Think about how the smell of cinnamon, vanilla or freshly cut grass makes you feel. It can bring back certain memories or make you feel happy, relaxed or energized. This is because the sense of smell is more powerful than any of the other senses. Learn how to use essential oils at home and you can channel this sense for therapeutic purposes too.
Aromatherapy is based on the idea that certain smells can have certain effects on the body. The right smell can help you relax, lift your spirits and energy levels, fight infections or reduce pain. It's not a substitute for proper medical treatment when you're suffering from serious ailments but it can help reduce those everyday aches and pains.
The easiest way to practice aromatherapy is by using essential oils. These are oils that capture the smells of certain plant products in a concentrated form. They can be produced in different ways, depending on the plant. For instance, sometimes they are simply pressed out, for example in the case of citrus skin that contains oil naturally. Most often, though, they're obtained through distilling the plant materials.
A simple way to use the essential oil of your choice is by heating it in an aromatherapy burner. This device normally consists of a bowl shape that contains the oil and is heated from below by a small candle to release the fragrant vapors. If you need to study, put some basil, grapefruit or other citrus oil in the burner to help improve your focus. Your house will smell wonderful too.
If you want to use aromatherapy oils on your skin, remember that you normally need to dilute them first. Mix them with a neutral-smelling oil, called a carrier oil. You can also mix them with a bit of fragrance-free body cream. Then simply apply and use to relieve pain or soothe sore muscles. Some skin conditions as well as cuts and burns can be treated with aromatherapy oil too.
A variation on the aromatherapy burner is the steam inhaler. This allows you to inhale the fragrant vapors directly. A homemade inhaler can be made by pouring coiling water into a container and then covering your head with a towel to trap the steam so that you can inhale it. The inhaler method is very good for treating the symptoms of a cold, especially if you use eucalyptus or peppermint oil and a bit of lavender.
If you like making your own cosmetics, try experimenting with aromatherapy oils too. Add a few drops of your favorite to a facial mask or a hair conditioner. It's also incredibly easy to make your own signature fragrance by mixing the combination of oils you like best with a base of alcohol, such as vodka or rubbing alcohol. Let this mixture develop for a week or two and shake it daily to spread the fragrance throughout the bottle.
Many chain stores sell basic aromatherapy oils such as tea tree and lavender. You'll find a greater variety at your local chemist or health-food store. If you're looking for a very specialized oil, though, it's best to order it online.
Aromatherapy is based on the idea that certain smells can have certain effects on the body. The right smell can help you relax, lift your spirits and energy levels, fight infections or reduce pain. It's not a substitute for proper medical treatment when you're suffering from serious ailments but it can help reduce those everyday aches and pains.
The easiest way to practice aromatherapy is by using essential oils. These are oils that capture the smells of certain plant products in a concentrated form. They can be produced in different ways, depending on the plant. For instance, sometimes they are simply pressed out, for example in the case of citrus skin that contains oil naturally. Most often, though, they're obtained through distilling the plant materials.
A simple way to use the essential oil of your choice is by heating it in an aromatherapy burner. This device normally consists of a bowl shape that contains the oil and is heated from below by a small candle to release the fragrant vapors. If you need to study, put some basil, grapefruit or other citrus oil in the burner to help improve your focus. Your house will smell wonderful too.
If you want to use aromatherapy oils on your skin, remember that you normally need to dilute them first. Mix them with a neutral-smelling oil, called a carrier oil. You can also mix them with a bit of fragrance-free body cream. Then simply apply and use to relieve pain or soothe sore muscles. Some skin conditions as well as cuts and burns can be treated with aromatherapy oil too.
A variation on the aromatherapy burner is the steam inhaler. This allows you to inhale the fragrant vapors directly. A homemade inhaler can be made by pouring coiling water into a container and then covering your head with a towel to trap the steam so that you can inhale it. The inhaler method is very good for treating the symptoms of a cold, especially if you use eucalyptus or peppermint oil and a bit of lavender.
If you like making your own cosmetics, try experimenting with aromatherapy oils too. Add a few drops of your favorite to a facial mask or a hair conditioner. It's also incredibly easy to make your own signature fragrance by mixing the combination of oils you like best with a base of alcohol, such as vodka or rubbing alcohol. Let this mixture develop for a week or two and shake it daily to spread the fragrance throughout the bottle.
Many chain stores sell basic aromatherapy oils such as tea tree and lavender. You'll find a greater variety at your local chemist or health-food store. If you're looking for a very specialized oil, though, it's best to order it online.
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