How Aromatherapy Helps You Breathe and Its Benefits

One of the best therapies you can try for breathing is aromatherapy. Many have used it, and it is considered one of the alternatives to treat respiratory issues. So, if you want to know how aromatherapy helps you breathe and its benefits, this post can help you with that. Check it out!

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy uses plant extract to improve one’s well-being and promote health. In some practices, this is also called essential oil therapy. The use of aromatic essential oils does affect not only the body but also the mind and spirit.

Practicing aromatherapy is also helpful in enhancing your emotional and physical health. Over the recent years, this breathing therapy gained more recognition in science and medicine, making it one of the go-to therapies for many people. 

How Aromatherapy Helps You Breathe

The concept of aromatherapy is using essential oils to help your breathing. These essential oils carry the essence of the plants used in this therapy. The oils are so small that the smell receptors in the limbic system can quickly absorb them. Understand that the limbic system controls the body’s breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels. So, when these oils are absorbed into the body, you feel calmer and more relaxed. 

By adding just a few drops of essential oils to the following help:

• Inhalers
• Diffusers
• Aromatic spritzers
• Body oils
• Clay masks
• Bath salts
• Creams, topical applications, or lotions

How Aromatherapy Benefits the Body

Many people claimed that aromatherapy helped them in many ways [1]. Among these claims include the following:

• It helps ease pain or discomfort during child labor.
• Fights fungus, viruses, or bacteria.
• It improves digestion and bowel movement.
• Helpful in boosting your immune system. 
• Promotes and increases your sleep quality
• It can soothe joint pains and aches in the body.
• It elevates any agitation, stress, and anxiety. 
• Helps alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy.
• It can relieve any headaches or migraines. 

The Best Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

Essential oils are plant extracts done by pressing or steaming various plants. These could be the plant’s flower, leaves, fruit, or bark pressed down to extract the needed oil or fragrance. These are vital in creating the best oils for you to use. Here are ten of the best essential oils you can use for aromatherapy.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil is considered to be one of the most popular oils used for aromatherapy. This scent is mild and promotes sleeping and relaxation. It is also a popular choice for massage therapies along with carrier oil (coconut oil, etc.) and is excellent for lowering heart rates, skin temperature, and blood pressure. 

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is known for its minty scent and has proven to help improve IBS or irritable bowel syndrome and improve individuals’ athletic performances. This oil also reduces fatigue and chocolate cravings and boosts memory. 

Bergamot essential oil

Bergamot oil comes from the rinds of a fruit called Citrus bergamia, a lemon and orange hybrid. The lemony scent is often used in massage oils, body lotions, and colognes.

Like lavender oil, bergamot also helps reduce stress, alleviates pain and inflammation, and relieves irritated skin. However, dilute this oil in water before applying it to avoid skin photosensitivity. Patch testing is also crucial to know if you are allergic to this oil. 

Tea Tree Oil

Another excellent essential oil you can use is tea tree oil. The antifungal and antibacterial properties can be used in wound cleaning, controlling dandruff, and eliminating head lice. Tea tree oils can also be added to shampoos and help treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot. However, be careful when using tea tree oils on your skin, which can irritate the eyes. 

Orange Oil

Using orange oil is an excellent choice for decreasing anxiety and labor pains for women during childbirth. It may also help with Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder. 

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil helps enhance your brainpower. According to studies, it helps your speed and accuracy when doing mental tasks. When inhaled through a diffuser, the scent leaves people feeling refreshed and mentally stimulated. It is also great for boosting energy and reducing fatigue. 

Cinnamon oil

Are you looking for an essential oil to keep you more focused? Cinnamon oil can help you with that. Adding this oil to your diffuser can help improve your focus, stay alert, and feel less flustered. It also aids your concentration leaving you less frustrated. 

Lemon Oil

Do you love lemony scents? Adding lemon essential oils to your list is a good choice! The use of lemon oil helps improve your mood and stress and alleviates anxiety. According to research, this oil is even more effective when used with lavender oil. So, if you want to feel energized, adding both oils to your diffuser helps. 

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil is also a popular oil used in reducing anxiety. It also promotes sleep and relaxation, as it calms the nerves. Using this as a massage oil is also effective in terms of destressing. 

Jasmine Oil

Jasmine oil is considered one of the best-smelling essential oils you can use. It was also thought to be an aphrodisiac and is one of our list’s most expensive essential oils. It can boost your moods, leaving you feeling more optimistic than you were. 

In Closing

Most essential oils are safe and have proven effective for many people. However, if you are unsure how aromatherapy helps you breathe, you can always talk to an expert. Consulting your doctor is also necessary if you wish to use this as an alternative. 

Essential oils are great, but use them with precaution.  As you explore these oils, consider what is effective for you. Remember that aromatherapy is only a complementary therapy, not a substitute for any treatment plan approved by your doctor. Do proceed with caution.