Way back before my journey with aromatics began, I had a hectic role working in financial services in London. Regular massage was amazing to help with relaxation but I was so blown over by the profound effects of tiny drops of aromatic oils used in a treatment that I became an aromatherapy convert overnight as I got the best night’s sleep ever.
Stress would build up again and I’d go for regular monthly treatments. After a wee while, I decided to learn more about how the tiny drops of aromatics could have such a beneficial impact on our physical and mental health. 30 years on, and during Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m celebrating 25 years as a professional clinical aromatherapist.
So what exactly is aromatherapy you may be asking? Aromatherapy is a natural therapy that uses essential oils to improve physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Essential oils are extracted from plants and contain various aromatic compounds that are believed to have therapeutic properties. Research has shown that aromatherapy can be beneficial for mental health by helping to reduce stress and in turn help those suffering from anxiety and low mood. Over the years there have been many clinical studies to scientifically research the oils, their aromatic compounds and physiological and psychological changes to the human body.
Aromatherapy is a super tool for helping mental health and for 6 ½ years I worked as a professional clinical aromatherapist for an Edinburgh mental health charity where service users were referred by GPs and nurses for help when they suffered from stress, anxiety and depression. Many benefited from regular sessions and it had positive benefits for their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
One of the primary ways aromatherapy benefits mental health is by reducing stress levels. Certain essential oils, such as lavender, bergamot, and chamomile, have been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone that is associated with stress. These oils can be diffused in a room, added to a bath, or applied topically to help promote relaxation and reduce tension.
Aromatherapy studies have shown it can be helpful for alleviating symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Oils such as clary sage, frankincense, and ylang-ylang are believed to have mood-boosting properties that can help reduce feelings of sadness and promote a sense of wellbeing.
In addition to its mental health benefits, aromatherapy can also have a positive impact on physical health. Certain oils, such as peppermint and rosemary, may aid recovery from headaches, while others, such as tea tree and myrtle oils, can help boost recovery when your immune system is fighting the common cold.
Overall, aromatherapy is a natural and effective way to promote mental and physical wellbeing. We’ve incorporated essential oils into the Gardener’s range of natural skincare products so you can experience the many benefits that aromatherapy has to offer.
From Mental Health Awareness Week til end of May, save 15% on all products in the Gardener’s range as they’re full of mood boosting essential oils. Click here to buy.