We all have our favorite scents, but have you ever stopped to wonder what might be attracting us to those scents? Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that acknowledges the calming, therapeutic effects essential oils have on the body, mind and spirit. Essential oils are extracted from plants by distillation, and possess a strong, concentrated fragrance derived from the plant.
They can be used in a variety of ways from just inhaling them directly for an instant calming effect, to steam inhalation, added to diffusers, diluted as massage oil or added to your bath. Check out some of these popular oils and their uses…
- Chamomile: anxiety and stress reliever, antispasmodic, sedative, reduces insomnia, anti-inflammatory.
- Eucalyptus: great for flu season, expectorant, decongestant, clears and energizes the mind.
- Ginger: great aid for digestive issues including gas, constipation and nausea.
- Lavender: calming, reduces anxiety, promotes cell regeneration to heal wounds and burns, soothes insect bites.
- Lemon: detoxing and uplifting, great for home cleaning and use as room spray.
- Lemongrass: antimicrobial, great for cleaning and use as natural insect repellent.
- Patchouli: antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, soothes the nervous system.
- Rose: promotes cell regeneration, aphrodisiac, nourishes the emotions, relieves and reduces stress and anxiety.
- Rosemary: promotes respiratory health, expectorant, expands and deepens the breath, energizes, relieves sinus congestion.
- Tea Tree: antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-fungal, supports and enhances the immune system.
- Peppermint: anti-inflammatory, relieves nausea, great for muscular aches and pains and arthritis, relieves migraines.