Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to promote physical and emotional well being. Scientific research and clinical studies suggest that the use of aromatherapy can bring forth relaxation, restful sleep, energy, memory retention and the reduction of pain and stress in the body.
There are three major ways in which aromatherapy can work within the mind and body to bring about these healing benefits.
Essential oils can enter the blood stream through the lungs through the use of aromatherapy products such as candles and room sprays. Once there they can react with different hormones and enzymes to produce chemical changes in the body. This effect on the body is known as Pharmacological.
Essential oils can enter the body through the skin, with products such as lotions and massage oils, and affect the many body systems individually causing these systems to become sedated, energized or stimulated. This effect on the body is known as Physiological.
Essential oils can produce individual emotional responses when inhaled then noted by the brain. These responses can bring forth feelings of happiness, well being and peace. This effect on the brain is known as Psychological.
The good news is that these great health benefits can be attained in a safe, natural, drug-free way. Aromatherapy does not interfere with any medications, it is simple and easy to use and the benefits are numerous.
The most basic and most popular uses for aromatherapy include relaxation, calming, sedation and stimulation. There are eight basic essential oils that can be used alone or in combination to produce these effects at home. These oils are lavender, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, ylang ylang, geranium, lemon and rosemary. The essential oil of lavender has a sweet, floral scent and a calming effect. This oil can be used in sedative mixtures. Bergamot has a sweet, spicy scent and a refreshing, uplifting effect. Cedarwood smells very woody and has a soothing, sedative effect. The oil of chamomile has a sweet, fruity scent and a soothing, relaxing effect. Ylang ylang is recognized by its heavy, sweet scent and has a very sedating effect. Geranium oil has a sweet, earthy scent and possesses a comforting quality. Lemon has a sharp, fresh, citrus scent and can be used as a stimulant. Rosemary oil has a woody, herbal scent and is know for its stimulating and anti-depressant effects.
To incorporate these oils into daily routine, it is best to make an easy to use carrier to deliver the healing effects of the oils. Air sprays can be used at home or in the car to lightly scent the air and provide hours of gently exposure to the essential oils. Bath salts can be easily mixed to reap the benefits of the oil during a daily bath. The oils can also be added to fragrance free lotions and massage oils.
To make an air spray simple choose the essential oils that are appropriate for the ailment to be treated. Add 60 to 80 drops of essential oil to a plastic spray bottle filled with 8 oz of distilled water. Shake gently, then spray throughout the room. When adding the oils, only add 60 to 80 drops combined, not of each oil. To make an air spray for relaxation and peace of mind, use 15 drops of cedarwood oil, 25 drops of chamomile oil and 40 drops of lavender oil.
To make bath salts, add 5 to 8 drops of essential oil to 1 cup of Epsom salt. Only use one fourth of the mixture per bath. A great bath salt recipe for energy and stress relief includes 5 drops of bergamot oil and 3 drops of lemon oil.
Essential oils can be purchased at many health food stores and through on-line distributors. Due to the growing interest in aromatherapy, products that are prepackaged and infused with essential oils can be found at most national chain stores.
