Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote physical and emotional health. Essential oils are extracted from plants and flowers, and they have a variety of properties that can benefit the body and mind.
Your home is your private oasis, a place we go to feel comfortable and safe. Especially after a long day with work or family, we seek a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Introducing aromatherapy into your life is a great way to unwind and can have a positive effect on your overall well-being. Let’s dive into some of the scents that have the greatest impact on your mood…
- Lavender for Relaxation
Lavender has been around for centuries and is one of the most popular plants regarded for its calming and relaxing properties. Lavender is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and Romans used it primarily for its healing properties, while the Egyptians used it to make incense. Today, most people who use lavender incorporate it into their daily nighttime routine to help them unwind after a stressful day at work or home or during meditation. Lavender is a truly unique and mild herbal scent, with a myriad of health benefits including improved sleep, help with headaches, and anxiety. Studies have shown that this versatile plant can regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls things such as anxiety, breathing, and heart rate. So when you feel the need to relax, try burning a lavender candle or use some lavender essential oil in your diffuser. Just make sure the ingredients you’re using are natural and essential oil based.
- Citrus for Energy
The best way to uplift your mood is to infuse some citrus into your life. Lemon essential oils are known as ‘sunshine in a bottle’ and can be combined with orange, grapefruit, and bergamot. These are not only energizing scents, but also help you stay alert naturally and improve focus. There is also evidence to suggest that lemon oil can ‘reliably enhance positive mood’ compared to other scents. Other invigorating choices are orange and grapefruit essential oils. So next time you’re feeling down and need a boost, try using citrus aromatherapy.
- Eucalyptus for Wellness
If you’re feeling under the weather eucalyptus is a popular choice for natural healing, and for good reason. Not only does the refreshing scent clear the mind and reduce fatigue, but there are also a wide range of antiseptic properties. When Eucalyptus essential oil is vaporized and inhaled it can ease a cough. People suffering from sinusitis may find relief from inhaling steam with the addition of eucalyptus oil (although you should speak with a doctor first to determine the best treatment). Eucalyptus is also known for its antibacterial properties, making it a great choice for a wellness-focused environment.
- Vanilla for Comfort
The warm and inviting scent of vanilla is a long time favorite for cooking, as well as its calming properties in anything from essential oils to lotions and beauty products. Like the others, this sweet scent can boost your mood and improve sleep. Vanilla is also known to purify the air quality in your home as it extracts and neutralizes odors. If you’re for a way to add a touch of peace and happiness to your daily routine, burning a vanilla candle is a great option. Just make sure you choose a high-quality candle infused with essential oils.
- Peppermint for Focus
Peppermint is a refreshing and invigorating scent that can help increase focus and concentration. It is derived from the peppermint plant, which is a cross between spearmint and water mint. Peppermint oil is a versatile oil which can be used for a variety of different things including digestive health and muscle pain. It's perfect for use in a home office or study to improve mental clarity and productivity. Peppermint can also help relieve headaches and reduce mental fatigue. Studies have shown that peppermint is found to enhance memory and increase alertness.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to talk to your doctor before using peppermint essential oil. Peppermint essential oil should also be avoided by children under the age of two.
There are several ways to introduce aromatherapy into your home:
- Diffuse essential oils with an ultrasonic diffuser or nebulizing diffuser.
- Burn Candles infused with essential oils and preferably a natural wax, like soy.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to your bath and choose oils that have calming properties like lavender or chamomile.
- Dilute essentials with a carrier oil and use this combination for a relaxing massage.
- Make a potpourri and add essential oils to it.
- Spray your home with it by adding a few drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water.
If you are looking for a natural way to improve your health and well-being, aromatherapy is a great option. With so many different ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your home, you can find a method that works for you.
