Ridhima Kansal, Director, Rosemoore, shares how aromatherapy can support your mental health.
Is Aromatherapy For You?
Aromatherapy is a safe, efficient and natural way of managing stress and supporting mental health. An increasing amount of research highlights the physiological and psychological advantages of essential oils, making them a viable choice for people looking for holistic methods for mental well-being.
The Science Behind It
The relationship between our sense of smell and the emotional centre of the brain provides the scientific basis for the efficacy of aromatherapy. The limbic system – the area of the brain in charge of emotions, memories, and arousal – receives messages directly from the molecules of essential oils when we inhale them. This clear relationship explains why some smells have the ability to arouse strong memories and emotional reactions.
The impact of aromatherapy on the autonomic nervous system is a crucial component of its effectiveness. It has been demonstrated that essential oils such as ylang-ylang and chamomile stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s rest and digestion processes. This activation supports a state of calm and relaxation by reducing the sympathetic nervous system’s “fight or flight” response. This physiological change can have a substantial positive effect on mental health by lowering anxiety and stress symptoms.
How To Incorporate Aromatherapy In Your Daily Routine
A Bath: Light up an aroma diffuser in your bathroom 15 minutes before taking a bath. This will promote relaxation and tranquility. Use bergamot or sweet orange essential oil to boost your mood and vitality.
Bedtime Ritual: Before going to bed, performing a relaxing ritual like diffusing essential oils might help people feel safe and at ease. This ceremonial element may boost the apparent efficacy of aromatherapy by cultivating a favourable psychological state via regular, conscientious application.
Sleep: When you go to bed at night, apply a few drops of essential oils with calming features like lavender, valerian or cedarwood to a piece of cotton and place it on your pillow. They can assist with regulating sleep patterns. As you let your body relax, inhale deeply and slowly many times.
Essential Oils To Try
Lavender: Lavender is well-known for its ability to calm and soothe. It is perfect for bedrooms and relaxation areas because of its pleasant and flowery perfume, which helps lower stress and anxiety.
Bergamot: The body’s main stress hormone, cortisol, has been discovered to be lowered by bergamot oil, which may help lessen anxiety and stress.
Peppermint: Peppermint oil, well-known for its energising aroma, helps improve cognitive function and reduce weariness too. This makes it a favourite among professionals and students looking to increase energy and attention.
Rosemary: Rosemary essential oil improves concentration and mental clarity with its grassy, slightly woodsy scent. It’s a great option for study spaces and home offices. Rosemary is perfect for productive settings because it helps enhance memory retention and cognitive function.
Rose: Rose essential oil is prized for both its potent medicinal properties and lovely, flowery scent. Rose oil is frequently used to support emotional well-being since it can elevate mood and lower stress. It’s also a well-liked option for boosting the atmosphere of living areas and personal care items because of its romantic aroma.
Lemongrass: Lemongrass oil is a great option for natural cleaning solutions because it has potent antibacterial and antifungal qualities as well. Lemongrass oil diffusers are great for kitchens and bathrooms since they help neutralise odours and purify the air. Furthermore, its invigorating aroma can elevate the spirits and alleviate tension, fostering a feeling of wellness throughout your living areas.
