Aromatherapy

With stress as common as candy in today’s hectic world, relaxation is becoming a pretty big business. Massage salons, yoga schools, nature music, meditation spots—opportunities to relax can be found on every corner. But perhaps one of the most intriguing is aromatherapy, or the use of scents to allegedly improve one’s physical and psychological well-being. It’s interesting all right, but how effective is it? Can simple scents really drive out all the stress in your body?

Aromatherapy uses aromatic compounds, mostly plant-based essential oils, to stimulate your brain and put you in a relaxed state of mind. Some oils are said to ward off or even cure certain illnesses. But while the science remains pretty thin, preliminary studies suggest that there may be a grain of truth in these claims. However, we do know that it offers short-term stress relief. And since there are no known harmful effects, it can’t hurt to try. Here are some other benefits you can get from aromatherapy.

Longer sleep

Certain scents have been associated with better sleep way before aromatherapy became popular. These include lavender, chamomile, rosewood, and sandalwood. In a study by British scientists, elderly people who previously needed sleeping pills slept soundly after lavender oil was dispersed in their rooms. A combination of these oils can also work for people with chronic insomnia or nighttime restlessness.

Better digestion

It was long believed that aromatherapy only offered symptomatic relief for digestive problems. However, research shows it may actually cure disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and indigestion. Allspice, clove, black pepper, and ginger have all been shown to regulate digestive contractions, especially in the stomach and large intestines. Lemongrass is also said to be effective, although it has yet to be proven.

Less chronic pain

If you have a chronic condition like migraines or arthritis, you probably know that your usual painkiller doesn’t work all the time. That’s because your body can develop temporary immunity to medications, especially if you take them too often. When this happens, try rubbing some black pepper, or lavender oil on the area. Different mixes work for different people, but those two work well for most recurring pains.

Calmer moods

Is stress making you restless or uneasy? Try a whiff of lavender and sandalwood. These scents have a remarkable calming effect on the body; some people claim it can calm them down in a matter of seconds and keep them that way for hours afterward. There’s some scientific proof, too: a study performed on hyperactive mice (they were given a caffeine overdose) shows that essential oils stay in the bloodstream at least an hour after they are inhaled.

Clearer skin

Aromatherapy can also be used for skin problems like cold sores, scabies, ringworm, and athlete’s foot. Tea tree oil, sandalwood, and bergamot have been shown to balance the skin’s sebum levels, which is the cause of most skin blemishes. Mix in some lavender and jojoba oil for an effective anti-acne wash. Sandalwood and avocado oil can help treat dry skin, and peppermint oil in cold water can be used as a natural sunscreen.

Better sex

Licorice has long been believed to have aphrodisiac properties. Recent studies suggest it may not be completely unfounded: young men who were given licorice reported a more active and satisfying sex life the following week. Older men seemed to prefer vanilla; cola, oriental spice, and lavender was more popular with the younger crowd. Doctors have even started using aromatherapy to treat impotence caused by stress, blood vessel disorders, and psychological problems.

Stronger immunity

Your immune system fights off most of the bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Over time, however, these organisms grow smarter and become immune to your immune system. That’s where aromatherapy can help. It’s not known why, but microorganisms cannot develop immunity to essential oils. In fact, no microbe has been known to bypass the protection of therapeutic-grade fragrances. When your immune system gets compromised, inhaling clove, frankincense, or grape root can help keep disease at bay.