Essential Oils and Emotional Wellness
We’re taking a brief look into aromatherapy for the home and the incredible healing properties of essential oils on emotional wellness. Essential oils are known to help improve energy levels, mood, sleep, and overall emotional wellness. This gift from mother nature’s comes in the form of botanicals. Essential oils are made from the many parts of a plant and most commonly, created through steam distillation. Essential oils embody the essence of the plant and come in a very concentrated form.
Some History on Essential Oils
Further, essential oils have been used for centuries and valued for their potent effects on our physical and emotional health. Modern research dating back to the 1990’s confirms the connection between essential oils and our emotional wellbeing. These scientific studies have tested the effectiveness of essential oils on the limbic system of the brain which controls our memories, emotions and drives. The outcome of these studies showed the effectiveness of essential oils on helping with feelings of such as stress, depression, anxiety, and grief. Thus, our sense of smell is distinctively linked to the limbic system. It’s amazing! That is to say, using essential oils in aromatherapy for the home has proven benefits on emotional wellbeing!
Ways to Use Aromatherapy
Diffusers
Here are some ways to use aromatherapy for the home. One is to way is to diffuse the oils in a diffuser. When using a diffuser, such as the one in the picture, the oil vapor will permeate the entire room. It will enter other rooms as well if you leave those doors open. So be mindful of exposing others in your household to the oil’s vapors which are powerful. If you choose to use a diffuser, it is best to use it in shorter spurts, 30-60 minutes, rather than letting it run for hours. Because you want to avoid overexposure, as the oils are strong and work quickly. So make sure to take significant breaks when running the diffuser or set it on the timer.
Inhalers
A second way to use aromatherapy is with an inhaler. An aromatherapy inhaler is for your own personal use. Inhalers can be carried on you for the purpose of using it as needed throughout your day. It is great to target specific needs such as calming feelings of overwhelm in crowds or feelings of stress at work, or maybe boosting energy before your morning commute.
Jewelry
The third way to benefit from the vapors of essential oils is to use diffused jewelry. This is a form of passive diffusion. There are many beautiful and artistic pieces of jewelry that have the added benefit of carrying the scent of your essential oil. As with the other methods, make sure to dilute the oil due to it’s potency and potential reaction to contact with your skin.
Disclaimer: Be sure to use caution when using essential oils. If they are not of a pure grade, they may have additives in it. So inhaling or applying to skin may have unwanted reactions. Essential oils of pure grade are very potent so make sure to test your response to the oils, testing with small amounts.
Disclaimer: When diffusing, be extra cautious around children, pets, pregnant women and anyone with neurological disorders. It is best to research if the oil you are interested has the potential for negative reactions in children, pets, during pregnancy, or people with neurological disorders if you know they may come into contact with the vapor of the oil. Also, certain oils may need to be avoided if you are taking certain medications or have a medical condition that can be affected by the oil. The information provided in this website is not intended to treat or cure any illness or ailment. Please always make sure to consult with a doctor or health care professional.
On next page…..creating atmospheres of wellness in the home with essential oils.
