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What are the Primary Aromatherapy Benefits?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Aromatherapy is a natural healing technique that has gained notable popularity. Many people use aromatherapy even if they are not inclined toward other types of natural healing. This could be because such techniques can be beneficial in a number of ways. For example, a single scent can be used to as a remedy for multiple conditions. Furthermore, it can be used to heal multiple people at once.

The efficiency of essential oils is one of the first aromatherapy benefits a person may want to consider. Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from natural sources such as flower blossoms or fruits. There are few, if any, essential oils that are recommended solely for the healing of one ailment. Generally, essential oils can offer a variety of physical and psychological benefits.

Scented lotion and an aromatherapy candle.
Scented lotion and an aromatherapy candle.

Peppermint, for example, is noted as a good remedy for aches and pains, especially headaches and stomach ailments. However, peppermint is also commonly recommended as a remedy for stress and lack of concentration. It is not uncommon for a person to suffer from a combination of these problems. However, in lieu of expensive specific remedies for each, a cheaper and more generalized remedy can be found in the form of aromatherapy.

Lemon essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and fragrances.
Lemon essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and fragrances.

This highlights another of the primary aromatherapy benefits. When taking commercial medications, there is an increased risk of adverse effects if certain drugs are combined. With aromatherapy, this risk is minimal and often non-existent. A person can usually engage in any aromatherapy treatment that she wishes without concern about reactions with medications she is taking.

Peppermint oil has a refreshing, clean scent that may help reduce stress.
Peppermint oil has a refreshing, clean scent that may help reduce stress.

Aromatherapy can also be considered an efficient method because it can be used to treat multiple people at once. For example, both a husband and wife may both suffer from headaches. Since one aromatherapy technique involves heating the oil in an oil burner and allowing the scent to fill a room, a small amount can often be used for group treatment.

Another of the aromatherapy benefits is the various techniques that can be used. In addition to oil burners, steamers can be used to treat individuals with essential oils. These scents can be added to items that will be in close proximity to a person, such as a scarf or a pillow case. Essential oils can also produce healing results if they are used during massage sessions.

Peppermint may be especially helpful for stomach ailments.
Peppermint may be especially helpful for stomach ailments.

The lack of associated side effects, even in the absence of other medications, can also be considered as one of the primary aromatherapy benefits. Most medical remedies, both prescription and non-prescription, contain a list of possible adverse effects. Many of these are often listed as “common side effects,” but with aromatherapy such indications are much less likely.

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    • Scented lotion and an aromatherapy candle.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Scented lotion and an aromatherapy candle.
    • Lemon essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and fragrances.
      By: viperagp
      Lemon essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and fragrances.
    • Peppermint oil has a refreshing, clean scent that may help reduce stress.
      By: Galina Semenko
      Peppermint oil has a refreshing, clean scent that may help reduce stress.
    • Peppermint may be especially helpful for stomach ailments.
      By: Julija Sapic
      Peppermint may be especially helpful for stomach ailments.
    • Aromatherapy bubble baths can help a person feel rejuvenated.
      By: iceteastock
      Aromatherapy bubble baths can help a person feel rejuvenated.