What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve the health of the body, mind, and soul, essentially the whole. 

What people don’t realise is aromatherapy is also about the smell and how these smells can affect you too. Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell as well as skin absorption.  

Of the five sensory responses, the smell is arguably the most potent. The mind has the ability to summon memories and even transport us back to places and times of the past. Almost every nerve in the body has to travel via the spine to get to the brain. The sinuses are the only ones which go directly to it. So smell has a fast and effective journey to the brain. 

Aromatherapy has gained recognition in the science and medical communities recently.

How long has aromatherapy been around?

We have been using aromatherapy for thousands of years. Ancient cultures such as those in China, India, Egypt, and many other places have embedded aromatic plant components in several everyday items such as balms, oils and treatments. These natural products were not just used for medicinal but also religious purposes. They were noted to have physical, mental and emotional benefits. 

How can aromatherapy be used? 

Aromatherapy can be used in products such as diffusers, candles, aromatic spritz, inhalers, facial steam, clay masks, yoni steams, hot and cold compresses, foot soaks, bath soaks, body oils, creams, or lotions for massage or topical application. 

What are the benefits of using aromatherapy? Aromatherapy has a range of benefits. It’s said to help with pain relief, treat headaches and migraines, improve digestion, boost immunity, fight bacteria, virus, or fungus, improve sleep, support relaxation, and reduces stress, agitation, anxiety just to mention a few.

Some of the most popular essential oils and their benefits; 

Bergamot - Uplifting, refreshing and relaxing 

Camomile Oil - Relaxing, refreshing and calming 

Eucalyptus oil - head clearing and refreshing 

Jasmine oil - soothing, relaxing and aphrodisiac 

Lavender Oil - Relaxing, therapeutic, refreshing and anti-inflammatory 

Lemongrass oil - toning and refreshing 

Patchouli oil - soothing and relaxing 

Peppermint oil - cooling and refreshing 

Rose oil - relaxing, soothing and self-loving 

Rosewood oil - antidepressant, stimulant, aphrodisiac 

Sage oil - decongestant and cleansing 

Sandalwood oil - sedative, aphrodisiac and relaxant 

Tea Tree oil - supports cold and flu, antiviral and antibacterial

Ylang Ylang oil - sedative, relaxing 

Safety when using essential oils.

When buying essential oils, always check it's pure essential oil. Pure essential oils have no fillers, artificial ingredients, or dilutions. Blended oils can be premixed with other ingredients, other essential oils, and carrier oil. 

Always dilute pure essential oils with a recommended carrier oil before using on your skin. The best and safest dilution is 1% (approximately 20 drops of essential oil), 1 ml of pure essential oil to 100 ml carrier oil. 

If you are unsure about how to use essential oils, always seek advice from a qualified Aromatherapist or Holistic practitioner.

Things to consider when using essential oils;

As you explore using essential oils, pay attention to how the different oils affect you physically, emotionally and mentally. 

Always consult your doctor before starting any aromatherapy treatment. Remember aromatherapy is a complementary therapy and it is not meant to replace any doctor’s advice or treatment plan.

Sending Warmth and Love

Camille Denton

Vibrations of a Goddess

🧘🏽‍♀️💫💖