Although the term only dates back to the 20th century, the use of essential oils for physical and mental health benefits has happened for several thousand years and is believed to have been popular in early Chinese and Egyptian cultures. Today, people all over the world use an aromatherapy essential oil diffuser for its health benefits or simply to relax. Use this guide to help you start reaping the benefits.
Benefits
Aromatherapy provides a variety of benefits and depends on which scent you decide to use. Many people turn to the therapy to help relieve stress and make it easier to sleep. Others use it to relieve headaches, gain energy or boost energy. Aromatherapy can even be used to heal and recover from wounds or illnesses more quickly.
Ways to Use It
Aromatherapy experts administer it in a number of ways, depending on what you are most comfortable with. Somepeople choose to use body oils and have them massaged into the skin. Others mix it into their baths so they can relax in warm water as they take in the benefits. Steam inhalation and spritzers are also popular. One of the easiest ways to gain benefits from essential oil is to use an aromatherapy essential oil diffuser, which can reduce airborne pathogens and create an environmental ambiance.
Types of Diffusers
When you choose a diffuser for aromatherapy, it’s important to note the different types and how you can use them. Nebulizers create a blast of air that blows across the oil’s surface and creates a mist. The mist means you get the most benefits from the oil, but it also uses the oil faster and can be noisy. A humidifying diffuser also creates mist but uses ultrasonic waves to do so. Because this method won’t disperse the oil through the room as much, you’ll need to sit closer to a humidifying diffuser. An evaporative diffuser is the simplest and most common type but often dissipates more quickly. The final diffusing method is heat, which allows you to adjust the temperature based on how strong you want the smell to be. The lower the heat, the more of the oil remains in the air. Regardless of the type you choose, many are made from a variety of materials, textures and colors so you can find one to match the décor of your home.
Most Popular Scents
Each essential oil has its own unique purpose, but some are more popular than others. Bergamot, which is distilled from the bitter orange tree, balances moods and has skin healing properties. Clove oil may reduce inflammation while eucalyptus oil is known to act as a decongestant and boost energy. Perhaps one of the most popular scents, many people use lavender oil to relax and fall asleep. If you’d like to lose weight or suffer from nausea, try lemon oil. Rounding out the most popular essential oils are peppermint, rosemary and tea tree, which offer headache and joint pain alleviation, dandruff remedies and itch relief, respectively.
Of course, don’t feel you can only use essential oils in one way. While an aromatherapy essential oil diffuser is popular and easy to use, you can always mix it up with baths, massages or one of the other methods. What’s important is that you benefit from the therapy and feel better when it’s finished.
