By Amy Galper
On top of that, consumers are actively seeking easy to use multi-purpose products to help them live healthier and more conscious lives, and are choosing essential oils as the simple, non-invasive way to do it.
Aromatherapy utilises the whole pure essential oil for its therapeutic benefits
In practice, aromatherapy simultaneously triggers both emotional and physiological responses in our nervous system that seamlessly integrate the body and mind, offering a non-invasive and simple approach to reducing stress, and improving quality of life.
At the same time, when we smell the aroma of essential oils, the olfactory nerve cells in our noses trigger signals that get sent instantly to the part of our brain that controls our emotions, memory, and our unconscious actions. That’s why a smell can make us feel a certain way, or even remind us of a particular memory.
What is amazing, is that the emotional response we have to the aroma has been shown to have a profound impact on the chemicals our brain produces and releases in order to maintain our body’s balance.
The chemical makeup of sandalwood is invaluable in aromatherapy
While many natural extracts and essential oils are known for a single benefit, Indian sandalwood is a multi-functional ingredient. Indian sandalwood is the traditional source of sandalwood oil and is one of the most valuable ancient oils in existence known for its aromatic calming properties.
Quintis Sandalwood, one of the world’s largest and most revered suppliers of raw sandalwood materials, has commissioned studies looking into the antioxidant and anti-ageing potential of Indian sandalwood oil against environmental stressors. Their Cellular Study and Clinical Trial concluded Indian sandalwood oil is a great natural multipurpose ingredient as it is an effective anti-ageing active ingredient, and has scientifically proven bioactivities with multiple benefits on skin. From its skin benefits through to its calming properties, Indian sandalwood is the perfect ingredient for use in aromatherapy rituals and products.
The evolution of aromatherapy as a holistic practice
The second half of the 20th century saw the practice of aromatherapy established as a recognised holistic healing modality, with the formation of professional training programs for aromatherapists, professional associations, journals, and clinical studies.
Today we can find aromatherapy being used in hospital settings, commercial settings, wellness centres and in the privacy of consumers’ homes and there have been a number of drivers growing the market:
- Concern for stronger immunity triggered a soaring interest in preventive health as people searched and implemented more natural options, like exercise, diet, herbs, supplements, aromatherapy, to maintain good health and make healthier lifestyle choices.
- Home health became a huge interest, as people were looking to combat airborne pathogens, improve air quality and detoxify their environments. Air purifiers and aromatherapy diffusers that re-vaporise the aromatherapeutic molecules of essential oils saw a notable increase in sales, as people believed that they made their homes cleaner and less susceptible to germs and viruses.
- New emphasis on the impact our mental health and wellness has on our overall health and wellbeing. Aromatherapy has proven benefits to shift mindset, affect mood and reduce stress and people sought more natural ways to manage stress and anxiety and ultimately make them feel better.
- Continued growth in the interest on environmental consciousness; Consumers are moving more towards organic plant-based products and making more plant-centred lifestyle choices in order to reduce negative impact on the health of the environment. Essential Oils offer many therapeutic benefits and support those leaning towards a more plant-based lifestyle.
- Increased interest in sustainability, in packaging and sourcing plant-based ingredients. Shoppers want to know where their essential oils come from and how the plants are farmed and processed, so that they are aligned with their values.
Consumers are now more than ever looking for new ways to better their overall health and wellbeing. The simple, non-invasive nature of aromatherapy makes it a perfect candidate to serve this broader consumer demand. Due to its healing and calming properties that aid in stress relief, aromatherapy has well and truly made its mark across a broad variety of wellness sectors.