Stinky Stuff—Good Therapy?

Aromatherapy originated in Europe back in the early 1900s. Aromatherapy uses aroma-producing essential oils from plants to provide relaxation and help relieve stress. The essential oils are taken from a plant’s flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with other liquids such as alcohol, oil, or lotion and are then rubbed on the skin or sprayed in the air and inhaled. You can also mix them into your bathwater.

Users of aromatherapy believe that the fragrances stimulate nerves in the nose that, in turn, send impulses to the part of the brain that controls both your emotions and your memory. Aromatherapy oils are thought to interact with hormones and enzymes in your body, and can cause changes in pulse rate, blood pressure, or other body functions. Depending on the type of aromatherapy oil, the result may be stimulating or very calming.

The following is a list of symptoms followed by the suggested aromatherapy oil.

Stress — Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Rose, and Sandalwood
Anxiety — Cedar wood, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Rose, and Sandalwood
Anger — Jasmine, Orange, Roman Chamomile, and Rose
Irritability — Lavender, Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, and Sandalwood
Memory — Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Lemon, Peppermint, and Rosemary
Depression or Grief: Frankincense, Rose, and Sandalwood
Fatigue — Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Sandalwood

Aromatherapy products can be found in most stores offering lotions, candles, and bath oils.

People with certain chronic illnesses or conditions, lung conditions, asthma, allergies, skin conditions, children under age five, and pregnant women should not use aromatherapy without first consulting a doctor.

Post Author: Carol Denbow is an award winning author of three books including Stress Relief for the Working Stiff, How to Reverse the Embalming Effect. Visit Carol’s website at http://www.booksbydenbow.weebly.com/