Aromanaturals Aromatherapy Blog

Do you need a little confidence boost to help get you in the mood to tackle those New Year’s resolutions?  Then try this for some uplifting:

• 3 drops grapefruit
• 2 drops bergamot
• 2 drops cypress

Blend essential oils, then use with a diffuser, in an aromatherapy bath, or for use in an aromatherapy massage.

Remember, aromatherapy should never replace proper medical care.

Aromatherapy involves using the aroma of different plants to help soothe the mind as well as the body. The aromatherapy bath happens to be a very effective method for relaxing tired, stressed bodies. Bathing in essential oils is an all-natural way to unblock congested pores and ease the symptoms of fatigue and muscle tension.

Submerging yourself in an aromatherapy bath is far less expensive than seeking medical attention for your ailments, and it’s something you can do right in your own home, without risk of any side effects.

Aromatherapy douches are also effective cleansing treatments but should be used with caution as only a few ingredients so far have been studied on the basis of their safety and effectiveness for internal use.

Preparing an aromatherapy bath is simple. Add about 10 drops of your favorite essential oils into a tub full of warm water and sink your tired body into the soothing water. Start with one fragrance and as you familiarize yourself with the different healing properties of various plants, you can start mixing essential oils to create the desired effect.

Take time to create the right aromatherapy bath environment. Your body has a better chance of relaxing if you first create the right mood. Turn off the lights and use candles instead. Close the door and tell your family the bathroom is ‘off-limits’. And most importantly, don’t rush. Make sure you have plenty of time to soak.

If you are pregnant it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor before indulging in aromatherapy baths or douches.

For aromatherapy baths, essential bath oils will penetrate deep into your skin’s pores. Scents such as vanilla will calm, lavender soothes and peppermint or ocean mist can invigorate. 

Bath salts and bath powders also work well in aromatherapy baths. Just sprinkle them into a tub filled with warm water. These products help detoxify your skin, and relieve muscle aches and pains. Many will cause your bath water to change color, making your aromatherapy bath a visual experience as well.

Hydrosols (also known as floral waters) are less concentrated versions of essential oils and may be better to use if you have sensitive skin. 

When douching select oils that don’t cause irritation such as chamomile, essence of tea tree, lavender or marigold oils. Always mix with water prior to use. 

Here is an aromatherapy bath oil recipe. Create a basic carrier oil blend into which you can then add your favorite essential oil. For the basic blend mix 3 ounces almond oil, 1 ounce canola oil, 1 1/2 ounces olive oil, 1/2 ounce wheat germ oil and 1 ounce sesame oil.

Pour this base oil into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. When ready for a bath, pour 1 ounce of the basic blend into warm bath water. Add 15 – 25 drops of your favorite essential oil and mix together well. Enjoy!

 

 

Once you venture into the world of aromatherapy, you’ll quickly realize that as with the many tantalizing scents, there are also numerous purchasing sources. You likely will have heard of some of these companies before, but many names will be brand new to you. How can you decide which aromatherapy company is most worthy of your business? Here are some issues to consider. 

Just as you would when buying any product you’re not familiar with, it’ll be to your advantage to research the company before opening your wallet. Look for and read the company’s return policy. And, especially when shopping online, make sure you’re able to reach a human being should you need assistance. 

Know your prices before you shop. By knowing which oils you would expect to pay more for, such as those considered exotic, you’ll have a better idea whether or not the asking price is accurate. The price of aromatherapy products and ingredients should vary but still should fall within ‘commonly-accepted’ price ranges.

Your shopping experience will be easier if you know about the properties of different aromatherapy ingredients. If you’re a newbie, then you should at least be prepared to explain the goals you’re trying to achieve. Whether you’re looking to relax or whether you’re looking to clear your congestion will drive the decision as to the types of aromatherapy products you should be purchasing.

Watch out for essential oils that are bottled using clear or plastic bottles. Light and plastic can damage and contaminate these oils. Dark-colored glass bottles (amber or dark blue) are best for storage.

Also watch out for dust. Why? An essential oil’s properties and therefore its effectiveness will over time, start to diminish. Dust is a sign that the bottle’s already spent some time on the shelf and perhaps isn’t as fresh as it could be.

The product won’t be pure if it’s made using fragrant oils or perfume. Read the labels because you might not be getting the deal you think you are. When shopping online, read the product descriptions thoroughly. If you don’t have time for the fine print, then it’s not the right time to shop. Plan to shop when you are not rushed.

Whether to shop offline or online is a big question regardless of the product you’re purchasing. There are benefits of both and it really is more a matter of choosing the method you’re most comfortable with.

Of course, the selection you’ll find on the Internet is vast and shopping from the comfort of your own home certainly is easy. And there may not be a conveniently located aromatherapy outlet in your neighborhood which would make online shopping your only choice.

Regardless of where you purchase the products and ingredients you’ll be using for aromatherapy and blending, once you have found a source you’re comfortable with, become a loyal customer. Aromatherapy products are all-natural and as such, consistency is always a challenge. You might find a single source offers your best chance of getting consistent quality.
 

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a technique that utilizes the body’s sense of smell to help boost moods, relieve stress and encourage better health. Various fragrant substances are used during aromatherapy sessions and each produces a different result. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus scents are often used to help stimulate the body. Lavender and chamomile can help a person relax. Lemon and rosemary are effective at revitalizing a tired body.

The sense of smell is powerful. In fact, the body can distinguish around 10,000 different scents! As scents are inhaled, the smell travels across the olfactory nerves located inside the nose and then up into the part of the brain that controls our moods, our memories and our ability to learn. This area is called the Limbic System and when stimulated it releases endorphins, neurotransmitters and other ‘feel-good’ chemicals. 

Aromatherapy also works by absorbing the essential oils that have been extracted from plants, fruits, herbs and flowers into the blood stream. This method is perfectly safe and if you’ve ever rubbed a fragrant lotion, cream or ointment into your skin or received a massage, you’ve already indulged in a form of aromatherapy.

The fragrances used in aromatherapy are many and they’re commonly added to lotions, inhalants, gels, candles, bath salts, vaporizers, perfumes and room sprays. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, oils that have been extracted from naturally-occurring materials. They’re natural and unlike synthetic fragrances and perfumes which can cause allergies and irritation, they’re safe to use. The practice of applying essential oils has a long history, and evidence of its use has been found as far back as Ancient Egyptian civilizations.

Benefits of aromatherapy

- It’s something you can learn to do at home

Many people seek out professional massage therapists or visit expensive spas for their aromatherapy sessions. While this is a great way to indulge if you can afford to, it’s easy to learn how to do aromatherapy right in the comfort of your own home. All you need are some candles, essential oils or bath oils and a burner or diffuser. To achieve the maximum results, you’ll also want to seek out a quite and comfortable space for your aromatherapy session!

- It’s a natural approach to improve your health.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful, natural alternative to other treatment options such as prescription medications and caffeine. When used properly, there are few side effects. The side effects that emerge primarily are due to a person’s sensitivity to certain ingredients. Most people are aware of the ingredients that trigger allergic responses or other type of sensitivity and in those cases, use of products containing those ingredients should be avoided.

- Aromatherapy alleviates minor discomforts

While aromatherapy does not cure major illnesses, it is effective at alleviating minor aches and pains in joints, improving the functionality of the immune system, relieving the symptoms of menstrual cramps, improving skin tone, relaxing muscles, lowering blood pressure, clearing congestion, improving circulation to the scalp which helps reduce dandruff and helps promote healthy hair growth, relieving tension that causes headaches, improving sleep and so much more!