Benefits of Aromatherapy - How Essential Oils Support Your Well-Being

Aromatherapy is a natural form of treatment that uses essential oils to support the well-being of the body and mind. Aromatherapy is based on the fact that oils extracted from plants contain volatile compounds that have various therapeutic effects. Aromatherapy can be used, for example, to relieve stress, improve sleep, elevate mood or open the airways. These are very typical targets!

Aromatherapy dates back thousands of years and has been used in various cultures as part of traditional medicine and relaxation. In ancient Egypt, China and India, essential oils were used in rituals, massage and even medicinally. Today, aromatherapy is a popular part of holistic wellness and its use has become widespread both at home and in various spa treatments.

How does aromatherapy work?

Essential oils work in two ways:

1. Through your sense of smell. When you inhale the scent of an essential oil, its volatile compounds activate the olfactory receptors in your nose. This sends signals to the brain system that regulates emotions, memory, and stress levels. For example, lavender has been found to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
2. Through the skin. Essential oils can be absorbed through the skin when used in massage oils, bath water, or cosmetics. They travel through the bloodstream and can affect things like muscle tension or blood circulation.

Who is aromatherapy suitable for?

Aromatherapy is a safe and natural way to support well-being, and is suitable for almost everyone. It can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from:

• About stress and tension
• Sleep problems and restlessness
• From congestion and respiratory problems
• Difficulty concentrating or low energy levels

However, it is good to remember that pregnant women, small children and those with certain medical conditions should use essential oils with caution and, if necessary, consult a specialist before starting use.

Effects of essential oils – find your favorite

Essential oils offer a wide range of health benefits, and each oil has its own unique properties. Choosing the right oil depends on your mood, your body's needs, and your personal preferences. Here are some of the most popular essential oils and their benefits:

Relaxing and stress-relieving oils

If you need to calm down after a busy day or want to relieve stress, these oils can help:

• Lavender: Known for its calming and sleep-enhancing effects. Especially recommended for "evening use". Try: Lavender Essential Oil 5ml
• Chamomile: Relieves nervous tension and helps you relax. Also great for sensitive skin.
• Sandalwood: A deep, earthy scent that calms the mind and promotes a meditative state.

Energizing and invigorating oils

When you want an extra boost to your day, try these refreshing essential oils:

• Lemon: A fresh, uplifting scent that helps you focus and energizes. Try: Lemon Essential Oil 5ml
• Peppermint: Refreshes the mind and body, relieves fatigue and can also help with headaches. Try: Spearmint Essential Oil 5ml
• Rosemary: Improves concentration and memory, and is especially suitable for support during the workday. Try: Rosemary Essential Oil 5ml

Mood-boosting oils

If you're looking for a good mood and a boost to your day, these oils can help:

• Orange: A sunny and uplifting scent that relieves stress and puts you in a good mood. Try: Sweet Orange Essential Oil 5ml
• Bergamot: Balances mood and helps calm down without making you feel tired. Try: Bergamot Essential Oil 5ml
• Ylang-ylang: A floral scent that relieves anxiety and brings a gentle euphoric feeling. Try: Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil 5ml

Oils that open the airways and support immunity

Flu season is upon us or you're feeling stuffy? These oils can help you breathe easier:

• Eucalyptus: Opens airways and freshens the air. Great for diffusing during cold weather. Try: Eucalyptus Essential Oil 5ml
• Tea Tree: An antiseptic and antibacterial oil that supports the immune system. Try: Tea Tree Essential Oil 5ml
• Peppermint: Refreshes and relieves congestion.

How to choose the right oil?

Choose the oil according to your needs and what you want to achieve:

✔ Do you crave relaxation? → Lavender or sandalwood
✔ Need energy? → Lemon or peppermint
✔ Want to lift your mood? → Orange or ylang-ylang
✔ Congestion bothering you? → Eucalyptus or tea tree

You can also combine essential oils to create your own blends. For example, lavender and bergamot together are relaxing, while lemon and rosemary can help you focus.

How to use essential oils safely

Essential oils are natural but very powerful extracts, so it is important to use them correctly and safely. There are many ways to use oils and there are many tips online, but it is good to remember that not all essential oils are suitable for direct application to the skin or internal consumption. Here is a guide to the safe use and dosage of essential oils.

Diffuser – the easiest way to enjoy essential oils

A diffuser is one of the most popular ways to use essential oils. It vaporizes a mixture of water and oil into the air, spreading the therapeutic effects of the oil throughout the room.

How to use a diffuser?

• Add 3-5 drops of essential oil to the water (depending on the size of the diffuser - check the instructions on the diffuser)
• Choose oil according to purpose
• Use for no more than 30-60 minutes at a time to avoid the essential oils overwhelming your airways

Applying to the skin – remember to dilute!

Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin as they are very concentrated and can cause irritation. Therefore, they should always be diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, or almond oil.

Good combinations for skin care:

• For oily skin: Tea tree + jojoba oil
• For dry skin: Lavender + almond oil
• For cellulite treatment: Grapefruit + coconut oil

Bath – a pampering moment of aromatherapy

When added to bath water, essential oils can relax muscles, reduce stress, and refresh the skin. Since oils are not water-soluble, it is a good idea to mix them with a small amount of an emulsifier, such as honey, body wash, or bath oil.

How to make an aromatherapy bath:

• Mix 5–10 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of bath oil or milk
• Add the mixture to warm bath water and enjoy a relaxing moment for 15–20 minutes.
• For example, lavender helps you relax , while peppermint and eucalyptus can invigorate you.

Opening the airways – steam inhalation during flu season

Essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree can help open up airways and relieve congestion. One effective way to utilize them is through steam inhalation.

Here's how to do steam inhalation:

• Boil 1 liter of water and pour it into a large bowl.
• Add 2–3 drops of essential oil (e.g. eucalyptus, peppermint or tea tree )
• Cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam deeply for 5–10 minutes.
• Repeat 1-2 times a day as needed

Essential oil safety – remember these!

• Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin without dilution.
• Do not swallow essential oils – they are potent extracts and are not suitable for internal use without expert guidance.
• Beware of sensitivities – always do a small patch test before using a new oil on your skin
• Keep oils out of reach of children and pets.
• Pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions should always check with a doctor to ensure the safety of oils.

TIP! Store essential oils in a cool place and away from light to maintain their potency.

Essential oils as part of everyday life – practical tips

Using essential oils is easy, as they don't require any special equipment or complicated routines. Here are some more practical tips on how to utilize essential oils in different situations!

A relaxing evening routine with aromatherapy

At the end of the day, it's important to calm your body and mind so that your sleep is deep and restorative. Certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile , are known for their calming effects.

Here's how to create a calming evening routine:

• Add 2–3 drops of lavender oil to a diffuser in your bedroom
• Rub 1 drop of chamomile oil mixed with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (e.g. jojoba oil) into the soles of your feet.
• Spray the pillow with a lavender and bergamot oil blend (mix 5 drops of essential oil with 50 ml of water in a spray bottle)

Energizing morning routine – start your day refreshed

In the morning, the right scent can help you wake up and get ready for the day. Lemon, peppermint, and rosemary oils are especially good for awakening the body and mind.

This is how you get an energetic start to the day:

• Add lemon oil or peppermint oil to your diffuser as soon as you wake up.
• Rub rosemary oil diluted in jojoba oil on your wrists to improve concentration.
• Add 2 drops of grapefruit oil to your shower gel, which refreshes and activates your metabolism.

Better concentration while working

If you work at home or in the office, essential oils can help you focus better. Rosemary, peppermint, and lemon are known for their brain-boosting properties.

How to improve concentration:

• Use a diffuser on your desk – add 2 drops of rosemary oil and 2 drops of lemon oil
• Rub a small amount of peppermint oil (diluted) on your temples.
• Add a drop of bergamot oil to a tissue and breathe deeply before an important task.

Fresh and natural home scent

Synthetic air fresheners may contain chemicals, but with essential oils you can create a clean and fresh scent in your home naturally.

Here's how to make your home smell wonderful:

• Add orange and cinnamon oil to your diffuser to create a warm atmosphere
• Make your own refreshing spray: mix water + 10 drops of lemon oil + 5 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle
• Add a few drops of lavender oil to clean sheets or a vacuum cleaner filter to freshen up your home.

Small wellness activities for busy everyday life

There's not always time for a long spa moment, but essential oils can also be used for small everyday moments of pampering.

Quick wellness tips:

• Add lavender oil to your foot bath at the end of a long day
• Rub diluted eucalyptus oil on your chest to ease breathing during flu season.
• Apply ylang-ylang oil to pulse points to improve mood and reduce stress

Find your own way to use essential oils!

Using essential oils can be part of your morning routine, to support your workday, or to relax in the evening. Try different oils and find your favorite!

In our online store you will find sensual and magical essential oils from the Smells Like Spells brand. ➡ See the selection here