Everything You Should Know About an Aromatherapy Blanket

If you've ever ended an exhausting day by indulging in a heated or weighted aromatherapy blanket, you already know how much comfort they can bring. Filled with essential oils known to promote healing and relaxation, these blankets come in different sizes ranging from neck wraps and throws to full-length bedding.

Not only do they make excellent gifts for friends and loved ones, they are the perfect way to find more self love and care. The combination of warmth, weight, relaxing scents, and softness provides a powerful way to destress and unwind from a busy, stressful day.

How to use an aromatherapy blanket

For an at-home spa experience, choose the type of blanket that best suits your needs. For example, a weighted aromatherapy blanket infused with lavender might make the perfect bed covering for helping your body and mind settle in to a peaceful night's sleep. Or if your neck and shoulder muscles are strained and sore from sitting at a computer all day, you might choose a shawl-type blanket with flaxseed inserts that you can heat in the microwave to get the benefits of moist heat and aromatherapy quickly to the muscles that most need it.

How to clean your blanket

Most aromatherapy blankets on the market are machine washable, while drying instructions vary according to how it's made and the fibers used in the process. If there is an insert such as a flaxseed layer, you will likely need to remove it before washing the blanket.

As with any blanket, it's important to wash it on the delicate cycle, insuring that the colors aren't mixed to prevent staining. You'll also want to stay away from bleaches and harsh chemicals that could damage the look and feel of the blanket.

What types of outer materials to expect

If you purchase an aromatherpy blanket that is weighted or has inserts, there should be a washable cover that you can remove. While blankets are available in a variety of fabrics, including synthetic fibers, if it's to be heated in a microwave, the outer fabric should be 100% natural. The natural fabrics you want to focus on when purchasing a heatable blanket are cotton, hemp and linen.

For weighted blankets, sometimes glass beads are incorporated in the thread to add weight and promote a decrease in heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia. These types of materials will likely affect washing and drying process, so be sure to read the care instructions carefully before attempting to clean it.

What types of filling are typically used

Aromatherapy blankets often contain fillings such as herbs (epecially lavender), natural buckwheat, and flaxseeds. The flaxseeds are incorporated to create a moist heat when heated in a microwave, which is known to promote healing, loosen tight muscles, and increase blood flow to areas that need it.

The benefits of using an aromatherapy blanket

There has been much research on the use of aromatherapy to benefit the mind and body, particularly related to lavender oils. For example, in one clinical trial, researchers found that study participants who used lavender oil had increased theta and alpha brain activities. Theta brain waves are produced during meditation and light sleep, while alpha waves happen only during states of deep sleep or relaxation. In other words, increasing either of these would be beneficial to anyone, particularly those who deal with insomnia and anxiety.

This increase in brain activity happens because of the human body's incredible sense-related mechanisms. For aromas, the olfactory nerve ends begins in the nose and crosses to the temporal lobe of the brain. There, these organic compounds and molecules have a pharmacological effect, promoting lowered blood pressure, greater relaxation, and less anxiety.

Additionally, studies have shown that people who suffer from insomnia could greatly benefit by the scent of lavender, which promotes a deeper and longer sleep. Its effects also decrease the time it takes to fall asleep and increase the length of deep sleep you have throughout the night.

Here are some other benefits of an aromatherapy blanket beyond its olfactory use:

• Relieves back pain

• Relaxes muscle spasms

• Reduces soreness after working out

• Provides joint therapy for aching or injured joints

• Reduces swelling due to inflammation and injury

• Promotes a deeper and longer sleep

Possible allergy concerns

Although rare, some people do experience an allergic reaction to essential oils, including common oils like lavender and eucalyptus used in aromatherapy blankets. If you are allergic, you may experience contact dermatitis in the form of rashes, swelling, and itching in the exposed area. You should immediatley seek medical attention if your aromatherapy blanket causes such a reaction.