10 Unique Ways to Incorporate Aromatherapy into Your Everyday Life 

Health Insurance Plans starting at Rs.15/day*

Health Insurance Plans starting at Rs.15/day*

Overview 

From time to time, we all need a therapeutic massage to curb our stress, reduce anxiety, and, of course, smell fresh and amazing. The daily hustle of work and life can be so tiring that we tend to forget that stress 

and tension are some of the major factors of so many lifestyle diseases. Look at the multitude of ways you could include aromatherapy in your everyday life for a healthy mind and body. 

Aromatherapy 

Aromatherapy, an ancient practice, involves the utilisation of essential oils for their therapeutic properties. Throughout centuries, people have relied on aromatherapy to enhance their well-being. By inhaling essential oils, they are swiftly transported from the olfactory nerves to the brain, specifically influencing the amygdala, which is responsible for our emotions. 

Moreover, essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin. Essential oils are extracted from different plant parts, such as flowers, bark, and leaves. It is extracted through steam or pressing methods. 

The buzz surrounding these oils is supported by initial research, indicating their potential as a beneficial medicine.  

10 Ways to incorporate Aromatherapy into Your Everyday Life 

There is so much versatility to an essential oil that will awe you. Try these practical ways to enjoy the therapeutic power of aromatherapy in your everyday life.  

1. Inhaling or diffusing  

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to incorporate essential oils into your daily routine is by inhaling or diffusing them. Depending on the essential oils that you choose, you can experience various feelings and benefits: 

  • Feeling more relaxed 
  • Increased focus 
  • A sense of sleepiness 
  • Happier mood 

In addition to these emotional benefits, certain oils can also help with headaches, pain, inflammation, and more. Aromatherapy experts believe that the scent of essential oils activates receptors in the nose.

Some oils may even target specific areas of the brain associated with emotions or trigger the release of serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical. 

To inhale an essential oil, open the bottle and take a deep breath. It’s important to use high-quality oils and avoid direct contact with your skin without dilution. 

Another option is to use a diffuser, which disperses the oil into the air. If you have pets or children at home, be mindful of their presence and choose oils that are safe for them. 

Here are a few essential oil blends you can try in your diffuser: 

  • Fresh and clean: Lime, rosemary, lavender, and lemon 
  • Fresh air: Lavender, lemon, and peppermint 
  • Spring: Lemon, bergamot, lavender, and lime 
  • Relax: Lavender, vetiver, and chamomile 
  • Energise: Rosemary, lemon, and grapefruit 
  • Floral: Ylang ylang, vanilla, and rose 

Feel free to experiment with different oils to create unique scents or achieve different effects. 

2. Refreshing skincare routine 

You couldn’t have missed all the buzz about essential oils and their super amazing fragrances and skincare benefits. They are commonly used in both traditional and commercial skincare products. 

The skin benefits of essential oils come from their unique chemical composition, active components, and the way they work together. 

These benefits include antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that protect the skin, as well as the ability to balance or reduce excess oil, soothe inflammation or irritation, maintain skin moisture, promote skin repair, and even enhance the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  

A simple yet effective approach to incorporating essential oils into your skincare routine is to choose oils that have properties that align with your specific skincare needs, such as oily skin, dry skin, removing acne, etc. 

These oils can then be diluted in a carrier oil that is specifically chosen for your skin type. Alternatively, you can also use essential oils in DIY skincare products or treatments like rejuvenating facial masks and scrubs. 

Tips for using aromatherapy oils in skincare 

  • Select the appropriate oil: Each essential oil offers unique benefits for the skin. For instance, lavender essential oil can soothe and calm the skin, while tea tree oil possesses antibacterial properties that can aid in clearing acne. Take the time to research the benefits of different oils and choose the one that suits your needs. 
  • Dilute the oil: To ensure safe usage, it is crucial to dilute pure essential oils before applying them to the skin due to their high concentration. Combine a few drops of the essential oil with jojoba, almond, or coconut oil. 
  • Conduct a patch test: Before applying the essential oil product to your skin, it is advised to conduct a patch test.

Incorporate the oil into your skincare routine: You can enhance your existing skincare products, such as moisturisers or serums, by adding a few drops of essential oil. Remember to mix them well before applying them to the skin. 

3. Relaxing bath 

Using aromatherapy oils in your bath or shower is a fantastic way to incorporate self-care and relaxation into your daily routine. By adding a few drops of this oil to a warm bath, you can create a soothing experience.  

Another wonderful option is to use natural aromatherapy body wash. These body washes are made from natural ingredients, including essential oils and plant extracts.

Unlike products with chemicals or synthetic fragrances, these body washes are gentle on the skin and suitable for all skin types. Additionally, they provide aromatherapy benefits that promote relaxation, reduce mental stress, and nourish the skin with natural ingredients. 

 Tips for using aromatherapy oils in your bathing routine: 

For a bath, you could add a few drops of the diluted essential oil to the water after filling the tub. For a shower, apply the diluted essential oil to your skin before or after washing. 

The fragrance of the essential oil will spread throughout the air when exposed to the steam from a bath or shower, resulting in a soothing or invigorating ambience. Additionally, your skin can absorb the oil, offering extra advantages.

It is important to be cautious when incorporating essential oils into your bathing routine, as certain oils can make surfaces slippery and increase the likelihood of accidents. Always opt for top-notch essential oils and adhere to the recommended guidelines for safe usage, which include proper dilution. Avoid applying undiluted essential oil directly onto your skin.

Incorporating aromatherapy oils into your bathing routine can enhance your self-care and relaxation experience. Enjoy the benefits and take care to use them safely.

4. De-stink your fridge  

Try this simple trick to ensure your refrigerator stays odour-free and smells great. Grab a small bowl and place a box of baking soda inside. Then, add 15 drops of refreshing lemon essential oil. This combination will work wonders in keeping your fridge smelling fresh for a whole month! Say goodbye to unpleasant odours and enjoy a clean and pleasant-smelling refrigerator. 

5 . Soothing Massage 

A massage oil can be created by adding aromatherapy oils to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. The oil’s fragrance can amplify the massage’s relaxation and therapeutic advantages.

Tips for using aromatherapy oils in massage: 

  • Dilute the essential oil: It’s important to always dilute pure essential oils before applying them directly to the skin.
  • Apply skin patch test: Before using the essential oil on your skin, do a tiny patch test by applying a certain amount of the diluted oil to the inside of your forearm. Wait for 24 hours to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions. 
  • Apply the oil to the skin: Use long, sweeping strokes to apply the diluted essential oil to your skin. 

Remember to always follow these tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable aromatherapy massage experience. 

6. Banish Lingering Food Odors 

If you’re still catching whiffs of last night’s dinner in your kitchen, don’t worry! There’s an easy solution. Grab a small pot and fill it with water. Place it on your stovetop and bring it to a boil. Add 3-4 drops of invigorating lemon essential oil to the boiling water and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. The citrus-infused steam will quickly eliminate any lingering food smells, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh and clean. 

7. Delightful homemade Cleaners  

Enhance the effectiveness of your homemade cleaners by including essential oils while also infusing your home with a delightful fragrance. Several essential oils possess antibacterial properties, such as Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Rosemary, Cassia, Lemongrass, Peppermint, and Lemon. 

To include essential oils in your homemade cleaners,  

For lightly soiled surfaces, apply a few drops of essential oil onto a clean cloth and use it to wipe the surface clean. 

Create a mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle, then add a few drops of essential oils. Spray this solution onto surfaces and wipe them clean with a cloth or paper towel. 

Feel free to choose any essential oil that appeals to you. While the ones mentioned above possess antibacterial properties, you can also select oils solely for their pleasant scents. Citrus oils and lavender are particularly a few of the popular choices. 

8. Eliminate Odor from Your Shoes 

Experience the refreshing power of peppermint, eucalyptus, etc., to get rid of unpleasant shoe odours. Apply a few drops of essential oil onto a cotton ball and try placing it inside your shoes. 

Alternatively, create a solution by mixing a few drops of water with these aromatic oils in a spray bottle and spritz it onto your shoes. Consistency is key, so make it a daily routine until the unwanted smell completely disappears. 

9. Elevate your meditation or yoga practice 

Meditating in a calm environment with a soothing essential oil in the air to inhale couldn’t ask for anything better to relieve stress, right? Essential oils can effortlessly create a serene ambience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in a state of calmness and relaxation. If you are looking for focus and clarity during your meditation, these oils will work like a charm.

 By adding a few drops of oil to an aromatherapy diffuser or gently applying it to your wrists or temples, you can effortlessly elevate your practice. 

Tips for incorporating aromatherapy oils into your meditation and yoga practice: 

  • Enhance your practice by adding a few drops of essential oil to an aromatherapy burner or diffuser. This will fill the space with a calming and soothing aroma.
  • Before starting your meditation or yoga session, take a deep breath by placing essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball. 
  • Promote relaxation and grounding during your practice by using diluted essential oil with carrier oils and applying it to your pulse points, temples, or the soles of your feet.
  • Create a calming and grounding environment for your practice by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and using it as a mat spray on your yoga mat.
  • Elevate the atmosphere in any room and enhance your overall experience by using a portable room spray with a pleasant scent.

10. Accessories

If you don’t want to apply essential oils directly on your skin, why not try accessorising with essential oils instead? Aromatherapy bracelets are a wonderful option to enjoy aromatherapy wherever you are. These bracelets are crafted with volcanic lava rocks, known for their porous nature that allows them to absorb essential oils effectively. You can choose from calming neroli or uplifting peppermint oils to enhance your experience. 

To use, simply add 2-3 drops of your chosen oil or a cotton swab to your fingertips and apply it to the lava rocks of your bracelet. Allow it to dry, and voila! Your bracelet is ready to be worn. Remember to reapply the oils every 24-48 hours for continuous enjoyment. 

Tips to find quality essential oils to include in your daily life  

Compare prices: The prices of essential oils vary depending on the complexity of harvesting and production. Within a product line, there could be a wide range of prices. For instance, rose absolute or sandalwood oils might be more expensive, while sweet orange oil might be on the more affordable end. If you come across an extremely low price for an expensive essential oil, chances are it might not be pure. 

Assess the brand: Look for a well-established and reputable aromatherapy company that has been in the industry for several years to buy an essential oil. 

Steer clear of “fragrance oils”: Fragrance or perfume oils are either a combination of essential oils and chemicals or are entirely made up of chemicals. They are not suitable for aromatherapy. Look for bottles that contain a single essential oil in its purest form.

Take a look at the label: Ensure that it includes the Latin name of the plant, details about purity or any additional ingredients, and the country where the plant was cultivated. 

Opt for dark-coloured glass containers: Since pure essential oils are highly concentrated, they can gradually dissolve plastic bottles, which can contaminate the oil. Most companies package essential oils in small brown or blue glass bottles to preserve their quality. 

Summary  

Making essential oils a part of your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow the aforementioned tips to make the most of the oils you already own, or just find new reasons to expand your existing good collections! 

FAQs

Who should not use essential oils? 

Using lavender and tea tree oils can have potential complications, especially in children and teenagers. It is important for pregnant women and individuals with hormone-related medical conditions like diabetes to consult their doctors.

Is aromatherapy beneficial for mental health? 

Limited research on aromatherapy for mental health shows promise. Some studies indicate that specific scents may alleviate anxiety and pain, enhance mood, and improve sleep. However, further investigation is required to determine the exact scents and quantities needed to achieve desired results. 


DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG/WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The Information including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material contained on this blog are intended for education and awareness only. No material on this blog is intended to be a substitute for professional medical help including diagnosis or treatment. It is always advisable to consult medical professional before relying on the content. Neither the Author nor Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd accepts any responsibility for any potential risk to any visitor/reader.

Scroll to Top