Aromatherapy has been around since the middle ages. With the many benefits of this ancient treatment, it’s easy to see why it has stood the (serious) test of time.

If you’re a sceptic of ‘alternative’ medicine and you’re a little bit weary on how the simple smell of something can heal an ailment, don’t fear. We’ll let you in on all the secrets.

First of all, it is important to understand how aromatherapy works.

Aromatherapy can be used in various different ways, but it almost always involves essential oils. Essential oils are extracted from various plants and herbs – usually from the stem – and captures the ‘essence’ of the plant: its smell and flavour, hence the name.

Essential oils are usually extracted through distillation with steam or water, or, in more modern times, through cold pressing.

These oils have various different health benefits and have been used to cure ailments for centuries. Which leads us to aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy can be done in various different ways, with the inhalation of the essential oils being the most important part. Whether you’re getting and aromatherapy massage, or using an aromatherapy essential oil burner, as long as you can smell the essential oils, you can practice aromatherapy.

The benefits of aromatherapy may seem endless, but we’ve rounded up some of the most important and popular benefits of this wonderful therapy for you!

Stress Relief

Probably the biggest reason aromatherapy is practised nowadays, is its incredible contribution to relieving stress. With our busy lives, indulging in aromatherapy at the end of a long day can help you to relax and keep your mind (and body) at ease.

Whether you prefer an essential oil massage or want to make use of an essential oil burner, simply decompressing while inhaling the sensual smells of the essential oils will do wonders to calm the mind, ease tense muscles and eliminate anxiety.

The best oils to use for stress and anxiety relief include: lavender, bergamot, lemon and ylang-ylang.

Energy Boost

Considering that we just told you that aromatherapy is widely used for stress relief and to decompress, it may come as a surprise that it can also be practised to increase energy.

But alas, aromatherapy can seriously give you a boost of energy when you need it most.

It increases circulation in the body, which in turn helps to raise energy levels and stimulate your mind. A simple sniff of some essential oils or using an oil burner should give your body and mind the kick it needs.

The best oils to use for an energy boost include: jasmine, tea tree, rosemary and sage.

Headache Relief

While certain smells can certainly trigger headaches, inhaling or absorbing some essential oils has been proven to help relieve a headache or migraine.

You can use an oil burner to help relieve a headache, but mixing an essential oil with a secondary, ‘carrier’ oil and massaging that straight onto your skin will prove to be more effective.

For headache relief, massage your oil mixture straight onto your temples and at the base of your neck.

The best essential oils to use for relieving a headache include: peppermint, eucalyptus and sandalwood. Mix that with coconut oil or avocado oil and massage onto your skin.

Good Night’s Rest

If you’re struggling to sleep, aromatherapy will help to put that issue to bed.

An aromatherapy massage before bed can do wonders for the body and the mind and help you drift away into a peaceful slumber, but if that is not possible, you can make use of an oil burner or simply sprinkle your pillow with a few drops of essential oil.

You can also use a secondary carrier oil such as coconut or avocado, mix it with an essential oil and massage onto your temples and wrists.

The best essential oils to use for a good night’s rest include: lavender, chamomile, neroli and ylang-ylang.

If you don’t want to dive head first into aromatherapy, we suggest you go for an indulgent aromatherapy massage first and feel how your body benefits!

Mint Wellness spa does an amazing aromatherapy massage – so go on, book your appointment today and let this ancient healing therapy soothe you.