Yoga Articles Aromatherapy Essential Oil

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It is believed that aromatherapy can boost overall health by indirectly stimulating the body’s immune system. Millions of Americans use aromatherapy to relax and reduce stress, which is said to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Advocates of this practice also claim that it can improve circulation and control heart palpitations.

There are several ways in which you can use aromatherapy to improve your health. Some of the methods of using aromatherapy include –

• Massage: Dilute the aromatherapy essential oil in some carrier oil and rub it on to your skin in a gentle massaging motion
• Indirect inhalation: Add a few drops of any aromatherapy essential oil to your room diffuser or other similar devices, so that you can breathe in the fragrance throughout the day, while you go about your regular activities
• Direct inhalation: You need to breathe in the essential oil directly, perhaps with the help of an inhaler or a handkerchief

You also have the option of applying essential oils to other lotions or bath salts. Some of the aromatherapy essential oils that are most recommended for improving heart health includes –

• Marjoram
• Lavender
• Rose

The essential oils that are recommended for combating stress, clogged or hardened arteries and circulation problems include –

• Basil
• Camphor
• Elemi
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Melissa
• Neroli
• Pine
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Vetiver
• Ylang-Ylang

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there is no scientific evidence to prove that Aromatherapy can improve the health of the heart. However, the AHA does advise people to utilize aromatherapy to deal with stressful situations. A Japanese study conducted in 2008 concludes that lavender aromatherapy has a relaxing effect on your body, which has a positive impact on coronary circulation. This study also stated that lavender aromatherapy helps to reduce the levels of the stress hormone, by improving coronary flow velocity reserve.

In case you are planning to use aromatherapy to alleviate your heart problems, make sure that you avoid using an excessive amount of peppermint oil. Massaging your body with a large amount of this oil could cause your heart pulse to increase. In some cases peppermint oil could also increase heart palpitations.

It is important to check with a doctor before trying aromatherapy or any other forms of therapy to reduce heart problems.

Read more articles from the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Category.