Have You Ever Used Aromatherapy?
A lot of people still don’t know what aromatherapy is and how it is used to improve your health and well-being. The oils extracted from plants and herbs are used in aromatherapy to harmonize and give balance to your body, mind, spirit, and general health.
People who use aromatherapy are not necessarily ill. Some enjoy it because it soothes and relaxes them. Remember that when the mind is relaxed and at ease, the body becomes healthier too.
Where is aromatherapy used?
You may be surprised to learn that aromatherapy can be used in a number of areas. The oils have an effect on your central nervous system. Some oils can relieve anxiety and depression, can calm and relax you, and can even help you fall asleep. Other oils can refresh and energize you. There are no side effects, very affordable, and can be used anytime of the day or night.
It can also be used as a pain reliever during childbirth. Many women nowadays forego the traditional methods used in most hospitals today. They would rather experience the entry of their child into the world. Similarly, aromatherapy is used by women suffering from menstrual cramps and those going through menopause.
Combining aromatherapy with massage can make the results of both therapies even greater, with huge improvements in well being and increased levels of relaxation. In those cases, the oils used aromatherapy are absorbed through the skin as well as through the nose.
Some Common Oils and Their Uses
You can actually make your own aromatherapy by purchasing the oils and a burner, or you can add oils to your bath for a refreshing or soothing experience. Using a burner will require you to put the oil together with water to avoid overheating the oil. You will only need about three to four drops of oil per 10 drops of water.
Lavender is a commonly used oil with a variety of applications. It serves to calm you and also has antibacterial properties which help skin heal after being burned. The relaxing power of lavender is helpful at bedtime to allow you to fall asleep. It also relieves headaches.
When Lavender is mixed with peppermint, another widely used essential oil, it helps you overcome fatigue and exhaustion. It helps stimulate your memory, and improves your mood, and mental clarity.
Aside from peppermint, ginger, juniper, rosemary, clove, and eucalyptus decrease congestion. If you are overly stressed, use jasmine or rose. When you are feeling blue, citrus oils will help uplift your spirit.
For women, clary sage and geranium are very successful in hormonal imbalance. And for balancing your entire body as you go through menopause, use both of them, along with lavender, chamomile, melissa, bergamot, or ylang ylang.
