Back to Basics: Using Aromatherapy Oils 101

If 2020 has you stressed out, you’re far from alone. Between natural disasters and various calamities both foreign and domestic, it’s only natural to feel some level of anxiety. Seeking some degree of relief from your stress and anxiety is totally normal. Pretty much everyone has heard of aromatherapy and essential oils by this point, and a lot of people swear by them as a cure-all for everything from acne to indigestion, but how does it work? And what impacts how effective it is?

How it Works

It’s probably not news that the human sense of smell isn’t all that powerful compared to other animals. Don’t discount the impact this sense can have though. Smells can be powerful memory triggers. Sensory receptors in your nose carry messages to your brain, more specifically to the limbic system. Aside from receiving and processing olfactory information, the limbic system and its components are also responsible for emotions and memory via biological chemical pathways. Exposure to aromatherapy can influence those chemical pathways and the hormones that are produced by the limbic system. All things considered, it’s not surprising that certain smells can have an effect on how we feel.

Factors That Impact Efficacy 

Oil quality and the method of delivery both impact how effective aromatherapy is for someone. The quality of the oil can change due to a variety of factors. Processing methods, any additives to the oil, the location the plants were sourced from, the season in which they were harvested, and even the time of day they were harvested at can all impact the oil’s potency. Because of this it’s important to research your aromatherapy oils to determine their purity, quality, and that they are coming from a reputable source. Choosing your intake method also matters. Most application options fall under inhalation or topical usage methods. Inhalation may help with emotional matters more since it’s more immediately affecting the limbic system, whereas if you’re carrying a lot of tension you may find topical application to be more beneficial, especially in the form of an aromatherapeutic massage.

An Individual Matter

Of course, all of this is subject to individualization. What works for one person may not work for another. With different oils, different methods of usage, and different concentration levels, aromatherapy is far from a one size fits all method for addressing stress. Because of this, finding the method that works best for you may take time, research, and a decent amount of trial and error. Be sure to learn how to dilute aromatherapy oils for the method you wish to try. Research which methods may be most appropriate for you and your situation.

Aromatherapy has been around for ages, and has recently spiked in popularity as a treatment for alleviating a variety of ailments. Especially with the chaos that has been 2020 so far, it’s no surprise that people want to find a measure of calmness. If you choose to use aromatherapy as a way to improve your quality of life, it’s important to understand how it works and what can impact how effective it is. Keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another and be patient with yourself and the process as you try to find what works for you.

Did you know you can vape essential oils? To do so successfully you need the right atomizer. Check out our stock of atomizers here!