How to reap the benefits of aromatherapy?

Our sense of smell can be powerful. Does the scent of sunscreen instantly take you to the beach, even if it’s the dead of winter? When you think of your favorite food does the smell make your mouth water? How many great smelling candles have you purchased in your lifetime?

Certain scents can trigger memories, alter our mood and relieve stress---which is the whole idea behind aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy uses a plant’s aroma-producing oils which can be taken from the flower petals, leaves, stalks, bark, rind or even roots. These essential oils are then mixed with another oil, alcohol or lotion to be put on the skin or sprayed in the air. Aromatherapy has been used in the United States since the early 1900s.

What can aromatherapy treat? Aromatherapy is used for a number of medical conditions from anxiety, high blood pressure, depression to insomnia. While aromatherapy can be help aid your symptoms, it’s important to remember that there’s still limited scientific evidence to support claims that aromatherapy actually prevents or cures illness.

If you’re fairly new to aromatherapy here’s a list of some of the most common and popular essential oils out there. Try them out!

Cedarwood—woody-scent used as a calming agent to relieve stress and anxiety

Chamomile—known for its soothing characteristics—commonly found in tea, lotion and fragrances

Jasmine—Extracted from the Chinese evergreen, the scent helps aid depression

Lavender—One of the most popular essential oils on the market, lavender helps with stress-relief and as a sedative

Patchouli—this earthy-scented oil is used in skincare to promote new skin cell growth

Peppermint—Its cooling and refreshing effect is used to enhance alertness and energy

Rose—Helps circulation, heart problems and respiratory conditions such as asthma

Sandalwood—Despite its name and woody smell, this relaxing and anti-flammatory oil is actually from an evergreen

Tea Tree—Known as nature’s immune system booster, you can fight off illness and infection with it

Ylang-Ylang—this strong, sweet aroma can help ward off headaches and nausea

Interested to learn more about aromatherapy? Join a massage therapy school today!