When we think of flowers, the first thing that comes to mind is that they are beautiful. For that reason, we tend to treat flowers as decorations for our houses — we place them in vases on tables. Sometimes, we also use flowers as gifts to our loved ones.
But flowers are more than just their beauty. They also have positive effects on our health as well. In fact, one of the very many health benefits of flowers lies in aromatherapy.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Essentially speaking, aromatherapy is a form of treatment that uses natural plant extracts (aromatic essential oils) to boost health and well-being. Aromatherapy has actually existed for thousands of years — ancient cultures in several countries used aromatic plant extracts as their medicines in the past. And this practice continues to be passed down in time.
The reason aromatherapy has continued to thrive despite the test of time is the fact that it offers a wide array of benefits. In particular, aromatherapy helps manage pain, improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, soothe sore joints, and treat headaches and migraines. Additionally, it also helps pregnant women feel at ease when they’re experiencing the discomforts of labor.
Currently, the practice has received more recognition in the science and medicine fields. Aside from that, people have also regarded it as both an art and a science.
Why Are Flowers Used in Aromatherapy?
As mentioned earlier, aromatherapy primarily uses essential oils that are squeezed out from plants. And since flowers are plants that have a unique fragrance on their own, people have harvested them to extract essential oils.
Once the essential oils are extracted, you can use them as a body oil for massage. Aside from that, you can also use diffusers if you prefer to smell the scent, or you can transform these oils into bathing salts that you can drop into your bathtub. Inhalers, facial steamers, hot and cold compresses, and clay masks are other possible applications for essential oils.
The most popular flower used in aromatherapy is lavender, and this is because lavender oil is reported to relieve stress effectively and make you feel calm and at peace. People also note that the oils from roses also have the same effect, which is why roses are often used in aromatherapy as well.
Furthermore, the jasmine flower is another perfect example of flowers that are perfect for aromatherapy. Its scent can help purify the air, and it can also improve one’s mood and alertness.
There are still other kinds of plants that are used in the practice of aromatherapy. All of these plants have their own therapeutic and medicinal benefits, so you can definitely find the most suitable essential oils for you.
Conclusion
Flowers are more than just what meets the eye. They offer so much more than just their beauty and fragrance — they also provide us with medicinal benefits that can improve our health.
In particular, flowers possess scents that soothe our stress, anxiety, and physical pain. For that reason, people have extracted oils from them, and these oils can be used in aromatherapy.
With all of that said, you should give aromatherapy a try one of these days. You’ll be surprised to discover just how much better you’ll feel afterward.
