AROMATHERAPY FOR THE MIND

Sandra Watson, Boom2Bloom.com

August 23, 2017

Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural oils, also known as essential oils, to establish and maintain psychological and physical wellbeing. The oils are extracted from the flowers, bark, stems, leaves, or roots of a plant.

As a form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy promotes holistic health. Inhaling the aroma from essential oils promotes healthy brain function. Essential oils can be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote internal prosperity.

How we think and feel is impacted by many factors in our environment. The odors in our environment are one of these factors.

Our sense of smell is quite complex. The ability to smell comes from olfactory sensory neurons located just inside the nose. Research shows our sense of smell outperforms all of our other senses in regards to the number of physical stimuli it can differentiate between. Why not use this powerful sense to improve your experience?

Essential oils can directly influence how we feel emotionally and physically. Aromatherapy can be utilized for pain relief, emotional stabilization, and enhanced mental functioning.

Try out the benefits of aromatherapy by adding a few drops of the essential oil of your choice into a diffuser, a pot of hot water, or by putting the oil on a cotton ball and inhaling the aroma.

With hundreds of essential oils available, using aromatherapy can be a bit daunting. I will provide a basic description of the best oils to use to enhance your mood and promote mental clarity.

Essential Oils for Emotional Relief

  • Agitation: Chamomile (Roman), Clary Sage, Lavender, Mandarin, Sandalwood
  • Anxiety: Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman), Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Neroli, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose, Sandalwood
  • Depression: Angelica, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile (Roman), Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Orange, Patchouli, Pine, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
  • Fatigue: Angelica, Basil, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Marjoram, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood
  • Fear: Chamomile, Hyssop, Melissa, Myrrh, Neroli, Rose, Thyme
  • Grief: Cypress, Frankincense, Hyssop, Juniper, Marjoram, Rose, Rosemary, Sage
  • Insomnia: Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Mandarin, Marjoram
  • Isolation: Chamomile (Roman), Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Rose
  • Memory Stimulators: Basil, Bay Leaf, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage
  • Self-Esteem: Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange, Rosemary
  • Stress Relief: Angelica, Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Patchouli, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang

Safety Tips

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can burn your skin or create an intense allergic reaction. Never apply oil directly to your skin. Always use oils blended with a carrier oil (coconut, jojoba or olive oil, to name a few).

When using aromatherapy less is more! Using more than the recommended amount of an essential oil can produce the opposite effect. For example, Lavender is used to promote sleep; stimulation may be experienced if too much is used.

Disclaimer

This aromatherapy information is intended solely for educational purposes. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. These statements have not been assessed by the FDA. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about health concerns you have.