Mrs Ahmadu placed the diffuser containing lavender oil on her bedside locker. The aroma diffused into the air. She closed her eyes as she inhaled the smell. She was already settling into bed when her husband entered.
'The room smells so nice. What perfume did you spray? Do you now sleep with perfumes?' He asked with a glint in his eyes as he undressed ready to have his night's shower.
Mrs Ahmadu sat up 'No o. It's not perfume, my darling husband. It's lavender oil. I read it on a blog that it aids good sleep quality and reduces insomnia. You know I've been battling with insomnia for weeks now. So, I decided to give it a try. There's no harm in trying, right?'
'It smells really nice. Even if it doesn't reduce your insomnia, at least, it has a nice smell. That should be enough' He laughed as he stepped into the bathroom.
'I am positive that it would. I'm even feeling sleepy already' She laid down and hugged the pillow welcoming the warm embrace of sleep.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils, which are extracted from plants, flowers, herbs and trees, to improve physical, mental and emotional health. It involves inhaling the smell (scent) of essential oils. The scent molecules in the essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and impact the emotional center of the brain. The essential oils can also be applied to the skin through body massage therapy, in a bath or skincare product. They have natural properties that can have a number of therapeutic effects on the body.
1. Reduction of stress and anxiety: Certain essential oils such as lavender, chamomile and rosemary have been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system and helps to relax the mind and body. Inhaling these oils through diffuser or adding them to a bath can help to reduce feelings of tension and promote a sense of calmness and relaxation.
2. Improvement of sleep quality: Aromatherapy can help to reduce insomnia. Lavender oil has been shown to have sedative properties that can promote a restful night's sleep. Individuals may experience improved sleep quality by adding a few drops to the pillow or diffusing it into their bedroom.
3. Alleviation of symptoms of depression: Aromatherapy can help to boost the mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. Lemon and orange oils are famous for uplifting the mood while peppermint oil increases concentration and mental alertness.
4. Promotion of healing in the body: Aromatherapy can be used for healing benefits. Studies have shown that peppermint oil has analgesic properties that help to relieve headaches and migraines while tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
Aromatherapy is a safe and natural way to improve one's health. Whether you're looking at improving your mental, physical or emotional .
NB We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all. Prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.
