Longevity Live Partner Content. Whether it’s the smell of freshly baked bread as you walk past a bakery. With the wafting aromas of coffee in the morning or the smell of freshly cut grass, there is no doubt that scent has the power to evoke strong emotions and memories within us.
The holistic practice of aromatherapy, based on the use of aromatic substances such as essential oils, has been used for centuries to promote therapeutic benefits and overall wellbeing. Essential oils are extracted from plants in a way that captures the scent or ‘essence’ of the plant.
The use of aromatic botanicals, balms, and oils has been practiced for thousands of years by ancient cultures such as the Chinese, Egyptians, and the Indians. Incense was burned in temples to create an atmosphere of peace and harmony and to manifest and please deities. While the Babylonians used incense for their prayers and for divining oracles.
The term “aromatherapy” was first coined by its inventor, Rene-Maurice Gattefossé. A perfumer and chemist, Gattefossé had discovered the healing power of lavender to treat burns, along with the potential of essential oils to help treat medical conditions. He wrote about this in his 1937 book, ‘Gattefossé’s Aromatherapy.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways that aromatherapy, and the use of essential oils such as Australian Wholesale Oils, can bring benefits to your life.
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Stress Relief
Known for its sedative effect and its ability to calm the nervous system. Lavender is one of the best-known and commonly used oils for relieving stress.
Studies have found lavender to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels of patients undergoing MRI procedures by 20%. Other stress-relieving oils include valerian, jasmine, bergamot, chamomile, rose, and frankincense.
Pain Relief
Basil oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is a natural muscle relaxer that can help lower the risk of conditions such as arthritis and provide relief for tense or fatigued muscles.
Peppermint oil is a commonly used essential oil to treat pain from migraines. This is largely due to its menthol content, which helps to soothe the nervous system, relax muscles and reduce pain. It is thought that menthol is effective in easing pain from migraines. This is due to its ability to activate cold receptors in the skin, which produce a cooling sensation.
Other alternative essential oils that can help reduce pain include eucalyptus, ginger, and chamomile oil.
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Boost Hair Growth
Plant oils such as coconut, jojoba, and almond oil have been used in shampoos and other hair care products for years. Adding a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner can enhance your hair care regime and boost your scalp health. Some of the benefits of essential oils for hair are listed below:
- Coconut oil moisturizes, softens, and adds shine to your hair.
- Chamomile oil adds shine and softness to the hair and soothes the scalp.
- Cedarwood oil boosts hair growth by stimulating your scalp.
- Sandalwood oil helps with split ends and adds extra shine and moisture to your strands.
- Moroccan argan oil provides antioxidants to your hair, as well as nourishing and moisturizing it.
- Jojoba oil delivers nutrients to your scalp and moisturizes your hair.
With this short guide to essential oils and the health and beauty benefits they offer, why not try adding some to your life?
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