Lavender oil and lemon oil are two essential oils used in aromatherapy. Practiced for centuries, aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. These oils are used to enhance health and general well-being. Essential oils are fragrant, concentrated extracts made from plants. Various scented oils are carefully chosen for specific purposes.
Scent molecules from the oils reach olfactory receptors (cells that take in smell information). These receptors send the brain the scent details they have received via the olfactory nerve. The scent information is then forwarded to the amygdala. The amygdala is a part of the brain that has to do with emotion.
Aromatherapy Benefits of Lavender Oil
Lavender is a fragrant and gentle botanical with many uses. According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, lavender oil is one of “the most popular essential oils.” The lavender flower has a delicate scent that many enjoy. The smell of lavender can be relaxing. This gentle fragrance can be used in aromatherapy to relieve stress. In general, lavender is a soothing botanical with many uses. To experience the benefits of aromatherapy, you can smell lavender and experience the relaxing scent. You can also add lavender oil to a diffuser designed specifically for aromatherapy purposes.
This versatile botanical may help you if you are having trouble sleeping. Lavender can also potentially be effective in alleviating headaches. Even sufferers of headaches as severe as migraines may find lavender beneficial. Lavender may also help relieve skin distress. Healthline states: “Lavender contains two inflammation-fighting compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate.” These compounds found in lavender can potentially soothe skin conditions such as eczema. You can find or make lotion containing lavender. This lotion may provide both stress relief and skin moisturization.
Aromatherapy Benefits of Lemon Oil
Another essential oil that Johns Hopkins Medicine presents as a popular choice is lemon oil. Healthline explains that lemon oil is “extracted from the peel of fresh lemons.” According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, lemon oil is “often used in homemade cleaning products.” People appreciate lemon oil’s cheery “citrusy scent.” For many people, this smell can be “a mood booster.” It may also be helpful for cognitive function.
Like lavender oil, lemon oil is versatile and can provide a variety of benefits. For instance, people appreciate lemon oil’s potential to mitigate depression, stress, and mental exhaustion. Like lavender oil, lemon oil can be used in an aromatherapy diffuser. Healthline recommends using three or four drops of lemon oil in the diffuser. Another recommendation is to only use the diffuser for half an hour at a time. The aromatherapy diffuser should be used in an area with good ventilation.
A Few Practical Words on Essential Oils
The Cleveland Clinic website advises: “Always dilute essential oils before putting them on your skin.” Before applying an essential oil to the skin, you can dilute it with a carrier oil. A carrier oil is an oil used to dilute an essential oil for safety purposes. You can also dilute an essential oil with unscented lotion for skin application. The website also states that you should never consume the essential oils. For instance, do not put drops of essential oils into your drinking water.
Even when used appropriately, a little goes a long way with essential oils. It is important to always dilute the oils before using them. Carrier oils such as rosehip oil and sweet almond oil can be useful for this. In general, you can learn about suitable dilution percentages and carrier oils for your purposes. In addition, there is no FDA regulation for essential oils. It makes sense to do some research about trusted brands. You can also consult medical professionals for guidance on choosing essential oils.
