Aromatherapy can be beneficial for mental wellness in several ways. First, the scent of the aromatic essential oils stimulates the olfactory centers in the brain linked with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain concerned with mood. Different scents can evoke different moods, feelings, and emotions, helping you feel more uplifted, energized, relaxed, or soporific. Second, aromatherapy massage can ease symptoms such as stress and anxiety through massaging away tension in the body.
Using an Aromatherapy Vaporizer
These can be electric, or a ceramic ring that is heated by a light bulb, but most are ceramic pots warmed by a small candle. They are a natural way to scent, deodorize, or disinfect a room, and are one of the best ways to use oils for enhancing mood and balancing the mind. Vaporizers are also useful for when young children have breathing difficulties.
How to use the vaporizer and basic measurements:
Add water and 6 to 8 drops of oil to the vaporizer. Alternatively, add the oil to a bowl of water and place by a radiator.
Aromatherapy Bath
An aromatic bath is a simple, useful, and versatile way to use essential oils at home. It can be use to enhance moods, relax or stimulate body systems, treat skin disorders, and ease musculoskeletal pain. Essential oils do not dissolve in water, but form a thin film on the surface. The heat of the water releases their vapor and aids absorption into the skin.
How to prepare aromatic bath and basic measurements:
Fill the bath with warm water before you add the oils. For adults, add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to a full bath. Use less than 4 drops for children over two, and 1 drop for babies. Stir through the water with your hand.
Massage
Massage in itself is nurturing and therapeutic, and the rubbing action releases the fragrance of the oils and ensures that they are well absorbed into the skin. When combined with the medicinal properties of the oils, massage forms a potent healing treatment that can be relaxing or energizing, it can soothe the nervous system, or stimulate the blood and lymphatic systems to improve physical and psychological functioning. It eases pain and tension from tired, taut, or overworked muscles, and lifts the spirits. Whenever possible, try to include massage in your home aromatherapy treatments.
How to prepare massage oil and basic measurement:
Dilute the essential oil in a cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil such as grapeseed, sweet almond, or sunflower oil. Use up to 5 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil for adults, half that strength for children under seven, and a quarter of the strength for children under three (but not babies). The only essential oils suitable for babies are chamomile, rose, or lavender oils, use 1 drop to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
Steam Inhalation
Inhalations are beneficial for headaches and an effective way to use oils that could cause irritation if applied to the skin. The steam releases the vapors of the oils Steam inhalations are not always suitable for asthmatics or people with breathing difficulties, and they are not appropriate for treating children and infants.
How to prepare steam inhalation and basic measurement:
Add 3 to 4 drops of oil to a bowl of very hot water. Bend over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and breath deeply for a few minutes. You can also use this method as a facial sauna.
Good Essential Oil for Mental Wellness
Lavender: This floral aroma is well regarded for its soothing and antidepressant effects. It can help calm the body and mind, reduce stress, and promote better sleep.
Bergamot: This citrus scented oil has and uplifting that could help to boost mood and alleviate feeling of stress.
Geranium: The scent of geranium essential oil can have a balancing and stabilizing effect on mood.
Chamomile: The scent of chamomile essential oil may have a calming effect on your mind, helping you to get to sleep more easily at night.
Rosemary: Rosemary essential oil has a uplifting and cleaning scent and may be useful to help relieve tension headaches.
Lemon: The fresh and uplifting scent of lemon essential oil may evoke a brighter, happier sense of well-being.
Rose Otto: This floral scented oil can be one of the pricier scents to purchase, but it’s worth it as the aroma may help to reduce feeling of anxiety and aid relaxation.