01 March 2009
5 Popular Aromatherapy Scents
It seems that there is an appropriate aromatherapy scent for your every need. No matter if what you need is to alter your mood, achieve a sense of well-being or relieve minor health conditions, there is a corresponding scent to do the job well. The following are 5 of the most popular scents.
Chamomile
From the Greek word meaning earth-apple' (
1) - the flowers of the chamomile plant look like tiny daisies but smell like apples instead. Grown for many years now because of its various healing properties, chamomile is best known for its calming effects, thus helping one to achieve a very restful sleep. It is also effective for relieving the symptoms of PMS, menopause and hyperactivity among kids. The oil from chamomile flowers can help ease muscle aches and tensions, headaches and joint pains. Drinking tea made from the petals helps stimulate appetite and calm upset stomach. Unlike other essential oils, chamomile is mild enough to help ease your baby’s colic, thus helping him or her achieve sleep.
Eucalyptus
With about 300 varieties, eucalyptus has long been a vital ingredient in cough medications because its scent, which helps open up and clear nasal passages. Eucalyptus oil is also used to scent mouthwashes, aftershaves, colognes and other household cleansers. The effects of eucalyptus on the mind and body include: relief from mental fatigue, improves mental alertness, lessen muscle tension and help boost the immune system. It is also a widely-used disinfectant and insect repellant. However, if used in large amounts, eucalyptus essential oil can be toxic. Also, while it is great for relieving the symptoms of sinusitis and lung congestion, it is not intended for use during an asthma attack.
Lavender
Lavender has long been associated with cleanliness ever since the Romans first used it as an additive to their bathwater. Today, it is still a favorite for scenting perfumes, soaps, air fresheners, fabric softeners, disinfectants and many others. Lavender is one of the safest and most widely-used essential oils, known to have an uplifting and relaxing effect. If used in large amounts, lavender can be stimulating. It also helps improve digestion, reduce swelling, ease muscle tension and is proven effective for treating minor skin injuries such as burns, cuts, scrapes, and rashes.
Peppermint
Peppermint is popular because of its powerful, mint and distinctive fragrance. It is a common ingredient in all sort of products like ice cream, liqueurs, mouthwashes, toothpastes, desserts, cosmetics, household cleansers and many more. Peppermint essential oil is used in liniments to increase blood flow to a body part, thus relieving muscle spasms and arthritis. It is also known to uplift the mood, relieve mental fatigue, improve alertness and enhance memory. Known to be able to kill many bacteria and viruses, peppermint is used for treating ringworm, scabies, herpes simplex and poison oak.
Rosemary
With its herbaceous, woody and camphorous odor, it is not surprising that rosemary has a wide variety of uses, from the ancient times until today. It became a staple during weddings and funerals in the ancient times. It was used as an ingredient in cosmetics as early as the 14th century. Today it is a popular ingredient in liniments, massage oils and bath products. Rosemary is excellent in improving blood circulation, relieving sore throat and lung congestion, and helpful in improving digestion. It also helps relieve mental fatigue, uplift the mood and enhance mental alertness and memory when used as an aromatherapy scent.
Aromatherapy – The Essence Of The Oil
Popular Choice When It Comes to Massage
Through time, people have learned how they can benefit from the different available resources that can be used to obtain relaxation and other means to pamper oneself. One of the most popular methods that is being used up to this day for such purpose is the method of aromatherapy.
This method has gone a long way since it was first coined in the 1920's by a French chemist. This is a vital element in various forms of massages that you can apply on the comfort of your own homes or you can avail at commercial establishments that cater to such call.
With the busy world that we are living in, it is only understandable that people are going to see various forms and ways that can help them ease their tired body. By undergoing a massage, you will be able to regain your strength back by alleviating the stresses and tensions that your environment has thrown at you.
How does the method becomes healing in a way when used in massage? This is mainly due to the essences that come from the oils that are being utilized in the process. Various oils contain healing properties that can solve different medical conditions. You just have to make sure that your doctor authorized you to adopt the method before you perform anything on yourself. Other people may have allergic reactions towards such oils. It will be better to consult a professional to be safe in the whole process.
Aroma therapy oils from plants and herbs.
The oils come from the extracts of plants and herbs. These can be mixed with water and other types of oils as well as commercially available lotions. This way, you will lessen the chances of developing any allergic reactions towards the solution.
When used in massages, the essence of the oil that is being applied in the body goes straight to that person's limbic system. This is the part of the human brain that controls the emotion and the nervous system. This is responsible in controlling the heart rate and regulating the blood flow. Through this, you will have an easier time in digesting your food. And you will also be able to think sound and straight after smelling such essences. Overall, this is beneficial for your overall health because this can make your hormones function well.
As you are being treated with the massage, you are able to free yourself with the stresses that your hectic day has brought about. This is ideal for people who work in an environment where they feel like they always have to perform at the top of their game or else they will lose the momentum and may lessen their chances of achieving the top.
When diffused with various scents, the oils will create various effects depending on the combination created. Now you can create the type of combination that will answer whatever medical situation you are faced with.
For example, if the essential oil will be combined with lavender, geranium and chamomile, it will create a calming effect. If it is mixed with rosemary, neroli and rose, the effect will be uplifting. If you will combine it with tea tree leaves and eucalyptus, it will create a decongesting feel.
Aromatherapy offers solution to your every dilemma with regards to you feelings and physical strength. You just have to mix and match the right oils that contain the kind of essences that can help you with your condition.
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