Friday, September 9, 2011

Smell That Makes You Feel GOOD!


Aromatherapy is used for treating physical, mental and spiritual problems. Many of us are not able believe this. How can smell help you overcome your problem? It is an art which has been in practice since centuries. You can find relief from many of the symptoms by just smelling an aroma. You have to try it to believe. Benefits of this therapy will become apparent once you start using the products based on the therapy.

Benefits of the therapy

Aromatherapy kit is available for those who want to try it. The kit provides you with various scents, explaining the benefits of each one of them. For example if you want to deal with anxiety you can try Mandarin. Eucalyptus is known to improve your immunity and peppermint is known to deal with muscle aches, headaches and digestive disorders. These are to name the few. When you inhale the essential oils that are released via scents they enter your brain and have a positive effect on you. And when you massage it on your body it enters your bloodstream and gives you health benefits.

You need not necessarily use it for curing any ailments. They can be used to generate positive atmosphere around you. You can create a romantic atmosphere using aromatic candles. These aromas will also help you to relax after hard day's work. Aromatherapy can be used as treatment for some chronic illness or they can be used as preventive means too. This is a natural remedy as you use natural products and hence can be considered pure. To reduce the stress at work place you can take help of these aromas as they have calming effect on your nerves.

Different options

Aromatherapy products are available in different forms. There are candles, incense, oils and organic products like shampoos, lotions and so on. You can use essential oil in a diffuser which will release the light mist into the air. This mild scent will relax your mind. Masseuse uses the aromatic oil while massaging to relax the muscles. This therapy can be easily used at home as the candles, oils, incense based on this therapy are easily available in market. Tea Tree oil can be used to solve the problem of lice in your hair. For treating emotional distress, insomnia, or anxiety, you can use aromatherapy inhalations. Inhalations will give you the results almost immediately.

Friday, September 2, 2011

5 Simple Aromatherapy Remedies For Common Ailments


Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, as natural remedies for our every day ailments. It is easy to use, generally inexpensive and does not have the side effects of over the counter medications. From headaches to acne, aromatherapy can offer most everyone a gentler alternative. This article will explore 6 common maladies and how aromatherapy can offer you some natural relief.

1. Headache

I think just about everyone has suffered from headaches at some point. Whether it's the occasional annoyance or the 'down for the count' pain, headaches can definitely affect your mood and slow down your day. Instead of popping a pill, which may upset your stomach, thin your blood or be hard on your liver, why not give peppermint oil a try! Place a dab of peppermint oil on your temples, behind your ears and across your hair-line (along your forehead). Peppermint aromatherapy helps to relieve muscular tension as well as stress, and often times, that is the original cause of the headache. Or at least a strong contributing factor.

2. PMS

Having Pre Menstrual Syndrome is a great strain on both the physical body, as well as your emotional state. To help relieve the many symptoms that PMS encompasses, use a blend of lavender and bergamot oils. These two will help lessen cramping & ease the physical stress you are experiencing. Adding a few drops of either lemon or orange can really help with uplifting your mood too! You can combine these essential oils in a diffuser or mix them with a touch of olive oil or your favorite, unscented lotion, and apply them anywhere. I find that using this mixture on my lower abdomen really works for cramping.

3. Colds and Flu

Sinus pressure, congestion, upset stomach and pain are just a few of the symptoms that can drag us down during cold and flu season. Try taking a hot bath and adding eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and lavender to the water. Eucalyptus is an excellent decongestant and immune booster, peppermint helps with sinus pressure and soothing your tummy and lavender aids in relaxation and helping you to get restful sleep.

4. Athletes Foot

Athletes foot is a fungal infection that can be quite stubborn to get rid of. And once you've had it, it seems to just keep coming back! Many times, especially in the case of recurring infection, over the counter creams and sprays just don't work. Try using tea tree oil or lavender oil mixed with a little olive oil and massage into the feet each night before bed. Tea tree oil is a powerful anti-fungal, lavender is a gentle skin healer and olive oil helps to moisturize dry, cracked feet. It is a great benefit to do this twice a day, so you may want to use the tea tree oil at night (as it has a strong antiseptic smell) and the lavender during the day.

5. Stress

I don't know of anyone who doesn't have some kind of stress in their life. Work, family, money, health issues, the list goes on. How can you deal with that everywhere you go? Aromatherapy of course! I carry a small bottle of mixed essential oils with me to use when needed. Whenever I begin to feel a bit stressed out, I just pull it out of my purse or pocket and take a few, deep whiffs. There are some fantastic pre-made blends available but you can also make your own. If you find it too difficult to carry a bottle, you can use a cloth or handkerchief in your bag, briefcase or pocket. Place a few drops each of lavender oil and lemon or orange oil. Just pull out your hankie and breathe deep. Or you can also use peppermint or spearmint oil and lemon or orange. Each person is unique, so what smells best to you will be exactly what you need. Lavender is soothing and relaxing, the citrus family is uplifting to the spirit and the mint family helps to perk you up if you're feeling low or depressed. Experiment to see what you like best.