If you could alleviate stress or even cure certain health ailments without traditional medications and invasive procedure, wouldn’t you? Luckily, this is exactly what you can do by visiting an aromatherapist or even by practicing aromatherapy in your own home. This holistic practice is safe and effective and has been around for centuries.
If you are unsure about this practice and want to learn more, this guide will tell you everything you need to know and have you well on your way to enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy yourself. We will discuss all of the materials involved in aromatherapy, exactly how to practice it in all of its methods and forms, how and where to buy aromatherapy oils and oil diffusers, and how you can use this practice to manage stress.
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What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential oils for either medical or therapeutic purposes. These oils are naturally extracted from a variety of plants, and each plant essence can have a different type of healing or relaxing effect on your body. The oils can be beneficial to either inhale directly, diffuse into an aerial space, or apply topically to your skin depending on your needs and the healing effects of that specific essence. This method of healing has been well-documented as effective since before the first century, so you can rest assured that it is legitimate and completely safe.
Additionally, you may be interested in starting off by buying aromatherapy products instead of just the oils themselves. These include aromatherapy soy candles, aromatherapy bath salts, aromatherapy air fresheners, and a variety of other products. We will discuss exactly where you can buy all of these products later on.
Sleep Lavender Bath Salts
Sleep Lavender Bath Salt is a therapeutic bath soak with natural Lavender Essential Oil for relaxation and promoting a good night’s sleep, while soothing muscle aches and pains and softening and soothing skin.
Air freshener aromatherapy
This air freshener is great for your living room, bathroom or anywhere else you want a relaxing and calm atmosphere.
Aromatherapy soy candle
Candles are a simple and easy way to get started with aromatherapy. This 3-pack gives you plenty of variety in scents. A sweet minty eucalyptus, classic Lavender and mood lifter Vanilla join forces for this powerful combination. These candles smell amazing and set a relaxing mood.
Unlike traditional medical practices or therapies, aromatherapy and essential oils are a form of holistic healing. This means that the practice focuses on healing or benefiting you as a person entirely rather than just one part at a time. Mind, body, and spirit are all targeted together.
Those who practice aromatherapy believe that a person’s physical body cannot be fully healed unless their mental health and spiritual well-being are in the process of healing as well. Many of these essential oils stimulate your mind and body at the same time, opening you up to complete healing and producing zero side effects as a result. The practice of is safe, all natural, and noninvasive.
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional therapies or medical practices, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the amazing effects of aromatherapy oils uses and how you can begin your own healing journey with the use of natural essential oils and plant essences.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be used to ease the effects of your varying health issues in the mind and body. Throughout history, many essential oil properties have been recorded as having beneficial effects on both physical and mental health. Below are some of the most common and significant effects of this practice.
Pain Management
If you suffer with chronic or even temporary pain, you can ditch the medications and turn to aromatherapy as your new form of pain management. Each essential oil comes with its own unique properties, so there is an appropriate oil to be used for almost every kind of pain imaginable.
Certain oils with anti-inflammatory properties can be used to treat headaches and migraines, while other oils may work for menstrual cramps and muscle pain. There are even essential oils that can help ease the pain and discomfort that comes with irritated skin conditions. Unlike traditional pain medications, aromatherapy has no side effects and won’t leave you addicted or dependent on harmful drugs.
While there is still research being done on the use of aromatherapy for pain management, it’s a great natural solution to help relieve pain before resorting to prescription medication.
Best Essential Oil for Pain Management
Lavender oil can help soothe joint and muscle pain. It can also help ease stress and aches throughout your body. If you’re suffering from pain that’s preventing you from sleeping, lavender has also been shown to improve your quality of sleep. Try combining lavender with chamomile for even better results.
- 100% Pure Bulgarian Lavender Oil – No Fillers
- Great for aromatherapy and relaxation. Improves mood.
- Can also be used for massage oils, bath salts and body wash.
Stress Relief
Many essential oils contain relaxant properties and, when blended together, make for beneficial stress relievers. They have been known to help reduce the negative effects associated with clinical anxiety and alleviate tension.
Researchers from Ohio State University did a study on a group of men and women between the ages 18 to 43. The participants were exposed to lavender and vanilla scents after a stressful situation. The results showed that stress levels dropped to pre-stressor levels in response to the smell of lavender or distilled water.
If you need to soothe your worried mind or just take a break from your hectic life, aromatherapy for stress relief is highly effective and simple to do yourself at home. Taking a few minutes out of your busy day to practice aromatherapy can leave you thinking clearly and less worrisome.
Energy Booster
Aromatherapy can benefit you by providing you with a burst of energy right when you need it. Instead of relying on unhealthy vices for your energy fix, you can use essential oils to stimulate your mind and increase blood flow through your body.
This will raise your energy levels in a healthy way while also leaving you clear-headed and focused. Practicing aromatherapy as part of your everyday morning routine can help you be more productive throughout your day and help you beat that groggy feeling when you first wake up.
Better Sleep
If you have trouble falling asleep at night or waking up constantly, then you’ll be happy to know that aromatherapy is an excellent way to make sure your body relaxes into a deep and productive sleep.
Many essential oils have sedative properties, and when used consistently for a couple weeks to form a routine sleeping schedule they can actually trigger your body to become tired at the same time every night.
Ease Symptoms of Depression
Along with stress and anxiety, you may suffer from the effects of depression. Luckily, aromatherapy has been proven to ease the effects of depression in a healthy way in both the mind and body, especially when used in conjunction with talk therapy. Essential oils can relax the mind, stimulate the body, or create a feeling of general peacefulness that can be beneficial if you are suffering from depression.
Healing & Recovery
You may be amazed to learn that aromatherapy can actually help to physically heal the body, even during periods of difficult recovery. If you have been wounded or are recovering from a surgery, certain essential oils can stimulate blood flow enough to get higher levels of oxygen and healthy blood to your healing wounds. This will speed up recovery time and can often ease the discomfort of the wound itself.
Prevents Illnesses
It is far easier to prevent an illness than it is to treat one, and aromatherapy can help you do just that. Many essential oils are antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial. Using them regularly can give you the immune system boost you may need to fight off illnesses and infections before you even catch them.
Better Digestion
If you have digestive health issues, you may be interested in knowing that aromatherapy can benefit you. The properties of certain essential oils have been known to alleviate bloating, constipation, indigestion, and slow metabolisms.
History of Aromatherapy
The therapeutic and medicinal use of essential oils is not at all a new concept. Even before the word “aromatherapy” was coined, ancient civilizations in China, India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome used the oils and essences extracted from plants in their healing rituals and meditations. During this time, aromatic medicine and the use of essential oils was closely linked to religious rituals and sometimes even in the practice of magic. It was a major part of ancient cultures, and these traditions are what paved the way to modern day aromatherapy and aromatic medicine.
Writing on the subject of aromatherapy oils uses date back as far as the first century. It wasn’t until the 11th century, however, that the use of essential oils became popular in the medical field and even with scientists. It was then that the process of distillation was invented, and distilled oils were being used to treat varying health ailments.
Distillation allowed for easier access to the potent oils in plants and strengthened their healing properties by a great deal. Using steam, scientist were able to extract the essence of a plant and collect it in concentrated amounts, making it easy for them to study all the medicinal qualities of each one. As knowledge of each essential oil’s beneficial properties was spreading, more and more people began to turn to these oils in hopes of remedying their physical and mental health or finding spiritual peace of mind.
The actual word for this practice first appeared in 1937 in a French book titled Aromatherapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Vegetales. The book was written by René-Maurice Gattefossé, who studied the properties of essential oils extensively while working for his family’s perfume business. He discovered the healing powers of essential oils after burning his hand and dipping it into lavender oil, immediately seeing a decrease in swelling and pain. He began to study even more oils and published his book to share these ideas with the scientific and medical community. From here, the practice began to grow even further, and essential oils were even used for their antiseptic properties to treat wounds during World War II.
That book was translated into English in 1993, and organic aromatherapy oils have been gaining popularity rapidly in recent years. Interests in holistic treatment options have been on the rise, and many people are looking for more natural approaches, like aromatherapy, to treat their ailments. Additionally, people who are looking to become more clear-headed or spiritual through meditation and therapy are turning towards aromatherapy as well.
It can be expected that more and more people will begin discovering the healing properties of essential oils and what aromatherapy can offer them in the near future. The effects of this practice are still debated by some circles in the scientific community, but as more evidence surfaces proving that these essential oils can heal as effectively as traditional main-stream medicines, the general public will surely turn to this safer and more natural alternative. Be ahead of the curve and try out aromatherapy today.
Aromatherapy Supplies
In order to get started with aromatherapy, you need to get setup with the right supplies. Here’s everything you need to get setup.
1
Essential Oils
Aromatherapy essential oils are naturally extracted from plants through the processes of steam distillation or solvent extraction. The essential oils for aromatherapy are fragrant and each one has its own collection of beneficial healing properties. They can be blended together if you want to experience the benefits of more than one oil, and an aromatherapist can guide you as far as what essential oils aromatherapy would benefit your needs most. Natural aromatherapy products are the best for this practice, so try to buy organic oils for aromatherapy if you can.
2
Absolutes
Absolutes are similar to essential aromatherapy oils but are mainly extracted from delicate flowers and plant tissues through the processes of solvent or super-critical fluid extraction. They are highly concentrated and more potent than essential oils, so not all absolutes are beneficial in aromatherapy, especially for topical use. They are most often used for their strong fragrances. They are similar to natural aromatherapy oils in the fact that they are fragrant oils with their own unique collection of healing properties.
3
Carrier Oils
Many essential oils are far too potent to be applied directly to the skin, and doing so could cause irritations. Aromatherapy carrier oils are plant based oils that are gentle enough for the skin that can be used to dilute essential oils during topical applications of aromatherapy. They are most commonly used during aromatherapy that involves massage. A few drops of essential oil can be added to the carrier oils and massaged into skin and temples without any irritation occurring.
4
Herbal Distillates
This is the aromatherapy oil source by-product produced after the distillation process and are also known as floral waters. Although they are not used for their healing properties and are only a by-product of aromatherapy practices, they can be used in certain cosmetics and perfumes as they remain quite fragrant.
5
Infusions
Infusions are essences of plant materials that have been extracted into water and remain suspended there. A common example of this would be tea, in which the essence from a certain herb is extracted through the boiling process, infusing the water.
6
Phytoncides
Plants have many organic compounds which protect them from microbes, and these are called phytoncides. They are what makes certain essential oils antimicrobial and effective in the prevention of illness or infection.
7
Oil Diffuser
You may know these better as oil diffusers, but they are also referred to as aroma lamps. They are powered with either electricity to generate heat or a burning candle. Oil, usually carried in water, is added to an aroma lamp so that the generated heat diffuses the aroma throughout an entire room. This is the most common method of aromatherapy practiced by individuals in their own homes.
8
Vaporizer
A vaporizer allows for direct inhalation of essential oils right from the plant material itself. Dried plant material is added to the vaporizer, and through heating and crushing aromatic vapors are produced for inhalation.
How to do Aromatherapy
If the healing and relaxing aspects of aromatherapy sound like something you would be interested in, then the next step is to figure out what method of aromatherapy is right for you and your needs. Aerial diffusion, direct inhalation, topical application, and going to an aromatherapist are all ways to experience this practice, and one might appeal to you more than the others. Below are in-depth descriptions to get you accustomed to each method of aromatherapy so that you can make the next step and start working on your holistic health.
Aerial Diffusion
This method is the most common way that people practice aromatherapy. You will need an aroma lamp or an oil diffuser to practice this method in your home.
Simply add water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the lamp and light a candle underneath to heat it up. Some aroma lamps are electric and won’t require the use of a candle. As the lamp heats up, the oil and water will diffuse into the room and fill your aerial space with you chosen fragrance. This can serve a couple different purposes. You may use an essential oil that has relaxing or sedative properties so that a calming sense comes over you or you can meditate or sleep.
Additionally, you may choose to use an essential oil with antibacterial qualities to disinfect the room in which it is being diffused. Not only is this method great for experiencing the benefits of essential oil, but it will also make your home smell great without the use of harmful chemicals and air pollutants. It is pet and children safe for the air in your home.
Direct Inhalation
This method of aromatherapy involves holding a vial of an aromatic oil close to the nose and directly inhaling the fragrance, without that oil being diffused in any way. This allows for the healing properties of the essential oil to be more potent, so this method of aromatherapy is popular among people trying to heal more serious mental and physical ailments. Depending on the chosen essential oil, you could stimulate the brain to become more focused, give yourself a burst of energy, relax yourself into a sedative state, encourage the quicker healing of your wounds, or even give your immune system a much needed boost to prevent an illness or infection that’s been going around at work or school.
While direct inhalation can be completely safe and easy to do on your own at home, it may be helpful to consult with a practiced aromatherapist and figure out which essential oils are too potent to be inhaled, and which combinations of oils are safe and beneficial for this use.
Topical Application
This method of aromatherapy is common both in home practice and in the practice of massage, and it involves using essential oils topically on the skin. When using this method, do not apply any essential oils directly to your skin without a carrier oil, as this can cause skin irritation and negative reactions to the oil itself.
A common way to practice topical aromatherapy at home is to add a couple drops of aromatherapy bath oils into a warm tub before you get in. This will allow the oils to be diluted enough to not cause skin irritation, and the fragrances of the oil as well as the diluted oil on your skin can begin to have the desired effect. This is especially helpful for mental health, as the warm water and sedative properties of the oil can greatly improve state of mind.
Additionally, you could practice aromatherapy skin care by combining essential oils with certain cosmetic materials that are applied to the skin during your daily routine. During a massage, essential oils can be added to a carrier, such as almond oil, and massaged into the skin and temples. This allows for a better blood circulation and a relaxed mind.
Go to an Aromatherapist
If you don’t want to practice aromatherapy on your own at home or are simply looking for a more professional experience, you may want to consider going to an aromatherapist.
These professionals are sometimes certified but don’t need to be, and they offer aromatherapy services ranging from massage to guided direct inhalation.
Working with an aromatherapist can be beneficial, as they are knowledgeable about each essential oils’ healing properties and can best determine what one would be most beneficial to you personally.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils
If you are curious now about aromatherapy and are asking yourself, where can I buy aromatherapy oils, then this section is for you. You can buy aromatherapy oils wholesale, from natural food stores, and online. Below is a list of aromatherapy oils and their uses, along with a link for where you can buy a single bottle online. A great and affordable brand you should try out is called Now aromatherapy essential oils, so you will find this brand in many of the purchase links.
All of the products suggested are pure aromatherapy oils with no added chemicals. It is best to shop organic as these products will be applied topically to the skin, directly inhaled, or diffused throughout the rooms of your home. Browse the list of the best oils for aromatherapy and discover which aromatherapy oil uses would properly suit your specific needs.
List of Aromatherapy Oils
Below is a comprehensive list of the different types and scents of aromatherapy oils.
- Anise star: A sweet smelling oil that can be used for menstrual cramps, muscle cramping, and digestive issues. Star Anise is highly concentrated, and so it is best used under the guidance and a professional aromatherapist.
- Basil: A fresh smelling oil that can be used for relieving mental fatigue, maintaining clear-headedness, curing tension headaches, and as a skin toner. The properties of Basil make is a perfect oil for those who wish to regain focus and better concentrate throughout the day. Best used in conjunction with a carrier oil.
- Bay Laurel: A fresh smelling oil that can be used to manage pain and treat certain viral infections.
- Bergamot: A fruity smelling oil that can be used to alleviate depression and anxiety while also clearing the mind. Bergamot is a wonderful relaxant for those who need help managing high levels of stress or stimulating feelings of peacefulness.
- Black Pepper: A spicy smelling oil that can be used for muscle pain management and stimulating the circulatory system. It can help maintain healthy blood pressure and has a warming effect on sore muscles.
- Cajeput: A medicinal smelling oil that can be used for treating respiratory infection, colds, and coughs. It has been known to alleviate the effects of mild asthma. Best if used through direct inhalation.
- Cardamon: A spicy smelling oil that can be used as a digestive aid and to treat nausea and other problems relating to indigestion.
- Cedarwood: This is a woody smelling oil that can be used for dry skin and hair conditions, as well as fungal infections. It can brighten skin tone when used cosmetically.
- Chamomile: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used to treat inflammatory ailments and to soothe the mind. It is the best aromatherapy oil to shorten recovery time for the common cold and to help the sick achieve restful and productive sleep. Since it is one of the best essential oils for aromatherapy beginners, it is a good product to start off with.
- Cinnamon: This is a spicy smelling oil that can be used as an antiseptic and to treat digestive issues.
- Citronella: This is a medicinal smelling oil that can be used as an insect repellent.
- Clary Sage: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used to calm the body and mind as well as alleviating the negative effects of hormone related ailments. It had sedative properties that can benefit those needing to quiet their minds before bed.
- Clove: This is a spicy smelling oil that can be used as an antiseptic and to treat certain skin conditions.
- Coriander: This is a spicy smelling oil that can be used as a natural deodorant and to treat problems with the digestive and nervous systems.
- Cypress: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used to manage muscle pain and menstrual cramps. When used topically, it can target sore areas of the body to provide relief.
- Eucalyptus: This is a medicinal smelling oil that can be used to relieve the symptoms of a cold and to ease sinus congestion. When inhaled, this oil almost immediately clears the sinus and allows for easier breathing.
- Fennel: This is a sweet smelling oil that can be used to treat indigestion and other digestive issues.
- Frankincense: This is an earthy smelling oil that can be used to improve the condition of the skin and soothe stress and anxiety. It is often used in meditation because it can promote a clear mind and spiritual healing.
- Geranium: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used to alleviate problems with the nervous system and soothe the mind during times of stress.
- Ginger: This is a spicy smelling oil that can be used to strengthen the immune system and settle digestive problems. If used at the first sign of an illness, Ginger can prevent the user from getting sick.
- Grapefruit oil: This is a fruity smelling oil that can be used as an antiseptic and to treat a variety of skin conditions. It is a natural toner, and make skin appear brighter and younger, correcting any dark spots.
- Helichrysum: This is a sweet smelling oil that can be used to treat depression and alleviate stress and tension. It has relaxing properties that stimulate feelings of peace and happiness.
- Ho Wood Leaf: This is an earthy smelling oil that can be used to calm the nerves and treat inflammatory ailments.
- Jasmine Absolute: This is a sweet smelling oil that can be used to stimulate a sense of happiness and alleviate physical and mental tensions. It works great for sufferers of clinical anxiety.
- Juniper Berry: This is an earthy smelling oil that can be used to heal and repair damaged skin.
- Lavender: This is a sweet smelling oil that can be used to promote rapid healing as well as manage pain. Lavender aromatherapy oil is one of the top aromatherapy oils bought, especially for beginners. Lavender essential oil aromatherapy stimulates healthy blood flow to wounds and eases the discomfort associated with them.
- Lavendin: This is a sweet smelling oil that can be used as an antiseptic and to treat inflammatory ailments.
- Lemon: This is a fruity smelling oil that can be used as an antiseptic and to treat damaged skin. It can tone and brighten the skin when used cosmetically.
- Lemongrass: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used as an antidepressant and to soothe the nervous system. It has sedative properties that relax the mind and body while also stimulating feelings of peace and happiness.
- Lime: This is a fruity smelling oil that can be used to ease tension and to calm the mind during times of stress. Works well for those dealing with anxiety.
- Litsea Cubea: This is a fruity smelling oil that can be used as an antiseptic or for its natural deodorant properties.
- Mandarin: This is a fruity smelling oil that can be used to treat stress and insomnia, as well as alleviate digestive issues. If used before bed, it can assist the body in recognizing a healthy sleep routine and falling asleep on its own.
- Marjoram: This is an earthy smelling oil that can be used to treat respiratory infections. It can make breathing easier during illness and has properties that allow for rapid healing.
- Melissa: This is a sweet smelling oil that can be used to alleviate stress and tension as well as treat certain skin conditions.
- Myrrh: This is an earthy smelling oil that can be used as an antiseptic and to treat inflammatory ailments.
- Neroli: This is a sweet smelling oil that can be used to ease depression and anxiety, as well as provide a burst of energy during exhaustion. It has been used as a stimulant during meditations that aim to promote good mood and high energy levels.
- Niaouli: This is a medicinal smelling oil that can be used to stimulate concentrations to better promote clear headedness. Those who use this oil can experience heightened focus and better decision making skills.
- Orange oil: This is a fruity smelling oil that can be used to brighten dull skin to to stimulate pleasant mood. It triggers feelings of happiness in the mind when inhaled.
- Palmarosa: This is a sweet smelling oil that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
- Patchouli: This is an earthy smelling oil that can be used to improve scar appearance and stretch marks, as well as alleviate stress and anxiety. It rapidly heals and diminishes imperfections on the body.
- Peppermint: This is a sweet smelling oil that can be used to treat a variety of respiratory ailments and well as to manage muscle pain. Its menthol property can stimulate pain relief in sore muscles and is beneficial during menstrual cramps.
- Petitgrain: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used as a natural deodorant or to manage excessively oily skin.
- Pine oil: This is a woody smelling oil that can be used to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma and the flu. Additionally, Pine can stimulate better blood circulation.
- Ravensara aromatica: This is a medicinal smelling oil that can be used for its antiviral and gentle antiseptic properties.
- Rose Absolute: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used as an anti-inflammatory, especially in treating inflamed skin conditions. Additionally, Rose Absolute can be used to calm stress and promote relaxation.
- Rosemary: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used for its antiseptic properties to treat cold and flu symptoms. Additionally, Rosemary is excellent for treating dry scalp conditions and promoting healthy hair.
- Sage: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used an an anti-inflammatory and is especially good for managing sore and painful muscles. Additionally, Sage can be used to treat certain digestive issues.
- Tea Tree oil: This is a light and gentle smelling oil that can be used as an anti-fungal for conditions such as athlete’s foot, warts, and infections of the skin. Additionally, Tea Tree has been known to help ease the symptoms of colds and the flu.
- Thyme: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used for its antiseptic properties and to boost the immune system by fighting off infections and viruses when directly inhaled.
- Vetiver: This is an earthy and woody smelling oil that can be used to strengthen the nervous system. Additionally, Vetiver is an amazing remedy for depression, anxiety, and to help those who use it fall into a deep and productive sleep.
- Yarrow: This is a fresh and spicy smelling oil that can be used to raise the spirits by stimulating feelings of happiness. Additionally, Yarrow can be used to promote the healing of wounds and cuts as well as irritated skin.
- Ylang Ylang: This is a fresh smelling oil that can be used to treat the calm the nervous system. It makes for a good relaxant and sleep aid.
Aromatherapy Oil Diffusers
The most common way to practice aromatherapy is by heating up essential oils in an oil diffuser or aroma lamp. If you are ready to start experiencing the effects of aromatherapy, then buying a good quality oil diffuser is a great place to start.
You will want to buy a diffuser that is safe and quiet, and that doesn’t burn through oils too quickly. Everyone will have different preferences when it comes to finding the perfect essential oil diffuser, but as with anything some products and features are of higher quality across the board. Here are some key things you should look for while shopping for an essential oil aromatherapy diffuser.
- Automatic shut-off: You will want an oil diffuser with an automatic shut-off feature, especially if you intend to use the diffuser at night while you sleep. If your diffuser runs all night and runs out of water and oil, the generated heat will start to burn the diffuser itself. This could cause irreparable damage and you will have to spend the money to replace it. Choose an oil diffuser that shuts itself off after a couple of hours, or that can sense when it runs out of water.
- Timer: If you can’t find an oil diffuser with an automatic shut-off feature, at least buy one that has a timer. This will allow you to choose how long the diffuser will be running before shutting itself off. You can continue with your busy day without having to worry about remembering if you left your oil diffuser running for too long. Some oils are safer to diffuse for longer periods of time, while certain more potent and highly concentrated essential oils can only be diffused for a few minutes at a time. Having a diffuser with this feature will prevent you from accidentally filling your aerial space with concentrated oils that may irritate your children or pets.
- Water capacity: Most oil diffusers need to be filled with water in order to carry the oil and disperse it as mist throughout your room. The greater the diffuser’s capacity for water, the longer it can run or the more mist it can produce. If you practice aromatherapy for long periods of time in one sitting, then you will want to choose a product with a greater water capacity.
- Mist adjustment: If you want complete control over your aromatherapy experience, then you should choose an oil diffuser with a mist adjustment feature. This will allow you to choose whether you want a light or a heavily concentrated mist dispersed throughout the room. This could be beneficial if you move your diffuser between large and small rooms or if you like certain aromas to be stronger or weaker than others. It will allow you to customize and get the very most out of your own aromatherapy experience.
- Light: This feature is up to personal preference and can make a big difference to certain people. Some oil diffuser light up and many even have different color lights to set a certain mood. This is great for people who want to use their oil diffuser as a nightlight while they sleep. However, many people need complete darkness to sleep. If this sounds like you and you’ll be practicing aromatherapy at night, then look for a diffuser that allows you to shut off the light feature completely or doesn’t have one to begin with.
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Types of Aromatherapy Diffusers
Now that you know a few key features to look for and avoid in an aromatherapy essential oil diffuser, it is time to decide what type of diffuser you will need for your specific purposes. There are a few different types of diffusers, and each one has its own benefits. Below is a description of each kind of oil diffuser, as well as a link to a high quality diffuser that you may be interested in buying.
Nebulizer Aromatherapy Diffuser
Nebulizer oil diffusers are different than the other types of diffusers because they require no water or heat. Instead, they use a powerful atomizer to disperse your chosen essential oils through the air continuously. They are considered a more professional diffuser and are what most aromatherapists use in their offices.
Because they are so powerful, they tend to be pricier than the other types of diffusers listed here. They also tend to be more decorative than the other diffusers. One drawback of nebulizer diffusers is that they disperse more oil in a shorter amount of time than the other types of diffusers, so your oil stash may have to be replaced more frequently.
A high-quality nebulizer aromatherapy diffuser that you might be interested in buying is the Raindrop Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser For Aromatherapy By Organic Aromas. This diffuser is made of glass and wood rather than plastic and is absolutely beautiful. It is whisper quiet and has no light feature, so you can use it all night long with your favorite sleep inducing essential oils. It is effective even if you are trying to disperse essential oils throughout a large aerial space and could be the perfect diffuser for serious aromatherapy enthusiasts.
Humidifying Aromatherapy Diffuser
Humidifying oil diffusers use water to help create a cool and fine mist that can be easily dispersed throughout the air along with a few drops of whatever essential oil you have chosen to use. They are commonly referred to as ultrasonic diffusers and well as humidifying. If you already use a humidifier in your home then this oil diffuser is perfect for you, as it works exactly the same but with the addition of essential oils. They won’t create as concentrated of a mist as the nebulizer diffusers because of the water, but they are effective for most aromatherapy purposes.
If this type of oil diffuser sounds like a good fit for you, then consider buying the Pharata Humidifiers. This product will shut off automatically once it senses that it has run out of water, so you won’t have to worry about damage to the diffuser from excessive heat. This diffuser does have a light that changes color, but the light is soft enough to not be bothersome as you sleep.
Warming/Evaporative Aromatherapy Diffuser
Warming and evaporative aromatherapy oil burners are much less expensive than the other two types of diffusers, but they also aren’t as effective at dispersing oil throughout an aerial space. These diffusers are a good option if you want to experiment with aromatherapy a little bit before buying a better quality product, or if you simply want to enjoy the aromas of oils without being worried about concentrated healing properties.
These oil diffusers work by warming the oils with either a tealight candle or a small electric warmer. They do not create or disperse a mist but rather allow the warm fragrance of the oils to evaporate into your room.
If this sounds like a good place to begin your aromatherapy journey, then consider buying the Folk Art Porcelain Tear Drop Oil Warmer Candle Holder. This oil warmer is decorative and inexpensive, making it ideal for people who want to buy aromatherapy oils simply for the fragrances. However, to enjoy the full healing effects of your favorite essential oils you’ll need to eventually upgrade to one of the other two diffuser types.
Aromatherapy for Stress Management
Every single one of us encounters stress on a regular basis. Because of this, aromatherapy grade essential oils are used to manage the negative effects of stress more than they are used for any other purpose. Whether you suffer from clinical anxiety, have trouble relaxing into a productive sleep at night, or are simply trying to manage everyday stress and uneasiness, aromatherapy oils blends could be your solution.
If you refer back to the aromatherapy oils and their uses list you will see that many of them have properties that make them ideal for stress management. The best aromatherapy oils for this purpose are relisted below.
Best Aromatherapy Oils for Stress Management
- Bergamot
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Marjoram
- Neroli
- Orange
- Sandalwood
- Ylang Ylang
Out of all of these, lavender oil aromatherapy benefits are by far the most popular in terms of stress management. If you are having trouble choosing your first essential oil, lavender aromatherapy products are typically affordable, effective, and easy to find both online and in stores.
Now that you know what essential oils and their aromatherapy properties are going to help you relax and fight stress, it is time to discuss the methods in which you can use them. Aromatherapy essential oils uses offer something for everyone’s preferences. The stress relieving benefits of aromatherapy oils can be achieved in the following ways.
Bath Oils Aromatherapy
There are plenty of essential oils and great aromatherapy bath products available for people who find relaxation in a tub of warm water. This method of stress management is best for people who don’t experience skin sensitivity, as the essential oils come into contact with the skin.
To take an aromatherapy bath, choose your favorite from the list of aromatherapy oils and dilute it in a carrier, such as almond oil. This will keep the potent essential oil from irritating your skin once added to the water. Then, add this oil mixture the warm running water in your bathtub. The aromas of the oil will intensify as they warm up, dispersing a relaxing scent throughout the bathroom.
Once you get into the water, you will want to stay in for about 15-20 minutes. This is the perfect amount of time to feel the calming effects of the aromatherapy bath products, but staying in for very much longer than this could possibly dry out or irritate your skin.
Try to relax as best as possible while taking your aromatherapy baths, and feel free to experiment with different essential oils and carrier oils. There are plenty of aromatherapy essential oils recipes out there that can guide you in choosing the right combinations to manage your stress and anxiety.
Massage Oil Aromatherapy
If your body is feeling equally as stressed and tense as your mind, then you may want to consider aromatherapy for healing with massage. This massage can be given to you by a practiced aromatherapist or by a partner at home.
You will want to go back over the aromatherapy oils guide and choose one that is safe for topical use. Massage with aromatherapy with essential oils can significantly decrease stress and tension, but it also has the ability to cause skin irritation of you don’t choose your oils carefully. You must choose a carrier oil as your main massage oil, and add in only a few drops of the chosen essential oil.
Create a relaxing and quiet environment for yourself during your massage. To get the most out of your experience, you can use some of the other best aromatherapy products during your massage. Some good options for this are essential oils for candles aromatherapy or aromatherapy electric diffusers. Set the entire room up according to your preferences and relax into the experience.
Start Enjoying Aromatherapy Today
Now that you are well-informed about aromatherapy oils and uses and what they can do for you, you are ready to start your own journey of natural and holistic healing. Start browsing aromatherapy products online and becoming accustomed to the healing properties of each one. Aromatherapy oils benefits will dramatically improve your quality of life and lead you down a path of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.
Share this amazing method of healing with your loved ones. Aromatherapy gift baskets, essential oils for aromatherapy diffusers, carrier oils, and aromatherapy gift sets can all be easily bought online. Aromatherapy oils and uses are worth sharing, as they can heal your loved one’s ailments and be potentially life changing for people who want to become less dependent on traditional medicines and therapies.
Whether you suffer with chronic physical ailments and pain conditions, mental uneasiness, or are simply looking for a way to experience spiritual awareness, aromatherapy has something to offer everyone.
