Aromatherapy: The Power of Essential Oils for Your Well-being

Have you ever thought that some of the aromas that you love so much can simultaneously have a therapeutic effect on your well-being? Are you curious? In this article, we will clarify what aromatherapy is and how you can take advantage of its benefits.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the unique and exclusive use of essential oils and their benefits for therapeutic purposes (complementary), intending to promote health and well-being. Within the main objective, there are 3 main areas of action:

• Dermatological: improves skin-related and/or general physical problems.
• Aromachology: helps on a mental and emotional level.
• Therapeutic: works as an alternative medicine to help treat/improve various ailments.

Essential Oils vs Fragrances

Essential oils are often confused with fragrances/essences, however, there is a big difference between these two products.

Essential oils are organic substances, pure and volatile, extracted 100% naturally from various parts of aromatic and medicinal plants (leaves, twigs, fruits, flowers, etc.) and each oil has its specific benefits.

There are numerous essential oils available on the market, however, it’s necessary to pay attention to their packaging and labels to be sure that it is a good quality product:

• Although clear glass bottles by themselves aren’t harmful to essential oils, it is advised that they are sold in dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt) to prolong their shelf life by avoiding deterioration by sunlight.
• Essential oils have strong substances which can absorb plastic/rubber so avoid buying oils stored in plastic or rubber dropper containers.
• The label should indicate at least the name of the plant from which the oil was extracted, in Latin.

Fragrances/essences, on the other hand, are synthetic and are therefore only considered to be imitations of natural aromas and have no associated benefits. They are even more likely to cause allergies or skin irritation and are therefore used only for their aroma (in perfumes, air fresheners, etc) and not for therapeutic purposes.

Remember: aromatherapy is only practised when essential oils are used, thanks to the benefits associated with them.

Most Common Essential Oils

Although there is a huge variety of essential oils, we’ll give you a brief overview of some of the most common ones and their benefits. It’s important to bear in mind that each plant may have several species and consequently each may have specific benefits. Here we will only present the benefits of each plant in a general way.

Eucalyptus: ideal for respiratory problems (cough, sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, etc.); natural insect repellent; antiseptic; promotes mental focus, etc.
Lavender: natural calming agent ideal for reducing anxiety and preventing insomnia; helps relieve some skin problems such as eczema, acne, spots, etc.; analgesic; eases pain in minor burns, etc.
Pine: relieves respiratory congestion; promotes productivity; widely used for cleaning and purifying spaces; helps combat lice, etc.
Verbena: helps in depressive states; tranquilizer; stimulates digestion; improves sleep; helps with skin healing; etc.
Lemon: helps with respiratory infections, colds, headaches, etc.; reduces greasiness and dandruff on hair and acne; ideal for stimulating circulation; attenuates cellulite, etc.
Cinnamon: stimulates digestion and circulation; aphrodisiac (stimulates libido); helps fight cellulite and menstrual cramps; etc.
Orange: stimulates digestion; eases anxiety; improves sleep; helps reduce cellulite; stimulates circulation; brings joy and positivity; great moisturizer, strengthens hair, etc.

In order to enhance the benefits and focus on a particular issue, there are also several essential oils where their constitution is a blend of individual plant oils. At In&Out Cooking we have 3 that will surely be useful to you:

• Zen: consists of geranium, orange, verbena (Litsea), petitgrain, ylang ylang, grapefruit essential oils and its main objective is to combat stress, fatigue and anxiety by relaxing.
• Breathe: consists of cajeput essential oil, Siberian pine, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, turpentine, niaouli, ravensara and its purpose is mainly to combat winter illnesses, such as colds and flu, by relieving breathing.
• Freshness: consists of essential oil of exotic Verbena (Litséa cubeta), orange, petitgrain, peppermint, lemon, grapefruit and its purpose is mainly to bring calm and serenity while eliminating bad odors.

How to put Aromatherapy into Practice?

If on the one hand, at a physical level, essential oils can penetrate the skin, on the other our sense of smell, being a powerful stimulant for the brain, acts at a mental/emotional level. For this reason, aromatherapy can be put into practice through various methods: diffusers, massages, immersion baths, compresses, inhalation, direct application, cosmetics, etc.

It’s important to bear in mind that not all essential oils are suitable for direct application, at the risk of damaging the skin! In the vast majority of cases, due to their high concentration, it’s necessary to dilute a few drops in water or other vegetable oil (for example: coconut oil, almond oil, avocado, etc.) before use.

If in doubt, always consult your doctor before using any essential oil on a regular basis, especially on your skin as there is a risk of allergy. Furthermore, this article is not a substitute for further research on the subject.

During this atypical year, with the need for staying home, we realise the importance of feeling good in our home and of our space transmitting tranquillity and good energies. Aromatherapy, adapted to your needs, together with keeping your space as organised as possible (see our article with suggestions for products to keep your home organised), is the perfect combo that your state of mind will thank you for!

If you don't want to practise aromatherapy, but you just want to keep your home smelling nice and cosy, In&Out Cooking has several fragrance-based air fresheners and vaporisers available, as well as scented candles that you'll surely love!

Take care of yourself!
Let yourself be inspired!