A beginners guide to using essential oils. Learn how they work and how to use them.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy, also known as Essential Oil therapy, is the science and art of using natural oils and aroma compounds within plant material to alter and promote harmony, balance and health within the body, mind, and spirit.
Aromatherapy seeks to link physiological, psychological, and spiritual processes together in order to improve natural healing processes.
Some people choose to use Aromatherapy in addition to standard medical treatment, while others use Aromatherapy as an alternative to current medicine.*
Where medications and the like are used by doctors and other healthcare providers, essential oils are used in the same way by Aromatherapists.
What are Essential Oils made of?
Essential oils come from various parts of the plant kingdom such as flowers, herbs, citrus peel, bark, trees and leaves.
They are referred to as essential oils once they are distilled.
Citrus oils, however, are actually referred to as essences.
How to use Essential Oils?
In Aromatherapy, essential oils can be applied in three ways:
- Aerial diffusion, such as incense burning in a room
- Direct inhalation, actually breathing in a scent
- Skin application, through massage, compression or bathing
If you are a beginner, who is just getting acquainted with Aromatherapy, the following is a small sample of the much larger list of benefits it can provide.
What does Aromatherapy help with?
Feeling in the dumps?
If you suddenly find yourself feeling down or depressed for no apparent reason, you can use Aromatherapy to get yourself feeling happier again. Diffusing essential oils, specifically those that are known to be uplifting and energising, like blends of citrus can uplift your mood.
Diffusing citrus scents in your home or work space can help combat the Monday blues and make days you are stuck indoors much more enjoyable. Nothing seems to be helping that cold or flu?
Did you know there are many essential oils that are naturally antiviral and antibacterial?
The regular but safe use of essential oils can keep your immune system healthy. It can help to ward off all sorts of microscopic nasties such as bacteria, microbes, and viruses.
Oil burners in winter are a great way to help your immune system fight colds.
Is your house suffering from stuffy odours?
Diffusing essential oils can help to get rid of the stuffy odours within your home. Especially in winter when it's too cold to open the windows. Lemon is excellent in ridding a house full of smoke, so next time you're using a fireplace, make use of your lemon oils.
Looking for Aromatherapy and Essential Oil advice?
If you would like to learn more about Aromatherapy and how it can help you live a healthy lifestyle, you can contact the lovely Simone, The Aromatherapist, through her website www.TheAromatherapist.com.au
*It is important to seek advice from your healthcare professional prior to commencing any type of alternative treatment.