Soothing Aromatherapy Scents

Feeling stressed?  Been a bit anxious lately?  Head cold have you stuffed up?  Can’t sleep?  Have you tried aromatherapy?  Aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils for mental and physical well-being.  It’s an effective, all natural way to help you feel better.

The essential oils of plants are the concentrated “essence” of the plant.  They’re different, and more powerful, than the plant oils found in perfumes and fragrances.  Because essential oils are concentrated, be sure to use them sparingly and safely.  This means, don’t apply them undiluted to your skin.  When adding using oils to your bath or for use as massage oil, you’ll need to use a “carrier” oil, such as grape seed oil or almond oil.  Properly storing your oils is very important as well.  Be sure to use dark glass containers, and avoid plastic or rubber tops and droppers.  The oils can easily melt them and be ruined.

To distribute the scent, you’ll want to get an aromatherapy diffuser.  A diffuser is either a bowl of water with some oil in it and a candle underneath, or can be flameless, such as a reed diffuser.  A reed diffuser puts reeds in oil, drawing the scent up through the stalk.  Moving air then distributes the scent.  Candles made with essential oils also distribute the scent quickly and easily.

Or, you can use essential oils in other everyday ways.  You can look for them in health and beauty products, or add them in yourself if it’s safe to do so.  Adding some essential oils to your household cleaners is another great idea.  Some lavender in your laundry will bring a fresh scent and the benefits of aromatherapy to all your sheets, towels, and clothing.  Many essential oils are also natural insect repellants and insecticides.  Remember all those citronella candles you use outside?  The citronella oil is one example of a great, safe repellant.

Once you’ve got the basics down, give some thought to choosing your oils to use.  If you’re looking to combat fatigue and stress, consider ones such as ginger, peppermint, basil and jasmine.  Depression and anxiety can benefit from a treatment using lemon, lavender, patchouli, or sandalwood.  To improve your memory, consider black pepper and peppermint.  A little rosemary or jasmine can inject some confidence.  And to promote happiness, try some frankincense, rose, or bergamot.

These are just some of the basic oils to choose from and only a few of the problems you can treat with aromatherapy.  Blends of oils are available to create the perfect scent just for you.  Be sure to buy your oils from reputable and knowledgeable sources.  And give some thought to learning the scientific names of the plants.  This’ll help you more easily distinguish between plants with the same common names, but different properties.  Knowing the source of the plant can be important as well, same as with commercially versus organically farmed or grown.

When you’re just getting into aromatherapy, be sure to do your research.  Look for quality essential oils, and be sure to store and use them safely.  And experiment with different scents and combinations.  Find the oils that benefit you the most.  Remember, it’s your health and well-being that you’re improving here.  Indulge a little!  Serenity Health can help!

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