Practical Aromatherapy with Essential Oils – Reap the benefits
#BeavertonHealth&Happiness
“Aromatherapy,” is a complementary and alternative medicine utilizing aromatic plant extracts and essential oils to promote relaxation, a sense of well-being, and healing.
What, exactly, is going on behind the scenes with our body and mind’s reaction to scent?
It turns out its chemistry.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds present in all plant material. Many of them are antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial – you name it. There is evidence suggesting that terpenes have direct physiological and psychological effects on the body.
Plant terpenoids are used for their aromatic qualities and play a role in traditional herbal remedies. For example, Lavender oil is one of the most well-known aromatherapy oils. It’s valued for its antibacterial and antifungal properties resulting from terpanoids such as linalool, linalyl acetate, lavandulol, geraniol, or eucalyptol.
Terpenes are just one part of what makes up the efficacy of essential oils on the human condition – but thinking about how terpenes work helps to keep it simple for us laypeople.
When used correctly, everyone can reap the benefits of essential oils.
They can be used to heal topical wounds; increase blood flow; heighten or calm the nervous system; improve memory retention and cognition; and potentially regulate hormone production and protect against oxidative stress on the cellular level.
You can enjoy aromatherapeutic essences by bringing in a flower bouquet, lighting a candle, mixing essential oils with a liquid soap or body lotion, or diffusing essential oils into the air. Don’t forget, when it comes to aromatherapy products and essential oils on the market, purity and quality matter!
By Dr. Bryen A. Bell, a Board-Certified Chiropractic Physician with over 20 years of professional experience. Contact Dr. Bell at True Potential Chiropractic family care facility. Call 503-574-4872 or visit tpcportland.com.
