By Kiley Brown
Aromatherapy has been used in many different cultures throughout history. It uses the physiological and psychological benefits of inhaling vaporized herbs to protect against a wide range of illnesses.
Before looking into buying essential oils, it is important to do your research. Check the labels to make sure it fits the purpose you have in mind. They are natural products that have the capability to provide a sense of calmness and relaxation. Inhalation is said to give the most immediate response. The oils can help treat stress, arthritis, cancer, and to reduce pain. Lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, and bergamot are a few scents regularly found in aromatherapy.
“I use essential oils to help me feel better, mentally and physically,” junior Tyler Emond said. “They can bring more positivity to your day. I started using them since my friend did, and now I use them everyday.”
There are generally four different types of essential oil diffusers, those being: ultrasonic, heat, evaporation, and nebulizer. Diffusers are an alternative to candles or wax melts. Healing properties, on the other hand, vary depending on what herbs you use; for instance, lavender can help you relax and eucalyptus can clear your airways.
“Every night before I go to sleep, I diffuse a sleep blend of essential oils using my ultrasonic TomCare diffuser,” junior Alika Ruse said. “The oil scents include orange, tangerine, lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, and sandalwood which help calm my nerves and make it easier to sleep. I buy my essential oils from Whole Foods, and I like the brand ‘Now and Everything.’”
Ultrasonic diffusers allow the oils to be dispersed into the air in a mist mixed with steam. It is ideal for relaxing or sleeping. They can be bought on Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
Heat diffusers can come in variations, such as electric heat diffusers, candle heat diffusers, and lamp rings. These all use a tray where the oil is held next to the heat source. Heat diffusers then warm the essential oils causing them to evaporate. Some use higher levels of heat which make the scent more intense but may defeat the purpose when trying to achieve essential healing benefits. Lower levels of heat can keep things subtle without changing the oils too much and still make your home smell fragrant.
Although heat diffusers and evaporation diffusers are similar, evaporation diffusers use a fan to generate wind. Oil is held in an absorbent material so the wind causes the oil to be released in a controlled way.
Nebulizers are said to be the purest and most effective way to evaporate essential oils and are similar to a perfume bottle. They require no heat or water but will need to be set to a timer to prevent the oil from running out.
“One of my friends introduced aromatherapy to me,” senior Miah Rafiner said. “It’s calming to have a nice natural scent like eucalyptus; I got two diffusers since I wanted my room to smell good. I also use essential oils to help with muscle pains and to sleep and breathe better.”
