of stress, and it also helps to ease anxiety.

Lemon Lavender Linen & Room Spray  - This spray can help freshen any space in your home and even your car, and uses both lemon and lavender to elicit a balanced combination of fresh and soothing. 

Sleepy Monq Pen - This personal aromatherapy pen allows you to feel tranquility and gratitude with this calming essential oil blend: Chamomile, Kava, lavender, bergamot, lemongrass, marjoram, neroli, and sandalwood. This pen also has CBD for added benefits!

Peace Monq Pen - Another personal aromatherapy pen that will help quiet your mind and experience inspired creativity, calm, and contentment. The essential oils used in this pen include frankincense, mandarin, rosemary, clary sage, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, petitgrain, spearmint, sweet orange, and tea tree. 

Zen Monq Pen - Feel presence and peace with this balancing essential oil blend of frankincense, orange, ylang-ylang, black pepper, clary sage, dill seed, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, sage, spearmint, and tea tree. 

There are many different essential oils out there that can help reduce stress and anxiety. These essential oils can also help promote sleep and calmness. As there are so many different ways to help reduce stress and anxiety, aromatherapy can be another tool at your disposal that you can use at any time during the day or night. 

Energy boost

While aromatherapy can be used to help reduce anxiety and promote calmness, it can also be used to boost your energy and concentration. Interestingly, even some of the same essential oils that induce calming can also help boost energy. While aromatherapy and essential oils can’t replace necessary sleep, they can serve as a natural aid to promote energy boosting.

Citrus essential oils have a sweet and refreshing smell right out of the peel, and they're effective anti-stress and anti-inflammatory agents. They can also be used in a room spray or added to bath water for a refreshing boost. In aromatherapy, citrus essential oils are great for promoting energy and are mood-boosting. 

Many people use aromatherapy to boost their energy levels and increase their sense of well-being. A diffuser filled with energy-boosting blends can be kept in the car, in your office, or even in your gym bag. Essential oils can also be used in aromatherapy massage sessions and can be applied to the skin. There are many different products that you can apply or use topically that contain essential oils and will provide these benefits, such as bath bombs, lotion, soap, and even body oil. 

Peppermint is another essential oil that can provide a quick energy boost. Diffusers with peppermint, spearmint, and lavender oils can improve your mental function. These oils are uplifting and refreshing. When applied topically, they can be applied to the temples and behind the neck to remove mental fog. They also work well in a blend with lemon, or other citrus oils. Here are some of our top picks for energy-boosting essential oils:

Lemon - Lemon essential oil has been used to rejuvenate energy and improve mood 

Peppermint - Studies have shown that peppermint essential oil can help improve concentration and energy. Read more about the Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil in this blog post.

Eucalyptus - This essential oil has been used to help boost concentration, stimulate the brain, and improve energy.

Sweet Orange - Orange essential oil is known to lift your mood and refresh your mind. 

Grapefruit - Grapefruit, another citrus oil, is known to boost energy levels and naturally lift spirits.

Basil - This essential oil can relieve mental fatigue while also stimulating adrenal glands. 

Rosemary - Some studies have shown rosemary to boost mental energy.

Cedarwood - Cedarwood is known to be a grounding oil, and helps connect one’s energy to the earth’s energy.

Tea Tree - This fresh and uplifting essential oil can help wake you up.

Cinnamon - Cinnamon can help boost energy.

Focus Monq Pen - This personal aromatherapy pen helps you achieve the mental state that supports your body’s natural ability to focus. It includes many different energy and mood-boosting essential oils: Bergamot, black pepper, caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, clary sage, coffee, Frankincense, ginger, Holy basil, juniper berry, lemon, eucalyptus, nutmeg, peppermint, red grapefruit, rosemary, and spearmint. 

Vibrant Monq Pen - Feel energy and insight with this invigorating essential oil blend: Ginger, lemon, spearmint, basil, bergamot, bitter orange, black pepper, caraway, clary sage, copaiba, dill seed, fennel, geranium, hyssop, oregano, parsley seed, peppermint, rosemary, sage and sweet orange. 

Fresh Monq Pen - Fresh is designed to clear your head and boost energy to enhance your productivity with a blend of ginger, lemon, peppermint, caraway, copaiba, orange, spearmint, and vanilla. 

These are only a few of the energy-boosting essential oils that are used in aromatherapy to help awaken the senses and improve mood. These benefits of aromatherapy can be achieved when used by direct and indirect inhalation and on the skin. Be sure that the essential oils you are using are safe for the skin, and are used with a carrier oil when applied topically. 

Reducing allergies

Seasonal allergies are inevitable, and almost everyone experiences them at some point in the year. Luckily, essential oils can be used as an alternative or complementary treatment for many allergy symptoms, according to a Healthline article. 

Citrus-scented essential oils help clear up congestion and soothe the respiratory system. They support the lymphatic system and fight off seasonal allergies. Lemon essential oil can also be diffused for the same benefit. It works well with peppermint, lavender, and frankincense. Try experimenting with various combinations and see which one works best for you. Aromatherapy has many benefits and is a safe and effective way to treat a wide range of ailments.

The benefits of essential oils for allergies are numerous. They can relieve nasal congestion, reduce the production of mucus, and even ease coughing and inflammation. Moreover, essential oils can improve digestion, ease inflammation, and boost energy. They also promote relaxation and sleep, and they can even improve skin health. The best part is that aromatherapy reduces allergies naturally and without any side effects. When combined with other treatments, essential oils can significantly reduce allergy symptoms and give the body a feeling of overall wellness.

Lavender - Due to its ability to calm and reduce inflammation, lavender is widely used to help alleviate allergy symptoms. It also works as an antihistamine and will help relieve most allergic reactions. 

Eucalyptus - This essential oil is anti-inflammatory and might even help with congestion and other allergic symptoms. It can also help improve circulation, which reduces allergy symptoms. 

Lemon Eucalyptus - This blend is used to help support a healthy respiratory system.

Lemon - Lemon essential oil has been known to help clear sinuses and reduce congestion. This essential oil is great for allergies, especially when used in combination with lavender and peppermint essential oils. 

Tea Tree - Tea Tree essential oil is also recognized as an anti-inflammatory and may help with allergy symptoms. 

Peppermint - This is another essential oil that is known to reduce inflammation and help you breathe easier. It has decongestant relieving abilities and helps to open airways and clogged sinuses. 

As many essential oils are used to help treat allergy symptoms, many of them can also cause allergic reactions or skin irritations. Ensure you do not use essential oils that you are allergic to in aromatherapy or on your skin. Always make sure that you dilute essential oils with a carrier oil when applying them to the skin. Not diluting essential oils can cause skin irritations such as rash, itching, and burning. Try a patch test with your essential oil before applying it to your whole body to ensure it won’t react negatively. Another thing to consider is that citrus oils can make your skin sensitive to the sun, even if they are diluted. Do not ingest essential oils, as they can cause allergic or toxic reactions, and may even interact negatively with certain medications. Other side effects that can be experienced with aromatherapy include headaches, throat swelling, racing heart, vomiting, and even seizures. Research the brand of essential oils you decide to use and ensure they are safe to use on the skin before applying them topically. 

Other benefits and health claims

Essential oils and aromatherapy have been used for thousands of years, but are starting to trend recently. They are showing up in many different household products and cosmetics, and for good reason. Among stress reduction, energy-boosting, and reducing symptoms of allergies, aromatherapy has many other benefits and health claims to learn about, too. Many people use aromatherapy as relief from anxiety and depression, as well as pain relief for muscles and joints. Aromatherapy is also used to help improve the quality of life for people with dementia and other chronic health conditions. Essential oils and aromatherapy have also been used to help ease some of the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea and pain. Some other benefits of aromatherapy include potentially boosting immunity, improving digestion, and treating headaches and migraines. There are so many more benefits of aromatherapy that aren’t listed here. Being around for thousands of years, it must have many uses, right? How exactly do we use essential oils and practice aromatherapy? Let’s find out.

How to Use Aromatherapy

There are many different ways to use essential oils and practice aromatherapy. As aromatherapy is smelling essential oils, you can use them on your skin or through inhalation. If you plan to ingest the oils, ensure that the oils are safe to ingest and that the company is reputable. Plant Therapy essential oils are not safe to ingest, though many of them are safe to put on the skin. Each essential oil is very clearly labeled with how you can use it, making it easy to identify what method to use for aromatherapy. 

Using essential oils on your skin is an amazing way to get the benefits of the oil. When using essential oils on your skin, it is important to dilute them with a carrier oil or solution. A carrier oil or solution includes vegetable or nut oils, and even water or other liquid. You can also add the essential oils to creams, lotions, and other bath and body products. They are often used in massage, as well as on the tops and soles of feet for a relaxing experience. Some people even diffuse them in the air or rub them on their heads, temples, and behind their ears to soothe a headache or for tension relief. Remember to always dilute your essential oils before placing them on your skin. Check out the dilution chart below to see how much your oils need to be diluted.

Finding Tools for Aromatherapy

Essential oils are available in many different places now. Your neighbor down the street might sell them from an MLM, they are available at your local nutrition or health store, and you can find them online. Finding tools to use essential oils is easy, too. You can find diffusers that can help decorate your home, miniature ones for your car, and carrier oils are available at many different places, too. Mother Earth Natural Health has beautiful diffusers available for both the home and the car. We also carry Monq Personal Aromatherapy Pens, which are portable and you can take them wherever you go. We also have many different CBD topical lotions and creams that you can add essential oils to, giving you more benefits and relief. Shop all the essential oils in-store with The CBD Experts, or online at this link!