AROMATHERAPY...

Aromatherapy sometimes comes with a stigma of being hippie-like, alternative to regular medicine, and might even be  hogwash to a lot of people. It can be defined as: a form of alternative medicine that uses plant materials (essential oils) and other aromatic ingredients for the purpose of altering a person's mind, mood, cognitive function, or health. A French surgeon, Jean Valnet, pioneered the medicinal uses of essential oils, which he used as antiseptics in the treatment of wounded soldiers during World War II!!!

I personally like to use aromatherapy just for therapeutic purposes on my own and sometimes I just generally like the smell of some of the essential oils. There is no medical/recorded proof that aromatherapy helps any kind of medical conditions, but I wholeheartedly believe that if deep down inside you believe in it then you will have some kind of positive outcome. To me it just gives me a little peace of mind at the end of a long, and hard work day! Here's a little information on some of the meanings behind the oils...

LOVE, COMPANIONSHIP AND RELATIONSHIP:

The scents of apple, cinnamon, clove, copal, gardenia, jasmine, lavender, musk, orange, patchouli, peppermint, rain, rose, vanilla, white jasmine, and ylang ylang essential oil signify the different aspects of a relationship, such as love, companionship, affection and adoration.

GOALS, GAINS, MONEY AND SUCCESS:

The scents that signify material success, along with money, profits and aims, include the fragrance of allspice, almond, bergamont, basil, cinnamon, clover, dill, honeysuckle, lemon, pine, red ginger and sage essential oils.

PROTECTION, HARMONY AND WELL-BEING:

Signifying the overall harmony of a person are the scents of angelica, basil, bay, bayberry, carnation, cinnamon, clove, coconut, dill, dragon's blood, eucalyptus, frankincense, gardenia, geranium, heather, juniper, lilac, myrrh, narcissis, sandalwood and violet essential oils.

INSPIRATION, PSYCHIC AWARENESS, AND INTUITION:

If you are looking for essential oils with scents that signify inspiration, psychic awareness and intuition; anise, cedar, chamomile, cinnamon, eucalyptus, frankincense, green tea, lavender, lemongrass, lime, lotus, musk, myrrh, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sandalwood, and valerian essentials oils will be the best bet.

MOST POPULAR ESSENTIAL OILS:

Lemon Essential Oil:

It has disinfectant as well as bleaching qualities. Along with that, it also serves as an energizer. The oil is extracted from the rind and juice of lemon and has a rich, fruity and warm scent.

Lavender Essential Oil:

It has stress relieving ability and can be used to treat anxiety, apart from insomnia and stomach ache. The oil is extracted from the flowering spikes of lavender and has a sweet, floral and slightly sharp scent.

Jasmine Essential Oil:

It is known for its relaxing and soothing properties and can be, at times, used as an aphrodisiac as well. The oil is extracted from jasmine flowers and has a heavy and sweet sharp scent.

Basil Essential Oil:

It can be used to treat the problem of upset stomach, headache, flatulence, low appetite, lack of concentration, abrasions, sinus, muscle aches, migraine, gout and bronchitis. The oil is extracted from flowering tops and leaves of basil and has a sweet and spicy scent.

Chamomile Essential Oil:

It has relaxation properties and can be used to treat indigestion, peptic ulcers, nervousness, menstrual cramps, sore throat, burns and skin inflammations, vaginal infections, insomnia, sunburn, hay fever and sprains. The oil is extracted from chamomile flower heads and has a sweet, fruity and floral scent.

Sandalwood Essential Oil:

Associated with spiritual harmony, it can be used to treat depression, dry skin, nausea, skin problems and stress. The oil is extracted from sandalwood itself and has an exotic and slightly spicy scent.

Rose Essential Oil:

It has soothing and calming abilities and can be used to treat scurvy and nervousness. It also promotes the feelings of love and peace. The oil is extracted from petals, hips and root bark of rose and has a light, sweet and floral scent.

Peppermint Essential Oil:

It serves as an energizer and can be used to treat muscle aches, fatigue, pain, gas, sore throat, digestive problems, stomach ulcers and nausea. The oil is extracted from leaves of peppermint plant and has a minty scent.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil:

It is known for its decongestant and antiseptic qualities and can be used to treat nasal and chest congestion, asthma, sore muscles, cuts and abrasions. The oil is extracted from eucalyptus leaves and has a strong, fresh and minty scent.

Just a little background on aromatherapy if you were in the dark! I think a little bit at a time is the way to go and try not to O.D. on them or you will start to smell like those holistic shops in Sedona! ;-)

Here's to happy therapy...Aromatherapy that is!!!

<3 Stacey <3