The Ayurveda Experience Blog
Kapha dosha, when in a state of imbalance, can be sluggish, unmotivated, depressive, and can result in weight gain and allergies. In such a situation aromatherapy can help to restore balance. The sense of smell can be used for balancing mind, body and spirit. Let’s look at Kapha aromas.
How Aroma Can Help Restore Kapha Dosha
Aromas have always been a pleasant way to infuse the human psycho-physiology with the healing wisdom of plants. A Kapha predominant person can use oils with cool, drying effects so that the watery, earth element can stay in balance.
READ MORE: Kapha Diet: Everything You Need To Know
Kapha Aromas: Ideal Oils For Kapha Dosha
The ideal oils for a Kapha person are rosemary, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, sage, tea tree and wintergreen. These can be used in conjunction with light carrier oils like sesame oil or grape seed oil.
Using ideal aromatic oils can help a Kapha person to have a perfect balance, lightness and improved immunity to allergic symptoms.
When To Use Kapha Aromatic Oils
Rosemary is one of the most aromatic and pungent of all the herbs. The nutrients of rosemary can help protect skin cells from damage often caused by the sun and free radicals. Since rosemary has natural antiseptic properties, it’s a superior disinfectant for skin and hair. In fact, this essential oil is known to promote a healthy, moisturized scalp and reverse premature graying.
Peppermint essential oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body. It can relieve sore muscles when used topically. It also has antimicrobial properties so it can help freshen bad breath and soothe digestive issues. Also, in conditions of stress and mental depression, i its ideal to use peppermint oil.
Lavender is the most versatile of all essential oils. It is highly relaxing and can be used for skin care and even in cleansing cuts and bruises. It can also be used for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Eucalyptus oil is suitable for a Kapha person who’s easily prone to sinus issues.
Use eucalyptus oil to relieve sinus congestion by adding a few drops of the oil to hot water and inhaling the steam.
Sage oil is primarily used to help relieve digestive problems. It can also be used to help treat respiratory problems, menstrual difficulties, fungal infections and skin problems. The oil of sage is often used to help slow down signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. This oil is used to stimulate the mind. It helps address mental fatigue and depression.
Tea tree oil when applied twice daily for a few weeks, reduces several acne symptoms, including acne severity. It can also be used externally for fungal infections of the nail (onychomycosis), lice, scabies, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and ringworm.
Wintergreen oil has to be used with utmost care since its active ingredient is methy salicylate which is toxic. Whether topically or vaporized, use it in moderation. Dilute it with a safe carrier oil. It can be used as a pain reliever in muscle spasm, head aches and even menstrual cramps.
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How To Use Aromatherapy For Kapha Imbalance
Bath Time
Drop two drops of essential oil into your bathing water.
Aromatherapy Diffusers
Essential oil diffusers, or aromatherapy diffusers, offer a safe and easy way to fill your home or office with essential oils. A small amount of essential oil has a big impact when diffused in the air we breathe.
Inhalations
Carry your favorite essential oils with you so you can stop and inhale the aroma whenever you need to feel calm and uplifted.
Palm Inhalation
Add a drop or two of your favorite skin-safe essential oil to your palms. Cup the palms around the face and inhale deeply.
Massage
Dilute the required essential oil into a nourishing carrier oil. Use daily for hygienic massage.
Facial Steam
Add a few drops of essential oil to a pot of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and allow the steam to circulate inside the towel. This practice is excellent for opening the sinuses, easing tension and invigorating the skin. Eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils are great for facial steams for Kapha people.
Compresses
Compresses are a great way to apply essential oils to bruises, wounds, aches and pains, as well as skin problems.
READ MORE: Facial Marma Massage: Herbal Oils + Kansa Wand Sequences, Ayurvedic Massage: Everything You Need To Know About ‘Abhyanga’
5 Essential Oils Safety Tips
- Do not take essential oils internally without consulting a physician.
- Keep essential oils out of the reach of children
- Always dilute essential oils with a safe carrier oil before applying them to the body.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
- Use trusted high quality essential oils only.
READ MORE: Perfumes + Scents: Cooling Aromas For Pitta Dosha, Perfumes + Scents: Warming Aromas For Vata Dosha
