Aromatherapy

 Aromatherapy Incense

 

One way to stay calm should the person feel stressed is by taking deep breaths. If this is not enough, sometimes walking out of the room to get some fresh air will do some good.

 

Aromatherapy is also a great stress reliever. Aside from applying the oil or inhaling it, the same thing can be done by using incense.

 

The person can buy a set of sticks for less than $10 from the store. These should be lit and then placed in a container so that the scent can fill the room. 

 

The use of incense is also used in other functions. Most churches use either frankincense or sandalwood when holding special ceremonies. The Chinese use this to ward off evil spirits when opening a business to have a prosperous future ahead. Certain establishments use lavender sticks, which are very effective in keeping insects away.

 

Not all kinds of incense sticks are good to use. This is because there are substandard ones in the market, which could endanger the respiratory system especially for those who are asthmatic.

 

This can be avoided by only going to reputable dealers that are recommended by family members and friends. 

 

Here are a few examples of incense sticks generally sold to the public.

 

1. The first is amber. These are designed to calm disturbing conditions, which can help stabilize imbalances in one’s system.

 

2. The second is Indian Cedar, which is often used as antidepressant.

 

3. The third is Jasmine. It helps balance the hormones in both men and women. This is sometimes taken as an aphrodisiac just like chocolate, which is great to give the sex life alive.

 

4. Next is lavender, which is always known to make a person relax.

 

5. Lily is sometimes called a mild sedative since it helps slow down the heart rate and calms the nerves.

 

6. Patchouli helps strengthen the nerves. It does the same thing just like Indian Cedar so should the first run out, there is always an alternative, which can be used as a substitute.

 

7. Rose promotes spiritual healing and attunement. This is ideal either lying down or when meditating in the room which will help the person focus on the task at hand.

 

8. Lastly, is sandal aids, which is very similar to Rose and helps stimulate the pituitary and pineal glands.

 

These sticks are usually sold in sets. One pack can hold up to a dozen while those who want to get good value should try getting the kind that carries four or five different scents. This will give the individual of some of those available in the market so the customer will know which one to get when it is time to resupply.

 

After some time of using aromatherapy incense, the person can try other things that are available to help feel relaxed at all times. There are bath salts, which can be used in the bathroom, candles which also do the same thing like incense.

 

Aromatherapy is truly a great way to feel good again. It has a natural high that does not have any side effects and can be used as often as the person wants. The only thing to figure out is which one to be used given that each kind has a particular usage.   

Aromatherapy Scented Candle

 

When the person feels tired or troubled, there are things that can help brighten up the day. A good example is an aromatherapy scented candle, which can cheer up anyone who is not in a good mood.

 

How can a scented candle change the way the person is feeling? First, it is not really this item that does the magic. It is the essential oil that was mixed into it during production, which is released as the fire melts away the wax.

 

Aromatherapy itself may not cure someone with a serious illness such as depression but it has been proven to make the person relax to start over again tomorrow.

 

Can an ordinary candle produce the same effect? No because not a single drop of oil was mixed with it. The person can get this from a reputable store or online to be able to experience the difference.  

 

Most candles that are mixed with the oil are made from bee or soy wax. If this should be made from paraffin, the customer should not even bother buying it because this is petroleum based which is not good for the lungs.

 

What are some of the scented candles available?

 

For starters, ginger is very good in helping those who are lost and confused. Sometimes, the person gets a metal block or has simply lost focus on something so this oil can help get the individual back on track.

 

Everyone needs to relax and those who can’t do this with some breathing exercises should try the kind mixed in Lavender. Tangerine can also make this happen if the first is no longer available.

 

People sometimes experience anxiety attacks. It is a good thing that there are scented candles that have the scents of Bergamot and Sandalwood so the person can be calm once again.

 

Bergamot is also used as an antidepressant. The person will realize later on that an extract from a particular tree or a plant can sometimes be used for something else. There are over 60 different oils and it will take some time to be familiar with it all. 

 

Fatigue is something that affects everyone. This can be a child piled up with homework and experiences information overload to the employee who has been putting 14 hours just to finish the task before the deadline. Taking a break can help especially when the individual has a scented candle such as chamomile nearby.

 

When using an aromatherapy scented candle, the person can sit down in a meditating position or lie down. The smell that comes out does one thing so those who want to experience something more can look into the light, which has been known to create a positive psychological effect.

 

Making scented candles is not that difficult. The individual can get the information from books or the Internet so this can be made at home. This can save someone a lot of money especially when one has already been hooked in this form of spiritual, psychological and emotional healing.

 

Aromatherapy can do a lot of good for the person. If other people have benefited from it, surely the individual can also do the same. The question will be if one is open to the idea of trying something unique instead of conventional medicine to relieve the tension or the pain.

Aromatherapy

 Aromatherapy Bath Salts

 

Some people get in and out of a shower within minutes without even realizing how refreshing it can be. The use of soap and water can make the person feel clean but staying a little longer can beautify the skin and relax those tired muscles.

 

This can be achieved by trying out aromatherapy. Aside from pouring oil into the warm water, bath salts can also be used to make this work. The individual will need to have a bathtub so this can be sprinkled into the water until it dissolves.

 

Many of these can be purchased at the store or online in large containers. The person can do this daily to feel refreshed after a long day at work. 

 

Aromatherapy bath salts can also be produced at home. The individual can go to the store to buy the ingredients and then make it happen. An example is salt potpourri.

 

The person will need some sea salts, colorants and fragrance oils. The salts are transparent and odorless. In order to have color and scent, it has to be mixed with the two other ingredients and then set out in a parchment to dry.

 

After it is ready, this should be placed in a container and only opened when this will be used while taking a bath.

 

Since bath salts are sold in large bottles, the person will have to buy each separately. The person can try one kind today and another one tomorrow. Most of those sold in the display shelf come with a product description stuck on the container.

 

This will really be helpful for those who want to have never tried bath salts before and are more accustomed to scented oils. 

 

When everything is ready, all the person has to do is get in the tub. Some people have tried using scented candles that have the same scent as the bath salts and a soft CD playing in the background to make the room feel comfortable. 

 

The person should relax and just lie there for the skin to be able to absorb the healing properties of the oil. The individual can leave after fifteen minutes or more to rinse and then towel off.  

 

Being able to produce bath salts at home can be a good way to start an aromatherapy business. After buying the materials, producing and then packaging it, the entrepreneur can sell this or have someone else do it.

 

Immersing oneself in the bathroom using aromatherapy bath salts is refreshing. The nice thing about it is that this can be done as often as the individual wants since there are no known side effects.

 

The person should just make sure that there is amply supply all the time so this can be done regularly. This can be done by buying the ingredients and preparing the next batch or getting the finished product from the store.

 

Bath salts if these are not used regularly will harden due to excessive moisture. This does not mean it should be thrown way already because softening it can still make it usable.

 

Aromatherapy can do wonders for anyone regardless of age or gender. The person should just keep an open mind about the idea, which is a bit different than the western medicine practices that people are more familiar with.

Aromatherapy Bottle

 

Aromatherapy is one of the best ways to feel revitalized because of the stresses brought about by work or by the people at home. While some may want to do this treatment in the spa, others who are budget conscious can have the same treatment done at home.

 

This is because there are a lot of stores that sell aromatherapy oils. Each of these liquids are extracted from plants and trees and placed into 10ml. bottles. The person will notice that most of the containers are dark so that it will not get exposed to the light that can damage the contents inside.

 

If the particular oil that the customer is looking for is currently not available, the person can always try looking for this online since there are various websites that advertise these products. The individual will just have to wait a few days before this can be shipped to the home.

 

Lately, manufacturers have produced something else that can help aromatherapy. Instead of opening the lid and having oily fingers, people have decided to put a sprayer on top. This allows the person to apply the oil to certain parts of the body keeping the bottle free of oil deposits.

 

Aromatherapy bottles may be purchased separately or in kits. Each one has a product description of the oil including where it is most effective. For example, a bottle of lavender oil is great in treating anxiety and stress while peppermint is great to relieve a clogged nose.

 

First timers will also be happy to know that each bottle or kit purchased comes with a set of instructions. The person will be able to learn a thing or two of the type bought and can do more research later on given that there are more than 60 essential oils.

 

The oils in the bottles don’t always have to apply to the skin. Sometimes smelling it in the air is just enough to make one relax. The individual will need a burner for this, which usually comes with a small candle in the bottom.    

 

If the individual is already familiar with the various oils, instead of using a bottle, the person can try getting aromatherapy in its other forms. These include bath salts, candles and soap which can also be used to achieve the same results.

 

Someone who has grown fond of aromatherapy can even make a living out of it. There are some schools that offer courses on this and that person can make a business out of it. The individual should just learn the basic properties of each, know how to mix it and then package the idea by setting up shop or becoming a distributor to out retail outlets.

 

Aromatherapy can be applied whenever the person needs it because there is no danger of overdose, which happens often with conventional medicines. Since a 10ml. bottle can be consumed quickly, sometimes just opening and inhaling this is more than enough to make anyone feel better. 

 

If the individual’s supply is running low, it will be a good idea to go back to the store and buy a new batch of bottles.

 

Those who are familiar with one can probably try something else in the shelf since all of the oils in the display shelf can do one or more functions like relieving a headache, declogging the nose or relieving muscle pain.

Aromatherapy

 Cooking Up Good Scents

Aromatherapy is a wonderful natural alternative to modern medicine when it comes to treating common ailments and mood swings. In aromatherapy, there is no risk of ingesting blends of herbs that may have harmful or adverse effects on us. Aromatherapy uses essential oils that benefit us in two ways: through the connection of our olfactory sense with the brain and as well as through the direct application of essential oils to the skin.

The use of essential oils for aromatherapy can be easy. All you need is to gather the right resources to increase your knowledge on the different types of essential oils and their benefits. You can go down to your local bookstore and browse the shelves for information on essential oils and aromatherapy. You can also choose to go online and browse the web's resources and tips from various aromatherapy practitioners and experts.

To get you started on your quest, below you will find aromatherapy recipes for treatment of some common problems.

Aromatherapy recipe for the skin

Aromatherapy for the skin is beneficial because the essential oils provide much needed moisture and healing to skin layers. It also helps invigorate your skin cells to promote new skin cell regeneration. Certain essential oils are also extremely useful for treating bacteria and fungal infection as well as inflammations.

If you have dry skin, you can use rose, sandalwood, lavender and myrrh. If you have sensitive skin, try this aromatherapy recipe: combine 2 drops of chamomile with a drop each of myrrh and rose plus 2 ounces of jojoba or almond oil. You must store this mixture in an airtight dark glass container which should be kept in a cool and dark place. You can then use this aromatherapy recipe to treat sensitive skin.

If your problem is mature skin, you can revive the youthful properties of your skin using a simple aromatherapy recipe. All you have to do is combine 2 drops each of frankincense and myrrh with 2 ounces of jojoba or almond oil. This easy rejuvenating treatment is the most natural way to a more youthful skin. Remember to store this aromatherapy recipe accordingly.

Acne can also be treated by a simple aromatherapy recipe, which involves combining 15 drops of tea tree oil with 10 drops of lavender along with 2 ounces of jojoba or almond oil. For a whole body treatment however, you can try the simple aromatherapy recipe of combining 1 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon each of honey, olive oil and vinegar with 2 drops each of spearmint and lavender. You can use this wonderful aromatherapy recipe with mixing it in a warm tub of water for a relaxing and invigorating bath. 

Aromatherapy for the hair

Don't neglect your crowning glory! Simple aromatherapy recipes can help you get your mane in tip top shape. For instance, if you suffer from dry hair, try this aromatherapy recipe to give life back to your parched hair: combine 1 drop of rosemary with 1 tablespoon orris root powder. Simply sprinkle the mixture on to your hair and scalp and brush off thoroughly after 5 minutes.

If coaxing your hair to grow is what you want, a simple aromatherapy recipe can do the trick. Simply combine 10 drops rosemary with 8 drops of bay along with 7 drops cedarwood and 50 ml of jojoba oil. Apply this aromatic mixture of essential oil to your scalp and cover with a shower cap or towel. Leave it like this overnight and rinse thoroughly when you wake up.

Aromatherapy

 Discovering the wonders of aromatherapy essential oils

 

Even before the dawn of modern civilization, essential oils have been derived and used to heal, relax, and restore people. History says that Egyptians first administered the use of these essential oils in their everyday lives. But, because of the emergence of modern healing, this practice of healing using scents slowly disappeared. 

But now, the impact of using essential oils in healing has regained its rightful place. Blended with the term "aromatherapy," essential oils now play an important role in “holistic” therapy—healing not only the body but the mind and emotions as well. Today, essential oils are believed to be present in almost all aromatic products like essence oils, absolutes, resinoids, and concretes.

One of the trends when it comes to healing is the emergence of aromatherapy or the use of selected fragrant substances—called essential oils—in lotions and inhalants in an effort to affect mood and promote health. 

Often administered through a massage, the use of aromatherapy essential oils has become quite popular because of its therapeutic properties that go directly into a person's skin and the blood stream.  Aside from using it through a massage, aromatherapy essential oils are also used in the form of hot and cold compresses, in baths or simply being inhaled. 

The use of aromatherapy essential oils is also being adapted even by various hospitals because it is believed that these oils greatly help stress relief, depression, and even helps the patient to control or tolerate pain. 

Aside from taking advantage of its soothing and therapeutic properties, aromatherapy essential oils are also being used to treat various skin problems while reducing the effects of the said disease. Aside from these, aromatherapy essential oils are also known to alleviate pain and relieve stress and depression.

THE ESSENCE OF AROMATHERAPY ESSENTIAL OILS

Aromatherapy basically involves the use of pure essential and absolute oils. Essential oils—which are derived from different plants gathered across the globe—are highly-fragrant, complex, and volatile substances that has varying degrees of fragrance, complexity, and volatility. 

Known as the most potent and concentrated extracts of various parts of flowers, fruits, leaves, spices, roots, and woods—each type of essential oil is believed to emulsify and contain a certain aromatic energy.

Compared to fatty or vegetable oils, essential oils are more volatile by nature. Experts say that the primary functional groups of the essential oils that are being used in aromatherapy today include Monoterpenes, Esters, Aldehydes, Ketones, Oxides, Alcohols, and Phenols. 

Monoterpenes are those aromatherapy essential oils that contain bactericidal, anti-viral, and antiseptic properties that can cause skin irritation when not used properly. Examples of such include lemons, pines, and frankincense. Esters, on the other hand, are those that are fungicidal, sedating, and quite aromatically pleasing like bergamot, Clary sage, and lavender. 

While Aldehydes are known to contain sedating and antiseptic properties like melissa, lemongrass, and citronella, Ketones are those that help ease congestion, aid in the flow of mucus but can be very toxic with excessive use. 

Examples of such are fennel, hyssop, and sage. Oxides are those that have expectorant and bactericidal qualities like rosemary and tea tree. 

While Alcohols are known to contain antiseptic, anti-viral, and uplifting qualities present in plants like rosewood, geranium, and rose, Phenols are said to have bactericidal and strong stimulating properties that can be quite to the skin like clove, thyme, oregano. 

Buying an Aromatherapy Oil Burner

Aromatherapy is being used more often these days to alleviate minor pains. Many people are familiar with the oil that can be inhaled by opening the bottle or massaging this into the affected area. There is another way to make this happen and this is done by using an oil burner.

There are two types of aromatherapy oil burners. The first is the electric while the other is the ceramic. 

The electric oil burner is considered to be safer since it does not need an open flame to keep it on the whole day. This is great since the children might accidentally tip over it causing a fire to happen. 

The ceramic oil burner has to be lit. This is lighter than the electric version and comes in different variations. 

The oil burners work just like the candles. Once it heats the liquid on the surface, this will turn into smoke that will enter through the nostrils sending a signal to the brain making one feel relaxed and refreshed. 

There are certain things people should know about using aromatherapy oil burners. This should be done at all times to prevent accidents from happening. 

1. Essential oils are flammable. This means that only a few drops should be applied. This accessory should be turned off when it is not being used.  It will also be a good idea to set this in a place that is a bit far from the curtain, paper or any alcoholic product since this will just serve as an accelerant in the event of a fire.

2. Not all of the oils can be used for aromatherapy. Studies have shown that improper use of it can cause certain problems when it is inhaled. Such examples are bitter almond, camphor, penny royal, onion, horseradish, sassafras and winter green.  

3. The oil and the burner should be kept away from children. The kids might play with it causing a fire or even ingest this. Should an incident happen, poison control must be contacted at once to help the victim. 

4. Not everyone can use the oil and the burner. This includes pregnant women and people who have allergies. Those who have never done this before and would like to try should first consult with a doctor if this is safe to use. 

The nice thing about the aromatherapy oil burner is that the person does not have to mix this with other oils to create the desired effect. This can be done only if the individual wants to try something new. 

The smell brought about the aromatherapy oil burner will surely last in the room hours even if the person has left for a few hours. This can be removed by opening the windows so that the scent will go away.

The basic ceramic oil burner will cost less than $20. The price for the electric version is double that amount. Regardless of the model chosen, the only thing for the user to do now is to put a few drops of oil into the small plate and then breathe deeply the scented air.  

The individual can lie down on the bed or on the floor or do the same thing in a sitting position because within minutes, the person will begin to experience a change that is good for one’s well being. 

Aromatherapy

 Knowing different aromatherapy products 

In the world of healing and medicine, there have been a lot of advances when it comes to curing different kinds of illnesses. Over the years, more and more people in the medical field are out to discover different medicines to various diseases. Along with these medical advances, there have also been mishaps when it comes to practicing and administering modern medication. This is the reason why many people go back to the roots of natural or alternative medication and products. 

A WIDE ARRAY OF AROMATHERAPY PRODUCTS  

Aromatherapy, which refers to a type of subtle healing that includes the use of flower essences, crystals, and essential oils, continues to gain popularity over the years. Known because of its soothing and calming properties that appeal greatly to the senses, more and more people are now into using aromatherapy products. Here's a quick list of various aromatherapy products that can be bought in the market today. 

1. Aromatherapy essential oils. These are essential oils gathered from various parts of plants such as flowers, fruits, leaves, spices, roots, and woods that are highly-fragrant, complex, and volatile substances. Since they are derived from different plant extracts, the essential oils have varying degrees of fragrance, complexity, and volatility. 

Today, more and more makers offer the highest quality pure extract oils that are have wonderful and stimulating fragrances. The most common plant derivations include lavender, jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang, bergamot, eucalyptus, vanilla, orange, patchouli, clary sage and the like. Aside from being used for a soothing and relaxing massage, essential oils are also used as a perfume atomizer, as bath, footbath, or steam facial refreshment. 

2. Aromatherapy diffusers. These are used to achieve maximum success of aromatherapy essential oils. Aromatherapy diffusers come in different shapes, sizes, color, and appearance depending on the need of the person using it. 

3. Aromatherapy incense. Just like the usual incense that is known to help veer bad spirits away, aromatherapy incense is now being used to calm the senses. Aromatherapy incense and incense sticks are known to capture exotic fragrances and exude a soothing scent that greatly helps in relaxation. 

By burning this high quality, raw, and aromatherapy natural incense; you can achieve a feeling of openness, self-discovery, tranquility, and peacefulness in the comfort of your own abode. Common scents include sandalwood, aloeswood, rose, jasmine, cedar wood, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, pine, musk, patchouli, green tea, and lavender. These incense packages usually come with ceramic incense holders. 

4. Aromatherapy candles. Since scent is the strongest sense tied to memory, aromatherapy candles are probably the most popular aromatherapy product out there. Known to enhance a person's mood as well as his or her senses, aromatherapy candles come in various sizes, styles, and hundred fragrances. 

They are also available in different kinds such as taper candles, floating candles, pillar and jar candles and purposes such as for abundance, health, harmony, and the like. Aromatherapy candles can also help you celebrate the innate beauty of the by stimulating and inspiring the senses and the mind. But since candles can easily cause fire, proper use should be primarily considered upon using it. 

5. Aromatherapy bath and body products. Aside from candles, aromatherapy bath and body products are also popular especially for women. Made from the finest natural ingredients found in various plants, these products are in demand in the market because they are known to soothe not only the senses but also to heal minor skin disorders as well. 

Aromatherapy bath products come in gels, soaps, bath wash, all natural hair and body shampoo, foam hand soap dispenser, and bath salts. Aromatherapy bath products include hand and body lotion, hand creams, foot creams and scrub, and facial creams. Aromatherapy bath towels are also available as well as air fresheners. 

Aromatherapy

 History of Aromatherapy

 

In its exact definition, aromatherapy is the process of using volatile plant oils in order to treat not only the physical well being of a person but also his or her psychological and mental health.

From decades past, apothecary drawers have been filled with essential oils that have been used in the treatment of diseases and other health problems. In fact, the practice of using oils has been in place for nearly a thousand years. It was however only in the 20th century when the term aromatherapy was used.

 

It started with the Chinese and indians, who are among the first cultures to incorporate the practice into their traditions. They use plant oils and incense to help create balance within the body and harmony with nature.  

 

Later on, the Egyptians adopted the practice and created an old distiller prototype which extracts cedarwood oil crudely. The oils that they extract from the plant are then sold in markets in their country. There are some that claim that Persia and India were the ones that invented the distillation process but of course nothing has been proven yet.

 

As time passed, the Egyptians started to extract oils from different plants. In addition to cedarwood, they use clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and myrrh. These oils were also used in the embalming of their dead. In fact, when an Egyptian tomb was opened back in the early 20th century, remains and traces of these plants were seen in some parts of the body. Archaeologists were even able to smell the scent. 

 

The Egyptians also used the scents and the oils in some of their rituals, especially those that are spiritual in nature. Some also used the oils as medicines while the women used them as perfumes and cosmetics. In fact, the word perfume is thought to have come from the latin word fumum, which means smoke. There are claims that men also use fragrance like women but they have an interesting method of doing it. They will place a solid cone of perfume on their heads, which they will gradually melt until the perfume and scent cover their whole bodies. 

 

The Greeks also used perfumes but of course everything was credited to the Gods of their mythology. Still the use of plant oils as perfume took a life of its own and soon Megallus made a perfume from myrrh, which is a fatty-oil. His perfume called the Megaleion not only had aromatic benefits, it can also heal wounds and has an anti-inflammatory property towards the skin. It was also the Greeks that established the medicinal purposes of plants. In fact, the father of medicine, Hippocrates, practiced the use of plants for its aromatic and medicinal benefits.

 

Armed with the knowledge that they have gotten from the civilizations of the Egyptians and the Greeks, Roman Discorides wrote a book called De Materia Medica, which essays the different properties of as much as 500 plants.

 

In the 11th century, a process called coiled cooling pipe was invented. This had a large impact on the distillation of essential oils. Avicenna, a Persian, was the one who created the prototype, which allowed steam and vapor from the plant to cool down so that it can be extracted better and faster than other distilling machines. Because of this invention, the focus once again went to the benefits of essential plant oils.

Information that Aromatherapy-enthusiasts should know

With the fad on new age activities on the rise, interests in aromatherapy are building up once again. Judging from the spa houses and massage parlors that have been opening up in every street corner, the use of plant extracts particularly oil and scents for relaxation is quickly gaining a huge fan base. 

But before you plunge in on the aromatherapy fad, make sure that you know some important points about it. Below are just some of the things that you should take into heart. Read on and you might learn something that might help you. 

Perfume oils are not the same as essential oils.

For those who are just buying these oils for the first time, make sure that what you are buying is the only you truly need. What makes an essential oil different from a perfume oil is the fact that it has therapeutic benefits and not just aromatic ones. This means that an essential oil will not only serve as fragrance in your home, it can also relax you and release unwanted energies.      

Rubber no-no.

Never ever buy essential oils that are being used with rubber dropper tops or buy oils with rubber dropper tops. This is because the rubber has some properties that can ruin the oil. The extreme concentration of the oils can turn the rubber into a gum. 

Read about it. 

It is not enough that you ask for people that are selling the oils. You’ll never really know if what they are telling you are truths that can help you with your self-therapy. The best way to learn about aromatherapy is to read books and articles about the topic. This way, you are being given an objective view about it and some of the products that you’ll be buying. In choosing a service or a product it is also a good idea to look for those with good reviews from newspapers and magazines. 

Another topic that you should read about is the safety of therapy. Actually, it is a required reading before you start on the therapy. There are also websites that are devoted solely to the process of aromatherapy. Search on these sites as they contain hundreds of articles that can 

help you get started. 

Choose your store.

Although new stores may also offer quality products, if you are not familiar with aromatherapy 

yet, it is good to stick with the brands that are already established. Remember that 

aromatherapy has safety issues that you should also take heed. After which, when you know enough about the business and the products, you can switch to less established ones but with good reviews. 

Also, avoid buying essential oils in street fairs and bazaars or from any company that do not have any permanent working address. This is not to say that products in events like this do not 

have quality; it is just a warning just in case you buy something that you have to return. 

Learn comparison.

Teach yourself the art of shopping for oils and scents. It is good to know what scent goes to what essential oils. You should also learn to compare scents. It also helps if you are familiar with some of the most common essential oils in the market. That way, it will be easier for you to buy what you want.

Aromatherapy

                                                  

Aromatherapy, what's it all about?

 

 

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest rising industries in the country. With the fad of new age activities like yoga on the upswing, it seems that aromatherapy is here to stay for the next couple of years. In fact, it is one of the most popular practices in terms of holistic and alternative medicine.

 

It is being used everywhere, from clinics and hospitals for their pain relief treatment especially during labor and with chemotherapy to the rehabilitation of patients who have heart ailments, from the alleviation of stress and the relaxation of muscles in day spas to the beauty and cosmetic products being made. You name it and aromatherapy has influenced it one  way or the other.

 

But besides candles and lotions and scents, which define aromatherapy to a T, what is it all about and what can it give us?

 

Aromatherapy is the practice of using oils from plant extracts for medicinal, relaxation and aromatic purposes. These oils are called essential oils, which are used and combined with other ingredients to produce perfumes, lotions, and other beauty, skin care and hair care products. In fact, all the products with your favorite plant scent such as Rose, Lavender and Chamomile are results of the practice of aromatherapy. It is said that aromatherapy can also improve one's

mood, lightening it up and easing the stress. This is perhaps why the technique is also used in massage parlors and spas to relax customers.

 

The use of essential oils is a practice that has been going on for centuries. It all started with the Greeks, who invented the crude way of distilling. The process of distillation was then used to extract the oils from the plants.

 

Next to adopt the practice are the Egyptians, which incorporated it into their traditions and customs. Plant oils are used in their various religious set-ups and even in the burying of their dead. In fact, archaeologists who dug up tombs in Egypt have found plant extracts and remains with embalmed bodies. It was also the Egyptians, who first used the plant extracts for cosmetic and aromatic purposes.

 

Next in line were the Romans, who discovered the use of the essential oils as medicine. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, has been known to use plant oils in his medical work back in his time.

 

It was only in the 1920's that the practice got the name "aromatherapy" which was invented by René Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, who used the process in his own work. Unknown to many, aromatherapy has a lot of branches. One of those branches is Home Therapy, which deals with the use of the practice for self-treatment as well as in the use of it in making perfumes and cosmetics. It is also used in medical practice and this branch is called clinical aromatherapy. Lastly, the branch that deals with the use of aromatherapy in the psychology of odors and its effects in people is called the Aromachology.

 

One of the best known scents in aromatherapy is the lavender, which people can actually find in every product label in groceries and in beauty stores. Unknown to many, lavender can also be used in the treatment of wounds as well as in the enhancement of memory. It can also be used as a sleeping aid as it helps relieve anxiety and insomnia.

 

In addition to lavender, other really popular aromatherapy products are those with the scents of Rose, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Rosemary and of course Jasmine.

Benefits of aromatherapy

 

Aromatherapy, like all new age practices, is riding on to successville. Everyone wants to try some yoga or have a massage with scents that will relax not only your body but also your soul. But along with its increasing popularity is the increasing number of questions about the process. What is it about? What makes it work? Is it safe? Does it really calm the nerves and relax the muscles?

 Aromatherapy is the practice or use of oil extracts from plants for their medicinal and aromatic benefits in order to improve psychological, spiritual and physical well being. True aromatherapy does not include the use of oils that are only used for fragrance.  These are considered unnatural products because they have been tampered with already in the laboratories. 

 Most think that aromatherapy is a new discovery but the truth is, the practice of using essential oils for medicinal and aromatic purposes has been going on for centuries. It started with the Greeks and the Egyptians, who used a crude distillation process to extract oils from the plants and flowers in the area. 

 One of the primary benefits of aromatherapy is in the improvement of a person's psychological and mental state. Aromatherapy, they claim, can help relax the mind and get rid of the everyday stress that people suffer from. It can lighten the mood and alleviate stress symptoms such as feelings of depression, heaviness and sadness. Of course, it cannot cure actual psychological problem. And if you are thinking along these terms, you are in for a disappointment. Aromatherapy only helps to alleviate the surface effects of stress but not the underlying causes and psychological problems.

 There are also claims that aromatherapy has medicinal purposes and it has but it does not directly cure an illness. It only serves to strengthen the bodies of the person and also calm their fears so that they can better cope with the disease. Aromatherapy can also in easing the feelings of nausea when having an illness. This is especially true with people who are undergoing chemotherapy.

 Also, aromatherapy can improve one's immune system, which is a big plus in fighting off diseases and illness.Like with the claims with psychological well being, aromatherapy cannot cure a disease. People who claim otherwise should not be trusted. Aromatherapy indirectly helps but it does not directly cure the problem.

 Another benefit that aromatherapy provides in the improvement in common ailments such as indigestion, acne and other skin problems and also PMS and menstruation. The therapy has been known to help stop dysmenorrhea, a condition wherein a person feels pain in the abdominal area due to menstruation.

 Essential oils are also used and combined with some hair care formulas because they have been known to keep the hair healthy and shiny. The same goes with skin care.

Aromatherapy can also help in coping and dealing with various emotions. In fact, there are special plant extracts that can be used for this very purpose.  Anger for instance can be alleviated by Jasmine, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Rose and Ylang Ylang while anxiety can be dealt with extracts from plants such as Bergamot, Geranium, Cedarwood, Mandarin and Lavender.

 Confidence can be improved with a touch of Cypress, Bay Laurel and Rosemary while depression can be alleviated by Clary Sage, Helichrysum, Neroli, Sandalwood, Frankincense and Mandarin.