Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. They have many benefits, depending on how we use them. Ancient cultures in China, India, and Egypt incorporated aromatic plant components in resins, balms, and oils for medical and religious purposes. The term “aromatherapy” was coined by a French perfumer and chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé in a book published in 1937 after discovering the healing potential of lavender in treating burns.
Promoting the highest holistic care for ourselves and our homes consider the 7 main benefits of aromatherapy:
Promotes relaxation
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improved sleep
Enhanced mood
Relieved pain
Boosts in immunity
Improved cognitive function
It takes a tremendous amount of plant material to transform essential oils into powerful botanical medicines. It takes about 250 pounds of lavender flower to create 1 pound of lavender essential oil. It takes bout 5,000 pounds of rose petals or lemon balm to make 1 pound of rose or lemon balm essential oil.
The inhaled aroma from these "essential" oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin where they travel through the bloodstream and to promote whole-body healing. It is easy to simply take in a few deep breaths of the aroma after opening the bottle. Some enjoy dry evaporation placing a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and smell the aroma as it disperses. Some use steam inhalation placing a few drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water and breathing in the steam. It may be easiest to use a diffuser to keep the aromatherapy flowing all day.
Because essential oils are so strong, it become important to be mindful about why and how we use them. Just a few drops go a long way.
Aromatherapy is a great way to change our moods quickly. Before reaching for a pain reliever or an alcoholic cocktail consider stocking up on some essential oils in your home to create sacred space and to change your personal energy for the highest quality of life.