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Things To Know About Aromatherapy
Scent is a powerful thing. It has the ability to bring back memories
from the ancient past and revive people that you haven`t seen in
decades, just with a single whiff. Because of this, aromatherapy is
something that has become very useful as a therapeutic aide.
Many people are aware that simple things like the smell of lemon smells
clean and peppermint is often an aroma that
reminds us of freshness and
energy. But the actual amount of aromatherapy options out there can be
overwhelming and there are quite a few things that those not steeped in
knowledge of aromatherapy may not be aware of.
Some Oils Are Dangerous
Did you know that aromatherapy shouldn`t be used with all organic essential oils?
Some oils are actually toxic and this may not be noted by the seller.
Essential oils such as wormwood, camphor and rue are actually bad for
you and shouldn`t ever be applied to the skin. It`s always good to know
which oils shouldn`t be used in aromatherapy.
Other toxic herbs that shouldn`t be used with aromatherapy include
wintergreen, sweet birth, Spanish broom, arnica, pennyroyal, onion,
garlic and bitter almond. You may wish to talk to a professional before
starting in on any aromatherapy work, just to be sure you know which
oils are safe and which shouldn`t be used.
Aromatherapy Isn`t Just Mental
A common misconception is that aromatherapy is only a way to help your
state of mind. It`s far more than that, though and you`ll find that
some of the simplest smells can actually have a physical effect on your
body, especially when applied to the skin. It`s important not to apply
pure essential oil directly to the skin, you`ll need a carrier oil,
first so it won`t burn you.
Drops of lavender oil on a pillow can induce sleep and a massage with
peppermint is great for stimulating blood flow and waking you up. These
herbs have physical effects, not just emotional or mental ones. Tea
tree oil is perhaps one of the best known essential oils and is
commonly used to heal all manner of maladies by simply applying it to
the affected area.
The Methods of Aromatherapy
The great thing about aromatherapy
is that if you don`t enjoy massage or prefer not to use a specific
method of diffusing the smell, there are always other options.
Massage with an essential oil in a carrier oil can be very invigorating
or relaxing, depending on the smells chosen. Diffusers are some of the
most common methods of spreading the scent and consist of a heater
(often a candle) and a container for the oil. Sometimes the oil is
added to wax chips that release the scent as they melt. There are also
aromatherapy candles on the market and sprays. You can also add a
couple of drops of essential oil to a sink or tub of hot water or even
onto a handkerchief or cloth to tuck inside your pillowcase or pocket.
Aromatherapy is a very useful way to treat problems or to enhance a
state of mind. If you find that you are drowsy in the morning when you
need to get ready for work, it can be a great idea to have a diffuser
ready to go with an invigorating aroma. Likewise, a soothing one at
bedtime eases the transition from being wide awake to sleep and has
been used by insomniacs for hundreds of years now. Aromatherapy is a
great way to connect with your family, as well, using their sense of
smell to draw them in!
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