Aromatherapy And CBD – The Theory Behind It?
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Aromatherapy is a term we hear a lot, but how many of us really understand what it means? Aromatherapy is defined as the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for healing and cosmetic purposes. Often called essential oil therapy, aromatherapy involves using an understanding of plants and their healing properties to promote health and wellness. This method of holistic healing focuses on enhancing health of the mind and the body.
People have been using aromatherapy pretty much since the dawn of time. Throughout history, even thousands of years ago, there is evidence of civilization working with plants as natural medicine. Aromatherapy and terpenes haven’t changed all that much. The same basic principles that people used thousands of years ago are used today.
The theory behind aromatherapy is a simple one. Simply put, aromatherapists believe that mother nature provides us with almost everything that our bodies need. By studying plants and their medicinal properties, aromatherapists believe that pharmaceutical medicine is of less benefit to the body.
What Are Essential Oils?
Aromatherapy is based on the use of essential oils. These are oils which have been extracted from plants. There are almost 100 different essential oils, although some are much more commonly used than others. The most popular essential oils include:
- Lavender oil – used to promote relaxation and sleep.
- Bergamot oil – used for mood stabilizing and skin problems.
- Clove oil – used for pain relief.
- Eucalyptus oil – used as a decongestant for chest infections etc.
- Frankincense oil – used as an anti-inflammatory
Most people who use essential oils use them as complementary therapies. This means that they use them in addition to using standard pharmaceutical medicines. However, there are a growing number of people who have turned their backs on modern medicines. Instead they’re using aromatherapy and essential oils as alternative medicines.
There are a number of very popular ways that people are using essential oils in their homes today. Using an essential oil diffuser in your bedroom at night can really help to improve sleep. This is especially true when used with lavender essential oil.
Adding essential oils to your bath is a very popular method for those trying to treat aching muscles. Always make sure to mix your essential oil with a carrier oil first, such as olive or coconut oil. This will prevent any allergic reactions.
Does Aromatherapy Work?
Aromatherapy can be quite controversial. There are many people who are deeply passionate about it and advocate for its use. However, on the other end of the spectrum are people who believe it’s utter nonsense. There is no doubt that studies have shown there to be some significant health benefits to certain essential oils. Although very little high-quality research into this area exists.
Essential oils have been proven to have real effects on the body. For example, they have been found to work with the limbic system and the nervous system in different parts of the brain. Even sceptics have to admit that the evidence is clear; there are certainly some benefits of aromatherapy.
Just as with pharmaceutical medicines, essential oils can have side effects. The side effects do appear to be much less common and severe than those of modern drugs. However, anyone using aromatherapy should be aware of:
- Skin irritation
- Standard allergic reactions
- Hormonal changes
- Poisonous when swallowed
These side effects are infrequent though. Once used responsibly and after some research, the chances of any adverse effects are minute. All in all, there is an extreme case for using aromatherapy as a home remedy.
CBD and Aromatherapy – Do They Go Together?
CBD, short for cannabidiol comes from the hemp and cannabis plant. In recent years, due to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) the cannabis plant and CBD have been under investigation for there therapeutic effects. While it shows therapeutic and medical values, CBD oil cannot be used for aromatherapy because the oil itself is too thick.
However, there may be methods of thinning out the oil with terpenes, but this is still not 100% tested. With that being said, its only a matter of time that health practitinoers start looking into using CBD for aromatherapy due to its healing purposes
If you’re considering using aromatherapy as a combination therapy for an existing illness or condition, it’s always a good idea to speak to your family doctor or another medical professional first. There is also a wealth of information online that you can use to learn more about how aromatherapy can work for you.
