“In the following article we will examine what this practice is, its benefits and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives”

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative therapy based on nature’s pharmacy. More specifically, it uses essential oils from plants, flowers, trees and herbs to improve mental, physical and spiritual well-being. These essential oils are obtained from various parts of plants, including the leaves, flowers, stem and roots, through distillation or pressing.

The use of aromatic extracts has deep roots in the history of mankind and we now consider it a modern method of treatment. More specifically, for over 6000 years we have been using it with the aim of improving physical and mental health. The National Holistic Aromatherapy Association (NAHA) defines aromatherapy as “the therapeutic application or medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing.”

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The History of Aromatherapy

How did aromatherapy begin and how important was its use? The ancient Egyptians were among the first peoples to utilize aromatherapy. They used essential oils to make candles, jewelry and for healing purposes. At the same time, priests and doctors performed aromatic ceremonies and used aromatic oils to treat diseases. Additionally, in ancient China, essential oils were used for medicinal and religious purposes. Chinese doctors made aromatic mixtures to treat a variety of ailments and to restore internal balance.

During the Renaissance period in Europe, aromatic substances were intended to revitalize the body and spirit. Scientists developed an interest in the properties of essential oils and their therapeutic use.

Aromatherapy Today:

Nowadays, aromatherapy is a widely accepted form of therapy. Specialists in this field study the properties and applications of oils, offering individual solutions for various health and wellness problems.

More specifically, we use it in many fields, such as medicine, psychology, aesthetics, but also for our personal care. Its systematic use improves mood, reduces stress, treats the problem of insomnia and improves mental health.

The 5 Benefits of Aromatherapy:

The aim of aromatherapy is to heal the soul, mind and body through essential oils. Their scents activate the olfactory receptors in the nose and then send messages to the brain. Thus they activate some specific areas such as the hypothalamus which has to do with serotonin. That is, the hormone that makes us happy.

In addition, scents significantly affect mood, even evoking memories through the process of memory.

1. It reduces anxiety and stress and relaxes the mind and body: Many essential oils have calming properties that help relax the mind and body. A relaxing bath with oils after a hard day is ideal for rejuvenation.

2. Strengthens the body: At the same time, essential oils have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, helping to strengthen the immune system.

3. Improves sleep quality: According to research, aromatherapy and oils significantly affect the quality of sleep and treat insomnia.

4. They help concentration and set the mood: Certain oil aromas help achieve deeper concentration and improve mood. Days when energy levels are low, essential oils like clary sage will stimulate blood circulation!

5. Treats pain and migraines Aromatherapy also relieves pain and headaches.

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Use of Aromatherapy

As for the ways to use aromatherapy, it can be done in a number of ways. Through inhalation One of the most common ways of applying aromatherapy is through devices that diffuse the aroma of oils into the atmosphere, the well-known diffusers or ceramic devices. That is, by adding a few drops of essential oil, you can enjoy it in the entire space. In addition to the smell, it offers disinfecting properties as well as psychological benefits. As the scent reaches the brain, it sends a message to specific hormones affecting our emotions, stress and blood pressure.

In addition, we can apply them to our skin in specific key points. Such places are areas rich in sweat glands and hair follicles such as the head or palms of the hand, which absorb oil effectively. Through massage

A third way is massage therapy. In areas where you will apply the oil it can enhance blood circulation and absorption. It’s a great relaxing way to introduce aromatherapy into your everyday life.

It should be noted that essential oils are never applied directly to the skin. It should always be in a carrier oil, such as castor oil or almond oil. Their use requires caution as they can cause allergies, irritations or even headaches.

Discover tofillo essential oils!

Rosemary essential oil: One of the top oils in aromatherapy that enhances memory and offers calmness on a busy day. In addition, rosemary oil is a well-known hair tonic with strong antiseptic and stimulating properties. You will find it here.

Dittany essential oil: Equally known for its medicinal properties, Dictam works as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing agent while also having a strong anti-aging effect. It also relieves burns and stings. It is worth incorporating into your daily routine. Click here.

Thyme essential oil: Its main constituent is thymol, which is used in medicine as a mild antiseptic. More specifically, in aromatherapy we use it to treat cold symptoms, such as cough and relieve muscle pain. Make your purchase here.

Oregano essential oil: Has antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial properties. The aroma is intense and in aromatherapy we use it against asthma and cough. Make your purchase here.

Sage essential oil: Sage oil has a particularly strong aroma and in aromatherapy we use it against anxiety and insomnia. It helps to deal with hot flashes and night sweats while relieving headaches and dizziness. It enhances memory function while we also recommend it in case of colds and flu. You will find it here.

It is important, however, to use oils with care. Some can be irritating under certain conditions. It is always a good idea to consult an expert before starting any form of aromatherapy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, aromatherapy offers a natural, effective way to improve general well-being and psychosomatic health. We at tofillo.com gather all the magical power of herbs and offer it to you in a small bottle. The natural world is amazing. In a daily life that brings a sense of permanent stress and pressure, essential oils are a valuable means of offering relief and peace of mind. They are worth discovering!

What is Rosemary Essential Oil

The essential oil has many therapeutic benefits, which we explore later in this article. Indeed, the rosemary herb itself has been used since ancient times. To learn more about the herb see our previous article all about it!

Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil for Hair

Did you know that rosemary oil has been proven to help increase hair growth? In a study in which men with male-pattern baldness massaged diluted rosemary oil onto their scalp twice a day, researchers found that after six month the participants’ hair had become thicker and the increased thickness was comparable to a popular hair regrowth treatment.[1]

Other studies, where rosemary oil has been used alongside other essential oils, have also shown the oil’s ability to reverse hair loss.[2]

Cognitive Functions Induced by Rosemary Essential oil

Rosemary has long been revered in different cultures for its benefits to brain health and memory. Well, the essential oil is no different.

In a study in 2012, researchers found that when participants inhaled rosemary oil, they experienced improved performance at tasks designed to test their cognitive function,[3] and the participants experienced improvements in both speed and accuracy.

Rosemary oil could even be beneficial for serious cognitive issues. Research has suggested that regularly inhaling rosemary oil could help improve cognitive performance in people with Alzheimer’s.[4]

Rosemary Essential oil for Pain Relief

If you’re experiencing muscle or joint pain, it might be worth including some rosemary oil as a home remedy. Traditional medicine has long utilized rosemary as a pain reliever, and now the research suggests that there is scientific support for this.

In a study in 2007, participants experiencing post-stroke shoulder pain received acupressure with rosemary oil. Researchers found that they experienced almost double the reduction in shoulder pain compared to the group that received acupressure without the oil.[5]

Certainly, at tofillo we like to use our Rosemary Essential Oil and massage into skin – diluted of course – whenever we have a muscle pain!

Stress and Aromatherapy With Rosemary Essential oil

When you’re next feeling stressed, why not reach for a bottle of rosemary oil? Research suggests that the oil has stress-relieving properties.

In a 2009 study, students that were given sachets of rosemary essential oil before an exam exhibited reduced levels of stress both before and during the exam.[6] Similarly, in a study in 2007, researchers found that when participants inhaled rosemary oil for a few minutes, samples of their saliva showed a 23% decrease in cortisol (the stress hormone) compared to a neutral ingredient.[7]

Indeed, at tofillo we love to use our Rosemary Essential Oil to take a deep breath and a break when we’re feeling stressed…

Ηow Εssential oil of Rosemary helps Coughs and Colds

Did you know that rosemary contains a compound that can help ease your cough and cold?

The compound is called cineole, and research has found that it is effective at breaking up mucus and having an anti-inflammatory effect, particularly for chest infections.[8]

An easy way to get the benefits of rosemary oil in this way would be to create a steam bowl and add a few drops of the essential oil to the bowl to inhale.

How to Use Rosemary Oil

One key step in using rosemary essential oil on the skin is using it in a diluted form, so it becomes a gentler type of rosemary oil.

Using a diluted form of essential oils is necessary whenever you’re applying it to your skin to avoid irritation.

So how do you make a diluted form of rosemary oil? We make the following suggestions:

1. Find a neutral oil – like jojoba oil – to act as the carrier oil
2. To make diluted rosemary oil for your face, use 1 drop of the essential oil to 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil. Scale up the amount as needed, keeping the same ratio of ingredients
3. For skin on your body, use 2 drops of the essential oil to 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil
4. And for your hair and scalp, use 2-3 drops of the essential oil to 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil

Uses of Essential Oil

Now, what about the ways you can use rosemary oil to get its benefits?

Well, there are many options to choose from! You can add a few drops of the essential oil when making a soap, to let you relax, clear your mind or provide pain relief when you need. Similarly, you can add some drops into candles you make yourself, to give you focus and calm next time you burn them.

You can also use the oil for massage – remembering to dilute it per our instructions in the previous section. Another use would be to use it in a steam bowl to help soothe any coughs you have from the cold or flu.

If you’d like to learn more about essential oils generally and their uses in aromatherapy, see our previous article on the topic.

And if you’ve been inspired to include some rosemary oil in your wellbeing routine, head over to our product page for our Rosemary Essential Oil where you can learn more about it and place an order!

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17388768/

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19258850/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17291597/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3842692/

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9828867/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23983963/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20377818/