Aromatherapy and diffusers have been a popular choice when it comes to scenting homes or offices for several years now.
From candle diffusers to ultrasonic diffusers to reed diffusers, there are plenty of options when it comes to aromatherapy and diffusers.
But did you know that beyond creating a pleasant fragrance, aromatherapy and diffusers offer some medical benefits?
Here we will look at a few of the medical benefits of aromatherapy and diffusers.
Manage Your Pain
We know scent is powerful. We all have certain scents that calm us, wake us up, or remind us of a fond memory.
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils, and it’s used for much more than just calming and relaxation.
Many chronic pain sufferers have sought out aromatherapy as a resource for managing pain.
The scent of some oils can trigger certain responses in the brain that may reduce pain and the relaxing effect aromatherapy has on the nervous system has the potential to help your mind and your body manage your pain.
Additionally, some essential oils contain analgesic components themselves and upon inhalation or topical application can work to manage your pain.
These can include lavender, peppermint, ginger, marjoram, chamomile, among others.
Sore Muscles Disappear
Through massage and other topical treatments, the pain relieving compounds in essential oils can soothe sore muscles.
Some oils generate heat, others assist in blood circulation or reduce inflammation.
Of particular benefit to sore muscles are the oils lavender, chamomile, and peppermint.
- Lavender contains both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chemical compounds like limonene, geraniol, and more in this essential oil may help reduce inflammation and muscle pain.
- Chamomile contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which give it anti-inflammatory properties particularly helpful at soothing pain or discomfort in the muscles. Used as a pain relief option since the days of ancient Rome, chamomile has stood the test of time.
- Peppermint contains menthol (and a high amount at that). Menthol contributes to peppermint’s fragrance and also gives the oil muscle-soothing properties. Capable of penetrating into the muscle and relaxing it, peppermint oil may relieve muscle pain and spasms.
Treat Headaches and Migraines
Migraines are the worst.
Sensitivity to light, excruciating pain, mood changes, food cravings, vision problems, and more are all common to migraine sufferers.
These headaches are debilitating. Diffusing oils can help a migraine pass more quickly and may alleviate some of the symptoms of the condition.
While the light from a candle diffuser may be disturbing during a migraine episode, using an ultrasonic or reed diffuser allows oils to be diffused while avoiding light sensitivity.
Peppermint oil is thought to be particularly helpful because of its pain relieving, analgesic properties as well as its ability to help curb nausea, which some migraine sufferers experience.
Ease the Pain of Labor and Childbirth
More and more expectant mothers are asking about the benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy during labor and childbirth.
Labor and delivery can be stressful, and the calming effect of some fragrances can assist in relaxation and reducing the perception of pain.
Some oils that may be beneficial during labor and delivery:
- Lavender (calms and reduces labor pains as well as post-partum pains)
- Orange (reduces anxiety)
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Peppermint (reduces nausea)
Stress influences how we react to pain.
When our stress levels reduce, we experience pain with more ease.
Pain management is a critical component and major benefit of aromatherapy during labor and childbirth.
Improve Hospice and Palliative Care
When a friend or family member is in hospice or receiving palliative care, you want to do everything you can to help them be comfortable and at ease.
The use of aromatherapy through candles and essential oil diffusers has helped decrease the pain, depression, and anxiety for many patients.
Additionally, some patients experienced an increased sense of well-being. In the difficult days of hospice or palliative care, the benefits aromatherapy may provide patients is a blessing not only to the patient, but to his or her family, friends, and caretakers.
What Medical Conditions can Benefit from Aromatherapy?
Because aromatherapy can work to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as promote a sense of calm and relaxation, there are a host of health conditions that may benefit from its use. Some of these conditions include:
- Asthma
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Inflammation
- Alopecia
- Arthritis
- And more
There are many #essentialoils that can be used to support healthy #hormones and alleviate the symptoms that happen when hormones get out of whack.
— HBO LLC (@hbollc) January 20, 2021
These are the top 5 #aromatherapy oils that can be of great benefit - from @lovingeo_com.https://t.co/e3fdNB0swj pic.twitter.com/U825z2CY03
Can You Put Diffuser Oil in a Candle?
Candle diffusers, reed diffusers, and ultrasonic diffusers all emit their fragrance courtesy of essential oils.
Various essential oils are considered volatile or flammable, so unless you’re well-versed on that information, placing diffuser oils in a candle isn’t recommended.
At Rustic Charm, all of our fragrance oils are derived from essential oils that have been tested as safe for candle use.