4/09/2017
Aromatherapy and Stress Relief
Labels: aromatherapy , how to , how to use aromatherapy , stress relief
What is Aromatherapy
We’re
not exactly sure when people discovered or first started using
aromatic plants in this way, but it’s thought this technique may
have developed in ancient China. There is text documenting the use of
incense to help create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere.
The
word aromatherapy is derived from the
word “aroma” meaning smell or fragrance, and “therapy”,
meaning treatment. Treatment can involve essential oils made from
bark, stems, leaves, flowers or roots of a plant.
Egyptians
also attempted to distill oils, and they used cedar wood, cinnamon,
nutmeg, myrrh, and clove to embalm their dead. Traces of herbs still
hung faintly in the air when a tomb was opened in the early 1900’s,
and residue was found on the body.
There
is evidence the Egyptians were able to
(albeit somewhat crudely) distill cedar wood, the general consensus
is that other herbs were used as infusions.
The
Greeks also used infusions and
distillation to benefit from the medicinal properties of herbs.
Hippocrates himself used aromatherapy to
not only enjoy the scent, but also to increase good health.
One
famous perfume with medicinal properties created by the Greeks,
involved mixing a blend of herbs, including myrrh, into a fatty base.
This not only smelled wonderful, but also had anti-inflammatory
properties, and was applied to the skin to help heal wounds.
Not
to be outdone, the Romans had the help
of a book written by one of their own, describing the properties and
uses of over 500 plants. However, the Romans focused far more on
extractions for floral water and not so much for essential oils.
Aromatherapy Uses
“Aromatherapy”
as a term came into use only after 1937 when Rene-Maurice Gattefosse
(a French chemist) burned his hand in a lab accident. He happened to
have a pot of lavender water nearby, and out of instinct plunged his
hand in to cool it.
Afterward,
he noticed the lavender water had appeared to help prevent the burn
from getting as bad as it could (should) have been, and seemed to
have helped heal the wound. This spurred him on to do further
research about the medical benefits of herbs.
The
use of essential oils in aromatherapy
offers many benefits, and they can be applied in various ways.
Utilizing a diffuser is a wonderful
method to not only improve your mood, but also make your home smell
nice, and is also a great way to welcome visitors inside.
Not
only will a diffuser help to lift your
mood as the diffuser sprays tiny droplets into the air with water,
any beneficial properties will also be dispersed, and will increase
the health of your environment.
Citrus
essential oil, for example, is anti-bacterial and can attack germs
and bacteria floating around in your indoor environment, so you’re
less likely to inhale them and suffer ill effects.
Various
essential oils are available to help
uplift your mood in a number of ways. By trying out a variety of oils
you can find what works best for you. Lavender for instance, is
soothing, and can help make your space relaxing. Or, if you need some
pep in your step, citrus scents or peppermint are great for this.
Aromatherapy
can also be used when the oil is applied to the skin either through
massage, or a dab behind the ears or wrists. Angelica is a popular
massage oil because it promotes calm,
reduces anxiety, and helps promote a good solid sleep for those
suffering the effects of insomnia.
In
Germany, Angelica was also referred to as the “oil of angels”
because of the level of peace it brought those who used it. Another
great oil for massage is Coriander oil.
Coriander has warming properties, and will promote a better digestive
system, and improve circulation.
If
you use a moisturizer, why not create your own using essential oils?
In this way you eliminate dry skin, and benefit from the healing
properties of your favorite scents.
Try
blending several oil carrier oils such as coconut oil, almond oil,
jojoba oil or even olive oil. Add a few drops of essential oil and
mix thoroughly. You’ll want to store your cream in a glass jar out
of direct sunlight, and use whenever you need a boost!
If
you suffer from sore muscles try a blend with peppermint oil, which
helps to soothe and cool aches and pains throughout your body.
Peppermint is also said to increase mental alertness, so it’s a
good oil to use before that important meeting or school exam.
Additional
Essential Oils and Their Benefits
Patchouli
is a strong smell, but those who like it tend to use it for
everything. This oil helps to reduce anxiety, reduce cellulite and
bloating, and will help you in your fight against smoking, over
eating, or other addictions.
Eucalyptus
can help those with respiratory issues by quickly and efficiently
opening up the sinuses. It also has cooling properties, so if you
suffer from headaches or migraines, try a bit of eucalyptus oil on
your temples or the back of your neck for relief.
When
it comes to stress and anxiety relief, it’s hard to beat the
benefits of lavender oil. This delightful smelling herb lends
itself well to instilling a sense of calm and tranquility, and can
help those with depression.
Use
lavender in your diffuser or dab it onto your wrists. You can also
use it along with laundry soap to make your clothes carry hints of
this lovely herb all day.
Ylang ylang,
like lavender, is another essential oil used for calming and quieting
the mind. It can also help soothe nausea, may reduce high blood
pressure, and can help improve skin conditions.
Essential
oils offer powerful aromatherapy benefits you can easily integrate
into your life. They are widely available, and enjoyable to use.
ABOUT
OUR GUEST AUTHOR: Nina Wells, from Steam
Shower Store has over 10 years of experience in writing health
related topics, and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and
hydrotherapy.
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