Aromatherapy, using plant essential oils for healing, is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years worldwide. Although no one understands exactly how or why it works, aromatherapy has been shown to reduce stress, improve moods, reduce pain, and promote sleep. When you think of aromatherapy, scents like lavender and eucalyptus might be the first to come to mind. But many of the properties that make cannabis so relaxing when smoked or eaten also make it powerful when used for aromatherapy.
What Is Weed Aromatherapy?
Terpenes are the compounds that give plants their different aromas. While they are primarily intended to support the plant’s well-being, they can also be beneficial to human health. Marijuana contains high concentrations of terpenes, with hundreds of different terpenes having been found in cannabis plants. Because there are cannabis receptors throughout the human body, especially in the nervous and immune systems, marijuana is an excellent choice for aromatherapy.
The essential oil of a marijuana plant is usually captured through steam distillation, a method that retains its purity. You can then use the essential oil to gain many of the benefits of cannabis. The essential oil’s specific aroma and benefits will vary based on the plant’s strain and terpene composition, so you can experiment with different cannabis oils to find your favorites. Depending on the cannabis flavor profiles, the oils often smell earthy and may have floral or fruity undertones. Potential benefits include relaxation, decreased stress, improved focus, increased energy, better sleep, and pain relief.
Ways To Use Cannabis Essential Oil
There are many different ways you can use cannabis essential oil. One of the most popular is to add a few drops to an oil diffuser and allow the aroma to fill your home. You can also try adding a few drops to a bowl of boiling water and then breathe in the steam. Another popular option is to mix the oil with water and lightly spray it on your pillow or linens to help lull you to sleep.
If you want to experience the skin-soothing anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabis essential oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. After applying the oil to your skin, you might notice that your skin appears more hydrated and less red and irritated. And, as you breathe in the scent, you’ll benefit from the calming and mood-boosting effects of weed aromatherapy.
Cannabis essential oil can be used on its own or you can blend it with other fragrances to create your perfect customized scent. Try mixing it with rose, frankincense, or any other essential oils you love. You’ll get the synergistic aromatherapy benefits of all the oils working together.
Takeaway
When you think about weed, aromatherapy might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But if you enjoy the effects of smoking, vaping, or consuming marijuana, you’ll probably appreciate the benefits of weed aromatherapy. With so many different ways to use cannabis essential oil and the ability to customize your blend by mixing it with other scents, cannabis aromatherapy offers limitless opportunities to improve your well-being.
