Candy for Your Senses: Aromatherapy

Nothing is more relaxing than to sink into a hot bath after a hard day of work, school, kids, or a combination of the three. If tranquility is your destination at the end of the day, or any day you need a break, then aromatherapy may be right for you.

Aromatherapy is not just another New Age invention that escapes the land of manufactured products; it actually works well for your mind, body, and spirit. Here is some background on aromatherapy:

The Basics

Aromatherapy is a type of natural physical and psychological healing method that uses essential plant oils that can be rubbed into the skin, or inhaled. Such plants are juniper, rosemary, lavender and sage that were first used in the days of ancient China, in which the Chinese used such herbs for medicinal purposes.

In later centuries, aroma herbs were used to fight off the Black Death in the 16th century, and perfumers became popular in the 19th century, creating natural fragrances (perfumes) from plant oils. Today, what is now called aromatherapy has become popular, as the shift towards natural lifestyles has taken place.

Essential Oils

The main ingredient in any aromatherapy product is essential oils. Essential oils are the liquid essence of the original plant. A very concentrated substance, essential oil comes in small bottles and is diluted using a mix of water and carrier oils to be applied to the skin. If you are inhaling essential oils, be certain to use a light dose of the fluid, as too much of it can be hazardous to your health.

What It Can Do

The uses of aromatherapy are many. Some people use aromatherapy candles or incense, and breathe in the soothing scent of various fragrances. The scent is said to set off a chemical reaction in the brain, creating a mental state of relaxation. Other types of oils, salts and lotions can be used on the skin, creating the same effect except physical. Others use aromatherapy as a way to look and feel younger and more vibrant.

Everyone needs to relax at some point in the day, or the week. Whether you do it every night, or wait until a long Sunday to loosen up your senses and muscles, choosing aromatherapy is a smart way to unwind. With natural ingredients and a beautiful fragrance, it is a truly earthy way to celebrate yourself.

Use an Aromatherapy Air Freshener to Clear the Air Today

An aromatherapy air freshener is one of the quickest ways to get the benefit of essential oils and plants without having to go through any big procedure.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a natural way to relax and soothe your body’s senses through scents. This method has been used since ancient times in all great civilizations – Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Chinese. There are records that herbs and natural plants have been used to heal stress and diseases in all these civilizations throughout time.

Stress is something most of us deal with on a daily basis; it is nice to be able to come home and relax, de-stress and rejuvenate your body and mind. Well, most spa treatments are famous for just that, relieving stress through aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy can be used in different ways. One of the most popular ways is inhaling or breathing in the scents of the essential oils thus, benefiting from them. Another way is using aromatherapy oils for massaging different body parts or the whole body. This method acts at muscles level as well as enhancing your smell senses.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

There are several methods to use and benefit from aromatherapy. An aromatherapy air freshener is the easiest way to go as, all you have to do is get the air freshener from the store, plug it in and you have an instant aromatherapy spa in whichever place you choose.

The advantage – you don’t have to deal with any messy procedure such as lighting candles to burn the essential oils or diffuser or inhalers. It is easy and clean –  with just the touch of a button you are pampering yourself with aromatherapy goodness.

The disadvantage – the ready made market products are not 100% pure as far as the ingredients are concerned. So, even if it is easy, quick and convenient you may not get the full benefit.

Helpful Information

Aromatherapy is a complex subject; in order to get the right essence oil to benefit you, even with the aromatherapy air freshener you need to gather the basic knowledge about it.

There are a number of stress blends available as stress kits. Here are a few known essential oil fragrances that will help reduce overall stress offering calmness and peace of mind.
* Lavender – has a relaxing effect and induces sleep. It is known to be taken when flying for those who are not so fond of flying. By rubbing it against the temples it gives a soothing and relaxing effect.
* Orange – citrus essence oils are also known to uplift your spirits.
* Juniper – also known for reducing anxiety and anger

Do keep in mind that if you are allergic or sensitive you should expose yourself gradually as some aromatherapy essential oils even when used with an aromatherapy air freshener are strong and can activate your allergy.

Indulge Yourself in an Aromatherapy Bath

An aromatherapy bath is a perfect way to end a long, busy, and hectic day. Did you ever notice how after taking a shower with a fruit/flower/plant scented soap or bath gel awakens your senses? I have to say that my orange/mango shower gel is what really wakes me up in the morning.

Aromatherapy acts on your sense of smell carrying the natural goodness of the essential oil you used through your entire body and mind providing a pleasant effect.

Aromatherapy bath has almost the effect of an aromatherapy massage; it calms your muscles, conditions your skin and soothes your mind and spirit. What more can you ask from a bath?

What are Aromatherapy Bath Products?

Aromatherapy bath products contain special essential oil blends to have maximum impact on your skin and body. They are designed to provide you with relaxation and harmony.
Some bath products are:

* Bath oils – they penetrate deep into the pores providing nourishment to the skin; such oils are vanilla which calms the body and mind, ocean mist which stimulates the senses and lavender which calms and relaxes your entire being.

* Bath cubes and soaps – aromatherapy soaps are made from herbs, essentials oils, vegetable oils such as Palm oil, Coconut oil or Almond oil. They come in different scents to enhance your senses. Some of these scents include Mango, Coconut, Green apple, Lemmon grass, Peppermint and Citrus.

* Bath salts/ bath powder – This aromatherapy bath product is simply used by adding it to your bath tub filled with warm/hot water. This product works great on the muscles and skin cleaning and cleansing out the toxins as well as conditioning your skin. Some bath salts and powders are also designed to heal minor muscle ache, back aches and arthritis. They also come in different colors to delight your eye as well as your mind

Aromatherapy bath products are specially made to let you experience the goodness of a spa in your bathroom. They are simple to use and easy to store. The experience is extremely beneficial to your body and mind; something you will look forward to after a long day at work or if you just plain feel like having an I/Me/Myself evening where all is about you.

Aromatherapy brings you in touch with your inner strength, using it to uplift your spirits and body well being. Aromatherapy can be achieved in many forms, from lighting a candle in your room to just plugging in an air freshener. However the aromatherapy bath is the ultimate pampering home experience which you can achieve in the comfort your bath.