Aromatherapy: What it Means to You

According to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science which seeks to explore the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individual's response to aromatic extracts as well as to observe and enhance the individual's innate healing process.

Aromatherapy can be used as a daily practice, such as spraying lavender on your pillow to assist in falling asleep or smelling peppermint to ease a headache. The application of aromatherapy through essential oils can be administered in a variety of ways, including room sprays, candles, soaps or bath salts. Below are a few of the most popular essential oils and their purposes:

• Geranium: Helps to balance hormones in women, good for balancing the skin. Can be both relaxing and uplifting, as well as antidepressant.
• Lemon: Very uplifting, yet relaxing. Helpful in treating wounds, infections, and house cleaning and deodorizing.
• Ylang Ylang: Helps one to relax, and can reduce muscle tension. Good antidepressant
• Eucalyptus: Helpful in treating respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, and asthma. Also helps to boost the immune system, and relieve muscle tension.
• Clary Sage: Natural pain killer, helpful s in treating muscular aches and pains. Very relaxing, and can help with insomnia. Also very helpful in balancing hormones.

When using Essential Oils it is paramount to use proper procedures because most need to be diluted properly with carrier oils - please visit the NAHA website for more information on using aromatherapy and Essential Oils correctly.

Happy smelling!