What do you know about essential oils? You ever heard about aromatherapy? You know most men think aromatherapy is a girly thing; that stuff the female folk do to make themselves feel good. That is because most men do not know about the awesome benefits of aromatherapy.
This piece is an essential oils guide that will enable you to know all about essential oils and how you can reap their many benefits.
If you’re already into these oils, then you are about to see the many hidden benefits of aromatherapy that you did not know about. You can also discover how you can pick more masculine scents to balance the more feminine ones.
Introduction To Aromatherapy
Photo by Monfocus from Pixabay
Aromatherapy is a form of natural treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and wellbeing. As many people say, nature has a lot of treasures that can help boost our health. We keep on discovering them.
Aromatherapy is also called Essential oil therapy mostly because it uses aromatic essential oils to promote the health of the mind and body.
The term “Aromatherapy” originated from a French perfumer named Rene Maurice Gattefosse. He discovered the healing potential of Lavender in the treatment of burns. His book discusses the use of essential oils in treating some medical conditions.
How Aromatherapy Works
Photo by Drew L from Unsplash
It’s unfair to write an essential oils guide without mentioning the principle behind aromatherapy in which essential oils finds use. Aromatherapy focuses on two things: sense of smell and skin absorption.
The oils can be evaporated into the air using diffuse containers, sprays, oil droplets or breathed in; for example, in a steam bath. These inhaled oils stimulate the brain’s olfactory system(the part of the brain concerned with smell).
When the inhaled molecules get to the brain, they affect the limbic system linked to heart rate, emotion, breathing, blood pressure, memory, stress and hormone balance.
And so apart from providing a pleasant smell, they provide respiratory disinfection, decongestant effects, and psychological benefits.
Essential oils can also be applied to the skin. They function as massage oils, baths, and skincare products.
Essential oils are always diluted with a carrier oil before they can be applied in the skin. Experts warn they must not be applied directly to the skin. The common carrier oils are Almond oil and Olive oil.
Benefits Of Aromatherapy
At this juncture, we must remind you that Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy and does not provide a complete cure for diseases. The benefits of aromatherapy include;
-
Boosts mood: We can’t deny the great effect that a pleasant aroma can have on the mind. Essential oils provide a wonderful blend of various scents that help relax the mind. As such, people sometimes use them with candles, bathing products, and massage oils.
-
There are several claims that essential oils can be very helpful in treating muscle cramps, headaches and other forms of body pain.
-
People often employ aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. This is because of the relaxing or relieving effect of the oils on the mind.
-
Treatment for Alopecia or hair loss: Essential oils have been used to treat this condition and supporters are insisting on the amazing results that have been obtained.
Several research results insist that Aromatherapy is as beneficial as other herbal and natural treatments in improving or boosting physical and mental health.
Essential Oils
Photo by Deedster from pixabay.com
Essential oils are liquid extracts from natural plants that play important roles in aromatherapy. These oils are becoming popular amongst men these days. Men who take good care of their skin and mental health are exploring the many benefits of essential oils.
Essential oils have been in use for over 6000 years. In ancient times, aromatherapy was a major part of their relaxation routine and treatment for several ailments.
Types Of Essential Oils
There are several types of essential oils in the market right now. Let’s take a look at some really good options on the list that you can try out:
-
Bergamot oil: Most people swear that this essential oil is great for skin problems caused by chickenpox especially when combined with Eucalyptus oil.
-
Basil oil: It is used to sharpen concentration and relieve some symptoms of depression. It may also relieve migraines.
-
Clove oil: This oil sometimes acts as a painkiller. Its usually applied topically. It is commonly used for toothaches, to prevent vomiting, to prevent gas in the gut. It is said to have antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal qualities.
-
Black pepper oil: It is used for muscular aches and bruises. It can also be combined with ginger essential oil to reduce arthritis pain and improve flexibility.
-
Lavender oil: Some people commonly use this oil as an antiseptic for minor cuts and burns and to enhance sleep or relaxation and also used to relieve headaches.
-
Jasmine oil: Some describe this oil as an aphrodisiac. As a stimulant, it may increase penile blood flow.
-
Rosemary oil: This oil promotes hair growth, prevents muscle spasms and boosts memory.
-
Lemon oil: Helps to improve the mood and relieve symptoms of depression.
-
Tea tree oil: It has antiseptic, antimicrobial and disinfectant qualities.
-
Yarrow oil: Used to treat some symptoms of cold and flu and also reduce joint pain.
The list goes on and on and on. Above are oils we’ll recommend any day at any time.
Essential Oil Blending Guide For Men
Photo by kerdkanno from Pixabay
The fun part of using essential oils is the fact that you can make yours. Some men complain that the oils they find in the market do not have the masculine feel they’re comfortable with.
If you can blend yours then you can incorporate any fragrance you like. Here are tips that will guide you in the process.
Blending essential oils is an art that requires creativity and patience. These are things you should know:
1. Only Natural Extracts Can Be Used for Aromatherapy Blending
Ingredients for aromatherapy blending include water, essential oils, CO2, grain alcohol, carrier oils, and herbs. Do not expect to duplicate your commercial products because they contain synthetic isolates that you can’t duplicate.
2. Essential Oils Have Different Categories
-
Floral: Examples; Lavender, Jasmine
-
Woody: Pine, Cedar
-
Citrus: orange, lime, lemon
-
Earthy: Patchouli, Vetiver
-
Spicy: Nutmeg, Cinnamon
-
Medicinal: Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Cajuput.
3. Some Categories Actually Blend in Better with Others
-
Woody oils blend well with every other category.
-
Florals blend better with citrus, spicy and woodsy oils.
-
Spicy oils blend well with citrus and floral oils.
-
Minty oils blend well with earthy, citrus and woodsy oils.
Also, know that these extracts are also chemicals and you should find out if they have any dangerous side effects on you before using them.
4. Different Oils Evaporate at Different Speeds
This is why your essential oils could begin to smell different few hours after applying them. This knowledge will guide you while blending to know which oils you should blend together.
Essential oils like Lavender, Basil and Bergamot oils evaporate very quickly. Oils like Yarrow, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Clove evaporate within two to four hours.
Meanwhile, oils like Vanilla, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Ginger, and frankincense would take much longer time to evaporate.
Masculine Scents
Scent preference differs most time with the individual irrespective of the gender. However, men have some fragrances they favor over others. Examples of essential oils that men fall in love with quickly include:
-
Patchouli
-
Sandalwood
-
Bay
-
Ginger
-
Cypreadviseack pepper
-
Vetiver
-
Vanilla
-
Peppermint
-
Citrus essential oils.
If you’re looking for oils with a masculine feel, then you can try these out. However, using just these fragrances might not be the best idea.
Experts advise that you pick these more masculine scents and use them to balance the more feminine ones to tone down the harsh scent of the oils. You’ll get a better blend that way.
You can also experiment with spicy aromas like cinnamon and nutmeg. A little zing! can’t be a bad idea. With these oils, you can be creative and go for things that suit you.
Precautions You Must Take When Using Essential Oils
While experimenting with the many essential oils available in the market, do not forget that they are also chemicals and have side effects as well. Before you start using any one of them, speak with an Aromatherapist and do well to follow the instructions properly.
We advise that it is wise to test for allergy to any product before using them. You can do this by diluting very little quantity of the oil in a carrier oil and applying on a little part of your arm.
Observe for reactions and if there is none after 24-48 hours, then you can go ahead and use the oil. Some people may react to these oils several years of using them. If this happens, stop using the oil and avoid its aroma.
DO NOT swallow or ingest essential oils. Most of them can be harmful to your liver and kidneys or even fatal in some cases.
People with some serious health conditions like Asthma, Hay fever, Allergy to several scents, skin conditions like psoriasis should avoid these oils. Those who have high blood pressure and epilepsy should be extremely cautious.
If you experience any reactions to essential oils like headaches, nausea or any allergic skin reaction, stop using the oil or the product and see a doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Essential oil therapy has indeed come to stay. Researchers continue to dig into the potential benefits of physical and mental health. So far, it continues to gain favor as a very effective complementary therapy for several conditions.
It is not meant for women alone. We hope this essential oils guide has convinced you of that. So, you can go ahead and explore the benefits you can gain from the use of these essential oils.
If you’re looking for an alternative to essential oils in the pursuit of promoting your personal well-being, be sure to have a look at 12 Best Glute Exercises For Men To Keep You Pumped.
