Is Aromatherapy a Hoax?

Is Aromatherapy a Hoax?

You get home from a tiring day at work, plop on your couch, and try to unwind. You turn on some relaxing music and light up your favourite scented candle. Eucalyptus wafts in the air and you breathe it in.  Suddenly, you feel renewed, melting into the couch and shedding off the stressors of the day.

How can a scent make you feel so calm and stress-free? This is the question the science of aromatherapy constantly tries to answer. Being an alternative medicine, aromatherapy remains to be a debate for many people. Whether or not it has any significant effects on one’s overall well-being and even treating illnesses to an extent has been left unanswered. And while no one can say for sure, the conclusion is quite simple. 

Here at Royal Essence, we have formulated some candles and diffusers infused with essential oils and natural fragrances. Not only do we believe in the power of indulging in self-care and surprises, we also stand by the therapeutic properties of the scents from our candles, diffusers, and bath products. But what exactly is the science behind it? 

According to bestselling aromatherapy author  Karin Parramore, LAc, CH,  scents have a direct effect on our brains. She explained that “scent molecules are shaped to fit into receptors in the brain that trigger neuroendocrine responses that affect our mood, energy, or physiological reactions,” This is because essential oils are said to act like hormones that stimulate the production of a type of steroid hormone called Glucocorticoids, which help you reduce stress. So think of it as taking relaxing steroids—except you’re not taking steroids. 

Another study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that aromatherapy can alleviate negative emotions as our olfactory system has access to the limbic area of our brain which is responsible for controlling emotions. Aromatherapy, in a sense, is a powerful coping method that can literally alter your emotions and encourage more positive thoughts. 

With that in mind, think of aromatherapy as some kind of support for your mental and physical well-being. It hasn’t been proven to cure any illnesses, but countless studies found that it can reduce stress and enhance your mood. So if you find yourself looking for a way to relax after a tiring day, aromatherapy can definitely help you do just that.

There are many types of oil-infused scents you can choose from. Our ring candles, for instance, span from Eucalyptus to Peppermint Cheesecake. Needless to say, there are so many possibilities for developing new scents and figuring out what they do for your well-being. The best part is, it’s curative! You can always light a candle according to what you need. Below are a few scents that are scientifically-proven to have therapeutic elements. 

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a popular scent in the candle industry. For one, it has an invigorating scent you simply cannot find anywhere else. Being that it gives off such a cooling bold scent, it will help uplift your state of mind and increase your energy. Many studies also found it to decongest your nose when you’re sick. 

Ready to have a surge of energy? We have a Eucalyptus Jewellery Candle that does the trick. 

 

Jasmine

Sniffing jasmine in the comfort of your home is one of the wonders of scented candles. Floral scents are always pleasant especially when you try to unwind after work or school. Jasmine in particular was  found  to decrease negative emotions and even serve as an aphrodisiac to set the mood for a romantic night with your partner.

Our Sweet Honeysuckle Jewellery Candle has hints of Jasmine with other floral scents of the summer breeze.

Lemon

Lemon might as well be a drug because it’s so addicting! Thankfully, you have all the good reasons to smell it more often. In a  study  in 2006, scientists found that smelling lemons had an anti-stress effect on mice. Of course,  other studies have backed up that it also works for humans and even increases positive mood. Combined with skincare benefits such as tightening pores and removing dead skin cells, scrubs are perfect for some me-time in the bath as it leaves you with glowing skin and a happier state. 

Lemon Sugar Body Scrub combines skincare and aromatherapy and even adds more excitement with a surprise jewellery!

Peppermint

Peppermint is a well-known ingredient in skincare products for its effects on one’s complexion and oils. Aside from this, it’s very soothing in the skin with its cooling properties. Combined with its  aromatherapeutic effects in relieving mental fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain, Peppermint is a beneficial scent you need to feel renewed. 

Soothe your skin and your mind with our  Peppermint Body Scrub then get a sparkly surprise in the end!

Rose

Roses are more often used as a declaration of love, but what many people don’t know is that it has a lot of therapeutic benefits too. Long before the rosewater hype in skincare products, rose scents can  provide  mental support and reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive moods. 

Light our  Freshly Cut Roses Jewellery Candle today!

Sniff Away

For the most part, aromatherapy is quite straightforward. By lighting a candle or using diffusers, you can get immediate results from these natural fragrances. You can pretty much do it anywhere and use it for any type of occasion that requires stress relief. For added effect, some experts recommend meditating while being surrounded by the scent. By being in a comfortable state, closing your eyes, and focusing on the olfactory sensations, you can take in more of the soothing scents and enter a deeply relaxed state. This is perfect for winding down, trying to calm down during a panic attack, or aiding your daily meditation routine. 

Aromatherapy is harmless but just like anything else, too much can be harmful. It’s important to know that these oils are only meant for smelling. Ingesting them is not recommended as they can be poisonous even with a small dosage. Children and pregnant women are also advised to consult with a doctor before integrating aromatherapy into their lifestyle. For safe inhalation, make sure your room is well-ventilated and you’re not diffusing oil for long periods of time.

 

Remember that fragrances, although natural, are still chemicals and can cause allergic reactions and irritation. If you have sensitive skin, hay fever, asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, eczema, or psoriasis, it is strongly advised to be cautious when using oil-infused bath products. To make sure you’re not allergic, do a patch test by putting a small amount on your forearm and waiting for reactions for 24 hours.

Aromatherapy has been around for a long time, even dating back to 3,500 B.C. Despite being a subject of debate, it still remains to be one of the most scientifically-proven alternative medicine practices. We’re not claiming it can magically cure diseases and mental illnesses, but we believe in its therapeutic value in our everyday life. It’s essential to listen to your body, mind, and spirit to integrate a holistic approach into your lifestyle. Tuning in to what you need and what works for you physically, mentally, and spiritually is the only way to prove the effectiveness of aromatherapy. Besides, whether or not you believe in its beneficial effects, we can all agree that they just smell so good!