An Introduction to Aromatherapy
Essential oils! I’m sure you have been seeing them everywhere and if you aren’t on the bandwagon yet, you probably should be! Our olfactory system, what we use to detect scent with, is extremely sensitive and can pick up on changes in scent rather quickly. This system is directly linked to the brain, where a scent provokes an image. This image is registered, and your body responds to the image. Have you ever smelled a whiff of your grandmother’s perfume on someone else and been transported back into nostalgia and memories? Well, that’s what your olfactory system, and the power of scent can do for you!
Plants contain terpenes and various other compounds which determine the scent of the plant and the potency of scent that it excretes. Specific terpenes are excreted for certain reasons by plants, often to ensure in their survival by warding away unnecessary predators and attracting those that will benefit from consuming the plant. Through research and dedication, researchers have been able to pinpoint specific terpene profiles and gather a weighted consensus on their results. Specific compounds, such as linalool, often found in purple plants (lavender) has a calming, relieving effect on the consumer. If one tends to lean towards lavender scents and purple plants, one’s body may favor linalool! Linalool also has deep anesthetic, analgesic, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties!
To start, I’ve listed seven essential oils and their sensational benefits!
Lavender
The number one anti-anxiety essential oil, lavender is sweet and herbaceous. This oil should be the first oil reached for to relax, reduce stress and enhance sleep. Lavender is very grounding in nature, and several strong whiffs can ward away vertigo and dizziness. When blended with other oils, lavender helps to balance and even them.
Try mixing 12 drops of lavender oil in a small spray bottle of distilled water and spray on sheets before bedtime. You can even use this combination to mist yourself whenever you feel necessary.
You can also try one of our organic roll on essential oil blends, made with organic therapeutic grade essential oils and organic carrier oils of hemp or almond oil.
Bergamot
Bergamot is bright, fresh, deep and encouraging. It is also a balancing oil, similar to lavender when mixed with other essential oils. Bergamot is wonderful for battling intense feelings loneliness, blues, moodiness, and premenstrual syndromes.
Diffuse bergamot in a diffuser or add several drops to a warm bath when feeling uneasy. Breath slowly and deeply and consciously.
Geranium
Fresh, green, and floral, Geranium brightens mood while drastically decreasing inflammation. Geranium stimulates circulation and if often used as a wrinkle reducer and anti-dulling potion for skin.
Add 2-3 drops of Geranium to your everyday moisturizing lotion to tone skin and ward away wrinkles. Breathing deeply during application will awaken senses!
Cypress
Similar to Geranium, Cypress oil stimulates the circulatory system and has deep anti-inflammatory properties to ease muscle aches and tension. With a light evergreen scent, Cypress promotes healthy breathing by opening respiratory airways. It also helps in times of grief as it is a natural emotional healing aid after tragedies.
Inhale directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a diffuser necklace or tissue to smell throughout the day.
Peppermint
Probably one of the most ancient, most well-known essential oils, peppermint can help with many ailments. Invigorating and refreshing, peppermint can freshen and awaken. It is also a strong memory enhancement oil, and wards away headaches and even gas and bloating.
Diffuse several drops, add a drop to the insides of wrist, or indulge in an essential oil blend to ward away headaches.
Rosemary
A mega mind and mood booster, rosemary can relieve the symptoms of depression and stimulate brain function. Notably improves circulation and reduces pain (especially for cystic acne). The perfect addition to massage oils, bath soaks, and diffusers.
Carrot seed oil with a very light drop of rosemary is beneficial for cystic acne. Also try our Himalayan Healing Bath Soaks with Rosemary essential oil and fresh herbs for ultimate spa like relaxation, and to reduce tension and muscle soreness.
Ginger
Last but not least, many don’t know that Ginger comes in the form of an essential oil! Like peppermint, this oil is potent and spicy, acts as a digestive aid, and is an excellent addition to massage oil. Ginger also offers warming and anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatism.
Paired with orange and bergamot, this essential oil is especially inviting. Combined with ground ginger and Arnica into our muscle rubs, this potent herb is bound to melt away deep-seated pains and tensions!