Ingredients & Craft · 6 comments ·

Aromatherapy: Sensory Rituals, Evidence & Responsible Claims

The SelesTeres Journal · Ingredients & Craft
By Nina, founder of SelesTeres · Originally published February 23, 2023 · Full-length edition

Does Aromatherapy Work? Uses & Benefits

The quick answer

Aromatherapy uses aromatic materials in personal-care or environmental settings. People may enjoy a particular scent, but ordinary scented cosmetics are not proven cures for medical or psychological conditions.

5 Minute Read
 
Aromatherapy is an age-old practice that was first established by the Egyptians. While aromatics had been used for generations before the Egyptians had discovered its powerful benefits, it was they who upped the ante in terms of its uses and benefits. From applying aromatics to incense for its calmative effects to using aromatherapy in their medicinal practices, the Egyptians clearly saw the amazing benefits of this practice and ran with it!
However, it was French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who coined the term “aromatherapy”. After a laboratory accident left his harm severely burned, Rene-Maurice began applying lavender oil to the wound. After several weeks of using the treatment, his wound hadn’t just healed, it had almost disappeared! He was left with minimal scarring and went on to tout aromatherapy as a miracle cure for a number of ailments.
If you’ve been asking yourself whether or not aromatherapy works, this article is going to provide you with all the answers.

What is Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy – also known as essential oil therapy – is a holistic treatment that has been used for centuries. Using the extracts of plants and flowers, the oil is often used in sprays, mists, rubbing oils, body butters, balms, soaps, and candles. The sad fact is that, for decades, scientists have pushed aromatherapy aside, claiming that modern, pharmaceutical medicine is the only route to healing.
Thankfully, this is something that is quickly changing!
More recently, medical practitioners have begun exploring the uses and benefits of aromatherapy – using it for everything from wound care to the treatment of chronic illnesses. Therapists have also begun recommending the use of aromatherapy for mildly depressed patients and those who struggle with anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and other common mental disorders.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy

If you have one or more of the following health conditions, aromatherapy can alleviate some (if not all) of the strain that you’ve been feeling. Here are some of the conditions that aromatherapy can combat.

1. General Pain

For anyone who suffers from physical pain – whether that is pain from an old injury, scar tissue pain, joint pain, and even headaches – there are many wonderful aromatics that can help you reduce your daily battle with pain.

2. Sleep Disorders

For those who suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders, this is an excellent option for you. Being able to drift off to sleep (and stay asleep) doesn’t have to be a fight anymore. Aromatherapy can help you achieve deep, restful sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling recharged.

3. Mental Health Disorders

As mentioned, anyone suffering from chronic stress, anxiety, PTSD, and mild forms of depression might benefit from the use of aromatics. Not only have they been proven to enhance one’s mood, but they also reduce the amount of physical tension in your body. 

4. The Side Effects of Chemo

Yes, you read that right. Aromatherapy can help alleviate some of the symptoms or side effects of chemotherapy. It’s important to speak with your oncologist before using aromatherapy during chemo as certain aromatics, such as lavender, can aggravate hormonally linked cancers.

5. Bacteria and Fungus

Several aromatics have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Used in bath soaks and body butter, you can reduce the presence of fungal infections on your skin. These wonder oils will also help you ensure that your wounds don’t turn septic. 

How to Use Aromatherapy

So, you know about all of the amazing benefits of aromatherapy and now you’re ready to try it out for yourself. Kudos to you! This is one of the best decisions that you’ll ever make. You’ll be enhancing your overall well-being and tackling underlying conditions that you never even knew existed. The great news is that you can do this all from the comfort of your home!

During Meditation & Yoga

I recommend using my Room Spray during your yoga or meditation sessions because it is packed with essential oils for meditation. Not only will this help you unwind and become more mindful, but it will rejuvenate you before you go on to tackle the rest of your day.

Room & Pillow Sprays

If you want to get the most out of a good night’s sleep, use my Pillow, Bed, Sleep & Room Spray. This sleep spray is steeped with gentle lavender and vanilla notes that will soothe your body and your mind, helping your muscles relax and stilling your thoughts so that you can drift off to LaLa land.

As a Bath Soak

For those of you who prefer to enter a meditative and relaxed state in the bath, there is my All-Natural Bath Soak. Not only will this benefit your mind, but it will also leave your skin feeling supple, smooth, and fragrant. Make this a part of your herbal skincare routine and you will thank yourself for it. This bath soak will pair perfectly with my body butter below.

As a Body Butter

When jasmine is inhaled, it has the power to curb your food cravings, enhance your mood, and wipe your stresses away. For this, I recommend using my Body Butter after a warm bath. As a homemade natural body butter, this will not harm or irritate your skin. The moisturizing effect is non-claggy.
 

Store Recommendations:

Explore our aromatherapy products

Find your aromatherapy products in my store. Have you bought one of my products? Snap a photo of your new skincare routine and tag me! I’d love to see how my products are benefiting your life. (Social links below).

Love Always, Nina ...

Frequently asked questions

Does aromatherapy cure anxiety?

No cosmetic fragrance should be marketed as an anxiety treatment without appropriate evidence and regulation.

Are all essential oils safe to inhale or apply?

No. Exposure, concentration and individual sensitivities matter.

Is a candle a medical wellness device?

No. Treat it as a home-fragrance product and follow candle safety guidance.

Can fragrance-free be preferable?

Yes, especially for people with known fragrance sensitivities.

Continue reading

Explore more SelesTeres rituals

Curated complements to this article—8 products across cleansing, skincare and home where relevant. Swipe to discover more; these are cosmetic and lifestyle products, not treatments for medical conditions.

Further reading & sources

For general education and inspiration only. SelesTeres products are cosmetics and lifestyle items, not medical treatments. Individual responses and sensitivities vary by person and formulation. If you have a health concern, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

6 comments

  • Markley

    This article provides a comprehensive overview of aromatherapy, its benefits, and how to use it effectively. It’s great to see that the author has recommended specific products for those who are interested in trying aromatherapy for themselves. I appreciate the fact that the article is well-researched and provides evidence-based information.

  • Nikki

    Aromatherapy is a fantastic tool for relaxation. We have a diffuser and shower steamers, and these are some great ideas for additional products!

  • Joy

    Aromatherapy through these types of products is a great way to get those benefits. Room spray is a must in our house, and I love going to sleep on a pillow sprayed with a relaxing scent!

  • Muhammad Arslan

    I found this article great to know about the amazing benefits of Aromatherapy. Mental Health disorders are very common. I want to ask one Question "Which aromatic product will be best to get rid of Anxiety and different forms of depresssion? "

  • Mayra

    This article on the uses and benefits of aromatherapy is a great resource for those who are interested in learning more about this practice. It provides a comprehensive overview of how aromatherapy works, the different types of oils and methods used, and the potential benefits for various conditions. What’s the better oil?

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