Aromatherapy has a long history of use dating back thousands of years from the ancient Egyptians to the Far East, particularly China. These civilizations utilized the essential oils’ therapeutic abilities to support physical and emotional health and balance. Aromatherapy connects vital the life forces of the healing power of the plant with the receptivity of the skin and the sense of smell.

Essential oils are volatile compounds that occur naturally in the plant and are responsible for the plant’s signature scent and also aids in water retention. Oils are extracted by distillation or maceration (The process of extracting the volatile oils from a plant by immersing them in hot liquid (oil for fat)) from the flowers or leaves.

Studies have indicated a vast amount of healing benefits of essential oils from wound healing to the well-documented uses in anxiety and depression related issues. The oils are found to stimulate olfactory nerves that are linked directly to the area of the brain responsible for emotion; as well as, stimulate the nerve endings on the skin’s surface. Aromatherapists believe that the healing powers travel along the nerves to the pituitary gland (the master gland which controls all the body’s glands, including the adrenals) which helps to support and balance our stress and relaxation responses.

Using Aromatherapy

Essential oils must never be taken internally.

One of the most beneficial ways to utilize essential oils is through massage; oils can be added to massage oil or to lotion that is used in your daily regime. The action of massage and the power of the essential oil activate nerve endings to stimulate blood circulation near the skin’s surface. This helps enhance the absorption of oils into the body. (Lavender is a wonderful oil to induce the relaxation response through massage oil or lotion).

Put a few drops of oil into your bath and soak for at least ten minutes; allowing the body to absorb the oils through the skin. Vapors from the hot water will release the essential oils into the air allowing you to inhale and absorb the oils through the pores of the nose. You can also put a few drops in hot water and inhale the vapors (Eucalyptus is great for opening the nasal passages during allergy season or a cold).

Choosing Essential Oils

• Sandalwood- This common oil is used to help with tension and anxiety.
• Rose- Is fantastic for tension in women; post-natal depression and relationship stress.
• Neroli- This oil comes from the bitter orange tree. It induces calm in nervous tension and anxiety and can also be used to promote sleep.
• Frankincense- Extracted from gum resin, it calms and deepens breathing. In meditation it is used on a vaporizer to induce a contemplative state.
• Chamomile- Well-known for its calming properties, chamomile relaxes overexcited nerves.
• Ylang Ylang- This strongly scented oil comes from “perfume trees” in the Far East. It is known for its sedative and antidepressant qualities. This is a very potent oil that should be used sparingly.
• Bergamot- This oil is thought to support the immunity of the body by helping to fight off infections; as well as, support the overall well-being of the mind.
• Geranium- Good in small quantities this essential oil is a wonderful addition in massage oil.

All these herbs can be used in massage oils, lotions, in a vaporizer or bath. Always dilute the oil; massage oils can be made using soya oil (or any oil of your choice) and adding a few drops (to your likely) of the essential oil for a wonderful treat and to support overall well-being.

To learn more read Roberta Wilson’s Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty, this book contains a great introduction to aromatherapy along with fantastic recipes!

Breathe well….naturally!