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Benefits of aromatherapy
More energy, fewer illnesses and infections, a wonderful sense of wellbeing... These are all benefits of Aromatherapy
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Author: Claire Evesham
Benefits of aromatherapy
Essential oils are the tools used in aromatherapy. These oils are distilled from many different plants. The goal of aromatherapy is to quiet the body and mind, fight infections, and bring a general feeling of health and happiness to the people who use it. It's been around for hundreds of years and many different cultures in the world use it. We've always known that plants can be very beneficial to us and these distilled oils are in the same category.
Essential oils can be used in aromatherapy in many different ways. There are guidelines for using essential oils, it's important to follow the guidelines because some of the oils can be harmful if used inappropriately. Some oils cannot be used directly on the skin and must be diluted with carrier oil before being placed on the skin.
One of the most popular ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your daily routine is through the use of creams or soaps. There are many companies that offer blends of essential oils in base creams, each with a different purpose in mind. You can find blends made to energize, relax, or revitalize. You can easily make these creams yourself through the use of an unscented cream and by adding essential oils that complement each other. This may take some experimenting, but you can come up with some wonderful combinations.
Another delivery method is through inhalation. Infection fighting oils are best used this way. One easy way of making an inhalant is to put a few drops of an essential oil (one popular one is tea tree) into hot water. You reap the benefits when you inhale the steam. Since some of the oils are strong and may overwhelm you, start of slowly until you find the right amount. Essential oils work in diffusers too, but most likely won't be as strong. Diffusing the right oils can create a calm and pleasant smelling atmosphere in your home.
A few words of caution when using essential oils for aromatherapy: many oils are not recommended for use with children or animals. If you have children, especially very young ones, you should be sure to check the properties of each type of essential oil before using it, even if it is just in a diffuser. If you feel that a child could benefit from direct contact with an essential oil you should check with a pediatrician first. Many animals are particularly sensitive to essential oils, even when used in very small doses in a diffuser. Overuse of essential oils can actually cause liver damage in some pets. If you share your home with animals, please try to limit your use of essential oils in a diffuser and perhaps stick to using them in creams. Before considering using an essential oil directly on your pet please visit your veterinarian.
Even though you need to be sensible when using essential oils in aromatherapy, they can improve your life tremendously. Achieving balance in body and mind as well as mood improvement are worth striving for. Just remember to take care, especially with your children and pets. Aromatherapy is a complex science, but the rewards you can gain make it worth the exploration.
Claire Evesham is the owner and operator of Feel Good Aromatherapy, the web's premier resource for information about aromatherapy. For more articles on the benefits of aromatherapy visit: www.feelgoodaromatherapy.com/articles |
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