Relax With an Aromatherapy Diffuser
An aromatherapy diffuser is an easy, at-home way to practice self-care thanks to amazing scents that help you tap into relaxation.
Whether you’re suffering from allergies, congestion or the dry cold, diffusing essential oils can soothe and ease your symptoms so you can breathe easier. You can even use them to boost energy or improve focus.
Boosts Your Mood
From juggling a busy work schedule to managing your health, life is full of challenges that can leave you feeling stressed and anxious. Aromatherapy can provide a natural and safe way to calm these negative feelings, especially when used with essential oils that are known for their mood-stabilizing properties.
The scents of certain essential oils trigger a physical reaction in the brain that may help to ease your mood and calm you down, such as linalool found in lavender or limonene in orange oil. The oil can be diffused in a room or diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically to the skin as needed.
Aside from calming your emotions, aromatherapy can also boost your energy levels. When you feel lethargic or low, try a citrus scent such as grapefruit or lemon. This is a great way to help wake up your body and mind in the morning and can give you that extra boost you need to get going.
The smell of certain oils can also stimulate your appetite or help you manage hunger cravings. If you’re trying to cut back on calories or sugar in your diet, try a soothing and comforting aroma such as chamomile or peppermint. It’s also been found that the scent of certain oils may actually help you resist snacking, so you don’t overindulge.
Helps You Relax
If you’re looking to relax, an aromatherapy diffuser can help. Essential oils have been shown to reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality and promote a sense of well-being. They’re a natural way to reduce stress, and ultrasonic diffuser they can also impact the part of the brain that regulates emotion.
You can use a diffuser to inhale the scent of your oil, or you can add the essential oils to a bath or a spray bottle. Try playing around with different ultrasonic diffuser combinations of oils (called blends) to find a combination that matches your mood and lifestyle. For example, lemon essential oil is known to lift your mood, while lavender essential oil is calming and can be used to improve sleep.
It’s important to choose an essential oil that’s been distilled using clean methods. Some oils have been diluted with chemical solvents, which can be harmful to breathe. Look for the word “pure” or “organic” on the label to be sure it’s safe for your nose and lungs.
Diffusers aren’t the only self-care tool you can use, but they’re a great option for improving your mood and helping you feel better when life is changing in big ways. They’re an easy addition to your arsenal of self-care tools, and they’ll be especially helpful for easing the anxiety and nervous irritation that sometimes accompanies big changes.
Makes You Feel Better During Big Changes
Aromatherapy uses essential oils that are extracted from flowers, trees, roots, leaves, bark, and other plant parts. These oils contain a variety of chemical compounds, known as terpenes, that give it its distinctive scent and mind-body effects. The terpene limonene, for instance, is said to relieve labor pains, alleviate nausea, and stimulate the brain to reduce depression. The terpene linalool, on the other hand, has been linked to relaxation and reduced anxiety.
Another benefit of using an aromatherapy diffuser is that it doubles as a humidifier, introducing fresh air and moisture into your environment. This prevents irritation and dryness, while reducing the occurrence of respiratory infections. If you are suffering from a cold or allergies, try essential oil blends like ginger, eucalyptus, and lavender to clear your nasal passages and keep your breathing normal.
If you are trying to adopt a healthier diet or simply want to manage hunger cravings, an aromatherapy diffuser can also be of great help. Smelling certain foods is thought to satisfy hunger cravings by tricking the olfactory system, which sends messages to the brain and makes you feel full. This may be especially helpful during times of change, like when you are dieting and trying to stick to your new routine.
Helps You Sleep
If you’re looking to get a good night’s sleep, aromatherapy might be the answer. Several essential oils are known for their calming and sleeping benefits, including lavender, cedarwood, and jasmine. You can use them in a variety of ways, from rubbing a drop on your pillow to spritzing a homemade linen spray. Some people even use them in their aromatherapy diffusers to create a soothing scent that lingers throughout the night.
A few drops of the right essential oil can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Inhaling the scent stimulates your olfactory system, which sends signals to the limbic system of the brain, where emotions and memories are stored. The resulting physiological and emotional responses encourage relaxation and promote a restful night’s sleep.
To get the most out of your aromatherapy sleep aid, be sure to choose a relaxing and safe oil. You may also want to avoid oils with a strong citrus flavor, as they can keep you awake and active instead of promoting sleep. Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral recommends geranium oil for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, and anxiety-reducing benefits, bergamot oil for stress relief, and ylang ylang to boost self-esteem. You can add a few drops to a diffuser or mix them with a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, or extra virgin olive and swirl the mixture into your bathwater before bedtime.
