Mmm, That Smells Good!
by Sapphire
http://www.daromatherapy.com
What on Earth is Aromatherapy? Well, the word is kind of
new, but using plant's oils for the healing properties of
the scent is a practice that goes back thousands of years.
The Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and Chinese practiced using
these plant oils as medicine. They found out that different
ones helped with fatigue, panic, grief and even depression!
Oils of patchouli, lavender, rose, and jasmine each have
their own uses.
Remember learning about smell and the limbic system back in
science class? Well, smell affects the most primitive part
of our brain. People and animals can decide whether or not
others are safe by noticing smells. Think about it. If food
smells rotten, you don't eat it, right? Can you smell an
animal? Maybe, maybe not, but animals can smell each other
and avoid the ones that want to eat them for dinner! We are
attracted to sweet smells like flowers, good food and even
good friends. Scent matters a lot in determining sexual
attraction.
In ancient times, healers discovered that different oils
could create different emotional states. Rosemary or bay
laurel helps with self-confidence. Orange and lemon can
give us a sense of peace or happiness. Temple incense
created a certain mood for worship and prayer. Both women
and men used oils to make themselves more attractive. One
practice in Egypt was to place cones of scented butter-like
solids on the head to melt and drip the perfume down the
bodies. In Egypt, it was believed that a dead person's soul
could follow scents to help them reach their next
destination, so embalming materials were highly scented.
The oils used by ancient healers are still used today.
Lavender and patchouli help heal scar tissue. I massage
rosemary essential oil into my scalp to help my hair grow.
Athlete's foot can be treated with tea tree oil in a warm
footbath. Be sure to check guidelines before using these
when you are pregnant and always check with your doctor for
advice on specific conditions.
Aromatherapy isn't just found in the health food store,
either. Department stores carry oils and many other beauty
products touted for their scent. Be aware that they must
use only natural ingredients to be true aromatherapy. The
base oils must be natural ones like cocoa butter, olive oil
or almond oil. Chemicals don't count! Read labels carefully
and skip the ones that don't have only natural ingredients.
There are many ways to use essential oils. Try a few drops
in your hot bath water! Choose oils to either wake you up
or calm you down. Bath bombs are made of baking soda and
good essential oils; they bubble and disperse wonderful
smells. Your skin will be softer, too. Start with a basic
almond oil and throw in a few drops of essential oils for
massage. Make up your own combinations!
Incense is widely available in hundreds of scents. I love
Nag Champa. Find this and others in Indian groceries,
health food stores, and maybe even the local church gift
shop! Humidifiers are much more beneficial with a little
oil to scent them. Or mix up some water and oil to apply
with a little spray bottle from the drug store.
Make sure to read labels and get information on the oils
you use when mixing your own. Too much of a good thing can
irritate the skin. Keep oils out of your eyes, of course.
There are plenty of books on aromatherapy to help you use
them naturally and safely. They are heaven scents!
Have some fun! Play with different oils and different
scents. Aromatherapy oils are also great gifts for
Valentine's Day, birthdays, and of course both Mother's Day
and Father's Day! With so many choices, it's easy to find
good gifts for anyone at all. We all love to be pampered.
The oils last a long time. They will create good memories
and special moments for your loved ones.
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